Power device, method for controlling a power device, computer program, and readable storage medium

Abstract

To provide a power device, a control method for a power device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium that can further improve the efficiency of the electrical circuits of a power device, including AC / DC inverters. [Solution] The system comprises an external power connection unit 4, a power storage unit 3, a first power conversion unit 66, a second power conversion unit 61, and a control unit 64. The control unit 64, based on first operating information including at least one of the current actual operating level or the future predicted operating level of the first power conversion unit 66, (i) Determine the number of operating units out of the multiple second power conversion units 61. and / or (ii) A power device that determines the number of non-operating units among the multiple second power conversion units 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power device, a control method for a power device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a service is known that lends out power storage devices provided in a battery station serving as a power device to users. A power storage device lent out from a battery swapping station is used by a user, and after use, the user returns it to the battery swapping station, where it is charged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For charging the power storage devices, AC power is supplied from a 100V AC commercial power source to the battery swapping station, and at the battery swapping station, power converted from AC to DC by an AC / DC inverter is used.

[0005] In the charging of power storage devices at a battery swapping station, a plurality of power storage devices are charged, but the number of power storage devices being charged at the same time varies from moment to moment. For this reason, when the number of power storage devices being charged simultaneously is small, power is wasted due to unnecessary conversion of power from AC to DC even though the power charged to the power storage devices is low. Accordingly, further improvement in the efficiency of the electric circuit of the battery swapping station, including the AC / DC inverter, has been required.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a power device, a control method for a power device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium that can further improve the efficiency of the electrical circuits of the power device, including AC / DC inverters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) An external power supply connection unit (e.g., an external power supply connection unit 4 described later) electrically connected to an external power supply (e.g., an external power supply 500 described later), a power storage unit (e.g., a battery 3 described later) for storing power, a first power conversion unit (e.g., a charging DC / DC converter 66 described later) provided on a power transmission path (e.g., a power transmission path 6 described later) electrically connecting the external power supply connection unit and the power storage unit, a plurality of second power conversion units (e.g., AC / DC converters 61 described later) provided on the power transmission path at a position closer to the external power supply connection unit than the first power conversion unit and at a position electrically parallel to one another, and a control unit (e.g., a control board 64 described later) for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, wherein the control unit provides first operating information including at least one of the current actual operating level or the future predicted operating level of the first power conversion unit, (i) Determine the number of the multiple second power conversion units that will be in operation. and / or (ii) A power device that determines the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units (for example, the battery exchange machine 1 described later).

[0008] According to (1) above, for example, when the output power of multiple second power converters is low, it becomes possible to operate only a minimum number of second power converters instead of operating all of them. As a result, the operating second power converters can be used with output power that can be converted with high efficiency, and as a result, it becomes possible to use the battery exchange machine as a power device, including the second power converters.

[0009] (2) The power device according to (1), wherein the energy storage unit is configured to be replaceable with respect to the power transmission path.

[0010] According to (2) above, it becomes possible to replace a fully charged energy storage unit with an uncharged energy storage unit, and in the power device, the number of operating first power conversion units that convert the power supplied to the energy storage units into DC power can be determined by taking into account the number of uncharged energy storage units.

[0011] (3) The power device according to (1) or (2), wherein the first power conversion unit is composed of a DC / DC converter.

[0012] According to (3) above, the number of DC / DC converters that convert the power supplied to the energy storage units can be determined in accordance with the number of uncharged energy storage units.

[0013] (4) The power device described in (1) to (3), wherein the second power conversion unit is composed of an AC / DC inverter.

[0014] According to (4) above, by considering the output power and conversion efficiency of the AC / DC inverter, it becomes possible to convert power with high efficiency.

[0015] (5) The power device described in (1) to (4), wherein the current actual operating rate of the first power converter is the actual operating number which is the current number of operating units of the first power converter, and the future predicted operating rate of the first power converter is the future predicted number of operating units of the first power converter.

