Energy storage device

Abstract

Reduce the time required to configure the controller's ID. [Solution] The energy storage device 100 comprises energy storage devices 41 and 42, lower controllers 20 and 30, a higher controller 10, communication lines 51 and 52, and signal lines 61 to 63. The lower controllers 20 and 30 and the higher controller 10 are connected in a predetermined cyclical manner by signal lines 61 to 63. The higher controller 10 outputs a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width via signal line 61 to the lower controller 20, which is set to the smallest connection order in the connection sequence. The lower controllers 20 and 30 output a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width different from the input pulse signal to the downstream side of the connection sequence via signal lines 62 and 63.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2012 / 131797 discloses a communication system including a master device having a communication function and a plurality of slave devices from the first to the Nth having communication functions. The master device and the plurality of slave devices are connected by a communication line. The master device outputs an Nth ID setting signal for instructing the Nth slave device to set an identifier. Thereby, the Nth slave device is instructed to set an ID. The master device transmits an identifier "N" to the Nth slave device. The ID "N" is set in the Nth slave device. The Nth slave device transmits an ID setting completion notification to the master device.

[0003] When the master device receives an ID setting completion notification from the Nth slave device, the master device instructs the Nth slave device to output an (N - 1)th ID setting signal. The Nth slave device outputs an (N - 1)th ID setting signal. The (N - 1)th ID setting signal is given to the (N - 1)th slave device. Thereby, the (N - 1)th slave device is instructed to set an ID. The master device transmits an identifier ID "N - 1" to the (N - 1)th slave device. The ID "N - 1" is set in the (N - 1)th slave device. The (N - 1)th slave device transmits an ID setting completion notification to the master device. The above processing is repeated until the ID "1" is set in the first slave device. When the ID settings of all the slave devices from the first to the Nth are completed, the master device transmits an end notification of the ID setting process to the slave devices from the first to the Nth.

[0004] As described above, in the communication system disclosed in International Publication No. 2012 / 131797, IDs are set sequentially from the Nth slave device to the 1st slave device. Here, after the master device confirms that the ID setting of the 1st slave device is complete, it instructs the 1st slave device to output an ID setting signal to the next slave device in the sequence. Subsequently, the master device transmits the ID identifier to the next slave device in the sequence. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 131797 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The inventors of this invention want to reduce the time required to set the ID of the controller that controls each energy storage device in an energy storage device that incorporates multiple energy storage devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The energy storage device disclosed herein comprises N energy storage devices, N lower-level controllers, a higher-level controller, N communication lines, and N+1 signal lines. Each of the N lower-level controllers controls one of the N energy storage devices. The higher-level controller is connected to the N lower-level controllers. Each of the N lower-level controllers is connected to the higher-level controller by a communication line. The N lower-level controllers and the higher-level controller are connected by signal lines in a cyclical manner in a predetermined connection order. The higher-level controller is configured to perform the following processes: an ID setting instruction process and a pulse signal output process. In the ID setting instruction process, the higher-level controller instructs each of the N lower-level controllers to set an ID via the communication line. In the pulse signal output process, the higher-level controller outputs a pulse signal of a predetermined pulse width via the signal line to the lower-level controller configured in the smallest connection order. Each of the N lower-level controllers stores information corresponding to a different ID from 1 to N and a pulse signal of a different pulse width corresponding to the ID from 1 to N. Each of the N lower-level controllers is configured to perform three processes: inputting a pulse signal, determining its own ID, and outputting a pulse signal. In the pulse signal input process, the lower-level controllers input pulse signals via signal lines, starting from the upstream side in the connection sequence. In the process of determining its own ID, the lower-level controllers determine their own ID based on the pulse width and information of the input pulse signal. In the pulse signal output process, the lower-level controllers output a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width, different from the input pulse signal, to the downstream side in the connection sequence via signal lines. In such an energy storage device, the time required for ID setting is reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device 100. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram of the ID setting process. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a flowchart of the process executed by the upper-level controller 10 when an ID is set. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 20 when an ID is set. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the process executed by the lower-level controller 30 when an ID is set. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the upper-level controller 10 after the ID setting is complete. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the lower-level controller 20 after the ID setting is complete. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the lower-level controller 30 after the ID setting is complete. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. Naturally, the embodiment described herein is not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Each drawing is schematic and does not necessarily reflect the actual object. Furthermore, components and parts that perform the same function are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted where appropriate.

