Decision-making method, decision-making device, maintenance support system, and computer program

Abstract

The present invention provides a decision-making method, a decision-making device, a maintenance support system, and a computer program. [Solution] The determination method involves determining whether measurement data for multiple energy storage elements included in the power supply device is periodically stored in a memory device. If it is determined that measurement data is stored, the method determines, based on the acquired measurement data, whether each of the multiple energy storage elements will reach the end of its lifespan within a period equivalent to the standard usage period at a predetermined temperature. If an energy storage element is determined to have reached the end of its lifespan, it is determined that it needs to be replaced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a determination method, a determination device, a maintenance support system, and a computer program for replacing a power storage element, which realize long-term guarantee of a system including the power storage element.

Background Art

[0002] Power storage elements are widely used in uninterruptible power supply devices, DC or AC power supply devices included in stabilized power supplies, etc. The use of power storage elements in large-scale systems that store electric power generated by renewable energy or existing power generation systems is also expanding.

[0003] Power storage elements have a lifespan. The lifespan of power storage elements used industrially is often 10 years or more, and both manufacturers of power storage elements and owners who purchase and operate power storage elements expect them to have a long lifespan. However, secondary batteries such as lead-acid batteries or lithium batteries are greatly affected by the environmental temperature and may be forced to be replaced in a shorter period than the expected lifespan.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for appropriately determining the lifespan of a power storage element in consideration of the temperature of the usage environment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] If data on the operating environment of the energy storage elements can be confirmed, the lifespan of the energy storage elements can be calculated with high accuracy. In systems that use many connected energy storage elements, even if the lifespan of each element can be calculated with high accuracy, replacing each element when it reaches the end of its lifespan incurs maintenance costs for each replacement and increases the workload of maintenance personnel. Such maintenance is a significant burden for the owner and requires many human resources from the maintenance personnel. It is desirable that the owner be guaranteed to be able to use the system, including the energy storage elements, with peace of mind for a long time based on the highly accurate calculation of the lifespan of the energy storage elements.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a determination method, a determination device, a maintenance support system, and a computer program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The determination method involves checking whether measurement data for multiple energy storage elements included in the power supply device is periodically stored in a memory device. If it is determined that measurement data is stored, the determination is made based on the acquired measurement data whether each of the multiple energy storage elements will reach the end of its lifespan within a period equivalent to its standard usage period at a predetermined temperature. If an energy storage element is determined to have reached the end of its lifespan, it is determined that it needs to be replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This outlines the maintenance support system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the equipment included in the maintenance support system. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of maintenance equipment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in a maintenance support device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure for determining whether or not each energy storage element has reached the end of its lifespan. [Figure 6] An overview of the replacement of an energy storage element in one example is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The determination method involves checking whether measurement data for multiple energy storage elements included in the system is periodically stored in a memory device. If it is determined that measurement data is stored, the system determines, based on the acquired measurement data, whether each of the multiple energy storage elements will reach the end of its lifespan within a period equivalent to its standard usage period at a predetermined temperature. If an energy storage element is determined to have reached the end of its lifespan, it is determined that it needs to be replaced.

[0011] Measurement data is periodically stored, and the need for replacement is determined based on the availability of this data. This decision applies not only to energy storage elements that have already reached the end of their lifespan at the time of the decision, but also to elements that will reach the end of their lifespan within the remaining usage period. Energy storage elements that are expected to need replacement with a high probability can be replaced along with other elements, even if they still have lifespan remaining, thereby reducing the number of replacement jobs. For the owner, this reduces the labor costs required for each energy storage element replacement. This decision-making method, which is beneficial to the owner, is conditional on the availability of measurement data, so manufacturers can avoid the risk of guaranteeing energy storage elements whose usage environment is unknown, and thus be able to offer long-term warranties.

[0012] It may be determined whether the number of energy storage elements that have reached the end of their lifespan is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage of the total number of energy storage elements in the system. If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined percentage, it may be determined that the energy storage elements that have reached the end of their lifespan need to be replaced. If it is determined that the number is equal to or greater than the predetermined percentage, it may be determined that all energy storage elements in the system need to be replaced.

[0013] The above configuration allows for the balanced use of energy storage elements with equivalent electrical characteristics. This enables longer-term maintenance of overall system performance compared to mixing near-lifed and new energy storage elements. Proper determination of replacement timing allows for extended warranties.

