Information output device, information output method, and computer program

Abstract

Providing information output devices, information output methods, and computer programs. [Solution] The system includes: a receiving unit that receives input of requirements specifications for the energy storage device to be designed; a generating unit that generates a configuration proposal for the energy storage device, including the number of energy storage cells to be installed in the energy storage device and the arrangement of the energy storage cells, based on some of the conditions included in the received requirements specifications; an evaluation unit that evaluates whether the generated configuration proposal satisfies the requirements specifications; an updating unit that updates the configuration proposal according to the evaluation results of the evaluation unit and has the evaluation unit evaluate the updated configuration proposal; and an output unit that outputs information on the configuration proposal that has been evaluated by the evaluation unit as satisfying the requirements specifications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information output device, an information output method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Power storage facilities equipped with a power storage device that is charged by a generator such as a solar cell or a wind turbine and discharges as needed are widespread. The power storage device mounts a plurality of power storage elements (power storage cells). The capacity (fully charged capacity) of the power storage device decreases with repeated charge and discharge (charge-discharge cycle) and over time. The rate at which the capacity of the power storage device deteriorates varies according to the SOC (State Of Charge), that is, the amount of electric power stored in the power storage device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for predicting the capacity of a power storage device that decreases with repeated charge and discharge and over time. In Patent Document 1, the decrease in the capacity of the power storage device is predicted based on the transition of the SOC.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to present a configuration plan of a power storage device (power storage facility) based on the customer's required specifications, the manufacturer of the power storage device performs the following. (1) The manufacturer creates a configuration plan of the power storage device, such as the number of series-connected and parallel-connected power storage cells. (2) The manufacturer simulates (predicts) the period (lifetime) during which the power storage device with the determined configuration can meet the customer requirements in the assumed usage environment. (3) The manufacturer will repeatedly make decisions and conduct simulations to determine the optimal configuration for the energy storage device.

[0006] Considering various constraints such as the discharge rate, battery temperature, and depth of discharge of the energy storage device, proposing a configuration for an energy storage device that satisfies customer requirements is not easy for sales representatives or inexperienced technical staff.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an information output device, an information output method, and a computer program that present a proposed configuration for an energy storage device that satisfies customer requirements while taking into account the constraints of the energy storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information output device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a receiving unit that receives input of requirements specifications for a power storage device to be designed; a generating unit that generates a configuration proposal for the power storage device, including the number of power storage cells to be installed in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells, based on a part of the conditions included in the received requirements specifications; an evaluation unit that evaluates whether the generated configuration proposal satisfies the requirements specifications; an updating unit that updates the configuration proposal according to the evaluation result of the evaluation unit and causes the evaluation unit to evaluate the updated configuration proposal; and an output unit that outputs information of the configuration proposal that has been evaluated by the evaluation unit as satisfying the requirements specifications.

[0009] An information output method according to one aspect of the present invention involves receiving input requirements for a power storage device to be designed, generating a proposed configuration of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be installed in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on some of the conditions included in the received requirements, evaluating whether the generated configuration satisfies the requirements, updating the configuration according to the evaluation result, and outputting information on the configuration evaluated as satisfying the requirements.

[0010] A computer program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: receiving input of requirements specifications for an energy storage device to be designed; generating a proposed configuration of the energy storage device, including the number of energy storage cells to be installed in the energy storage device and the arrangement of the energy storage cells, based on a part of the conditions included in the received requirements specifications; evaluating whether the generated proposed configuration satisfies the requirements specifications; updating the proposed configuration according to the evaluation result; and outputting information on the proposed configuration that was evaluated to satisfy the requirements specifications. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to present a proposed configuration for an energy storage device that satisfies customer requirements while taking into account the constraints of the energy storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an energy storage device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the steps of the processing performed by the arithmetic unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input screen for receiving customer requirements specifications. [Figure 6] This graph shows the relationship between discharge depth and expected lifespan. [Figure 7] This graph shows the relationship between ambient temperature and discharge capacity for different discharge rates. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the relationship between discharge current and termination voltage. [Figure 9] This graph shows the relationship between discharge current and discharge time. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an output screen for displaying a proposed configuration for an energy storage device. [Figure 11]It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing executed by the arithmetic unit according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing executed by the arithmetic unit according to Embodiment 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Lead-acid batteries have the characteristic that the dischargeable capacity varies depending on the discharge rate and the battery temperature. For example, in lead-acid batteries, using 100% depth of discharge leads to a shorter lifespan, so it is necessary to have a margin in capacity. In addition, since the charging characteristics vary depending on the battery temperature, there are various constraint conditions such as considering the temperature coefficient in the charging voltage to avoid undercharging or overcharging. When designing a device using a lead-acid battery or a lithium battery for cycle applications, a configuration plan for the power storage device is determined considering various constraint conditions and proposed to the customer.

