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

Abstract

We provide information processing devices, information processing systems, information processing methods, and computer programs. [Solution] The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires status data indicating the status of a monitored device by communication from a communication device of a monitored device which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from a communication device of a system which includes multiple monitored devices; a storage processing unit that stores the acquired status data in a storage medium in association with identification data of the monitored device or system; and a transmission processing unit that, in response to an external request or as an event, transmits display information to display the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device for each monitored device or system, distinguishing them and displaying them collectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer program that receive information on a power storage element and / or a power supply related device.

Background Art

[0002] The use of power storage elements in large-scale systems that temporarily store electric power generated using renewable energy or electric power generated by existing power generation systems is expanding.

[0003] In a system using a power storage element, maintenance activities to support the stable operation of the system, including the implementation of state diagnosis of the power storage element, the estimation of the state of charge (SOC), or the prediction of the lifespan, are important. Maintenance activities are also required for power supply related devices such as a power conditioner, an uninterruptible power supply, and a rectifier that cooperate with the power storage element. A technique has been proposed that enables a maintenance worker to remotely acquire (monitor remotely) the states of the power storage element and the power supply related devices included in the system via a server device (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The use of systems using power storage elements is expanding, and the systems or devices that maintenance workers handle are diversifying. When an abnormality or any event that requires attention is predicted in the monitored system, it is required to be improved so that before a maintenance worker visits the site for a detailed investigation, it is possible to quickly grasp where the problem has occurred in the system or the monitored device remotely.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer program that enable easy identification of the location of a problem in a system or device under monitoring. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires status data indicating the status of a monitored device by communication from a communication device of a monitored device which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from a communication device of a system which includes a plurality of monitored devices; a storage processing unit that stores the acquired status data in a storage medium in association with identification data of the monitored device or system; and a transmission processing unit that, in response to an external request or as an event, transmits display information for displaying the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device, distinguishing them for each monitored device or system and displaying them collectively. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an overview of the remote monitoring system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hierarchical structure of a group of energy storage modules and the connection configuration of communication devices. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the equipment included in the remote monitoring system. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in a communication device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a data processing procedure in a server device. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of an information processing procedure in a server device. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the process for presenting information from a server device to a client device. [Figure 8]This flowchart shows an example of the process for presenting information from a server device to a client device. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the functions of the automatic monitoring unit. [Figure 10] This figure shows a specific example of a web page presented by a server device. [Figure 11] This figure shows a specific example of a web page presented by a server device. [Figure 12] This figure shows a specific example of a web page presented by a server device. [Figure 13] This figure shows a specific example of a web page presented by a server device. [Figure 14] This figure shows a specific example of a web page presented by a server device. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows an example of an information processing procedure in the server device of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows a specific example of a web page presented by a server device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires status data indicating the status of a monitored device by communication from a communication device of a monitored device which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from a communication device of a system which includes a plurality of monitored devices; a storage processing unit that stores the acquired status data in a storage medium in association with identification data of the monitored device or system; and a transmission processing unit that, in response to an external request or as an event, transmits display information for displaying the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device, distinguishing and displaying them collectively for each monitored device or system.

[0010] The energy storage element may be a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery, but is not limited to these; it may also be other secondary batteries, primary batteries, or capacitors.

[0011] The energy storage element may be an energy storage cell, or may be an energy storage module in which a plurality of energy storage cells are connected in series and / or in parallel. The energy storage element may be an energy storage unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a "bank") in which a plurality of energy storage modules are connected in series. The energy storage element may be an energy storage unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a "domain") in which a plurality of energy storage modules or banks are connected in parallel.

[0012] The power supply related device may be any of a power conditioner, an uninterruptible power supply device, a rectifier, a DC power supply device, a charger for an electric vehicle, and a charge / discharge device.

[0013] The information processing device may regard the monitoring target as a system including a plurality of energy storage elements or power supply related devices, or may regard the monitoring target as an energy storage system including only energy storage elements. The information processing device may regard the monitoring target as only the power supply related device, or may regard the monitoring target as a system including a plurality of energy storage elements and a power supply related device.

[0014] In the above configuration, based on the state obtained from the communication device of the monitoring target device or the communication device of the system, information is obtained that distinguishes and displays whether it is the state detected by the monitoring target device included in the monitoring target device or system, or the communication state detected between the monitoring target device and the information processing device.

[0015] With the above configuration, even when a large number of systems or monitoring target devices are being monitored, the maintenance worker who views the screen displayed based on the display information can grasp each state collectively while recognizing which location each system or monitoring target device is showing the state of.

[0016] The information processing device includes an analysis processing unit that acquires measurement data for each of the monitored devices and analyzes whether there is an abnormality or a sign of an abnormality in the monitored device or system based on the acquired measurement data using an algorithm specific to each monitored device or system. The transmission processing unit may also transmit display information for each monitored device or system that displays the analysis results from the analysis processing unit separately from the status data and the communication status.

[0017] In the above configuration, the information processing device estimates the state not only by analyzing the state data obtained through communication from the communication device of the monitored device, but also by analyzing the measurement data stored by the monitored device itself. The information processing device can distinguish and display the state detected by the monitored device, the communication status, and the analysis results.

[0018] With the above configuration, maintenance workers can distinguish between the status obtained from the monitored device and the analysis results that estimate abnormalities and signs of abnormalities, and understand the status accordingly.

[0019] The display information may also be information for distinguishing and displaying the analysis results for any of the monitored devices included in the monitored device or system.

[0020] With the above configuration, maintenance workers can understand which of the systems or monitored devices detected the condition for each system or monitored device. For example, even if the lithium-ion battery management device itself has not detected an abnormality, the analysis results allow maintenance workers to visually distinguish in advance whether an early sign of an abnormality has been detected. This enables them to determine the maintenance activities that should be carried out, leading to more efficient maintenance.

[0021] The display information may also be information for distinguishing and displaying the state of the monitored device or system, specifically which part of the monitored device or system the state was detected at.

[0022] In the above configuration, maintenance workers can determine, for each system or monitored device, which energy storage element or monitored device within the system or monitored device is detecting the problem, or whether it is in a communication state. By being able to visually distinguish in advance whether an abnormality has been detected in a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery, maintenance workers can decide on the maintenance activities to be carried out, and efficient maintenance activities can be expected.

[0023] The display information may also be information for displaying the status data and the communication status visually as graphics in a single location on the list of monitored devices or systems.

[0024] In the above configuration, the status and communication status are displayed graphically for each monitored device or system, allowing maintenance personnel to easily grasp them visually.

[0025] The display information may include information for transitioning to a screen that displays, for each monitored device or system, a part included in the monitored device or system, or detailed information about the monitored device, in accordance with the hierarchical structure of the monitored device or system.

[0026] In the above configuration, the display information indicating the status of a particular location includes information that allows users to transition hierarchically to screens displaying detailed information about the monitored system or device. This allows maintenance workers to roughly distinguish locations, grasp the status of the system or device, and then actually understand the status of a specific location within that system or device.

[0027] The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires status data indicating the status of a monitored device by communication from a communication device of a monitored device which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from a communication device of a system which includes multiple monitored devices, and a transmission processing unit that, in response to an external request or as an event, transmits display information for each monitored device or system, distinguishing between the communication status between the information processing device and the communication device and the communication status between the communication device and the monitored device.