[0016] According to (5) above, it is possible to determine the number of second power converters to be operated (operating number) from among the multiple second power converters using the actual number of first power converters in operation. Furthermore, even if it is not possible to use such actual operating numbers, it is possible to determine the number of second power converters to be operated (operating number) from among the multiple second power converters using future operating levels.

[0017] (6) The power device according to (1) to (5), wherein the predicted future operating rate of the first power conversion unit is predetermined for each predetermined time period in a day.

[0018] According to the above (6), it is possible to determine the number of units to be operated (the number of operating units) among the plurality of second power conversion units for each predetermined time zone in a day.

[0019] (7) The control unit is further based on second operation information including at least one of the current actual operation degree or the future predicted operation degree of an internal load (for example, the internal resistance of the battery exchanger 1 described later) that is electrically connected to at least one of the external power supply connection unit or the power storage unit, (i) determining the number of operating units and / or (ii) determining the number of non-operating units, the power device according to any one of (1) to (6).

[0020] According to the above (7), the converted DC power from the plurality of second power conversion units is also used for the internal load, and it is possible to determine the number of operating first power conversion units by taking into consideration the power consumed by the internal load as well. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of the plurality of second power conversion units can be further improved.

[0021] (8) The power device according to (7), wherein the internal load is a load related to electric driving of the power device when power is stored in the power storage unit.

[0022] According to the above (8), it is possible to determine the number of operating first power conversion units by taking into consideration the power consumed by the internal load related to electric driving of the power device. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of the plurality of second power conversion units can be improved with higher accuracy.

[0023] (9) The first power conversion unit includes a plurality of the first power conversion units provided at positions electrically parallel to each other, wherein the current actual operation degree of the first power conversion unit is determined based on the current number of operating units among the plurality of first power conversion units, or the future predicted operation degree of the first power conversion unit is determined based on the future predicted number of operating units among the plurality of first power conversion units, the power device according to any one of (1) to (8).

[0024] According to the above (9), it is possible to use the actual operation degree based on the number of operating units among the plurality of first power conversion units and the future predicted operation degree, so that it is possible to determine the number of units to be operated (the number of operating units) among the plurality of second power conversion units in units of the number of the first power conversion units.

[0025] (10) The power device according to (9), wherein the power storage unit is electrically connected one-to-one to each of the plurality of first power conversion units.

[0026] According to the above (10), it is possible to predict the number of operating units of the plurality of first power conversion units based on the state of charge of the power storage unit.

[0027] (11) An external power supply connection unit (for example, an external power supply connection unit 4 described later) electrically connected to an external power supply (for example, an external power supply 500 described later), a power storage unit (for example, a battery 3 described later) that stores electric power, and a power transmission path (for example, a power transmission path 6 described later) that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the power storage unit, and a plurality of second power conversion units (for example, an AC / DC converter 61 described later) provided at positions electrically parallel to each other, and a control unit (for example, a control board 64 described later) that controls the plurality of second power conversion units, wherein the control unit is based on third operation information including at least one of the total current actual operation degree of the plurality of second power conversion units or the total future predicted operation degree of the plurality of second power conversion units, (i) determining the number of operating units to be operated among the plurality of second power conversion units and / or (ii) A power device that determines the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units (for example, the battery exchange machine 1 described later).

[0028] According to (11) above, it is possible to determine the number of operating and non-operating units among the multiple second power conversion units without considering the operating status of the first power conversion unit or the internal resistance of the power device.

[0029] (12) A control method for a power device comprising: an external power connection unit (e.g., an external power connection unit 4 described later) electrically connected to an external power supply (e.g., an external power supply 500 described later); a power storage unit (e.g., a battery 3 described later) for storing power; a first power conversion unit (e.g., a charging DC / DC converter 66 described later) provided on a power transmission path (e.g., a power transmission path 6 described later) electrically connecting the external power connection unit and the power storage unit; a plurality of second power conversion units (e.g., AC / DC converters 61 described later) arranged on the power transmission path at a position closer to the external power connection unit than the first power conversion unit and at a position electrically parallel to one another; and a control unit (e.g., a control board 64 described later) for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, Based on first operational information including at least one of the current actual operating level or the future predicted operating level of the first power conversion unit, (i) Determine the number of the multiple second power conversion units that will be in operation. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the multiple second power conversion units. A control method for a power device (for example, the battery exchange machine 1 described later) having a process.