[0014] However, in order to consider various constraint conditions, it may be necessary to read values from the battery characteristic curve or the calculation itself may become complicated. Therefore, even if the required specifications are obtained from the customer, it is difficult for the sales department to handle them, and it is necessary to consider the configuration plan in the technical department. This may give the customer an impression of slow response and there is a risk of decreasing customer satisfaction. From the perspective of the battery manufacturer, there is a possibility of losing business opportunities. Even for technical personnel, knowledge of the storage battery is required to execute the calculation, and if the knowledge is shallow, there is a possibility of not reaching the final configuration plan.

[0015] When the system is configured based on the rated capacity without considering various constraint conditions of the battery, the calculation becomes relatively easy. In a system that requires a high discharge rate, since the actual capacity of the battery is smaller than the rated capacity, in order to meet the required specifications, a device with a larger scale than the configuration calculated based on the rated capacity is required. When comparing the configuration plan calculated based on the rated capacity with the configuration plan considering various constraint conditions, the former configuration plan is more advantageous in terms of price. On the other hand, there is a possibility that the former configuration plan cannot meet the required specifications. The battery manufacturer presenting the latter configuration plan may lose orders if it cannot point this out appropriately.

[0016] The information output device of the present disclosure includes a reception unit that receives an input of required specifications regarding a power storage device to be designed, a generation unit that generates a configuration plan of the power storage device including the number of power storage cells to be mounted on the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells based on a part of the conditions included in the received required specifications, an evaluation unit that evaluates whether the generated configuration plan satisfies the required specifications, an update unit that updates the configuration plan according to the evaluation result of the evaluation unit and causes the evaluation unit to evaluate the updated configuration plan, and an output unit that outputs information on the configuration plan evaluated by the evaluation unit as satisfying the required specifications.

[0017] The required specifications of the customer received by the reception unit include information on the power storage cells used in the power storage device, information on the inverter voltage, discharge specifications (discharge capacity, discharge output, discharge time, etc.), environmental temperature, number of cycles, required life, etc. The configuration plan generated by the generation unit includes the number and arrangement of the power storage cells to be mounted on the power storage device. The number and arrangement of the power storage cells are determined by the number of series-connected and parallel-connected power storage cells, and may include temporarily set values at the initial stage of the calculation. The generated configuration plan is evaluated by the evaluation unit and updated according to the evaluation result. Information on the configuration plan evaluated as satisfying the customer's required specifications is output from the output unit.

[0018] With the above configuration, the information output device outputs a proposed configuration for an energy storage device that satisfies the customer's requirements once those requirements are input. Therefore, operators can operate it regardless of their knowledge level, and as soon as they receive the requirements, they can have the information output device perform calculations to present the customer with a proposed configuration for an energy storage device that meets those requirements.

[0019] The configuration proposals output by the information output device are based on actual capacity considering various constraints, and therefore may require more energy storage cells than configuration proposals calculated using rated capacity. However, by outputting not only the final configuration proposal but also the calculation process, it is possible to prove to the customer that the optimal configuration proposal has been presented. Therefore, even if it is disadvantageous in terms of price, the likelihood of the configuration proposal presented by the information output device disclosed in this disclosure being adopted increases.

[0020] Furthermore, even in applications that place a high load on the battery, such as cyclic discharge, the required specifications can be satisfied by appropriately considering various constraints. This ensures that the battery delivers the necessary performance over its required lifespan, even in cyclic applications, giving customers the impression of high product quality.

[0021] The aforementioned requirements may include the voltage and discharge specifications of the power discharged from the energy storage device, which are converted by an inverter in the power supply system. With this configuration, the number of energy storage cells in series can be calculated from the inverter voltage, which is one of the conditions of the requirements, and the actual capacity can be calculated from the discharge specifications.

[0022] The generation unit may generate the proposed configuration by calculating the number of series connections of the energy storage cells and provisionally setting the number of parallel connections of the energy storage cells, based on the voltage converted by the inverter in the power supply system and the specifications of the energy storage cells, with respect to the power discharged from the energy storage device. In this configuration, the number of series connections of the energy storage cells is calculated from the required specifications. On the other hand, the initial number of parallel connections is provisionally set.