[0028] In the above configuration, information can be obtained that distinguishes between the communication status between the information processing device itself and the communication device, and the communication status between the communication device and the monitored device, based on the status obtained from the communication device of the monitored device or the system's communication device.

[0029] The information processing system includes a monitored device which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or a system which includes multiple monitored devices, and comprises multiple communication devices mounted on or connected to the monitored device, an information processing device capable of communicating with the multiple communication devices, and a client device equipped with a display unit capable of communicating with the information processing device. The information processing device sequentially acquires status data indicating the status of the monitored device from the multiple communication devices, stores the acquired status data in a storage medium in association with identification data of the monitored device or system, and, in response to an external request or event, creates display information to display the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication devices separately for each monitored device or system, and transmits the created display information to the client device.

[0030] The information processing method involves sequentially acquiring status data indicating the status of a monitored device via communication from a communication device of the monitored device, which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from a communication device of a system including multiple monitored devices; storing the acquired status data in a storage medium in association with identification data of the monitored device or system; and transmitting display information to display, in response to an external request or as an event, the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device, distinguishing and displaying them collectively for each monitored device or system.

[0031] The computer program causes a computer capable of communicating with a communication device of a monitored device, which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or with a communication device of a system including multiple monitored devices, to sequentially acquire status data indicating the status of the monitored device from the communication device of the monitored device or the communication device of the system, store the acquired status data in a storage medium in association with identification data of the monitored device or system, and, in response to an external request or event, to execute a process to transmit display information that distinguishes and displays, collectively, the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device for each monitored device or system.

[0032] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating its embodiments.

[0033] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an overview of the remote monitoring system 100. The remote monitoring system 100 enables remote access to information regarding energy storage elements and power supply-related devices included in the mega solar power generation system S, thermal power generation system F, and wind power generation system W. Rectifiers (DC power supply devices) D installed in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) U, stabilized power supply systems, etc., may also be remotely monitored.

[0034] A power conditioner (PCS) P and an energy storage system 101 are installed side-by-side in the mega solar power generation system S, the thermal power generation system F, and the wind power generation system W. The energy storage system 101 may be composed of multiple containers C containing groups of energy storage modules L, which are installed side-by-side. The energy storage system 101, including the group of energy storage modules L and the power conditioner P, may be located within a building (energy storage room). The group of energy storage modules L includes multiple energy storage elements. The energy storage elements are preferably rechargeable, such as secondary batteries like lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries, or capacitors. Some of the energy storage elements may be non-rechargeable primary batteries.

[0035] In the remote monitoring system 100, a communication device 1 (see Figure 2) is installed / connected to each of the energy storage systems 101 or power supply-related devices (P, U, D and the management device M described later) in the systems S, F, and W that are to be monitored. The remote monitoring system 100 includes the communication device 1, a server device 2 (information processing device: as described in the claim) that collects information from the communication device 1, a client device 3 for viewing the collected information, and a network N which is the communication medium between the devices.

[0036] The communication device 1 may be a terminal device (measurement monitor) that communicates with a battery management unit (BMU) provided in the energy storage element to receive information about the energy storage element, or it may be an ECHONET / ECHONETLite (registered trademark) compatible controller. The communication device 1 may be an independent device, or it may be a network card type device that can be mounted on a power conditioner P or an energy storage module group L. For example, the communication device 1 is an independent communication device installed to collect status data wirelessly from a slave unit that measures the internal resistance, voltage, current, temperature, etc., of an energy storage element, such as a lead-acid battery. For example, the communication device 1 is a network card type device that is incorporated into an energy storage device in which lithium-ion batteries are connected in series and connected to the control board of the energy storage device.

[0037] Communication device 1 is provided for each group of energy storage modules L in the energy storage system 101, with one device for each group of energy storage modules. Multiple power conditioners P are connected to each other via serial communication, and communication device 1 is connected to the control unit of one of the representative power conditioner P units.

[0038] Server device 2 includes web server functionality and presents information obtained from communication devices 1 installed on / connected to each monitored device in response to access from client device 3.

[0039] Network N includes a public communication network N1, which is the so-called internet, and a carrier network N2 that implements wireless communication according to a predetermined mobile communication standard. The public communication network N1 includes a general optical line, and Network N includes a dedicated line to which the server device 2 is connected. Network N may also include an ECHONET / ECHONETLite compatible network. The carrier network N2 includes a base station BS, and if the client device 3 is a communication terminal, communication with the server device 2 is possible from the base station BS via Network N. An access point AP is connected to the public communication network N1, and if the client device 3 is a communication terminal, information can be sent and received between the access point AP and the server device 2 via Network N. Communication devices 1 mounted on / connected to the system S,F,W or independent power supply related devices P,U,D can communicate with the server device 2 or client device 3 via the network N through the public communication network N1 from the network within the system.

[0040] The energy storage module group L of the energy storage system 101 has a hierarchical structure. The communication device 1, which transmits information about the energy storage elements to the server device 2, obtains information about the energy storage elements included in the energy storage module group L from the management device M provided in the energy storage module group L. Figure 2 shows an example of the hierarchical structure of the energy storage module group L and the connection configuration of the communication device 1. The energy storage module group L is composed of a hierarchical structure of banks, for example, in which multiple energy storage cells (also called cells) are connected in series, and domains, in which multiple banks are connected in parallel.

[0041] In the example in Figure 2, one management device M is provided for each of the banks numbered (#) 1 to N, and also for each domain formed by connecting the banks in parallel. The management device M provided for each bank communicates via serial communication with a control board (CMU: Cell Monitoring Unit) with communication capabilities built into each energy storage module, and acquires measurement data (current, voltage, temperature, internal resistance, etc.) of the energy storage cells inside the energy storage module. The management device M for each bank performs management processing such as detecting abnormalities in the communication status with the control board within the communication module and detecting voltage abnormalities in each cell. Each bank's management device M transmits the measurement data obtained from the energy storage modules of each bank to the management device M provided in the domain. The domain's management device M aggregates the measurement data and detected abnormalities obtained from the management devices M of the banks belonging to that domain. In the example in Figure 2, communication device 1 is connected to the domain's management device M. Alternatively, communication device 1 may be connected to both the domain's management device M and the bank's management device M.

[0042] In the remote monitoring system 100, the server device 2 uses communication devices 1 installed on / connected to each device to collect information such as the state of the energy storage system 101, the state of health (SOC) and state of health (SOH), abnormalities detected by the power supply-related devices themselves, and abnormalities detected by the communication devices 1. Based on the collected information, the server device 2 can derive and present the state of the monitored devices included in the energy storage system 101, in addition to the detected abnormalities, based on the stored measurement data, using algorithms appropriate for each system and device.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the device included in the remote monitoring system 100. As shown in Figure 3, the communication device 1 comprises a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a first communication unit 12, and a second communication unit 13. The control unit 10 is a processor using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and it uses built-in memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) to control each component and execute processing.

[0044] The storage unit 11 uses non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The storage unit 11 stores a device program 1P that the control unit 10 reads and executes. The device program 1P includes a communication program compliant with SSH (Secure Shell), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), etc. The storage unit 11 also stores information collected by the processing of the control unit 10, event logs, and other information. The information stored in the storage unit 11 can also be read via a communication interface such as USB, whose terminals are exposed on the housing of the communication device 1. The device program 1P stored in the storage unit 11 may be a copy of the device program 4P stored in the recording medium 4, read by the control unit 10 and stored in the storage unit 11.