[0010] <Energy storage device 100> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device 100. As shown in Figure 1, the energy storage device 100 comprises two energy storage devices 41 and 42, two lower controllers 20 and 30, a higher controller 10, two communication lines 51 and 52, and three signal lines 61 to 63.

[0011] The energy storage device 100 supplies power stored in the energy storage devices 41 and 42 to a load (for example, a vehicle drive system such as an electric motor). The energy storage devices 41 and 42 may be connected to loads not shown or an external power source. The lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are controllers that control the energy storage devices 41 and 42. The upper-level controller 10 is a controller that controls multiple energy storage devices 41 and 42 incorporated in the energy storage device 100 to cooperate. The upper-level controller 10 may be communicated to an external controller (for example, an in-vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit)).

[0012] <Energy storage devices 41, 42> The energy storage devices 41 and 42 are devices that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The energy storage devices 41 and 42 may be modules in which a predetermined number of cells are connected and arranged by busbars. The energy storage devices 41 and 42 may be configured by connecting multiple cells in series. The cells include secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. The cells also include capacitors such as lithium-ion capacitors and electric double-layer capacitors. The cells may use either an electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. For example, the cells may be secondary batteries using a so-called liquid electrolyte, or so-called all-solid-state batteries using a solid electrolyte. The energy storage devices 41 and 42 are individually controlled by lower-level controllers 20 and 30, respectively.

[0013] <Lower controllers 20, 30> The lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are controllers that control the energy storage devices 41 and 42, respectively. Lower-level controller 20 is connected to energy storage device 41 and controls the charging and discharging of energy storage device 41. Lower-level controller 30 is connected to energy storage device 42 and controls the charging and discharging of energy storage device 42. Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are connected to sensors (voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) not shown in the diagram. Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 can calculate the State of Charge (SOC) of the cells based on the detected values ​​from the sensors. Lower-level controllers 20 and 30 can perform various calculations and judgments to control the charging and discharging of energy storage devices 41 and 42.

[0014] The lower controllers 20 and 30 are connected to the upper controller 10 by communication lines 51 and 52, respectively. Communication line 51 connects the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 20. Communication line 52 connects the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 30. The communication unit 12 of the upper controller 10 and the communication unit 22 of the lower controller 20 are configured to communicate via communication line 51. The communication unit 12 of the upper controller 10 and the communication unit 32 of the lower controller 30 are configured to communicate via communication line 52. The lower controllers 20 and 30 and the upper controller 10 are configured to communicate, for example, by CAN (Controller Area Network) communication. The lower controllers 20 and 30 control the energy storage devices 41 and 42, respectively, in response to commands from the upper controller 10.

[0015] <High-end controller 10> The upper controller 10 is connected to the lower controllers 20 and 30. Based on the processing executed by the lower controllers 20 and 30, the upper controller 10 can determine the presence or absence of abnormalities in the power storage devices 41 and 42, etc., and control the charging and discharging of the power storage devices 41 and 42. For example, the upper controller 10 may monitor the abnormalities of the cells included in the power storage devices 41 and 42 based on the results of various arithmetic processes, determination processes, etc. of the lower controllers 20 and 30. When the upper controller 10 detects an abnormality in a cell, it can issue a command to the lower controllers 20 and 30 to stop the charging and discharging of the power storage device including the cell.