[0014] The energy storage element is, for example, a lead-acid battery. In the case of a lead-acid battery, the internal resistance value included in the measurement data is used to determine whether the energy storage element has reached the end of its lifespan based on accumulated data regarding the change in the internal resistance value over the period of use of the lead-acid battery at a predetermined temperature.

[0015] For example, for lead-acid batteries with a lifespan exceeding 10 years, the lifespan can be accurately estimated by using accumulated data on the change in internal resistance value during the battery's usage period at a specified temperature. By appropriately determining the replacement timing, it becomes possible to provide long-term warranties while maintaining system performance.

[0016] The aforementioned determination may be made by estimating the usage period of the lead-acid battery up to the time when the measurement data is acquired, and based on the estimated usage period. The usage period may be derived by converting the internal resistance value included in the measurement data to the internal resistance value at the predetermined temperature. Alternatively, the usage period may be derived by converting the change in the internal resistance value during the usage period of the lead-acid battery at the predetermined temperature to the change in the internal resistance value in the temperature data, based on the temperature data included in the measurement data.

[0017] The service life is estimated based on which stage in the progression of internal resistance values ​​corresponds to the value obtained by correcting the internal resistance value measured at the operating environment temperature to the internal resistance value at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, the progression of internal resistance values ​​for the service life at a predetermined temperature, which has been stored in advance, may be converted to the progression when the target energy storage element is used at the average temperature of the operating environment. The service life is estimated based on which stage in the converted progression corresponds to the internal resistance value included in the measurement data. In either method, it is possible to determine with accuracy whether or not the energy storage element has reached the end of its lifespan.

[0018] The determination device includes a first determination unit that determines whether measurement data regarding a plurality of power storage elements included in the system is periodically stored in the storage device, a second determination unit that, when it is determined that the measurement data is stored, determines whether each of the plurality of power storage elements reaches its lifespan within a period corresponding to the standard usage period at a predetermined temperature based on the acquired measurement data, and a third determination unit that determines that a power storage element that is determined to have reached its lifespan needs to be replaced.

[0019] The determination method may be applied to a maintenance support system. This maintenance support system includes a storage device that periodically acquires and sequentially stores measurement data regarding a power storage element included in the system, a maintenance terminal device used by a person in charge of maintaining the power storage element, and a maintenance support device that can be communicatively connected from the maintenance terminal device. In the maintenance support system, the maintenance support device determines whether measurement data regarding a plurality of power storage elements included in the system is periodically stored in the storage device. When it is determined that the measurement data is stored, the maintenance support device determines whether each of the plurality of power storage elements reaches its lifespan within a period corresponding to the standard usage period at a predetermined temperature based on the acquired measurement data, determines that a power storage element that is determined to have reached its lifespan needs to be replaced, and notifies the determination result to the maintenance terminal device.

[0020] With the above configuration, the person in charge of maintenance can recognize, at the maintenance terminal device, the power storage elements that need to be replaced as soon as possible and the power storage elements that are expected to need to be replaced with a high probability (collectively, the power storage elements for which replacement work should be carried out).

[0021] The above determination method may be implemented as a computer program. This computer program causes a computer to execute a process of determining whether measurement data regarding a plurality of power storage elements included in a system is periodically stored in a storage device. When it is determined that the measurement data is stored, the computer program causes the computer to execute a process of determining, for each of the plurality of power storage elements, whether the element reaches its lifespan within a period corresponding to a standard usage period at a predetermined temperature based on the acquired measurement data, and determining that replacement is required for the power storage element for which it is determined that the lifespan has been reached.

[0022] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a maintenance support system 100. The maintenance support system 100 includes a maintenance support device 1 and a maintenance terminal device 2 used by a maintenance staff. The maintenance support system 100 is communicably connected to a remote monitoring system 300 that collects data indicating the state of a power storage element 50 to be maintained and realizes remote state viewing based on the data collected via a network. The maintenance support system 100 is communicably connected to a customer data management system 400 that stores data of customers who purchased the power storage element to be maintained. In the present embodiment, the maintenance support system 100, the remote monitoring system 300, and the customer data management system 400 are managed by the manufacturer of the power storage element 50 to be maintained and can communicate with each other via a manufacturer's network MN or a dedicated line. The maintenance support system 100 may be communicably connected to a production management system (not shown) of the power storage element 50.