[0045] The first communication unit 12 is a communication interface that enables communication between the communication device 1 and the monitored device to which it is connected. The first communication unit 12 uses, for example, a serial communication interface compliant with RS232C or RS485. For example, power supply-related devices such as power conditioners P are equipped with a control unit that has a serial communication function compliant with RS485, and the first communication unit 12 communicates with that control unit. When the control boards provided in the energy storage module group L are connected by a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus and communication between control boards is realized by CAN communication, the first communication unit 12 is a communication interface based on the CAN protocol. The first communication unit 12 may also be a communication interface compliant with the ECHONET / ECHONETLite standard.

[0046] The second communication unit 13 is an interface that enables communication via the network N, and uses a communication interface such as Ethernet® or a wireless communication antenna. The control unit 10 can communicate with the server device 2 via the second communication unit 13. The second communication unit 13 may also be a communication interface that conforms to the ECHONET / ECHONETLite standard.

[0047] In the communication device 1 configured in this way, the control unit 10 acquires measurement data of the energy storage element obtained from the device on which the communication device 1 is installed / connected via the first communication unit 12. If the control unit 10 detects a status such as an abnormality or warning state of the equipment or an abnormality or warning state of the energy storage element in the device on which the communication device 1 is installed / connected, it acquires the status data. The control unit 10 may also function as an SNMP agent by reading and executing an SNMP program, and in response to information requests from the server device 2, it may transmit measurement data, and if an abnormality or warning state is detected, it may transmit status data.

[0048] Server device 2 uses a server computer and includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a communication unit 22. In the first embodiment, server device 2 is described as a single server computer, but processing may be distributed among multiple server computers.

[0049] The control unit 20 is a processor using a CPU or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and it uses built-in memory such as ROM and RAM to control each component and execute processing. The control unit 20 performs communication and information processing based on the server program 21P stored in the storage unit 21. The server program 21P includes a web server program, and the control unit 20 functions as a web server that provides web pages to the client device 3. Based on the server program 21P, the control unit 20 collects information from the communication device 1 as an SNMP server.

[0050] The storage unit 21 uses non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 21 stores the server program 21P and the data processing program 22P described above. The server program 21P and the data processing program 22P stored in the storage unit 21 may be copies of the server program 51P and the data processing program 52P stored in the recording medium 5, which are read by the control unit 20 and stored in the storage unit 21.

[0051] The storage unit 21 stores measurement data of the power conditioner P and energy storage module group L of the energy storage system 101 that are being monitored, collected by the processing of the control unit 20. If the monitoring targets include other power-related devices (rectifier D, uninterruptible power supply U, etc.), their measurement data is also stored. The measurement data is associated with identification information (number, symbol) that identifies the system or device. The measurement data of the energy storage module group L is stored according to a hierarchical structure of domain, bank, module, or cell.

[0052] The storage unit 21 stores multiple images for displaying the status of the monitored energy storage module group L or power supply-related devices P, U, D. These multiple images are stored in the storage unit 21 in association with identification information that identifies the monitored energy storage module group L or power supply-related devices P, U, D. The multiple images include images representing the energy storage module group L or power supply-related devices P, U, D. These images are, for example, icons, marks, or illustrations that can identify the type of energy storage module group L, i.e., whether it is a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery. The multiple images are icons, marks, or illustrations that can identify the type of power supply-related device P, U, D, i.e., whether it is a power conditioner P, an uninterruptible power supply U, or a rectifier D. The multiple images also include images showing the arrangement of the energy storage module group L or power supply-related devices P, U, D. These images are photographs such as aerial photographs or satellite photographs, 2D maps, design drawings, CAD drawings, or illustrations. These images may be stored by uploading from the client device 3. For each image, the location or range of the monitored energy storage module group L or power supply-related devices P,U,D is stored, which may be a photograph, map, design drawing, drawing, or illustration. The information indicating the location or range is, for example, coordinate information corresponding to the image. If the image is an aerial photograph, satellite photograph, or map, it may also be latitude and longitude information and information indicating the relative position. Multiple images stored in the storage unit 21 may include images such as illustrations, icons, and animations to represent the status (abnormal / normal / caution) of the energy storage module group L or power supply-related devices P,U,D. In addition to images for displaying the status, the storage unit 21 may also store design data such as style sheets and scripts for visually outputting the status of the energy storage system 101 and power supply-related devices P,U,D on a web-based basis.

[0053] The communication unit 22 is a device that enables communication connection and transmission / reception of information via the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 22 is a network card compatible with the network N.

[0054] Client device 3 is a computer used by operators such as administrators or maintenance workers of the energy storage system 101 of the power generation systems S, F, and W. Client device 3 may be a desktop or laptop personal computer, or a so-called smartphone or tablet type communication terminal. Client device 3 comprises a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a display unit 33, and an operation unit 34.

[0055] The control unit 30 is a processor using a CPU. Based on the client program 3P stored in the memory unit 31, the control unit 30 displays the web page provided by the server device 2 on the display unit 33. The client program 3P is embedded in the web page provided by the web server function of the server device 2, and includes a script and a web browser program that are temporarily stored in the client device 3, and is a program for displaying a web-based screen based on the operation of the server device 2.

[0056] The storage unit 31 uses non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or flash memory. Various programs, including the client program 3P, are stored in the storage unit 31. The client program 3P may be a copy of the client program 6P stored in the recording medium 6, read by the control unit 30 and stored in the storage unit 31.

[0057] The communication unit 32 uses 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 compatible with connection to an access point AP (see Figure 1). The control unit 30 can communicate with the server device 2 or the communication devices 1 installed / connected to each device via the network N, or send and receive information, through the communication unit 32.

[0058] The display unit 33 uses a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 33 displays an image of a web page provided by the server device 2 through processing based on the client program 3P of the control unit 30. The display unit 33 may be a display with a built-in touch panel or a display without a built-in touch panel.

[0059] The operation unit 34 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 30. The operation unit 34 may use the touch panel of the display unit 33 or physical buttons provided on the housing. The operation unit 34 notifies the control unit 30 of the operation information from the user.

[0060] In the remote monitoring system 100 configured in this way, the server device 2 periodically acquires status data and measurement data of the system or device to be monitored from the communication device 1 based on the data processing program 22P and stores them in the storage unit 21 (acquisition unit, storage processing unit). The system or device to be monitored consists of one or more of the following: an energy storage system 101 including a group of energy storage modules L, a power conditioner P, an uninterruptible power supply U, and a rectifier D. The server device 2 stores configuration data that shows the hierarchical structure of the energy storage module group L (domain, bank, module, cell) and / or power-related devices P, U, D in the system to be monitored. The configuration data showing the hierarchical structure may be set in advance for each system, or it may be derived from data transmitted from the communication device 1 in which data are linked to each other in a parent-child relationship. If the power-related devices P, U, D used individually are the devices to be monitored, the server device 2 stores configuration data that indicates that the devices to be monitored are used individually. Server device 2 can create screen information that visually displays the status at each level according to the hierarchical structure of the energy storage module group L (domain, bank, module, cell) and / or power supply-related devices P, U, D in the system being monitored, and present it in response to a request from client device 3.