[0023] The evaluation unit may calculate the required number of series and parallel connections of energy storage cells from the discharge specifications of the energy storage device, and evaluate whether the proposed configuration satisfies the requirements based on whether the calculated number of parallel connections matches the provisionally set number of parallel connections. With this configuration, whether the requirements are satisfied is evaluated based on whether the number of parallel connections calculated from the requirements matches the provisionally set number of parallel connections.

[0024] The evaluation unit may derive the maximum allowable discharge time from the discharge current calculated based on the proposed configuration, and evaluate whether the proposed configuration satisfies the required specifications based on whether the derived maximum allowable discharge time satisfies the discharge time given as the discharge specification. The maximum allowable discharge time is the dischargeable time of the energy storage device (i.e., the time required to discharge from full charge to discharge termination voltage) calculated considering the depth of discharge. If the dischargeable time is T and the depth of discharge is 50%, the maximum allowable discharge time is calculated as T / 2. According to the above configuration, the maximum allowable discharge time considering the required depth of discharge can be derived, and if the derived maximum allowable discharge time is longer than the discharge time requested by the customer, it can be evaluated as satisfying the customer specifications.

[0025] The update unit may change the provisionally set number of parallel connections if the evaluation unit determines that the proposed configuration does not satisfy the required specifications. With this configuration, the number of parallel connections of the energy storage cells can be sequentially changed to derive a proposed configuration for an energy storage device that satisfies the customer's required specifications.

[0026] The system may also include a display unit that shows a reception screen for receiving the aforementioned requirements specifications. With this configuration, a proposed configuration for the energy storage device can be presented during meetings with the customer.

[0027] The information output method disclosed herein involves receiving input requirements specifications for a power storage device to be designed, generating a proposed configuration for the power storage device, including the number of power storage cells to be installed in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells, based on some of the conditions included in the received requirements specifications, evaluating whether the generated configuration satisfies the requirements specifications, updating the configuration according to the evaluation result, and outputting information on the configuration evaluated as satisfying the requirements specifications. This configuration makes it possible to present a proposed configuration for a power storage device that satisfies customer requirements while taking into account the constraints on the power storage device.

[0028] The computer program of this disclosure receives input requirements specifications for a power storage device to be designed, generates a proposed configuration of the power storage device, including the number of power storage cells to be installed in the power storage device and the arrangement of the power storage cells, based on some of the conditions included in the received requirements specifications, evaluates whether the generated configuration satisfies the requirements specifications, updates the configuration according to the evaluation result, and outputs information on the configuration that was evaluated as satisfying the requirements specifications. With this configuration, it is possible to present a proposed configuration of a power storage device that satisfies customer requirements while taking into account the constraints of the power storage device.

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings illustrating its embodiments. (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment. The power supply system 1 according to the embodiment comprises a power storage device 10, a power conditioner 20, a generator 30, and a load 40. The power storage device 10 is connected to the generator 30 and the load 40 via the power conditioner 20. The generator 30 is a power supply source such as a solar cell or a wind turbine. The load 40 is various devices and facilities that operate using electricity supplied from the power storage device 10 or the generator 30. Alternatively, the load 40 may be a power source for a vehicle that runs on electricity supplied by the power storage device 10 or the generator 30, or a power source for an aircraft that flies.

[0030] If the voltage input from the generator 30 is an AC voltage, the power conditioner 20 is equipped with a converter that converts the AC voltage to a DC voltage. In this case, the power conditioner 20 supplies the DC power corresponding to the DC voltage converted by the converter to the energy storage device 10 and the load 40. If the voltage input from the generator 30 is a DC voltage, the power conditioner 20 only needs to supply the DC power corresponding to the input DC voltage to the energy storage device 10. The energy storage device 10 stores the DC power supplied through the power conditioner 20. The power conditioner 20 is equipped with an inverter for converting the DC voltage input from the energy storage device 10 to an AC voltage. The power conditioner 20 supplies the AC power corresponding to the AC voltage converted by the inverter to the load 40.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the energy storage device 10. The energy storage device 10 comprises K banks 100 (where K is an integer of 1 or more) connected in parallel. For mobile applications, one end of each bank 100 is connected to a power conditioner 20 via a power line, and the other end is grounded. For stationary applications, the other end of each bank 100 does not need to be grounded. Each bank 100 comprises a charge / discharge circuit 110 and L energy storage cells 120 (where L is an integer of 1 or more) connected in series. The energy storage cells 120 are, for example, lead-acid batteries. The total number of energy storage cells 120 in this energy storage device 10 is K × L (K for parallel connections, L for series connections). The charge / discharge circuit 110 includes a switch or circuit breaker, and the charging and discharging of each energy storage cell 120 is controlled by switching the switch or circuit breaker on or off.