[0024] Network MN is a local network for manufacturers. Network MN may be, for example, Ethernet®, or it may be an optical fiber. Network MN may include a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect systems 100, 300, and 400 located in different locations as a local network. The connection between the maintenance support system 100 and the remote monitoring system 300, and between the maintenance support system 100 and the customer data management system 400 may be part of Network MN, or it may be a dedicated line or VPN.

[0025] The maintenance terminal device 2 and the maintenance support device 1 can communicate with each other via a communication network N or network MN. The communication network N is the so-called Internet. The communication network N may include a carrier network that implements wireless communication according to a predetermined mobile communication standard. The communication network N may also include a general optical line.

[0026] The energy storage elements 50 that are subject to maintenance by the maintenance support system 100 are preferably rechargeable, such as secondary batteries including lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries, or capacitors. A portion of the energy storage elements 50 may be non-rechargeable primary batteries. In this embodiment, each of the energy storage elements 50 is a lead-acid battery.

[0027] The energy storage device 5 of this embodiment includes a plurality of energy storage elements 50. In one example, the energy storage device 5 is used individually. The energy storage device 5 is used as a backup power source. In another example, the energy storage device 5 is used as a group of energy storage devices 5 that communicate with a customer network CN managed by the customer (user) of the energy storage elements 50. The group of energy storage devices 5 managed by the same customer transmits status data of the energy storage elements 50 to a management device 51 managed by the customer via the customer network CN. The status data includes at least voltage value, internal resistance value, and temperature. The status data may also include current value. The status data is transmitted from a unit connected to the terminals of the energy storage elements 50, which are lead-acid batteries, via maintenance communication equipment 6. The status data may also be transmitted from the maintenance communication equipment 6 to a maintenance terminal device 2. The status data transmitted from the plurality of energy storage devices 5 is transmitted to a remote monitoring system 300 via a dedicated line N2 or communication network N, and a status history is stored in association with identification data such as a serial number that identifies each energy storage element 50.

[0028] The energy storage device 5 is equipped with a maintenance communication device 6 that can exchange data with a maintenance terminal device 2 used by maintenance personnel without going through the network CN. The maintenance communication device 6 can communicate with a unit that acquires status data for each of the energy storage elements 50 of the energy storage device 5. In this embodiment, the maintenance communication device 6 can communicate wirelessly with a unit connected to the terminals of the lead-acid battery. The maintenance communication device 6 stores in its built-in memory the same status data that is transmitted from the energy storage device 5 to the management device 51.

[0029] Network CN is the local network of the customer operating multiple energy storage devices 5. Network CN may be, for example, Ethernet®, or it may be an optical fiber line. Network CN may include a VPN. Network CN may be an ECHONET® / ECHONETLite® compatible network. Dedicated line N2 is a private network connecting the customer of the energy storage devices 5 and the remote monitoring system 300. Dedicated line N2 may be a communication network N. Dedicated line N2 may be an ECHONET / ECHONETLite compatible dedicated network.

[0030] The customer data management system 400 stores attribute data such as the customer's name or company name, contact information, and address, associated with the customer ID. If the customer has installed and manages multiple energy storage devices 5 at different locations, the customer data management system 400 stores the locations, associated with a location ID that identifies each location. The customer data management system 400 stores identification data of the energy storage elements 50 purchased by the customer, associated with the customer ID. If the customer has installed and manages multiple energy storage devices 5 at different locations, the customer data management system 400 stores identification data of the installed energy storage elements 50, associated with the customer ID and location ID.

[0031] The remote monitoring system 300 sequentially stores the status data of the energy storage element 50 in association with the identification data of the energy storage element 50. The remote monitoring system 300 acquires and stores the start date of operation in association with the identification data of the energy storage element 50, and stores the manufacturing date that can be obtained from the manufacturing management system. The remote monitoring system 300 may derive diagnostic data for each energy storage element 50, including the State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), and predicted lifespan, based on the status data.

[0032] The manufacturing management system (not shown) stores the manufacturing date, lot number, and shipping date and time, associated with identification data such as the manufacturing number of each energy storage element 50 (i.e., lead-acid battery).

[0033] The maintenance support system 100 of this embodiment calculates the lifespan of each energy storage element 50 included in the energy storage device 5, provided that it can continuously acquire status data during the operating period of the energy storage elements 50, determines whether or not the energy storage elements 50 need to be replaced, and notifies the maintenance personnel if necessary. The maintenance support system 100 determines whether or not to replace each individual battery while also considering the lifespan of the entire energy storage device 5. This makes it possible to minimize the number of replacement operations while guaranteeing the performance of the energy storage device 5 as a backup power source.