[0016] The lower controllers 20 and 30 are connected so as to circulate in a predetermined connection order by the signal lines 61 to 63. In other words, the lower controllers 20 and 30 and the upper controller 10 are connected in a ring by the signal lines 61 to 63. In the power storage device 100, the lower controllers 20 and 30 and the upper controller 10 are each connected so as to be connected to two of the signal lines 61 to 63. In this embodiment, the connection order is set in the order of the upper controller 10, the lower controller 20, and the lower controller 30, and the lower controller 30 with the last connection order is connected to the upper controller 10 again.

[0017] Here, the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 20 are connected by the signal line 61. The lower controller 20 and the lower controller 30 are connected by the signal line 62. The lower controller 30 and the upper controller 10 are connected by the signal line 63. The signal lines 61 to 63 are each used for transmitting and receiving pulse signals. In other words, the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 transmit and receive pulse signals via the signal lines 61 to 63. The lower controllers 20 and 30 are configured such that a pulse signal is input from the upstream side in the connection order via the signal lines 61 and 62. The upper controller 10 is configured such that a pulse signal is input from the lower controller with the last connection order via the signal line 63.

[0018] By the way, in order to appropriately control the power storage devices 41 and 42, communication between the lower controllers 20 and 30 connected to the power storage devices 41 and 42 and the upper controller 10 needs to be established. The lower controllers 20 and 30 with pre-determined IDs need to be identified by the upper controller 10. Hereinafter, the process of setting the IDs of the lower controllers 20 and 30 and establishing communication between the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 will be described.

[0019] For both of the lower controllers 20 and 30, the IDs to be set are pre-determined. The lower controller 20 needs to be set to the ID "1". The lower controller 30 needs to be set to the ID "2". The upper controller 10 needs to be configured to be able to communicate with the lower controller 20 with the ID "1" via the communication line 51 and with the lower controller 30 with the ID "2" via the communication line 52. If there is a problem with the ID setting (for example, when the lower controller 20 is set to the ID "2" and the lower controller 30 is set to the ID "1"), the system including the power storage device 100 is abnormal. In this case, control for safety and the like is not implemented, and the abnormality of the system can be immediately notified to the vehicle on which the power storage device 1 is mounted, the administrator, and the like.

[0020] In this embodiment, the ID setting can be performed when the power storage device 100 is started. Note that the timing of the ID setting is not particularly limited. The upper controller 10 includes a storage unit 11, a communication unit 12, a determination unit 13, an ID setting instruction unit 14, a pulse input unit 15, and a pulse output unit 16. The lower controller 20 includes a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a determination unit 23, an ID determination unit 24, a pulse input unit 25, and a pulse output unit 26. The lower controller 30 includes a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a determination unit 33, an ID determination unit 34, a pulse input unit 35, and a pulse output unit 36. Each unit of the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 may be realized by one or more processors or may be incorporated in a circuit.

[0021] The ID can be set based on pulse signals transmitted and received between each controller. The pulse output unit 16 of the upper controller 10 is configured to output signals with the pulse widths listed in Table 1. The pulse output unit 16 constantly outputs pulse signals when setting the ID. Here, the pulse output unit 16 outputs pulse signals via the signal line 61 to the lower controller (the lower controller connected by the signal line 61) which is set in the smallest connection order from a predetermined connection order. The pulse input unit 15 of the upper controller 10 receives a signal with the pulse width output by the last lower controller (in this embodiment, the lower controller 30) connected in a cyclic manner. The upper controller 10 stores in advance the pulse width (in this embodiment, 30 ms) that should be input from the last lower controller.