[0032] The configuration of the energy storage device 10, including the total number of energy storage cells 120, the number of parallel connections, and the number of series connections, is created according to the customer's requirements. In this embodiment, the configuration of the energy storage device 10 is created using the computing device 50 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. More specifically, the computing device 50 receives the customer's requirements regarding the energy storage device 10 to be designed, and generates a configuration of the energy storage device 10 that satisfies the received requirements.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the arithmetic unit 50. The arithmetic unit 50 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer such as a tablet terminal, smartphone, personal computer, or server device. The arithmetic unit 50 includes, for example, a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an operation unit 54, and a display unit 55.

[0034] The control unit 51 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU in the control unit 51 loads various computer programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 52 onto the RAM and executes them, thereby enabling the entire device to function as the information output device of this invention.

[0035] Alternatively, the control unit 51 may be any processing circuit or arithmetic circuit comprising multiple CPUs, multi-core CPUs, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), microcontrollers, volatile or non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 51 may also include functions such as a timer for measuring the elapsed time from the time a measurement start instruction is given until a measurement end instruction is given, a counter for counting numbers, and a clock for outputting date and time information.

[0036] The storage unit 52 includes a storage device such as flash memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 52 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 51, as well as data necessary for the execution of these computer programs. One of the computer programs stored in the storage unit 52 is a calculation program PG1 that causes the control unit 51 to execute a process to generate a configuration proposal for the energy storage device 10 that conforms to the customer's requirements and to output information about the generated configuration proposal. The calculation program PG1 may be a single computer program or a group of programs constructed from multiple computer programs. The calculation program PG1 may partially utilize existing libraries or simulators.

[0037] The computer program, including the arithmetic program PG1, is provided on a non-temporary recording medium (program product) RM on which the computer program is recorded in a readable format. The recording medium RM is, for example, a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) card, microSD card, or CompactFlash®. The control unit 51 reads the computer program from the recording medium RM using a reading device (not shown) and installs the read computer program into the storage unit 52. Alternatively, the computer program, including the arithmetic program PG1, may be provided via communication. In this case, the control unit 51 acquires the computer program, including the arithmetic program PG1, via communication through the communication unit 53 and installs the acquired computer program into the storage unit 52.

[0038] The communication unit 53 is equipped with a communication interface for sending and receiving various types of data. The communication interface provided by the communication unit 53 is, for example, a communication interface conforming to the LAN communication standards used in WiFi (registered trademark) and Ethernet (registered trademark). When the communication unit 53 receives input from the control unit 51 for data to be sent, it sends the data to the specified destination. When the communication unit 53 receives data sent from an external device, it outputs the received data to the control unit 51.

[0039] The operation unit 54 is equipped with operating devices such as a touch panel, keyboard, and switches, and accepts various operations and data inputs from the user. The control unit 51 performs appropriate control based on the various operation information provided by the operation unit 54, and stores the input data in the storage unit 52 as needed.

[0040] The display unit 55 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 55 displays information to be notified to the user in response to instructions from the control unit 51. The display unit 55 may be read as a notification unit and may also be a means of notifying the user by other means such as voice. The following description will describe an example in which the display unit 55 is included, but if the display unit 55 is read as a notification unit that notifies the user by other means, the user will be notified in a manner appropriate to the notification means of the notification unit, the flowchart described below will proceed, and similar results and effects will be obtained. The reading of the display unit 55 as a notification unit is also applicable to embodiments other than Embodiment 1.

[0041] The arithmetic unit 50 may be configured to accept operations via an externally connected computer and output information to be notified to the external computer. In this case, the arithmetic unit 50 does not need to have an operation unit 54 and a display unit 55.

[0042] In this embodiment, the arithmetic unit 50 may be a single computer, or it may be a computer system composed of multiple computers and peripheral devices. Alternatively, the arithmetic unit 50 may be a virtual machine with a virtualized entity, or it may be a cloud.

[0043] The operation of the arithmetic unit 50 will be described below. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed by the arithmetic unit 50. The control unit 51 of the arithmetic unit 50 reads and executes the arithmetic program PG1 stored in the storage unit 52, thereby performing the following processing.

[0044] The control unit 51 generates an input screen for receiving the customer's required specifications for the energy storage device 10 and displays it on the display unit 55 (step S101). The control unit 51 receives the customer's required specifications through the input screen displayed on the display unit 55 (step S102).