[0030] According to (12) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0031] (13) A power device comprising: an external power connection unit (e.g., an external power connection unit 4 described later) electrically connected to an external power supply (e.g., an external power supply 500 described later); a power storage unit (e.g., a battery 3 described later) for storing power; a plurality of second power conversion units (e.g., AC / DC converters 61 described later) provided on a power transmission path (e.g., a power transmission path 6 described later) electrically connecting the external power connection unit and the power storage unit, and positioned in an electrically parallel manner to one another; and a control unit (e.g., a control board 64 described later) for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, wherein the power device comprises: a third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined, or the future predicted operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined, (i) Determine the number of operating units among the multiple second power converters. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units. A control method for a power device having a process.

[0032] According to (13) above, the same effect as in (11) above can be obtained.

[0033] (14) A power device (e.g., battery exchange machine 1 described later) comprising: an external power connection unit (e.g., external power connection unit 4 described later) electrically connected to an external power supply (e.g., external power supply 500 described later); a power storage unit (e.g., battery 3 described later) for storing power; a first power conversion unit (e.g., charging DC / DC converter 66 described later) provided on a power transmission path (e.g., power transmission path 6 described later) electrically connecting the external power connection unit and the power storage unit; a plurality of second power conversion units (e.g., AC / DC converters 61 described later) positioned on the power transmission path closer to the external power connection unit than the first power conversion unit and in positions electrically parallel to each other; and a control unit (e.g., control board 64 described later) for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, the processor constituting the control unit of the power device (e.g., battery exchange machine 1 described later) is configured, in response to a user request, based on first operational information including at least one of the current actual operating degree or future predicted operating degree of the first power conversion unit, (i) Determine the number of the multiple second power conversion units that will be in operation. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the multiple second power conversion units. A computer program that functions as a control unit.

[0034] According to (14) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0035] (15) A processor constituting the control unit of a power device comprising: an external power connection unit (e.g., an external power connection unit 4 described later) electrically connected to an external power supply (e.g., an external power supply 500 described later); a power storage unit (e.g., a battery 3 described later) for storing power; a plurality of second power conversion units (e.g., AC / DC converters 61 described later) provided on a power transmission path (e.g., a power transmission path 6 described later) electrically connecting the external power connection unit and the power storage unit, and positioned in an electrically parallel manner to one another; and a control unit (e.g., a control board 64 described later) for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, is controlled based on third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined, or the future predicted operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined. (i) Determine the number of operating units among the multiple second power converters. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units. A computer program that functions as a control unit.

[0036] According to (15) above, the same effect as in (11) above can be obtained.

[0037] (16) A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in (14) or (15) above.

[0038] According to (16) above, the same effect as in (1) or (11) above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power device, a control method for a power device, a computer program, and a readable storage medium that can further improve the efficiency of the electrical circuit of a power device, including an AC / DC inverter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a battery sharing service system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a battery replacement machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery replacement machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the electrical configuration of a battery exchange machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the electrical configuration of the DC / DC converter for charging a battery exchange machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the second region of a battery replacement machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged perspective view of a second area of ​​a battery replacement machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the state after removing the retaining member shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a disassembled view of a power supply unit. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the control of the control unit of a battery replacement machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This graph shows the efficiency of an AC / DC inverter relative to its output power. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the operating status of a battery exchange machine according to one embodiment, broken down by time period throughout the day. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used to describe each embodiment. Furthermore, in the drawings and this specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same elements.