[0022] Each of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 stores information corresponding to the ID to be set and pulse signals of different pulse widths corresponding to that ID. The pulse output units 26 and 36 of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are configured to output signals with pulse widths corresponding to the IDs, as listed in Table 1. The pulse widths differ depending on the ID. In this embodiment, the relationship between the ID and pulse width is defined such that the pulse width increases as the ID increases, making it easier to understand the relationship between the ID and pulse width. The ID determination units 24 and 34 of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 determine the ID listed in Table 1 as their own ID when signals with pulse widths listed in Table 1 are input to the pulse input units 25 and 35, respectively. The pulse widths of the pulse signals output by each controller and the pulse widths of the pulse signals input to each controller may be stored in the storage units 11, 21, and 31 of each controller, respectively.

[0023] [Table 1]

[0024] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram of the ID setting process. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the upper-level controller 10 during ID setting. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the lower-level controller 20 during ID setting. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the lower-level controller 30 during ID setting.

[0025] When the energy storage device 100 is started, and ID setting is initiated, in step S1 (see Figures 2 and 3), the ID setting instruction unit 14 of the upper controller 10 instructs the lower controllers 20 and 30 to set an ID via communication lines 51 and 52. Here, the instruction is to set an ID according to the number of lower controllers. In this embodiment, the lower controllers 20 and 30 are set to an ID of either "1" or "2". In step S2 (see Figures 2 and 4), the communication unit 22 of the lower controller 20 receives the ID setting instruction via communication line 51. In step S3 (see Figures 2 and 5), the communication unit 32 of the lower controller 30 receives the ID setting instruction via communication line 52.

[0026] In step S21 (see Figures 2 and 4), the communication unit 22 of the lower controller 20 starts communication processing with the upper controller 10 via the communication line 51. In step S31 (see Figures 2 and 5), the communication unit 32 of the lower controller 30 starts communication processing with the upper controller 10 via the communication line 52.

[0027] The processing performed by the lower controller 20 after the start of communication processing with the upper controller 10 (step S21) will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 4. In step S22, a pulse signal may be input to the pulse input unit 25.

[0028] During ID setting, the pulse signal that is constantly output from the pulse output unit 16 of the upper controller 10 is output. If the lower controller 20 is connected in the wrong order, the pulse input unit 25 may receive a pulse signal with a pulse width of less than 10ms. Alternatively, no pulse signal may be received by the pulse input unit 25. If the lower controller 20 and the upper controller 10 are connected in the correct order via the signal line 61, the pulse input unit 25 receives a pulse signal with a pulse width of 10ms.

[0029] The lower-level controller 20 determines its own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the pulse width corresponding to the ID to be set (see Table 1). In step S22, the determination unit 23 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is 10 ms or not. If the pulse width is not 10 ms (No), the process proceeds to step S28, and the ID is not determined. At this time, the ID determination signal is not transmitted from the lower-level controller 20 to the upper-level controller 10 via the communication line 51.

[0030] If the pulse width of the input pulse signal in step S22 is 10ms (Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the ID determination unit 24 determines the ID of the lower controller 20 to be "1" and stores it in the storage unit 21. After determining the ID of the lower controller 20, in step S24, the communication unit 22 transmits an ID determination signal to the upper controller 10 via the communication line 51 to indicate that the ID has been determined. This establishes bidirectional communication between the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 20. After transmitting the signal, in step S25, the pulse output unit 26 begins outputting a pulse signal with a pulse width different from that of the input pulse signal. The pulse output unit 26 outputs a pulse signal with a pulse width of 20ms via the signal line 62.

[0031] Next, the processing performed by the lower controller 30 after the start of communication processing with the upper controller 10 (step S31) will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 5. In step S32, a pulse signal may be input to the pulse input unit 35.

[0032] When setting the ID, if the ID of the lower controller 20 is set correctly, the pulse output unit 26 of the lower controller 20 outputs a pulse signal with a pulse width of 20ms. If at least one of the lower controllers 20 or 30 is connected in the wrong order, a pulse signal with a pulse width other than 20ms may be input to the pulse input unit 35. Alternatively, no pulse signal may be input to the pulse input unit 35. If the lower controller 20 and the lower controller 30 are connected in the correct order via the signal line 62, a pulse signal with a pulse width of 20ms will be input to the pulse input unit 35.