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input screen for receiving customer requirements. The input screen 510 shown in Figure 5 includes a selection field 511 for selecting the type of energy storage cell 120. The selection field 511 is, for example, a pull-down menu type selection field. The sales representative (or customer) operates the operation unit 54 of the calculation unit 50 to select the desired type of energy storage cell 120 from the pull-down menu type selection field 511. Once a type is selected in the selection field 511, the control unit 51 reads the specifications of the corresponding energy storage cell 120 from the datasheet stored in the storage unit 52 and displays them in the display field 512. The specifications of the energy storage cell 120 include information such as rated capacity, nominal voltage, normal voltage, and equalizing voltage.

[0046] The input screen 510 includes an input field 513 for receiving customer requirements. The input field 513 accepts information such as the maximum and minimum voltage of the inverter, the discharge capacity of the load, the discharge output and discharge time, the ambient temperature, the number of cycles, and the required lifespan. The sales representative (or customer) operates the operation unit 54 of the calculation unit 50 to input the information related to the requirements.

[0047] The control unit 51 receives the customer's requirements through an input screen 510 as shown in Figure 5, and then executes the processes from step S103 onward to create a configuration plan for the energy storage device 10.

[0048] The control unit 51 refers to the requirements received in step S102 and calculates the charging voltage from the ambient temperature (step S103). The terminal voltage in the energy storage cell 120 is expressed as V = E + Ir, where V is the terminal voltage, E is the electromotive force, I is the charging current, and r is the internal resistance. In a lead-acid battery, at low temperatures, the chemical reaction of the internal electrolyte slows down, so the internal resistance increases and the terminal voltage rises. In step S103, the control unit 51 calculates the charging voltage according to the ambient temperature.

[0049] The control unit 51 calculates the number of series connections of the energy storage cells 120 from the inverter voltage (step S104). Here, the control unit 51 calculates the number of energy storage cells 120 connected in series in one bank 100 (=L). For example, the control unit 51 uses the equalization charging voltage of the energy storage cells 120 (=V3) obtained from the datasheet and the maximum voltage of the inverter (=V4) to calculate the number of series connections of the energy storage cells 120 from V4 / V3.

[0050] Since the number of parallel connections (=K) for the energy storage cells 120 is not yet determined, the control unit 51 temporarily sets the number of parallel connections to 1 (step S105).

[0051] The control unit 51 calculates the required battery capacity from the requirements specifications (step S106) and calculates the discharge current (step S107). The discharge capacity, discharge time, and discharge voltage required by the customer are determined by the requirements specifications. However, it is known that in lead-acid batteries, the expected lifespan of the energy storage cell 120 changes depending on the depth of discharge, and the discharge capacity changes depending on the ambient temperature and discharge rate. The battery capacity and discharge current of the energy storage device 10 used at the customer's site are calculated taking these factors into consideration.

[0052] Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between discharge depth and expected lifespan. The horizontal axis of the graph represents discharge depth (%), and the vertical axis represents expected lifespan (cycles). Based on the requirements, the number of cycles and lifespan required for the energy storage device 10 are, for example, M1 cycles / year and i3 years (expected lifespan = M1 × i3 cycles), respectively. By referring to the graph in Figure 6, the operating range of discharge depth necessary to satisfy the expected lifespan can be determined.

[0053] Figure 7 is a graph showing the relationship between ambient temperature and discharge capacity for different discharge rates. The horizontal axis of the graph represents ambient temperature (°C), and the vertical axis represents discharge capacity (%). Here, I10 represents the 10-hour rate current. From the graph in Figure 7, it can be seen that the discharge capacity changes depending on the ambient temperature and discharge current.

[0054] The control unit 51 calculates the battery capacity and discharge current required at the customer's site of use by referring to graphs such as those shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, based on the discharge current and required lifespan given as requirements. The calculation unit 50 may have the graphs shown in Figures 6 and 7 as tables, or as functions or libraries. Once the discharge current is calculated, the termination voltage is determined based on the diagram showing the relationship between the discharge current and termination voltage shown in Figure 8.