[0061] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in communication device 1. Communication device 1, which is installed / connected to the management device M and other power supply-related devices P, U, and D, repeatedly performs the following processing procedure periodically or in response to a request from server device 2.

[0062] The control unit 10 of the communication device 1 determines whether it can communicate with the monitored device mounted / connected by the first communication unit 12 (step S101). If it is determined that communication is possible (S101: YES), the control unit 10 acquires the data transmitted from the monitored device (step S102). The control unit 10 stores the data in the storage unit 11, associating it with identification data to identify which energy storage element the data belongs to (step S103), and proceeds to step S106.

[0063] In step S102, the control unit 10 acquires measurement data obtained from the monitored device. If an abnormality or warning state is detected in the monitored device, the control unit 10 also acquires status data indicating that abnormality or warning state. The status data includes date and time information of when the abnormal state was detected.

[0064] If it is determined in step S101 that communication is not possible (S101: NO), the control unit 10 detects a communication anomaly between the monitored device and the communication device 1 (step S104), stores a log of the communication anomaly with the monitored device in association with identification data and date and time information that identify the monitored device (step S105), and proceeds to the next step S106.

[0065] Before processing in step S105, the control unit 10 may determine whether the monitored device is abnormal or in a warning state based on the acquired measurement data and / or status data, through processing by the communication device 1 in the device program 1P. In this case, the control unit 10 stores the status data indicating the abnormal or warning state determined by the communication device 1, in association with the identification data and date and time information of the monitored device.

[0066] The control unit 10 determines whether or not it is possible to connect to the network N using the second communication unit 13 (step S106). If it determines that a connection is possible (S106: YES), the control unit 10 sends the stored measurement data and, if stored, the communication error log or status data from the second communication unit 13 to the server device 2 (step S107), and completes one process.

[0067] If it is determined that connection is not possible (S106: NO), the control unit 10 stores a log of the communication failure with the server device 2 (step S108) and terminates the process. The communication failure log stored in step S108 is transmitted in step S107, along with the measurement data from the monitored device that was stored during the period when communication was impossible, when the communication failure is resolved.

[0068] Note that, among the processing steps shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, the processes from steps S101 to S104 and the processes from steps S106 to S108 may be executed independently.

[0069] Communication device 1 can store the result of determining whether the monitored device (energy storage module group L) is in an abnormal or warning state (status data), distinguish between communication abnormalities between the monitored device and communication device 1, and communication abnormalities between communication device 1 and server device 2, and transmit them to server device 2.

[0070] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the data processing procedure in server device 2. Server device 2 periodically performs the following processing on each communication device 1 using information on each monitored system or monitored device that is periodically acquired and stored from communication device 1. Server device 2 may also perform this processing each time it detects a transmission from communication device 1.

[0071] The control unit 20 of the server device 2 determines whether it is possible to communicate with the target communication device 1 from among a plurality of communication devices 1 included in the system or device to be monitored (step S201). In step S201, if the control unit 20 processes periodically, it determines whether a communication connection can be established using the address of the selected communication device 1 from among the plurality of communication devices 1. When the control unit 20 detects a transmission from communication device 1, it determines whether a transmission from communication device 1 has been received a predetermined number of times or more in the past predetermined period.

[0072] If it is determined that communication with the target communication device 1 is possible (S201: YES), the control unit 20 receives data including measurement data transmitted from the communication device 1 and stores it in the storage unit 21 (step S202), and terminates the process. The processing in step S202 corresponds to the "acquisition unit" and the "storage processing unit". The measurement data acquired in step S202 is associated with the identification data of the transmitting communication device 1, the identification data of the device being monitored by the communication device 1, date and time information, etc. In step S202, the control unit 20 stores the received data along with that identification data.

[0073] If it is determined that communication with the target communication device 1 is not possible (S201: NO), the control unit 20 stores a log of the communication error associated with the identification data and date and time information of the target communication device 1 (step S203), and terminates the process. Steps S202 and S203 correspond to the "storage processing unit".

[0074] According to the processing procedure shown in Figure 5, the storage unit 21 of the server device 2 sequentially stores measurement data, status data indicating abnormal or warning states, and communication error logs that allow identification of the location of the abnormality, identifying the source communication device 1. The control unit 20 stores configuration data for each communication device 1 to determine which system or monitored device it belongs to. Therefore, for each system or monitored device, it is possible to determine if an abnormal or warning state has been detected in one or more communication devices 1 included in the system or monitored device.

[0075] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing procedure in server device 2. Server device 2 uses the information of each system or monitored device acquired and stored from each communication device 1 according to the processing procedure shown in Figure 5 to perform actions in response to requests from client device 3 or as events. An event may be a periodic detection, or it may be the detection of a change in the state of each system or monitored device, such as the occurrence of an anomaly.

[0076] The control unit 20 selects one identification data to identify the system or the device to be monitored (step S301).

[0077] The control unit 20 determines whether communication is possible with the communication device 1 installed / connected to the monitored device included in the monitored device or system identified by the selected identification data (step S302). If it is determined that communication is possible (S302: YES), the control unit 20 temporarily stores the communication success status in the first communication path in association with the identification data selected in step S301 (step S303), and proceeds to step S305. The first communication path refers to the communication path between the server device 2 and the communication device 1.

[0078] If it is determined that communication is not possible (S302: NO), the control unit 20 temporarily stores the communication abnormality in the first communication path in association with the identification data selected in step S301 (step S304), and proceeds to step S305.

[0079] The control unit 20 determines whether there is an abnormality or warning state detected in the monitored device or system identified by the selected identification data (step S305). When the control unit 20 receives status data indicating an abnormality or warning state detected in the monitored device via the communication device 1, it stores this data in the sequential storage unit 21. In step S305, the control unit 20 determines whether it has stored status data associated with date and time information within a predetermined period from the present moment.

[0080] If the control unit 20 determines that there is an abnormality or warning state detected in the monitored device (S305: YES), it temporarily stores the abnormality or warning state in the monitored device in association with the identification data selected in step S301 (step S306), and proceeds to step S308.

[0081] If it is determined that there are no abnormalities or warning conditions detected in the monitored device (S305: NO), the normal state of the monitored device is temporarily stored in association with the identification data selected in step S301 (step S307), and the process proceeds to step S308.

[0082] The control unit 20 determines whether or not there is a communication abnormality between the communication device 1 included in the system or monitored device identified by the selected identification data and the monitored device (step S308).

[0083] In step S308, if the control unit 20 has stored an abnormality log (status data) in which an abnormality or warning state was detected by the communication device 1's own processing, it may also determine that this abnormality is present.

[0084] If the communication device 1 detects a communication anomaly with the monitored device (S308: YES), the control unit 20 temporarily stores the communication anomaly in the second communication path in association with the identification data selected in step S301 (step S309), and proceeds to step S311. The second communication path refers to the communication path between the monitored device and the communication device 1.

[0085] If the communication device 1 determines that there is no communication abnormality with the monitored device (S308: NO), the control unit 20 temporarily stores the communication normality in the second communication path in association with the identification data selected in step S301 (step S310), and proceeds to step S311.

[0086] The control unit 20 performs analysis processing based on measurement data stored in the storage unit 21 for energy storage elements or power supply-related devices included in the system or monitored device identified by the selected identification data, using an algorithm specific to each type, and stores the data (step S311). The analysis processing in step S311 corresponds to the "analysis processing unit".