[0042] <First Embodiment> (Battery sharing service system) Figure 1 shows an example of a battery sharing service system 100 according to the first embodiment. The battery sharing service system 100 includes one or more (for example, multiple) battery exchange stations 200 (in Figure 1, four battery exchange stations 200-1 to 200-4 are shown) and a management server device 300.

[0043] The battery exchange station 200 includes, for example, one or more battery exchangers 1 as power devices (three battery exchangers 1a, 1b, and 1c in Figure 1). At least one of the multiple battery exchangers 1 (battery exchanger 1c in Figure 1) constitutes a station control device 210 as a control unit. The station control device 210 and the battery exchangers 1 can communicate with each other by wire or wireless. The station control device 210 and the battery exchangers 1 may be configured as a single integrated device rather than as separate devices.

[0044] The station control device 210 manages the charging and discharging of battery 3 at battery exchange machine 1, and the receiving and supply of battery 3 (hereinafter referred to as "battery 3 exchange"). Battery 3 is a removable battery that can be attached to and detached from battery exchange machine 1. When a user of electric vehicle 400 uses battery exchange station 200, the station control device 210 provides the user with information for the exchange of battery 3.

[0045] For example, the station control device 210 provides the user with information indicating a battery slot 27 that receives a battery 3 that has been used in an electric vehicle 400 and whose remaining capacity is low, and information indicating a battery slot 27 that houses another battery 3 to be provided in place of the received battery 3. The battery slot 27 houses at least a portion of the battery 3.

[0046] The battery exchange machine 1 stores the batteries 3 by housing them in the battery slots 27. The battery exchange machine 1 is a device that charges, discharges, and replaces batteries 3. The battery exchange machine 1 has one or more battery slots 27. The battery slots 27 are housing sections that can house and charge / discharge batteries 3. The battery slots 27 hold the batteries 3 in a removable manner. In this embodiment shown in Figure 1, one battery exchange machine 1 has 12 battery slots 27, and always has at least 2 empty battery slots 27, and can house up to 10 batteries 3 simultaneously.

[0047] The battery changer 1 can simultaneously charge multiple batteries 3 (for example, up to 10 batteries 3 in this embodiment) housed in multiple battery slots 27. In the following description, "simultaneous charging" is not limited to cases where charging of multiple batteries 3 is started at the same time, but also includes cases where part of the charging time of one battery 3 coincides with part of the charging time of another battery 3 (when the time period when one battery 3 is being charged overlaps with the time period when another battery 3 is being charged).

[0048] The battery exchanger 1 is powered by an external power supply 500. The external power supply 500 is, for example, a 100V AC commercial power supply.

[0049] The battery exchange machine 1 charges the battery 3 received from the user of the electric vehicle 400 in accordance with the control of the station control device 210. When the battery 3 is fully charged, the battery exchange machine 1 sends a notification to the station control device 210 indicating that charging is complete. This allows the station control device 210 to recognize that the battery 3 is available for the user of the electric vehicle 400. The battery exchange machine 1 may also discharge any remaining power in the battery 3.

[0050] The management server device 300 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes one or more of the following: the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), etc. In this embodiment, the management server device 300 communicates with multiple battery swapping stations 200 via the network NW and manages the multiple battery swapping stations 200. For example, the management server device 300 receives information indicating the status of each battery swapping station 200 (hereinafter referred to as "status information") from each battery swapping station 200 and determines the status of each battery swapping station 200 based on the status information.

[0051] The management server device 300 communicates directly or via the network NW with a terminal device T1 used by administrator P1 who manages the battery sharing service system 100, and outputs a predetermined notification regarding the status of the battery exchange station 200 to the terminal device T1. Terminal device T1 is a stationary or notebook personal computer, etc. The management server device 300 also communicates via the network NW with a terminal device T2 used by security personnel P2 who are responsible for maintaining the battery exchange station 200, and outputs a predetermined notification regarding the status of the battery exchange station 200 to the terminal device T2. Terminal device T2 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0052] The electric vehicle 400 is driven by the electric power of an electric motor, which is electrically driven by electricity supplied from the battery 3. However, the electric vehicle 400 may also be a hybrid electric vehicle that is driven by the electric power of a combination of the battery 3 and an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. The electric vehicle 400 includes, for example, a battery connection part (not shown) to which the battery 3 is connected.