[0034] This section will describe the detailed configuration for realizing such a maintenance support system 100 for the energy storage element 50.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the device included in the maintenance support system 100. The maintenance support device 1 uses a server computer and includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a communication unit 12. In this embodiment, the maintenance support device 1 is described as a single server computer, but processing may be distributed across multiple server computers.

[0036] The control unit 10 is a processor using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 10 uses built-in memory such as ROM and RAM to control each component and execute processing. The control unit 10 executes processing based on the maintenance support program 1P stored in the storage unit 21. The maintenance support program 1P includes a web server program. Based on the maintenance support program 1P, the control unit 10 functions as a web server that provides web pages to the maintenance terminal device 2.

[0037] The storage unit 11 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 11 stores the maintenance support program 1P described above. The maintenance support program 1P stored in the storage unit 11 may be a copy of the maintenance support program 7P stored on the recording medium 7, read by the control unit 10 and copied to the storage unit 11. The storage unit 11 stores data that the control unit 10 refers to when calculating the lifespan and determining whether replacement is necessary. The storage unit 11 stores personnel data, including the personnel ID of the maintenance personnel. The personnel data includes contact information such as the personnel name and email address, associated with the personnel ID.

[0038] The communication unit 12 is a communication device that enables communication connection and data transmission / reception via the network MN. Specifically, the communication unit 12 is a network card compatible with the network MN. The communication unit 12 may also enable communication via the communication network N through a router device (not shown) connected to the network MN. The control unit 10 transmits and receives data between the remote monitoring system 300 and the customer data management system 400 using the communication unit 12.

[0039] Maintenance terminal device 2 is a computer used by maintenance personnel. Maintenance terminal device 2 may be a desktop or laptop personal computer. Maintenance terminal device 2 may be a so-called smartphone or tablet type communication terminal. Maintenance terminal device 2 may be a head-mounted display or glasses-type wearable terminal device capable of outputting visual instructions. Maintenance terminal device 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a first communication unit 22, a second communication unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation unit 25. Maintenance terminal device 2 may also include an imaging unit 26 as shown in the figure.

[0040] The control unit 20 is a processor using a CPU or GPU. Based on the maintenance terminal program 2P stored in the memory unit 21, the control unit 20 displays the repair procedure on the display unit 24. The control unit 20 performs the process of reading status data from the maintenance communication device 6 and information processing with the maintenance support device 1.

[0041] The storage unit 21 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 21 stores various programs, including the maintenance terminal program 2P. The maintenance terminal program 2P may be a copy of the maintenance terminal program 8P stored on the recording medium 8, read by the control unit 20 and stored in the storage unit 21.

[0042] The first communication unit 22 is a communication device for realizing data communication via the communication network N or network MN. The first communication unit 22 uses a communication device such as a network card for wired communication, a wireless communication device for mobile communication connected to a base station BS (see Figure 1), or a wireless communication device that supports connection to an access point AP.

[0043] The second communication unit 23 is a communication device for communicating with the maintenance communication equipment 6 to enable data communication. The second communication unit 23 may be a wireless communication device such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The second communication unit 23 may also have a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface.

[0044] The display unit 24 uses a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 24 displays an operation screen based on the maintenance terminal program 2P of the control unit 20, and images of web pages provided by the maintenance support device 1. The display unit 24 is preferably a touch panel type display, but it may also be a non-touch panel type display.

[0045] The operation unit 25 is a user interface such as a keyboard and pointing device or an audio input unit that can input and output to and from the control unit 20. The operation unit 25 may use the touch panel of the display unit 24 or physical buttons provided on the housing. The operation unit 25 notifies the control unit 20 of the operation information from the user.

[0046] The imaging unit 26 outputs an image captured using the image sensor. The control unit 20 can acquire the image captured by the image sensor of the imaging unit 26 at any desired timing.

[0047] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the maintenance communication device 6. The maintenance communication device 6 comprises a control unit 60, a storage unit 61, a first communication unit 62, a second communication unit 63, and a third communication unit 64. The control unit 60 uses a CPU or microprocessor. A predetermined program is stored in the storage unit 61.

[0048] The memory unit 61 is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The memory unit 61 stores state data received from the energy storage element 50.