[0055] The control unit 51 calculates the discharge time, actual cell capacity, required number of cells, and required number of parallel connections based on the discharge current calculated in step S107 (step S108). Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship between discharge current and discharge time. Both the horizontal and vertical axes of the graph are logarithmic, with the horizontal axis representing the discharge current (×10A) and the vertical axis representing the discharge time (minutes). The control unit 51 can calculate the discharge time based on the discharge current calculated in step S107 by referring to the discharge current / discharge time characteristics shown in the graph of Figure 9. The discharge time shown on the vertical axis of the graph in Figure 9 represents the time when discharged to the cutoff voltage (dischargeable time). The discharge time when operating at a discharge depth of discharge (DOD) of 50% (maximum allowable discharge time) is half the dischargeable time. Based on the discharge current calculated in step S107 and the allowable minimum voltage of the energy storage cell 120, the discharge time can be read from the graph of Figure 9. The arithmetic unit 50 may include the graph shown in Figure 9 as a table, or it may include it as a function or library.

[0056] The actual capacity of the energy storage cell 120 is calculated based on the discharge current calculated in step S107 and the discharge time calculated in step S108. Furthermore, the required number of series connections (required number of cells) and parallel connections (required number of parallel connections) of the energy storage cells 120 are calculated based on the actual capacity of the energy storage cell 120.

[0057] The control unit 51 determines whether the calculated discharge time satisfies the requirements and whether the calculated required number of parallel connections is the same as the provisionally set value (step S109). Specifically, the control unit 51 determines whether the maximum allowable discharge time calculated in step S108 satisfies the discharge time included in the customer's required specifications. For example, if the maximum allowable discharge time calculated in step S108 is tx, and the discharge time included in the customer's required specifications is t1, and the maximum allowable discharge time tx is longer than the discharge time t1 included in the required specifications, then it is determined that the requirements are met. Furthermore, since the provisionally set number of parallel connections in step S105 is 1, if the required number of parallel connections calculated in step S108 is 1, it is determined that they are the same, and if the required number of parallel connections calculated in step S108 is 2 or more, it is determined that they are not the same.

[0058] If the control unit 51 determines that the calculated discharge time does not meet the requirements, or if it determines that the calculated required number of parallel connections is not the same as the provisionally set value (S109: NO), it increases the provisionally set number of parallel connections by 1 (step S110) and returns the process to step S106.

[0059] If the control unit 51 determines that the calculated discharge time satisfies the requirement and that the calculated required number of parallel connections is the same as the provisionally set value (S109: YES), it outputs a configuration proposal for the energy storage device 10 (step S111). Specifically, the control unit 51 displays the information of the calculated configuration proposal on the display unit 55. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may notify the customer's terminal by transmitting the information of the calculated configuration proposal from the communication unit 53.

[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an output screen for displaying a configuration plan for the energy storage device 10. The configuration plan displayed on the output screen 520 includes, for example, the number of series and parallel connections of the energy storage cells 120. The number of series connections is the total number (=L) of energy storage cells 120 connected in series in one bank 100, and the number of parallel connections is equal to the number of banks 100 installed in the energy storage device 10.

[0061] The configuration proposal may further include information such as the capacity of the energy storage device 10, charging voltage, discharge voltage, discharge current, discharge time, and cycle life. In the example in Figure 10, the capacity of the energy storage device 10 includes BOL capacity (BOL: Beginning of Life) and EOL capacity (EOL: End of Life). In this embodiment, the BOL capacity means that when the required discharge is performed at the beginning of the life cycle, it will be equivalent to d1% of the DOD, and the EOL capacity means that when the required discharge is performed at the end of the life cycle, it will be equivalent to d2% of the DOD.

[0062] In the example in Figure 10, the charging voltage of the energy storage device 10 includes the maximum voltage during normal charging and the maximum voltage during equalization charging. Furthermore, the discharge voltage of the energy storage device 10 includes the nominal voltage, the discharge termination voltage, and the discharge start voltage. The nominal voltage and the discharge termination voltage are the nominal voltage of the energy storage cell 120 multiplied by the number of cells in series. The discharge termination voltage is the voltage when discharged at 100% DOD. Discharging at 100% DOD is not recommended from the perspective of life degradation, but it may be done as an exception in emergencies. However, if the discharge termination voltage is below the minimum voltage of the inverter, the operating conditions are not met, and operation at 100% DOD is not possible.

[0063] The discharge current and discharge time (dischargeable time and maximum allowable discharge time) are calculated as described above and displayed on the output screen 520. The cycle life is derived, for example, from the characteristics shown in Figure 6. When converted using DOD (=d2%) at EOL, the cycle life is z cycles.

[0064] As described above, in Embodiment 1, by receiving the customer's required specifications in the computing unit 50, it is possible to present a configuration proposal for the energy storage device 10 that satisfies the required specifications while taking into account the constraints of the energy storage device 10.