[0033] The lower controller 30 determines its own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the pulse width corresponding to the ID to be set (see Table 1). In step S32, the determination unit 33 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is 20ms or not. If the pulse width is not 20ms (No), the process proceeds to step S38, and the ID is not determined. At this time, the ID determination signal is not transmitted from the lower controller 30 to the upper controller 10 via the communication line 52.

[0034] If the pulse width of the input pulse signal in step S32 is 20ms (Yes), the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the ID determination unit 34 determines the ID of the lower controller 30 to be "2" and stores it in the storage unit 31. After determining the ID of the lower controller 30, in step S34, the communication unit 32 transmits an ID determination signal to the upper controller 10 via the communication line 52 to indicate that the ID has been determined. This establishes bidirectional communication between the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 30. After transmitting the signal, in step S35, the pulse output unit 36 ​​begins outputting a pulse signal with a pulse width different from the pulse width of the input pulse signal. The pulse output unit 36 ​​outputs a pulse signal with a pulse width of 30ms via the signal line 63.

[0035] Next, the processing performed by the upper-level controller 10 after the ID setting instruction will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. After the ID setting instruction, the upper-level controller 10 waits to receive the ID determination signal transmitted from the lower-level controllers 20 and 30.

[0036] In step S41, the determination unit 13 of the upper controller 10 determines whether or not it has received an ID determination signal from the lower controller 20. If the determination unit 13 does not receive an ID determination signal from the lower controller 20 within a predetermined time after the ID setting instruction in step S1 (No), the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, the determination unit 13 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the ID setting, and the process ends without setting the ID. The upper controller 10 can store the fact that an abnormality has occurred. The upper controller 10 can also notify the administrator of the energy storage device 100 or the vehicle on which the energy storage device 100 is installed of the abnormality that occurred during ID setting. If the determination unit 13 determines that it has received an ID determination signal from the lower controller 20 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0037] In step S42, the determination unit 13 of the upper controller 10 determines whether or not it has received an ID determination signal from the lower controller 30. If, after the ID setting instruction in step S1 (or the determination in step S41), the system does not receive an ID determination signal from the lower controller 30 for a predetermined time (No), the system proceeds to step S48 described above. If the determination unit 13 determines that it has received an ID determination signal from the lower controller 30 (Yes), the system proceeds to step S43. In step S43, a pulse signal may be input to the pulse input unit 15 of the upper controller 10.

[0038] When setting the ID, if the ID of the lower controller 30 is set correctly, the pulse output unit 36 ​​of the lower controller 30 outputs a pulse signal with a pulse width of 30ms. If the lower controller 30 is connected in the wrong order, a pulse signal with a pulse width other than 30ms may be input to the pulse input unit 15. Alternatively, no pulse signal may be input to the pulse input unit 15. If the upper controller 10 and the lower controller 30 are connected in the correct order via the signal line 63, a pulse signal with a pulse width of 30ms will be input to the pulse input unit 15.

[0039] In step S43, the determination unit 13 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is 30ms or not. If the pulse width is not 30ms (No), the process proceeds to step S48 described above. If the pulse width of the input pulse signal in step S43 is 30ms (Yes), the process proceeds to step S44.

[0040] In step S44, the communication unit 12 of the upper controller 10 transmits a signal to the lower controllers 20 and 30 via communication lines 51 and 52 indicating that the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 are properly connected and that ID setting is complete. In step S51 (see Figures 2 and 4), the lower controller 20, having received the signal indicating that ID setting is complete, terminates the pulse signal determination process (step S22). In step S52 (see Figures 2 and 5), the lower controller 30, having received the signal indicating that ID setting is complete, terminates the pulse signal determination process (step S32). In step S53 (see Figures 2 and 3), the storage unit 11 of the upper controller 10 stores that ID setting is complete. After that, the ID setting process by the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 is terminated.