[0049] The first communication unit 62 is a communication device that enables communication with a unit connected to the energy storage element 50. In this embodiment, the first communication unit 62 communicates with the energy storage element unit via wireless communication such as Bluetooth®.

[0050] The second communication unit 63 is a communication device that enables communication connection via the network CN. The maintenance communication device 6 can transmit status data received from the energy storage element 50 to the management device 51 via the second communication unit 63. If the energy storage element 50 is equipped with a battery management device that has a communication function, the second communication unit 63 is not necessary.

[0051] The third communication unit 64 is a communication device that enables communication between the maintenance communication equipment 6 and the maintenance terminal device 2. In this embodiment, the third communication unit 64 is a USB interface. The third communication unit 64 may be a different wireless communication device from the first communication unit 62.

[0052] The control unit 60 of the maintenance communication device 6 periodically acquires status data from the energy storage element 50 via the first communication unit 62 based on a program, and stores the acquired status data in the sequential storage unit 61. The storage period is, for example, about once a day. The control unit 60 stores the date and time of acquisition in the storage unit 61, associating it with the status data. The control unit 60 transmits the acquired status data to the sequential management device 51 via the second communication unit 63 based on a program. When the control unit 60 establishes a communication connection with the maintenance terminal device 2 via the third communication unit 64, it reads the status data from the storage unit 61 in response to instructions from the maintenance terminal device 2, and transmits that data via the third communication unit 64.

[0053] During periodic maintenance inspections, the maintenance terminal device 2, carried by the maintenance personnel, acquires status data stored in the maintenance communication device 6 and transmits the acquired status data to the maintenance support device 1 via the network MN or communication network N. The transmitted status data may include an external image of the energy storage element 50 captured by the imaging unit 26 of the maintenance terminal device 2 during the maintenance inspection. The status data is aggregated in the remote monitoring system 300. In this way, status data that is not transmitted to the remote monitoring system 300 via the customer's network CN can also be aggregated in the remote monitoring system 300.

[0054] In the maintenance support system 100 of this embodiment, the maintenance support device 1 determines the replacement timing using status data directly acquired from the maintenance communication equipment 6 or from the remote monitoring system 300. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the maintenance support device 1. The control unit 10 of the maintenance support device 1 performs the processing procedure shown in Figure 4 for each battery pack in which multiple energy storage elements 50 delivered at the same time are connected, for example, for each energy storage device 5, at a frequency of about once or twice a year. The control unit 10 may also process a group of energy storage elements 50 delivered on a large scale to the same customer at the same time and operated in different locations all at once.

[0055] The control unit 10 acquires status data measured once a day for the battery pack including the target energy storage element 50 during the period from the last processing of the energy storage element 50 to the most recent period (step S1). The control unit 10 may acquire the status data from the maintenance communication equipment 6 as described above, or from the remote monitoring system 300. In the example in Figure 4, the control unit 10 acquires status data for about one year or six months. The control unit 10 selects one identification data for a single cell (energy storage element 50) of the lead-acid battery (step S2).

[0056] The control unit 10 determines whether the energy storage element 50 identified by the selected identification data will reach the end of its lifespan within the guaranteed period, based on the status data during the target period (step S3). The determination in step S3 corresponds to the "second determination unit". Details of the determination process will be described later.

[0057] If it is determined that the energy storage element has reached the end of its lifespan (S3:YES), the control unit 10 stores the selected identification data of the energy storage element 50 as one to be replaced, even if it has not yet reached the end of its lifespan (step S4), and proceeds to the next step S5.

[0058] If it is determined that the device will not reach the end of its lifespan (S3:NO), the control unit 10 proceeds to the next step S5.

[0059] The control unit 10 determines whether or not it has performed a judgment process for all of the energy storage elements 50 included in the target battery pack (step S5). If it is determined that no processing has been performed for all of the energy storage elements 50 (S5: NO), the control unit 10 returns to step S2.

[0060] If it is determined that processing has been performed on all energy storage elements 50 (S5: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the battery pack in question is covered by the warranty (step S6).

[0061] The determination in step S6 as to whether or not the product is covered by the warranty includes determining whether the condition data for the period covered is stored in the maintenance communication device 6 or the remote monitoring system 300 and whether or not it can be retrieved. The determination in step S6 corresponds to the "first determination unit". The determination of whether or not the product is covered by the warranty includes determining whether or not it can be confirmed from the customer data management system 400 that the warranty deposit has been paid for the battery pack in question. Other conditions may be set for determining whether or not the product is covered by the warranty. For example, if the temperature included in the retrieved condition data is a temperature that can be determined to be an operating environment in which the warranty cannot be guaranteed (e.g., 40°C), the product may be determined not to be covered by the warranty.