[0053] In this embodiment, an electric vehicle 400 is given as an example of where the charged battery 3 is used, but it is not limited to this. The battery exchanger 1 may be capable of charging mobile batteries used for various portable applications.

[0054] (Battery replacement device) (Enclosure) Figure 2 is a perspective view of the battery replacement machine 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery replacement machine 1 according to the embodiment.

[0055] The battery replacement unit 1 comprises a housing 2, a battery 3 as an energy storage unit, an external power connection unit 4, an internal connection unit 5, a power transmission path 6, a power supply unit 7, an upper cover 8, and a front cover 9.

[0056] The housing 2 is formed, for example, in the shape of a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped. Specifically, the housing 2 has a bottom wall 21, a front wall 22 (front panel), a rear wall 23, a left side wall 24, and a right side wall 25. The bottom wall 21 is placed on the floor. The front wall 22, rear wall 23, left side wall 24, and right side wall 25 rise from the front end, rear end, left end, and right end of the bottom wall 21, respectively, and extend vertically. The top surface of the housing 2 is open, and the top surface of the housing 2 is closed or opened by the upper cover 8.

[0057] More specifically, the rear wall 23, the right side wall 25, and the left side wall 24 are at the same height from the floor. The front wall 22 is lower from the floor compared to the rear wall 23, the right side wall 25, and the left side wall 24. The corners 26 located above and in front of the right side wall 25 and the left side wall 24 are formed in an arc shape that curves downwards as it moves forward when viewed from the side of the battery exchange machine 1. This makes it easier for a user standing in front of the front wall 22 to see inside the housing 2 and to perform maintenance on the power supply equipment 72.

[0058] The front wall 22 is provided with a battery replacement port 28, which serves as an opening that exposes the battery slots 27 located inside the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2. In this embodiment, 12 battery slots 27 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows horizontally and 4 rows vertically. The battery 3 is inserted into the battery slots 27 through the battery replacement port 28 and placed inside the housing 2.

[0059] The battery 3 inserted into the battery slot 27 generates heat when charged by the battery changer 1. The front wall 22 and rear wall 23 are provided with a number of intake and exhaust ports (not shown) for ventilating the air that rises due to this heat. The intake and exhaust ports connect the inside and outside of the housing 2. A fan (not shown) may be provided near the intake and exhaust ports. The housing 2 may also have a separate cooling device that discharges cooled air into the housing 2.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the battery slot 27 opens on the front of the battery changer 1. The battery slot 27 is positioned at an angle so that it slopes downward from the front to the back. In other words, the battery opening 28 of the battery slot 27 opens diagonally upward. This allows the user to lean forward when inserting the battery 3 into the battery slot 27. Therefore, it becomes easier to insert the battery 3 into the battery slot 27.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, a front panel 29 and an operation panel 30 integrally formed with the front panel 29 are provided above the battery slot 27 of the front wall 22. The front panel 29 is formed, for example, in a mesh pattern.

[0062] The front panel 29 is positioned opposite the fan 34 (see Figure 3) of the power supply unit 7 in the front-to-back direction, allowing heat generated by the power supply unit 7 to escape. The control panel 30 is integrally mounted on the right end of the front panel 29. The control panel 30 is a device operated by the user. By operating the control panel 30, the user can, for example, make payments.

[0063] (Battery) The battery 3 inserted into the battery slot 27 includes, for example, a battery pack formed by connecting multiple single cells in series. The single cells constituting the battery pack are rechargeable batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), nickel-metal hydride batteries, and all-solid-state batteries. The rechargeable batteries constituting the battery pack can also include, for example, lead-acid batteries, sodium-ion batteries, capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors, or composite batteries that combine rechargeable batteries and capacitors. The configuration of the rechargeable batteries constituting the battery pack is not particularly limited.