[0087] In step S311, if the energy storage system 101 included in the system includes an energy storage element that is a lithium-ion battery, the control unit 20 derives the SOC of each cell in each hierarchy using an algorithm for lithium-ion batteries. If the energy storage system 101 has a structure as shown in Figure 2, the hierarchy may be, for example, domains, banks, and modules, and the control unit 20 derives the SOC not only at the cell level but also at the domain, bank, and module levels. The control unit 20 derives the remaining lifespan based on the accumulated measurement data. If the energy storage system 101 included in the system includes an energy storage element that is a lead-acid battery, the control unit 20 derives the SOC for the entire energy storage system 101 or for each divisible unit using an algorithm for lead-acid batteries, and derives the remaining lifespan. The control unit 20 may also refer to data such as the purchase date and maintenance date from the customer information database and determine whether the energy storage element can be used safely until the warranty period expires based on the relationship between the remaining lifespan and the warranty period. The control unit 20 also determines the degree of wear of deteriorating components or the presence or absence of signs of abnormality if the system includes a power conditioner P, or if the monitored device is a power conditioner P. The control unit 20 may also determine the lifespan (degree of wear) and the presence or absence of signs of abnormality of the uninterruptible power supply U and rectifier D included in the system, or the monitored devices, the uninterruptible power supply U and rectifier D.

[0088] The control unit 20 determines whether all identification data has been selected (step S312). If it determines that not all identification data has been selected (S312: NO), the control unit 20 returns to step S301 to select the next identification data.

[0089] If it is determined that all identification data has been selected (S312:YES), the process will terminate.

[0090] According to the processing procedures shown in Figures 5 and 6, the control unit 20 of the server device 2 periodically or in response to events, maintains updated information for each monitored system or monitored device, including communication anomalies, abnormal conditions, warning conditions, and analysis results. The client device 3 can request the information updated by the server device 2 as needed, display it in a list on the display unit 33, and present it in a way that is easy for the operator to see.

[0091] Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the information presentation process from server device 2 to client device 3. When server device 2 receives a login request from a web browser on client device 3, it starts the following process.

[0092] The control unit 20, acting as a web server, receives login data along with a login request from the client device 3 (step S401). In step S401, the control unit 20 receives a key such as an ID and password to identify the operator, such as a maintenance worker or administrator, who uses the client device 3. The control unit 20 may also receive biometric information instead of a password.

[0093] The control unit 20 extracts identification data of a system or monitored device that has access rights, which is associated with an ID that identifies the operator, based on the received login data (step S402). If authentication of the received login data fails in step S402, the subsequent processing is omitted and the process terminates.

[0094] The control unit 20 refers to the communication anomaly, detected anomaly or warning status, and analysis results held for the system or monitored device identified by the extracted identification data (step S403).

[0095] The control unit 20 creates web page data, including a list of extracted systems or monitored devices, based on design data such as style sheets stored in the memory unit 21 (step S404). In step S404, the control unit 20 creates web page data so that icons visually representing the communication abnormalities, detected abnormalities or warning states, and analysis results for each system or monitored device referenced in step S403 are displayed in association with the list. Specifically, for each system or monitored device, the control unit 20 creates screen information that shows, with icons corresponding to the status, whether or not abnormalities or warnings were detected in the monitored device, whether or not there are communication abnormalities in the second communication path, whether or not there are communication abnormalities in the first communication path, and the results of the analysis process. The screen also includes link information to a screen that displays detailed information that allows confirmation of the status of each hierarchical structure of energy storage elements included in the system or monitored device, and whether or not there are abnormalities or warning states in each component of the power supply-related device (see Figure 10).

[0096] The control unit 20 sends the information of the created web page to the client device 3 that initiated the login request (step S405).

[0097] After the client device 3 transmits login data via the communication unit 32 (step S501), it receives data from a web page containing a list of systems or monitored devices for which it has access rights (step S502). The control unit 30 displays the web page on the display unit 33 (step S503).

[0098] As described above, the web page displayed in step S503 displays icons that visually indicate communication anomalies, detected anomalies or warning states, and analysis results for each system or monitored device, all associated with a list of monitored systems or devices. This allows operators such as maintenance workers or administrators to visually confirm which systems or monitored devices are in an anomaly or warning state and which are normal.

[0099] The displayed web page contains link information to display detailed information about each system or monitored device. The control unit 30 accepts the selection of link information on the web page (step S504) and sends a request for the data of the web page indicated by the selected link information to the server device 2 (step S505).

[0100] The control unit 20 of the server device 2 receives a data request specifying link information (step S406) and, based on the link information, sends data for a web page displaying details of the selected system or device to the client device 3 (step S407). The processing in step S407 corresponds to the "transmission processing unit". The web page data sent in step S407 has a configuration that allows transitions between layers according to the hierarchical structure of the selected system or monitored device. Each web page includes graphic data such as images showing the location of the selected system or device within the building, within container C, or in the battery panel, as well as illustrations, icons, and animations to represent the state of each layer. These graphics may be selectable by the operation unit 34. When selected, the control unit 30 uses the functions of the web browser to transition to a web page of another layer based on the link information associated with the graphic (see Figures 12 and 14). The control unit 30 displays numerical values ​​of measurement data for the device or component on the screen using a script.

[0101] The control unit 30 of the client device 3 receives data from the web page (step S506) and, based on the received data, displays the detailed web page on the display unit 33 (step S507). Thereafter, as long as the display of the web page by step S507 is maintained, the control unit 30 receives status data at the target hierarchy derived from the measurement data of the selected system or monitored device, or detected status data, from the server device 2 based on the script (automatic update) contained in the web page data, and updates and displays it on the web page. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the function of the automatic monitoring unit 2P. As shown in Figure 9, the automatic monitoring unit 2P's function, based on the joint operation of the web server program and design data included in the server program 21P and the web browser program included in the client program 3P, realizes the status display by automatic updates. The automatic monitoring unit 2P may, for example, transmit data to the client device 3 via HTTPS communication at intervals of 10 seconds or 15 seconds.

[0102] The control unit 30 determines whether link information to another level has been selected on the web page showing the details of the target system or monitored device (step S508). If it is determined that link information has been selected, for example, by selecting a graphic to which the link information is associated (S508:YES), the control unit 30 sends a request to the server device 2 for web page data to display the details of the selected level based on the associated link information (step S509). If it is determined that no link has been selected (S508:NO), the control unit 30 proceeds to step S512.

[0103] The control unit 20 of the server device 2 receives a data request specifying link information (step S408), and based on the link information, sends web page data to the client device 3 to display the details of the selected hierarchy (step S409). The control unit 20 continues to send web page data (S409) each time it receives a data request specifying link information (S408) until the client device 3 terminates the display of the web page.

[0104] The control unit 30 of the client device 3 receives data from a web page showing the details of the selected hierarchy (step S510). The control unit 30 displays the web page showing the details of the selected hierarchy on the display unit 33 (step S511). In step S511 as well, as shown in Figure 9, while the web page display is maintained, the control unit 30 receives the status of the target hierarchy derived from the measurement data of the selected hierarchy from the server device 2, based on the script (automatic update) contained in the data of the web page of the selected hierarchy, and updates and displays it on the web page.