[0062] If it is determined that the battery is covered under warranty (S6: YES), the control unit 10 determines whether the ratio of the number of energy storage elements 50 that were determined to have reached the end of their lifespan in step S4 to the total number of energy storage elements 50 included in the battery pack is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (step S7). The determination in step S7 corresponds to the "third determination unit".

[0063] If it is determined that the percentage is not above a predetermined level (S7: NO), the control unit 10 determines that the energy storage element 50 stored as a target for replacement needs to be replaced and stores it along with identification data that identifies the energy storage element 50 (step S8). The control unit 10 proceeds to the next step S10.

[0064] If it is determined in step S7 that the percentage is above a predetermined level (S7: YES), the control unit 10 determines that all of the energy storage elements 50 of the battery pack (energy storage device 5) in question need to be replaced and stores the decision to replace all of them (step S9).

[0065] The control unit 10 determines from the customer data management system 400 whether the replacement work is within the warranty period from the delivery date and is the first replacement (step S10), and if it is within the warranty period and is the first replacement, it calculates the replacement estimate to be free of charge (step S11).

[0066] If, in step S11, it is determined that the replacement work is not within the warranty period or is not the first replacement (S10: NO), the control unit 10 calculates the replacement cost as a paid replacement (step S12).

[0067] The control unit 10 notifies the owner of the battery pack (energy storage device 5) and the responsible maintenance personnel of the replacement of the energy storage element 50 that has been stored as a target for replacement, along with the calculated replacement estimate (step S13), and then terminates the process.

[0068] If it is determined in step S6 that the battery pack is not covered by the warranty (S6: NO), then the battery pack is not covered by the warranty. Therefore, the control unit 10 may terminate the process as is, or it may terminate after notifying the maintenance personnel of the replacement of the energy storage element 50 that has been determined to have reached the end of its lifespan.

[0069] As a result, for battery packs covered by a guarantee deposit, any energy storage elements 50 that are deemed to have reached the end of their lifespan will be replaced collectively within the guarantee period. This type of replacement can reduce construction costs compared to replacing each energy storage element 50 individually each time it reaches the end of its lifespan.

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for determining whether each of the energy storage elements 50 has reached the end of its lifespan. Figure 5 corresponds to the details of step S3 in the processing procedure shown in Figure 4 and shows an example of the judgment process for a lead-acid battery (energy storage element 50). If the energy storage element 50 is an energy storage element other than a lead-acid battery, the maintenance support device 1 should use a judgment process specific to that type.

[0071] The control unit 10 acquires temperature data for the target period from the acquired state data of the energy storage element 50 (step S301) and calculates the average temperature (step S302). The control unit 10 calculates the life acceleration coefficient k based on the average temperature (step S303). The control unit 10 calculates the acceleration coefficient k using k = 2x (2 to the power of x), where x = (average temperature - predetermined temperature) / 10. The predetermined temperature is, for example, 25°C, and when the average temperature is less than 25°C, i.e., when x is a negative value, the acceleration coefficient k is always set to k = 1.

[0072] The control unit 10 calculates the warranty period Y (=10 / k) (step S304). As an example, the warranty period is set to 10 years at a predetermined temperature of 25°C.

[0073] The control unit 10 calculates the internal resistance value R1 at a predetermined temperature (e.g., 25°C) from the most recent internal resistance value during the target period among the acquired state data of the energy storage element 50 (step S305).

[0074] The control unit 10 derives the usage period t1 when used at a predetermined temperature, based on the calculated internal resistance value R1, from the relationship between the change in internal resistance value and usage period in previously stored data (step S306).

[0075] The control unit 10 calculates the remaining period t3 until the end of the lifespan by subtracting the usage period t1 calculated in step S306 from the expected lifespan t2 of the target energy storage element 50 at a predetermined temperature (step S307). The control unit 10 corrects the calculated remaining period t3 by the average temperature calculated in step S302 (step S308).

[0076] The control unit 10 calculates the lifespan t5 (step S309). The control unit 10 calculates the lifespan t5 by adding the remaining period t4 (=t3 / k) obtained by the correction and the number of days from the manufacturing date to the most recent state data measurement date corrected by the average temperature calculated in step S302. The control unit 10 obtains the manufacturing date from the production management system of the energy storage element 50 or the customer data management system 400.