[0041] In the embodiment described above, the two lower controllers 20 and 30 are connected to the upper controller 10 by communication lines 51 and 52, respectively. The two lower controllers 20 and 30 and the upper controller 10 are connected by signal lines 61 to 63 in a predetermined cyclical connection order. The upper controller 10 is configured to perform a process of instructing ID setting and a process of outputting a pulse signal. In the process of instructing ID setting, the upper controller 10 instructs each of the two lower controllers 20 and 30 to set an ID via communication lines 51 and 52. In the process of outputting a pulse signal, the upper controller 10 outputs a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width (10 ms in this embodiment) via signal line 61 to the lower controller 20 that is set in the smallest connection order among the connection order. The two lower controllers 20 and 30 each store information corresponding to IDs "1" to "2" and pulse signals of different pulse widths corresponding to IDs "1" to "2". The two lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are configured to perform the following processes: inputting a pulse signal, determining their own ID, and outputting a pulse signal. In the pulse signal input process, the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 receive pulse signals output from the upstream side in the connection sequence via signal lines 61 and 62. In the process of determining their own ID, the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 determine their own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the above information. In the pulse signal output process, the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 output a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width different from the input pulse signal to the downstream side in the connection sequence via signal lines 62 and 63.

[0042] In such an energy storage device 100, the upper-level controller 10 outputs a pulse signal to the lower-level controllers 20. When determining the ID, the upper-level controller 10 only needs to output a pulse signal for ID determination to the lower-level controller 20 with the smallest connection order, and the IDs of both lower-level controllers 20 and 30 are determined sequentially. The upper-level controller 10 does not need to output a pulse signal for ID determination to any lower-level controllers other than the lower-level controller 20 with the smallest connection order (in this embodiment, lower-level controller 30). In other words, the upper-level controller 10 only needs to send a signal to one lower-level controller 20, and does not need to send a signal for ID determination to all lower-level controllers. As a result, the number of communications between the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 required for ID setting can be reduced. As a result, ID setting for the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 can be completed earlier.

[0043] In the embodiment described above, the two lower controllers 20 and 30 each determine their own ID and then transmit an ID determination signal to the upper controller 10 via communication lines 51 and 52, thereby establishing bidirectional communication with the upper controller 10. Since bidirectional communication is established only with the lower controllers 20 and 30 whose IDs have been determined, malfunctions in communication between the upper controller 10 and the lower controllers 20 and 30 are less likely to occur. As a result, the safety of the energy storage device 100 can be improved.

[0044] In the embodiment described above, the upper-level controller 10 completes the ID setting when it receives ID determination signals from all of the lower-level controllers 20 and 30. This allows for more reliable establishment of communication between the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controllers 20 and 30.

[0045] In the embodiment described above, the ID setting is completed based on the pulse width of the pulse signal output from the last lower-level controller in the connection sequence (in this embodiment, the lower-level controller 30). Therefore, it is more reliable to detect that the upper-level controller 10 and the lower-level controllers 20 and 30 have been properly set up.

[0046] The above describes the process for setting IDs in the upper-level controller 10 and lower-level controllers 20 and 30. In the energy storage device 100, even after the ID setting is complete, it is possible to check whether the ID is set correctly when the energy storage device 100 is started up. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the process executed in the upper-level controller 10 after the ID setting is complete. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process executed in the lower-level controller 20 after the ID setting is complete. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the process executed in the lower-level controller 30 after the ID setting is complete.

[0047] When the energy storage device 100 is started, it may be determined whether the IDs of the lower controllers 20 and 30 have been set. In step S61 (see Figure 6), the upper controller 10 determines whether the ID setting is complete. The determination unit 13 determines whether the storage unit 11 has stored the information that the ID setting is complete. If the storage unit 11 has not stored the information that the ID setting is complete (No), the process proceeds to step S65. In step S65, the ID setting process described above is re-executed. In step S65, the ID setting instruction unit 14 instructs the lower controllers 20 and 30 to set their IDs. The upper controller 10 then executes the processes shown in Figures 2 and 3 described above.