[0065] (Embodiment 2) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed by the arithmetic unit 50 according to Embodiment 2. The arithmetic unit 50 according to Embodiment 2 outputs not only the final configuration proposal but also the configuration proposals obtained as part of the calculation process. The configuration of the arithmetic unit 50 and the configuration of the energy storage device 10 to be designed are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0066] The control unit 51 of the arithmetic unit 50 executes processing in the same procedure as steps S101 to S108 of the flowchart shown in Figure 4, and calculates the information necessary for the configuration of the energy storage device 10. After calculating the discharge time, actual cell capacity, required number of cells, and required number of parallel connections in step S108, the control unit 51 outputs the configuration from the calculation process (step S120). Here, information such as the capacity of the energy storage device 10, charging voltage, discharge voltage, discharge current, discharge time, and cycle life calculated based on the provisionally set number of parallel connections is displayed on the display unit 55. An example of the output is the same as in Figure 10. Alternatively, the configuration from the calculation process may be notified to the customer's terminal via the communication unit 53.

[0067] In step S109, the control unit 51 determines whether the calculated discharge time satisfies the requirement and whether the calculated required number of parallel connections is the same as the provisionally set value. If it determines that the calculated discharge time does not satisfy the requirement, or if it determines that the calculated required number of parallel connections is not the same as the provisionally set value (S109: NO), the provisionally set number of parallel connections is increased by 1 (step S110), and the process returns to step S106. As a result, each time the number of parallel connections is increased by 1, the proposed configuration of the energy storage device 10 obtained during the calculation process (i.e., the proposed configuration updated according to the number of parallel connections) is output from the display unit 55 or the communication unit 53.

[0068] If the calculated discharge time is determined to satisfy the requirements and the calculated required number of parallel connections is the same as the provisionally set value (S109: YES), the control unit 51 terminates the processing according to this flowchart. In this case, the immediately preceding configuration is output as the final configuration from the display unit 55 or the communication unit 53.

[0069] As described above, in Embodiment 2, not only the final configuration but also the configuration obtained during the calculation process is presented to the customer, so that the customer can see that calculations that take into account the various constraints of the energy storage device 10 are actually being performed. Based on the various constraints of the energy storage device 10, the configuration that takes into account the actual capacity is expected to require more batteries (i.e., be more expensive) than the configuration calculated using the rated capacity, but since the number of series and parallel connections corresponding to the actual capacity is shown during the calculation process, the reliability of the final configuration can be appealed to the customer.

[0070] In Embodiment 2, the configuration is set up so that the proposed configuration is output each time the number of parallel connections is updated. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may output values ​​such as the number of series connections, the number of parallel connections, capacity, charging voltage, discharging voltage, discharge current, discharge time, and cycle life of the energy storage device 10 from the display unit 55 or the communication unit 53 each time it is calculated.

[0071] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 describes an example of application to lithium-ion batteries. The configuration of the arithmetic unit 50 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so its description will be omitted.

[0072] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing steps executed by the arithmetic unit 50 according to Embodiment 3. The control unit 51 of the arithmetic unit 50 according to Embodiment 3 displays a selection screen (not shown) on the display unit 55 and accepts the selection of the application of the energy storage device 10 on the displayed selection screen (step S301). In Embodiment 3, the energy storage device 10 comprises K banks 100 (K is an integer of 1 or more) connected in parallel. Each bank 100 comprises a charge / discharge circuit 110 and M energy storage modules (M is an integer of 1 or more) connected in series. Each energy storage module comprises N energy storage cells 120 (N is an integer of 1 or more) connected in series. In Embodiment 3, the energy storage cells 120 are lithium-ion batteries. In step S301, the control unit 51 accepts either the application for a DC load or the application for a non-DC load.

[0073] The control unit 51 accepts the input of the required specifications according to the selected application (step S302). The control unit 51 displays an input screen (not shown) according to the application on the display unit 55 and accepts the input of the required specifications on the displayed input screen. For example, if an application for a DC load is selected, the control unit 51 accepts information such as load pattern, ambient temperature, minimum temperature, battery type, cell voltage range, and expected lifespan as required specifications. On the other hand, if an application other than a DC load is selected, the control unit 51 accepts information such as inverter / UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) capacity, inverse conversion efficiency, load power factor, load voltage range, ambient temperature, minimum temperature, discharge time, discharge frequency, battery type, cell voltage range, required lifespan, battery panel type, and battery panel height as required specifications.