[0105] The control unit 30 determines whether or not it has received an operation to terminate the display of the Web page of the target system or monitored device (step S512). If it determines that it has not received the operation (S512: NO), it returns to step S508. In step S512, the control unit 30 may determine that it has received the termination operation if the Web browser has been closed, logout has been selected, or transition to the Web page displayed in step S502 has been selected.

[0106] If it is determined that the termination operation has been accepted (S512: YES), the control unit 30 terminates the information presentation process.

[0107] In the processing procedures shown in Figures 7 and 8, it was explained that the web page for displaying information about the system or monitored device includes an automatic update script, and the status at each level is automatically updated (also referred to as the automatic monitoring function). Each time an automatic update occurs, the server device 2 updates the content of the web page with the status at each level and the results of the analysis process, which are derived periodically or in response to events, using the procedure shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the status update may be configured such that each time an operator operates the control unit 34 of the client device 3 to select another level or the top level, an update request is sent from the client device 3 to the server device 2. In this case, the server device 2 may, in response to the event that an update request has been received, derive the status at each level and perform the analysis process for the target system using the procedure shown in Figure 6, or it may periodically send the previously derived data.

[0108] Specific examples of web pages presented by server device 2 will be explained with reference to the figures. Figures 10-14 show specific examples of web pages presented by server device 2. Figure 10 shows a web screen (a screen displayed on the display unit 33 of client device 3) 330 that shows a list of systems or monitored devices to which the logged-in operator has been granted authority. In the example of Figure 10, the names of the mega solar power generation system S shown in Figure 1, "XY City Mega Solar System", the wind power generation system W, "WZ Power Plant System", and other systems such as "K Railway System", "X Factory UPS", and "W Factory Energy Storage System" are displayed as lists.

[0109] The web screen 330 in Figure 10 includes icons 331 indicating the status for each of the system and monitored devices, categorized into "Monitored Device," "Communication," and "Analysis Results." The icon 331 in the "Monitored Device" category indicates whether an abnormality or warning state has been detected in the monitored devices within the system or in individual monitored devices. The icon 331 in the "Communication" category indicates whether the server device 2 has detected an abnormality in the first communication path, i.e., the communication between the server device 2 and the communication device 1 included in the system and monitored devices. The icon 331 in the "Analysis Results" category indicates the results of the analysis processing performed by the server device 2 based on the measurement data for the system and monitored devices.

[0110] In Figure 10, icon 331 represents three states: "Abnormal," "Caution," and "Normal (No Problem)." For example, in the "XY City Mega Solar System," icon 331 for the "Monitored Device," "Communication," and "Analysis Results" items is all "Normal." This means that in the "XY City Mega Solar System," no abnormalities or warnings have been detected in the monitored device, communication device 1, or server device 2. In the "WZ Power Plant System," icon 331 for the "Monitored Device" item represents "Abnormal," icon 331 for the "Communication" item represents "Normal," and icon 331 for the "Analysis Results" item represents "Caution." This means that in the "WZ Power Plant System," an abnormality has been detected in the monitored device, communication between server device 2 and communication device 1 is normal, and server device 2 has determined that caution should be exercised regarding the monitored device. In the "K Railway System," icon 331 for the "Monitored Device" and "Analysis Results" items represents "Normal," while icon 331 for the "Communication" item represents "Abnormal."

[0111] The operator can use the Web screen 330, which is displayed after logging in, to distinguish and recognize the location of the anomaly for each system or monitored device, whether an anomaly has been detected in the monitored device or whether a communication anomaly has occurred. The operator can use the Web screen 330 to isolate the cause of a malfunction occurring on-site. The operator can use the Web screen 330 to recognize that even if no anomaly or warning state has been detected in the monitored device or communication device 1 at the time of viewing the screen, the server device 2's analysis results may indicate an impending anomaly. The server device 2 performs an analysis appropriate to the type of energy storage element or power supply-related device included in the system or monitored device. The operator can use the Web screen 330 to check the results of anomaly detection using different approaches to the system or monitored device without performing numerous operations. Furthermore, regarding communication anomalies, it is possible to distinguish the location of the anomaly, whether it is a communication anomaly between the monitored device and communication device 1, or a communication anomaly between communication device 1 and server device 2.

[0112] In the web screen 330 of Figure 10, a "MAP" icon 332 is displayed corresponding to each system or monitored device. The "MAP" icon 332 is associated with a link to a screen that shows the details of the target system or monitored device. When a link is selected, the control unit 30 of the client device 3 requests the server device 2 to display the web page showing the details of the system or monitored device, specifying the link information.

[0113] Figure 11 shows an example of screen 333 when the "MAP" icon 332 of a system or monitored device is selected. Screen 333 in Figure 11 is displayed when "WZ Power Plant System" from the list of systems or monitored devices shown in Figure 10 is selected by the operation of the operation unit 34 of the client device 3. Screen 333 includes a layout image K (a line drawing like a CAD drawing, or a photograph) showing the arrangement of a number of energy storage module groups L. Screen 333 in Figure 11 shows the system configuration and state at the top layer of the hierarchical structure of the "WZ Power Plant System". Screen 333 in Figure 11 includes a layout image K of the entire eight energy storage rooms that make up the "WZ Power Plant System". In the layout image K of Figure 11, a single small rectangle shows a battery panel that houses three banks that make up a domain. Screen 333 includes a graphic object 334 that visually represents the state of the "WZ Power Plant System" along with the layout image K.

[0114] The graphic object 334 is a graphic superimposed on the system layout image K, indicating the state of the energy storage element placed at that location. The color and display format of the graphic object 334 may be varied depending on the overall system state (abnormal / caution / normal) on which the graphic object 334 is superimposed.

[0115] Screen 333 includes a display item field 335. In the example shown in Figure 11, the display item field 335 includes four types of icons: "All," "Voltage," "Current," and "Temperature." Screen 333 also includes an individual information field 338 for individually switching the units of status display at each level. The individual information field 338 includes buttons for selecting units such as voltage, current, temperature, resistance, and capacitance. When a unit is selected in the individual information field 338, the buttons in the individual information field 338 and the display item field 335 indicate whether "Voltage," "Current," or "Temperature" is selected. When a unit is selected in the individual information field 338, the graphic object 334 displays the presence or absence of an abnormal / warning state and the degree of abnormality for the measurement data in that unit. In Figure 11, "Voltage" is selected. If the "Voltage" button is selected in the individual information section 338, screen 333 indicates the status of the "Voltage" item, i.e., whether the voltage is abnormal, by the color and display style of the graphic object 334 superimposed on the rectangle corresponding to each monitored device (energy storage element).

[0116] The "All" option in the display item field 335 is selectable. When the "All" option is selected, screen 333 displays the status of the communication items "Voltage," "Current," and "Temperature" using the color and display format of the graphic object 334. Screen 333 displays statuses based on different measurement data using the same layout image K, depending on the operation of the individual information field 338 and the display item field 335.

[0117] Furthermore, in the individual information field 338, the graphic object 336 displays bank-level information, while the values ​​of the selected unit of voltage, current, and temperature for the battery panel, which are represented by small rectangles on the layout image K of Figure 11, are displayed as text or the like. If the operator selects "voltage" in the individual information field 338, and the operator selects a small rectangle on the screen 333 using the control unit 34, the total voltage or average voltage of the battery panel represented by the selected small rectangle will be displayed on or around the small rectangle.