[0077] The control unit 10 determines whether the lifespan t5 calculated in step S309 is less than or equal to the warranty period Y (step S310). If it is determined to be less than or equal to the warranty period Y (S310: YES), the control unit 10 determines that the energy storage element 50 in question needs to be replaced within the warranty period (step S311), and returns the process to step S4 in Figure 4.

[0078] If it is determined that the lifespan t5 exceeds the guaranteed period Y (S310: NO), the control unit 10 determines that replacement is unnecessary (step S312) and returns the process to step S4 in Figure 4.

[0079] As mentioned above, the procedure for determining whether replacement is necessary, as shown in Figure 5, is just one example of a procedure for determining whether replacement is necessary for a lead-acid battery. If the energy storage element 50 is an energy storage element other than a lead-acid battery, a different procedure will be used to determine whether replacement is necessary within the warranty period.

[0080] As an example, the procedure shown in Figures 4 and 5 will be specifically explained for a lead-acid battery energy storage device 5 containing 60 energy storage elements 50 with an expected lifespan t2 of 13 years.

[0081] In Figure 5, if the average temperature obtained in step S301 for the selected energy storage element 50 is 25°C, then the control unit 10 calculates the acceleration coefficient k as "1" (S303) because it is equal to the predetermined temperature of 25°C. In step S304, the control unit 10 calculates the warranty period Y as 10 years if k=1. If the control unit 10 calculates in step S306 that the usage period t1 is t1=9 years, then in step S307, it calculates the remaining life t3 as 4 years (t3=t2-t1=13-9). At this time, the control unit 10 calculates the remaining life t3 based on the internal resistance value R1 at the predetermined temperature of 25°C, which has been corrected from the internal resistance value in the state data of the selected energy storage element 50. If the period from the date of manufacture to the date of measurement is 5 years, the control unit 10 calculates the lifespan t5 as 9 years in step S309 (t5 = (5 / k) + (4 / k) = (5 / 1) + (4 / 1)). When k = 1, the warranty period is calculated to be 10 years (S303). In this case, since the lifespan t5 of 9 years is less than the warranty period Y of 10 years, the control unit 10 determines that the product should be replaced within the warranty period (S311). When the control unit 10 calculates the usage period t1 as 10 years based on the internal resistance value R, it calculates the remaining lifespan t3 as 3 years and the lifespan t5 as 8 years.

[0082] In the explanation with reference to Figure 5, in step S305, the control unit 10 calculates the internal resistance value of the energy storage element 50 at a predetermined temperature from its internal resistance value, and applies it to the change in internal resistance value over the usage period in previously stored data to estimate the usage period. The method of estimating the usage period is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 10 may, conversely, convert the change in internal resistance value over the usage period at a predetermined temperature, which has been stored in advance, to the change when the energy storage element 50 is used at the average temperature in its usage environment. The control unit 10 may then apply the internal resistance value of the energy storage element 50 to the converted change and determine which period it corresponds to to estimate the usage period. The control unit 10 may also convert the stored internal resistance value to the internal resistance value of the energy storage element 50 at the temperature at which the internal resistance value was measured and apply it. The control unit 10 may, while the change in internal resistance value is small, define the usage period as the period from the manufacturing date to the measurement date corrected based on the average temperature.

[0083] Figure 6 shows an overview of the replacement of the energy storage elements 50 in the example described above. As shown in Figure 6, if the warranty period Y, which is determined from the condition data acquired in the 5th year, is calculated to be 10 years, then the lifespan t5 is calculated to be 6 years, 8 years, and 9 years, and three energy storage elements 50 with remaining lifespans of 1 to 4 years are determined to require replacement. In this case, the number of energy storage elements 50 determined to require replacement is determined to be less than a predetermined percentage of 10% (S7:NO), so in the maintenance support system 100 of this embodiment, the maintenance support device 1 notifies the customer of the replacement of the three energy storage elements 50 that are deemed to require replacement. As a result, instead of performing three replacement works in the 6th, 8th, and 9th years for the three energy storage elements 50, only one replacement work is required. Even if a complete replacement is required in the 13th year, the number of replacement works is reduced, and the replacement is covered under warranty within the warranty period Y, so the customer can reduce maintenance costs.