[0048] The lower controller 20 may determine whether or not its own ID is set. In step S71 (see Figure 7), the lower controller 20's determination unit 23 determines whether or not ID "1" is stored in the storage unit 21. If ID "1" is not stored in the storage unit 21 (No), the lower controller 20 proceeds to step S74. If ID "1" is stored in the storage unit 21 (Yes), the lower controller 20 proceeds to step S72. In step S72, a signal is sent to the upper controller 10 via the communication line 51. In step S73, the output of a pulse signal with a pulse width (20ms) corresponding to ID "1" is started. In step S74, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not there is an instruction to set an ID from the upper controller 10. If there is an instruction to set an ID in step S65 (see Figure 6) (Yes), the lower controller 20 executes the processes shown in Figures 2 and 4 described above. If the upper controller 10 does not issue an instruction to set an ID within a predetermined time (No), the lower controller 20 terminates the ID setting confirmation process.

[0049] Similar to the lower controller 20, the lower controller 30 may determine whether or not its own ID is set. In step S81 (see Figure 8), the lower controller 30's determination unit 33 determines whether or not ID "2" is stored in the storage unit 31. If ID "2" is not stored in the storage unit 31 (No), the process proceeds to step S84. If ID "2" is stored in the storage unit 31 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S82. In step S82, a signal is sent to the upper controller 10 via the communication line 52. In step S83, the output of a pulse signal with a pulse width (30ms) corresponding to ID "2" is started. In step S84, the determination unit 33 determines whether or not there is an instruction to set an ID from the upper controller 10. If there is an instruction to set an ID in step S65 (see Figure 6) (Yes), the lower controller 30 executes the processes shown in Figures 2 and 5 described above. If the upper controller 10 does not issue an instruction to set an ID within a predetermined time (No), the lower controller 30 terminates the ID setting confirmation process.

[0050] If the storage unit 11 has stored information (Yes) that the ID setting was completed in step S61 (see Figure 6), the upper controller 10 proceeds to step S62. In step S62, the upper controller 10 checks whether the lower controller 20 has been set up with an ID. In step S62, the determination unit 13 checks whether it has received a signal from the lower controller 20 via the communication line 51. If no signal is received from the lower controller 20 for a predetermined time (No), the process proceeds to step S65 described above. If a signal is received from the lower controller 20 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S63. In step S63, the upper controller 10 checks whether the lower controller 30 has been set up with an ID. In step S63, the determination unit 13 checks whether it has received a signal from the lower controller 30 via the communication line 52. If no signal is received from the lower controller 30 for a predetermined time (No), the process proceeds to step S65 described above. If a signal is received from the lower controller 30 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S64.

[0051] In step S64, the upper controller 10 checks the pulse width of the pulse signal input to the upper controller 10 via the signal line 63. In step S64, the determination unit 13 determines whether the pulse width of the input pulse signal is the pulse width (30ms) that should be output from the lower controller 30, which is the last in the connection order. If the pulse width of the pulse signal input via the signal line 63 is 30ms (Yes), the upper controller 10 terminates the ID setting confirmation process. If the pulse width of the pulse signal input via the signal line 63 is not 30ms (No), it may be determined that there is an abnormality in the order of the lower controllers 20, 30, etc. In step S66, the upper controller 10 may notify the administrator of the energy storage device 100 of the abnormality that occurred during ID setting.

[0052] In the embodiment described above, the number of lower-level controllers was two, but the number of lower-level controllers may be three or more. If multiple lower-level controllers are each connected to a higher-level controller via communication lines, and the higher-level controller and the multiple lower-level controllers are connected via signal lines in a predetermined order, the above-described process can be executed regardless of the number of lower-level controllers.