[0118] In Figure 11, the buttons or icons for "All," "Voltage," "Current," and "Temperature" in the display item column 335 each display an icon 351 indicating the status judged from the perspective of each item. "All" includes, for example, communication status, in addition to voltage, current, and temperature. The "Communication Status" on screen 333, which shows the details of the system or monitored device, indicates the communication status in the second communication path, i.e., the communication status between the monitored device and communication device 1, and can be distinguished from the communication abnormality shown on the Web screen 330 in Figure 10. In other words, because communication between communication device 1 and server device 2 is normal, real-time detailed information can be displayed on screen 333, but if there is a communication abnormality between communication device 1 and each monitored device, it will be displayed individually on screen 333.

[0119] Icon 351 represents three states: "Abnormal," "Caution," and "Normal (No Problem)." In the example in Figure 11, the "All" button displays icon 351 indicating the "Abnormal" state, the "Voltage" button displays icon 351 indicating the "Caution" state, and the "Current" and "Temperature" buttons display icon 351 indicating the "Normal" state.

[0120] Screen 333 in Figure 11 includes a graphic object 336 that shows the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage elements included in the system. The graphic object 336 may show the SOC of a single evaluation unit (the overall SOC of multiple modules or banks) with multiple modules, multiple banks, or multiple domains as the evaluation unit. In Screen 333 of Figure 11, the SOC value of the evaluation unit is displayed along the graphic object 336. The SOC value is calculated, for example, based on the SOC value calculated for each bank unit in which multiple modules are connected. The SOC value is a value calculated, for example, as an average value.

[0121] By presenting information as shown in screen 333 of Figure 11, even for large-scale ESSs containing a vast number of modules, the layout image K and graphic objects 334 and 336 allow the operator viewing screen 333 to grasp the overall situation.

[0122] The screen information describing screen 333 includes a script that transitions to displaying the state of a lower hierarchy when a module, bank, or domain (i.e., the selection target in layout image K, which may be the same as the evaluation unit of SOC) is selected in layout image K.

[0123] Screen 333 may include a hierarchical menu 337 that displays the hierarchy of the energy storage system 101. In Figure 11, the hierarchical menu 337 shows the "overall" hierarchy corresponding to the top level. The hierarchy in the hierarchical menu 337 includes link information to return to the screen 333 of the higher level each time the hierarchy transitions from the top level to a lower level.

[0124] Figure 12 shows an example of screen 333 after transitioning to a status display of another layer. Figure 12 is displayed on the web browser of client device 3 by the automatic monitoring unit 2P when a portion corresponding to any of the energy storage rooms (for example, the portion corresponding to the third energy storage room from the left in block A) is selected on the layout image K shown in Figure 11. In Figure 12, screen 333 includes a reduced version of the overall layout image K of the upper layer before the transition on the left side of the screen, and the layout image K of the selected energy storage room on the right side. In screen 333 of Figure 12, the location of the selected energy storage room on the overall map of the upper layer is indicated by highlighting on the reduced upper layer layout image K. In the example of Figure 12, the location of the selected energy storage room is highlighted with a rectangular object on the upper layer layout image K. Alternatively, the location on the upper layer may be indicated by changing the color of the corresponding area on the upper layer layout image K or by superimposing objects.

[0125] In the example shown in Figure 12, the transitioned screen 333 includes a layout image K showing the group of energy storage modules L in units contained within the energy storage room. The small rectangle corresponding to the smallest unit included in screen 333 in Figure 12 corresponds to a battery panel that stores three banks. Below the hierarchy shown in screen 333 in Figure 12, the color and display format of the graphic object 334 may be varied depending on the degree of abnormality or warning state of the module group L that is in an abnormal state.

[0126] In the example in Figure 12, screen 333 also includes a display item field 335 with an icon 351 attached to the display content. In the hierarchy of Figure 12, the operator can visually determine whether any of the items, such as "All," "Voltage," "Current," and "Temperature," are abnormal, require attention, or are normal.

[0127] The information presentation shown on screen 333 in Figures 11 and 12 allows operators to understand in detail, through layout image K and graphic object 334, what kind of action is needed at what location and with what degree of urgency, even for large-scale ESSs containing a vast number of modules.

[0128] If a portion corresponding to any unit is selected on the layout image K of screen 333 in Figure 12, screen 333 transitions to a screen (not shown) that displays a larger version of the unit's layout image K. If a portion corresponding to any battery panel is selected on the unit's layout image K, screen 333 further transitions to a screen (not shown) that displays a larger version of the battery panel's layout image K. In this way, when the "MAP" icon 332 is selected on the Web screen 330 containing the list of systems or monitored devices in Figure 10, the client device 3 displays a screen 333 that shows in detail the status at each level, which can be transitioned to according to the hierarchical structure of the systems or monitored devices.

[0129] Figure 13 shows another example of screen 333 when the "MAP" icon 332 of a system or monitored device is selected. Screen 333 in Figure 13 is displayed when the monitored device "X Factory UPS" from the list of systems or monitored devices shown in Figure 10 is selected by the operation of the operation unit 34 of the client device 3. Screen 333 includes a layout image K (diagram) showing the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply U named "X Factory UPS". Screen 333 in Figure 13 shows the overall system of "X Factory UPS". The layout image K of screen 333 includes a diagram (circuit diagram) of the circuits that make up "X Factory UPS" and blocks showing energy storage elements. Screen 333 includes a graphic object 334 that visually represents the status of "X Factory UPS" together with the layout image K.

[0130] In Figure 13, the graphic object 334 included in screen 333, which shows the details of the system or monitored device, indicates the status of the components and energy storage elements placed at that location. In the example in Figure 13, screen 333 also includes a script that transitions to displaying the status of a lower level (more detailed) when a circuit or energy storage element in the layout image K of the uninterruptible power supply U is selected.

[0131] In the example shown in Figure 13, screen 333 includes a display item field 335 with an icon 351. Even for monitoring devices used individually, the operator can visually determine whether any of the following items—"all," "voltage," "current," and "temperature"—are abnormal, require attention, or are normal.

[0132] Figure 14 shows another example of screen 333 when it transitions to a status display at another level. Figure 14 is displayed on the web browser by the automatic monitoring unit 2P when a block of energy storage elements is selected on the layout image K shown in Figure 13. Screen 333 in Figure 14 includes the layout image K of the selected energy storage elements on the left side of the screen, and shows the details of the selected object (module) in the layout image K on the left side on the right side. In Figure 14, the energy storage elements represent a battery panel containing multiple modules. The layout image K shows the modules included in the battery panel as rectangles. In Figure 14, the control unit 30 of the client device 3 displays on the right side of screen 333 that the selected module is in a warning state. In addition, a detailed explanation of the module's configuration may be displayed on the right side.

[0133] In the example in Figure 14, screen 333 also includes a display item field 335 with an icon 351 attached to the display content. As shown in Figure 14, for each level, the operator can visually determine whether the "All," "Voltage," "Current," and "Temperature" items are abnormal, require attention, or are normal.

[0134] The screen 333 of the standalone monitored device in Figure 14 also includes an individual information section 338. The individual information section 338 displays specific numerical values ​​such as voltage, internal resistance, temperature, and current of the energy storage element in the hierarchy corresponding to any rectangle (e.g., module) on the layout image K.

[0135] As shown in Figure 14, even when the target is a standalone monitored device, the information displayed on screen 333, along with the device layout image K and graphic object 334, allows the operator to understand in detail what kind of action is needed and to what degree of urgency in which part of the device.