[0064] Battery 3 includes a battery pack, a battery unit (BMU), and connectors. The BMU controls the charging and discharging of battery 3, performs cell balancing, detects abnormalities in battery 3, and estimates the state of charge (SOC) of battery 3. The BMU includes a non-volatile memory device that stores the state of battery 3, as determined based on measurement results from various sensors, as state information.

[0065] (External power connection section) (Internal connection section) As shown in Figure 3, the external power connection unit 4 is electrically connected to the external power supply 500 of the battery exchange machine 1. Power from the external power supply 500 is supplied to the battery exchange machine 1 via the external power connection unit 4.

[0066] The internal connection part 5 is provided, for example, at the rear end of the battery slot 27. The internal connection part 5 is electrically connected to the battery 3 located inside the housing 2. The internal connection part 5 is, for example, a plug (not shown) (for example, a male connector). The female connector of the battery 3 is mated to the male connector. As a result, when the battery 3 is inserted into the battery slot 27, the battery 3 is electrically connected to the circuit inside the housing 2 (the power transmission path 6, which will be described in detail later).

[0067] In this embodiment, the internal connection section 5 has a total of 12 internal connection sections, from the first to the twelfth. As shown in Figure 2, the internal connection section 5 specifically includes the first internal connection section 5a, the second internal connection section 5b, the third internal connection section 5c, the fourth internal connection section 5d, the fifth internal connection section 5e, the sixth internal connection section 5f, the seventh internal connection section 5g, the eighth internal connection section 5h, the ninth internal connection section 5i, the tenth internal connection section 5j, the eleventh internal connection section 5k, and the twelfth internal connection section 5l.

[0068] The first internal connection section 5a is connected to the first battery 3a (the first energy storage unit in the claim) from among the multiple batteries 3. The second internal connection section 5b is connected to the second battery 3b (the second energy storage unit in the claim) from among the multiple batteries 3. Similarly, the third to twelfth internal connection sections 5c to 5l are connected to the corresponding third to twelfth batteries 3c to 3l from among the multiple batteries 3. All internal connection sections 5 (first to twelfth internal connection sections 5a to 5l) are arranged in a matrix of three horizontal rows and four vertical rows according to the position of each corresponding battery slot. For the sake of explanation, Figure 2 shows 12 batteries, from the first to twelfth batteries 3c to 3l.

[0069] (Power transmission path) Figure 4 shows an example of the power transmission path 6, which is the electrical configuration of the battery exchange machine 1 according to the embodiment. Solid lines in Figure 4 represent power lines such as power cables. Dashed lines in Figure 4 represent signal lines such as communication cables.

[0070] The power transmission path 6 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is an electrical circuit located inside the housing 2, and electrically connects the external power supply 500 and the internal connection section 5 via the external power supply connection section 4. As shown in Figure 4, the power transmission path 6 includes an AC / DC converter 61, a group of DC / DC converters 62, a plurality of interface boards (IF boards 63), and a control board 64.

[0071] AC power is supplied to the AC / DC converter 61 from an external power supply 500. The AC / DC converter 61 is positioned on the power transmission path 6 closer to the external power supply connection 500 than the DC / DC converter, which acts as the first power conversion unit. It converts the AC power supplied from the external power supply 500 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the DC / DC converter group 62. The AC / DC converter 61 is electrically connected to the battery 3. The battery 3 is configured to be replaceable in relation to the battery slot 27, thus providing a replacement function for the power transmission path 6.

[0072] The AC / DC converter 61 is composed of two AC / DC inverters, which serve as a plurality of second power conversion units, located in positions that are electrically parallel to each other, that is, in positions that are electrically connected to each other in parallel. The AC / DC converter 61 may also be composed of three or more AC / DC inverters, which serve as a plurality of second power conversion units.