[0053] In the embodiment described above, the pulse width of the pulse signal is set to increase as the connection order increases. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The pulse widths of the pulse signals transmitted and received by the upper and lower controllers may differ according to the connection order.

[0054] The technologies disclosed herein have been described in detail above. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and other details mentioned herein do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the technologies disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, and each component and each process mentioned herein may be omitted or combined as appropriate, unless no particular problems arise. This specification also includes the disclosures described in the following sections.

[0055] Section 1: N energy storage devices, N lower-level controllers that control each of the N energy storage devices, A higher-level controller connected to the aforementioned N lower-level controllers, N communication lines, N+1 signal lines and Equipped with, Each of the N lower-level controllers is connected to the upper-level controller by the communication line. The N lower-level controllers and the upper-level controller are connected in a predetermined sequence via the signal lines, The aforementioned higher-level controller The process involves instructing each of the N lower-level controllers to set an ID via the aforementioned communication line, The process involves outputting a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width via the signal line to the lowest-order controller set in the aforementioned connection sequence. It is configured to execute, Each of the N lower-level controllers stores information corresponding to a different ID from 1 to N and a pulse signal with a different pulse width corresponding to the ID from 1 to N. Each of the N lower-level controllers is: The process of inputting a pulse signal from the upstream side of the connection sequence via the aforementioned signal line, A process to determine its own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the aforementioned information, A process that outputs a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width different from the input pulse signal to the downstream side of the connection sequence via the signal line. Configured to execute, Energy storage device.

[0056] Section 2: The energy storage device according to item 1, wherein each of the N lower-level controllers determines its own ID, then transmits an ID determination signal to the upper-level controller via the communication line, thereby establishing bidirectional communication with the upper-level controller.

[0057] Section 3: The energy storage device described in item 2, wherein the higher-level controller completes the ID setting when it receives the ID determination signal from all N lower-level controllers.

[0058] Section 4: The above-level controller completes the ID setting based on the pulse signal output from the lower-level controller which is the last in the connection order, as described in any one of items 1 to 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 10 High-end controllers 11,21,31 Storage section 12,22,32 Communications Department 13,23,33 Judgment part 14. ID setting instruction section 15, 25, 35 Pulse input section 16, 26, 36 Pulse output section 20,30 Lower controllers 24,34 ID determination part 30 Lower Controllers 41,42 Energy storage devices 51, 52 Communication lines 61-63 Signal lines 100 Energy storage devices

Claims

1. N energy storage devices, N lower-level controllers that control each of the N energy storage devices, A higher-level controller connected to the aforementioned N lower-level controllers, N communication lines, N+1 signal lines and Equipped with, Each of the N lower-level controllers is connected to the upper-level controller by the communication line, The N lower-level controllers and the upper-level controller are connected by the signal lines in a predetermined order, circulating between them. The aforementioned higher-level controller The process involves instructing each of the N lower-level controllers to set an ID via the aforementioned communication line, The process involves outputting a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width via the signal line to the lowest-order controller set in the aforementioned connection sequence. It is configured to execute, Each of the N lower-level controllers stores information corresponding to a different ID from 1 to N and a pulse signal with a different pulse width corresponding to the ID from 1 to N. Each of the N lower-level controllers is: The process of inputting a pulse signal from the upstream side of the connection sequence via the aforementioned signal line, A process to determine its own ID based on the pulse width of the input pulse signal and the information, A process that outputs a pulse signal with a predetermined pulse width different from the input pulse signal to the downstream side of the connection sequence via the signal line. Configured to execute, Energy storage device.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein each of the N lower-level controllers determines its own ID, then transmits an ID determination signal to the upper-level controller via the communication line, thereby establishing bidirectional communication with the upper-level controller.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the higher-level controller completes the ID setting when it receives the ID determination signal from all N lower-level controllers.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the higher-level controller completes the ID setting based on the pulse signal output from the lower-level controller which is the last in the connection order.

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