[0136] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the server device 2 displays a screen that allows the user to identify whether the status of the monitored system or monitored device refers to the status of a device or component included in the system or monitored device.

[0137] The configuration of the remote monitoring system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, except for the details of the processing in the server device 2 shown below. For components of the remote monitoring system 100 in the second embodiment that are common to the remote monitoring system 100 in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0138] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure in the server device 2 of the second embodiment. For procedures that are common to the processing procedure shown in Figure 6, the same step numbers are used and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0139] In the second embodiment, if the control unit 20 of the server device 2 determines that there is an abnormality or warning state detected in the monitored device (S305: YES), it temporarily stores the abnormality or warning state in the monitored device for each type of monitored device, in association with the identification data selected in step S301 (step S326). The status data transmitted from the communication device 1 when an abnormality or warning state is detected is associated with the identification data of the monitored device (see S202). Therefore, in step S326, the control unit 20 can determine whether the monitored device from which the status data was detected is an energy storage element, a power conditioner P, an uninterruptible power supply U, or a rectifier D, based on the identification data of the monitored device and the configuration data of the monitored system or monitored device stored in the server device 2.

[0140] The control unit 20 performs processing (S309, S310) according to the result of determining in step S308 whether or not there was a communication abnormality with the monitored device, and then performs analysis processing based on the measurement data stored in the storage unit 21 according to the algorithm for each type, and stores the analysis results separately for each type (step S321).

[0141] According to the processing procedure of the second embodiment, the control unit 20 of the server device 2 periodically or in response to events, it maintains information updated for each monitored system or monitored device, including communication anomalies, abnormal conditions, warning conditions, and analysis results, categorized by the type of monitored device. The client device 3 requests the information updated by the server device 2 as needed, displays it in a list on the display unit 33, and presents it in a way that makes it easy for the operator to see where and what kind of anomalies are occurring within the initial Web screen 330.

[0142] Figure 16 shows a specific example of a web page presented by the server device 2. It shows a web screen 330 that displays a list of systems or monitored devices to which the logged-in operator has been granted authorization. In the second embodiment, the web screen 330 displayed on the client device 3 includes icons 331 indicating the status for each system and monitored device, categorized into "monitored device," "communication," and "analysis results." The icons 331 in the "monitored device" category distinguish whether or not an abnormal or warning state has been detected in the monitored device or any monitored device within the system. The icons 331 may be distinguished for each component if there are components that should be distinguished for a monitored device used individually. The icons 331 in the "analysis results" category indicate the results of the analysis processing performed by the server device 2 based on measurement data for the system and monitored devices, distinguishing the target monitored device.

[0143] In Figure 16, icons 339 that identify the type of monitored device or system, such as energy storage elements, power conditioners P, uninterruptible power supplies U, rectifiers D, etc., are displayed in the "Monitored Device" and "Analysis Results" items of the list. Icons 331 indicating "Abnormal," "Caution," and "Normal (No Problem)" are displayed next to the icons 339 that indicate the type of monitored device.

[0144] In Figure 16, for example, the "XY City Mega Solar System" includes a battery storage system 101 and a power conditioner P, both composed of lithium-ion batteries. Icons 331 for the "Monitored Device," "Communication," and "Analysis Results" items are all "Normal." The "WZ Power Plant System" includes a battery storage system 101 containing both lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries, and a power conditioner P. It is shown that a warning state has been detected in the lead-acid battery battery storage system 101. Web screen 330 shows that the server device 2 has determined that attention should be paid to the lead-acid battery included in the "WZ Power Plant System." The "K Railway System" includes a lead-acid battery battery storage system 101 and a rectifier D. Icons 331 for the "Monitored Device" and "Analysis Results" items are all "Normal," while the icon 331 for the "Communication" item is "Abnormal."

[0145] Thus, the Web screen 330 of the second embodiment allows the operator to distinguish and recognize in detail whether an abnormality has been detected in the monitored device itself or whether a communication abnormality has occurred for each system or monitored device. The operator can use the Web screen 330 to isolate the fault occurring on-site in terms of which device is experiencing the failure.

[0146] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Communication device 10 Control Unit 2. Server device (information processing device) 20 Control Unit 21 Storage unit (storage medium) 3. Client devices 30 Control Unit 33 Display section 330 Web screen 333 screens 331,332,339 icons

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires status data indicating the status of a monitored device via communication from a communication device of a monitored device which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from a communication device of a system which includes multiple monitored devices, A storage processing unit that stores the acquired status data in a storage medium in association with the identification data of the monitored device or system, A transmission processing unit transmits display information to display, in response to an external request or event, the state data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device, for each monitored device or system, while distinguishing between them and displaying them collectively. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition unit acquires measurement data from each of the monitored devices. Based on the acquired measurement data, the system includes an analysis processing unit that analyzes whether there is an abnormality or a precursor to an abnormality in the monitored device or system using an algorithm specific to the monitored device or system. The transmission processing unit transmits, for each monitored device or system, display information that distinguishes the analysis results from the analysis processing unit from the status data and the communication status. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned display information is information for distinguishing and displaying the analysis results for whichever monitored device or system is included within the monitored device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The display information is information for displaying the status of the monitored device or system, distinguishing which part of the monitored device or system the status was detected at. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned display information is information for displaying the status data and the graphics that visually represent the communication status in a single location on the list of monitored devices or systems. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned display information includes, for each monitored device or system, information for transitioning to a screen that displays a part of the monitored device or system or detailed information about the monitored device, in accordance with the hierarchical structure of the monitored device or system. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. An acquisition unit that acquires status data indicating the status of a monitored device via communication from a communication device of a monitored device which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from a communication device of a system which includes multiple monitored devices, A transmission processing unit transmits, in response to an external request or event, display information for each monitored device or system, distinguishing between the communication status between the information processing device and the communication device, and the communication status between the communication device and the monitored device. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

8. A monitored device that is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or a system that includes multiple monitored devices, and multiple communication devices mounted on or connected to the monitored device, An information processing device capable of communicating with the multiple communication devices, A client device equipped with a display unit capable of communicating with the information processing device. An information processing system including, The aforementioned information processing device is Status data indicating the status of the monitored device is sequentially acquired from the aforementioned multiple communication devices. The acquired status data is stored in a storage medium in association with the identification data of the monitored device or system. In response to an external request or event, display information is created to display, separately and collectively, the state data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device for each monitored device or system. The created display information is sent to the client device. Information processing system.

9. Status data indicating the status of the monitored device is sequentially acquired via communication from the communication device of the monitored device, which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or from the communication device of a system including multiple monitored devices. The acquired status data is stored in a storage medium in association with the identification data of the monitored device or system. In response to an external request or event, display information is transmitted to display, separately and collectively, the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device for each monitored device or system. Information processing methods.

10. A computer capable of communicating with a communication device of a monitored device, which is an energy storage element or a power supply-related device, or with a communication device of a system including multiple monitored devices, Status data indicating the status of the monitored device is sequentially acquired from the communication device of the monitored device or the communication device of the system. The acquired status data is stored in a storage medium in association with the identification data of the monitored device or system. In response to an external request or event, display information is transmitted to display, separately and collectively, the status data stored in the storage medium and the communication status with the communication device for each monitored device or system. A computer program that executes a process.

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