[0073] Multiple battery slots 27 are connected to a single AC / DC converter 61, which consists of two AC / DC inverters. One AC / DC converter 61 is provided for each of the multiple batteries 3 located in the multiple battery slots 27. The AC / DC converter 61 is positioned to simultaneously supply charging power to the multiple batteries 3 housed in the multiple battery slots 27.

[0074] The DC / DC converter group 62 includes a plurality of charging DC / DC converters 66, each composed of a DC / DC converter, a cooling DC / DC converter 67, and a control DC / DC converter 68.

[0075] The DC / DC converters 66 for charging are provided in a one-to-one relationship with each of the battery slots 27. The multiple DC / DC converters 66 for charging are provided at positions on the power transmission path 6 that electrically connects the external power connection unit 4 and the battery 3 as the energy storage unit, where they are electrically parallel to each other, that is, at positions where they are electrically connected in parallel to each other. The battery 3 electrically connected to the DC / DC converters 66 is discharged to or charged by each DC / DC converter 66.

[0076] The charging DC / DC converter 66 is electrically connected to the battery 3 housed in the battery slot 27 via the internal connection part 5 of the battery slot 27. The charging DC / DC converter 66 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power with a voltage suitable for charging the battery 3, and supplies the converted DC power to the battery 3.

[0077] In this embodiment, the charging DC / DC converter 66 specifically includes a first charging DC / DC converter 66a, a second charging DC / DC converter 66b, a third charging DC / DC converter 66c, a fourth charging DC / DC converter 66d, a fifth charging DC / DC converter 66e, a sixth charging DC / DC converter 66f, a seventh charging DC / DC converter 66g, an eighth charging DC / DC converter 66h, a ninth charging DC / DC converter 66i, a tenth charging DC / DC converter 66j, an eleventh charging DC / DC converter 66k, and a twelfth charging DC / DC converter 66l. The first to twelfth charging DC / DC converters 66a to 66l correspond to the first to twelfth internal connection sections 5a to 5l, respectively. For example, the first charging DC / DC converter 66a is electrically connected to the first battery 3a in correspondence with the first internal connection section 5a.

[0078] Figure 5 shows an example of the electrical configuration of the charging DC / DC converter 66. As shown in Figure 5, the charging DC / DC converter 66 more specifically comprises a DC / DC converter 36 for battery charging and a DC / DC converter 37 for battery discharge. When charging the battery, the battery charging DC / DC converter 36 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power with a voltage suitable for charging the battery 3, and supplies the converted DC power to the battery 3. On the other hand, when discharging the battery, the battery discharge DC / DC converter 37 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 3 into DC power with a voltage suitable for output to the control board 64, and supplies the converted DC power to the control board 64.

[0079] As described above, multiple DC / DC converters 66 for charging are provided according to the multiple battery slots 27 and the multiple internal connection parts 5 connected to the multiple battery slots 27. Some of these (for example, DC / DC converter 66-2 in Figure 4) have the DC / DC converter 36 for battery charging and the DC / DC converter 37 for battery discharging. The remaining DC / DC converters 66 (for example, DC / DC converter 66-1 in Figure 4) have only the DC / DC converter 36 for battery charging. In other words, the multiple DC / DC converters 66 include those that have the DC / DC converter 37 for battery discharging and those that do not have the DC / DC converter 37 for battery discharging.

[0080] The cooling DC / DC converter 67 is electrically connected to a heat exchange fan (for example, the fan 34 located in the second region shown in Figure 3) and a capacitor. The cooling DC / DC converter 67 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power with a voltage suitable for the cooling system, such as the fan and capacitor, and supplies the converted DC power to the fan via the IF board 63. A power detector is connected to the wiring between the IF board 63 and the fan.

[0081] The control DC / DC converter 68 is connected to the control board 64, which is the main control unit of the power transmission path 6. The control DC / DC converter 68 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power with a voltage suitable for the control board 64, and supplies the converted DC power to the control board 64 via the IF board 63.