[0074] The control unit 51 derives a proposed configuration for the energy storage device 10 based on the received requirements (step S303). Similar to Embodiment 1, the control unit 51 calculates the number of series connections from the requirements and tentatively sets the number of parallel connections. The control unit 51 calculates the necessary battery configuration while updating the tentatively set number of parallel connections, taking into account the requirements, maintenance factor, and K value. If the application is not a DC load, the configuration of the battery panel may be calculated together with the battery configuration. If there is an upper limit on the number of energy storage cells 120 that can be monitored within one energy storage module, the control unit 51 may calculate the number of energy storage modules to be installed in one bank 100 (=M) and the number of energy storage cells 120 to be installed in each energy storage module (=N) based on that upper limit.

[0075] The control unit 51 outputs the proposed configuration for the energy storage device 10 derived in step S303 (step S304). Specifically, the control unit 51 displays the calculated configuration information on the display unit 55. Alternatively, the control unit 51 may notify the customer's terminal by transmitting the calculated configuration information from the communication unit 53.

[0076] As described above, in Embodiment 3, a configuration proposal can be presented to the customer regarding the energy storage device 10 which is equipped with a lithium-ion battery as an energy storage cell 120.

[0077] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and includes all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0078] For example, in the embodiments described above, lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries were used as examples, but the invention is not limited to these, and can be applied to other batteries, energy-storable media, energy-storable media, etc.

[0079] The independent and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the form of reference. Furthermore, while the claims use a multi-claim format in which claims refer to two or more other claims (multi-claim format), this is not the only option. A multi-claim format in which at least one multi-claim is referenced (multi-multi-claim format) may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 Energy storage device 50 Arithmetic unit 51 Control Unit 52 Storage section 53 Communications Department 54 Control section 55 Display section

Claims

1. A reception unit that accepts input of requirements specifications for the energy storage device to be designed, A generation unit generates a configuration proposal for the energy storage device, including the number of energy storage cells to be installed in the energy storage device and the arrangement of the energy storage cells, based on some of the conditions included in the received requirements specification. An evaluation unit that evaluates whether the generated configuration satisfies the requirements specification, An update unit updates the proposed configuration according to the evaluation results of the evaluation unit and has the evaluation unit evaluate the updated configuration; An output unit that outputs information on a proposed configuration that has been evaluated by the evaluation unit as satisfying the requirements specification. An information output device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned requirements include the voltage and discharge specifications for the power discharged from the energy storage device, which are converted by an inverter in the power supply system. The information output device according to claim 1.

3. The generation unit calculates the number of series connections of the energy storage cells and provisionally sets the number of parallel connections of the energy storage cells based on the voltage converted by the inverter in the power supply system and the specifications of the energy storage cells, with respect to the power discharged from the energy storage device, thereby generating the proposed configuration. The information output device according to claim 2.

4. The evaluation unit calculates the required number of series and parallel storage cells from the discharge specifications of the energy storage device, and evaluates whether the proposed configuration satisfies the required specifications based on whether the calculated number of parallel cells matches the provisionally set number of parallel cells. An information output device according to claim 3.

5. The evaluation unit derives the maximum allowable discharge time from the discharge current calculated based on the proposed configuration, and evaluates whether the proposed configuration satisfies the required specifications based on whether the derived maximum allowable discharge time satisfies the discharge time given as the discharge specification. An information output device according to claim 3.

6. If the evaluation unit determines that the proposed configuration does not satisfy the requirements, the update unit changes the provisionally set number of parallel processes. An information output device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. Display unit for displaying a reception screen for receiving input of the aforementioned requirements specifications. Equipped with The information output device according to claim 1.

8. We accept input of the requirements specifications for the energy storage device to be designed. Based on some of the conditions included in the received requirements specification, a configuration proposal for the energy storage device is generated, including the number of energy storage cells to be installed in the energy storage device and the arrangement of said energy storage cells. We evaluate whether the generated configuration satisfies the requirements specification. The proposed configuration will be updated according to the evaluation results. Output information on the proposed configurations that were evaluated as satisfying the aforementioned requirements. A method for outputting information that is processed by a computer.

9. On the computer, We accept input of the requirements specifications for the energy storage device to be designed. Based on some of the conditions included in the received requirements specification, a configuration proposal for the energy storage device is generated, including the number of energy storage cells to be installed in the energy storage device and the arrangement of said energy storage cells. We evaluate whether the generated configuration satisfies the requirements specification. The proposed configuration will be updated according to the evaluation results. Output information on the proposed configurations that were evaluated as satisfying the aforementioned requirements. A computer program that causes a computer to perform a process.

Images