[0084] For the manufacturer of the energy storage elements 50, the warranty, including free replacement, is provided that conditions are met, including the acquisition of regularly measured condition data. This eliminates the need to bear the risk of warranty coverage for cases where the elements are used at abnormal temperatures. If the number of energy storage elements 50 that reach the end of their lifespan within the warranty period according to the operating environment exceeds a predetermined percentage of the battery pack, a complete replacement is decided. If the number falls below the predetermined percentage, a replacement with a new battery is decided. This makes it possible to maintain the overall performance of the energy storage device 5 for a warranty period of more than 10 years using energy storage elements 50 with equivalent electrical characteristics. In this way, the decision-making process of the maintenance support device 1 enables long-term warranties for the energy storage elements 50 if the user of the energy storage device 5 and the manufacturer of the energy storage elements 50 mutually bear appropriate warranty costs and free replacements.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100 Maintenance Support Systems 1 Maintenance support equipment 10 Control Unit 11 Storage section 1P Maintenance Support Program 2. Maintenance terminal equipment 20 Control Unit 21 Memory section Program for 2P maintenance terminals 300 Remote Monitoring Systems 400 Customer Data Management System 6 Maintenance communication equipment

Claims

1. Determine whether or not measurement data for multiple energy storage elements included in the power supply device is periodically stored in a memory device. If it is determined that measurement data has been stored, then, based on the acquired measurement data, it is determined whether each of the multiple energy storage elements will reach the end of its lifespan within a period equivalent to its standard usage period at a predetermined temperature. We will determine that energy storage elements that have reached the end of their lifespan need to be replaced. Judgment method.

2. It is determined whether the number of energy storage elements that have reached the end of their lifespan is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage of the total number of energy storage elements included in the power supply-related device. If it is determined that the percentage is below a predetermined level, it is determined that the energy storage element that has reached the end of its lifespan needs to be replaced. If it is determined that the percentage exceeds a predetermined level, it will be determined that all energy storage elements included in the power supply-related device need to be replaced. The determination method described in claim 1.

3. The energy storage element is a lead-acid battery, and the internal resistance value included in the measurement data is used to determine whether the energy storage element has reached the end of its lifespan based on accumulated data regarding the change in the internal resistance value over the period of use of the lead-acid battery at a predetermined temperature. The determination method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Based on the temperature data included in the measurement data, the internal resistance value included in the measurement data is converted to the internal resistance value at the predetermined temperature, or the change in the internal resistance value during the usage period of the lead-acid battery at the predetermined temperature is converted to the change in the internal resistance value in the temperature data, thereby deriving the usage period of the lead-acid battery up to the time when the measurement data is acquired. Based on the derived usage period, it is determined whether the energy storage element has reached the end of its lifespan. The determination method described in claim 3.

5. A first determination unit that determines whether or not measurement data regarding multiple energy storage elements included in the power supply-related device is periodically stored in a memory device, If it is determined that measurement data has been stored, a second determination unit determines, based on the acquired measurement data, whether each of the multiple energy storage elements will reach the end of its lifespan within a period corresponding to the standard usage period at a predetermined temperature. A third determination unit determines that an energy storage element that has reached the end of its lifespan needs to be replaced. A decision-making device equipped with the following features.

6. The system includes a storage device that periodically acquires and sequentially stores measurement data related to energy storage elements included in power supply-related equipment, a maintenance terminal device used by workers performing maintenance and inspection work on the energy storage elements, and a maintenance support device that can communicate with the maintenance terminal device. The aforementioned maintenance support device is It is determined whether or not measurement data relating to multiple energy storage elements included in the power supply-related device is periodically stored in the memory device. If it is determined that measurement data has been stored, based on the acquired measurement data, it is determined whether each of the multiple energy storage elements will reach the end of its lifespan within a period equivalent to its standard usage period at a predetermined temperature. We determined that the energy storage elements had reached the end of their lifespan and required replacement. The determination result is notified to the aforementioned maintenance terminal device. Maintenance support system.

7. On the computer, Determine whether or not measurement data for multiple energy storage elements included in the power supply device is periodically stored in a memory device. If it is determined that measurement data has been stored, then, based on the acquired measurement data, it is determined whether each of the multiple energy storage elements will reach the end of its lifespan within a period equivalent to its standard usage period at a predetermined temperature. We will determine that energy storage elements that have reached the end of their lifespan need to be replaced. A computer program that executes a process.

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