[0082] Multiple IF boards 63 are provided in a one-to-one relationship with multiple battery slots 27. In this embodiment, the IF boards 63 are provided at the rear end of the battery slots 27. The IF boards 63 are connected to the batteries 3 housed in the battery slots 27 via the internal connection parts 5 of the battery slots 27. The IF boards 63 communicate with the batteries 3 and acquire information stored in the memory unit of the battery 3's BMU (for example, status information of the battery 3 or the ID of the battery 3). The IF boards 63 output the information acquired from the battery 3 to the control board 64.

[0083] The control board 64 (control unit) controls the AC / DC converter 61, each DC / DC converter in the DC / DC converter group 62, and the multiple IF boards 63. For example, the control board 64 controls the amount of power converted by the AC / DC converter 61 by controlling the field-effect transistors (FETs) included in the AC / DC converter 61 according to the number of batteries 3 being charged simultaneously.

[0084] Furthermore, the control board 64, based on the first operational information described later, which includes information such as the number of DC / DC converters that match the number of batteries 3 to be charged simultaneously, and the second operational information described later, which includes information on the degree of operation of the internal load of the battery exchanger 1 that is electrically connected to at least one of the external power supply connection unit 4 or the batteries 3, determines the number of operational and non-operational AC / DC inverters of the multiple AC / DC converters 61 as multiple second power conversion units, as described later, and controls the operation and non-operation of the AC / DC inverters. Note that in this specification, "board" means a base on which components are mounted, and is not limited to a printed circuit board, but may also be a metal plate or the like.

[0085] (Power supply unit) As shown in Figure 3, the power supply unit 7 is positioned above the battery slots 27 inside the housing 2. In this embodiment, a partition wall 33 is provided inside the housing 2. The partition wall 33 is positioned above the multiple battery slots 27 (multiple batteries 3). The power supply unit 7 is placed on top of the partition wall 33 and positioned above the multiple battery slots 27.

[0086] In other words, the partition wall 33 divides the space inside the housing 2 into a first region 31 where the battery slot 27 and the internal connection part 5 of the battery 3 are provided, and a second region 32 where the power supply unit 7 is provided. The first region 31 occupies more than half of the total volume of the internal space inside the housing 2. The aforementioned intake and exhaust ports are provided in positions corresponding to the first region 31 and connect the first region 31 to the external space. Similarly, the second region 32 is also provided with intake and exhaust ports that connect the second region 32 to the external space.

[0087] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the second region 32 of the battery exchange machine 1. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the second region 32. Figure 8 shows the state with the retaining member 75 removed from Figure 7. Figure 9 is an exploded view of the power supply unit 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the power supply unit 7 includes a storage case 71, a power supply unit 72, a power conversion unit 73, a misinsertion prevention unit 74, a retaining member 75, and a fixing detection unit 76 (the detection unit of the claim).

[0088] In particular, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the storage case 71 houses the power supply equipment 72. The storage case 71 integrally houses at least the AC / DC converter 61 and the DC / DC converter group 62 described above. The storage case 71 accommodates the AC / DC converter 61 and the DC / DC converter group 62 in a removable manner. The storage case 71 has a plurality of storage pockets 41, 42 in which the power supply equipment 72 is stored, and a case-side terminal portion 43 (the housing-side connection portion of the claim). As shown in Figure 9, the plurality of storage pockets specifically include a first storage pocket 41 and a second storage pocket 42.

[0089] The first storage pocket 41 is located on the left side as viewed from the user. Multiple first storage pockets 41 are arranged vertically (two in this embodiment).

[0090] The second storage pocket 42 is located to the right of the first storage pocket 41. The second storage pocket 42 is arranged in a matrix of 15 pockets, with 3 columns horizontally and 5 columns vertically.

[0091] In the following description, of the 15 second storage pockets 42, the one located in the lower left when viewed from the front will be defined as storage pocket 42a (the first storage compartment of the claim), the one to its right will be defined as storage pocket 42b (the second storage compartment of the claim), and the one to its right will be defined as storage pocket 42c. Similarly, the leftmost pocket in the second row from the bottom will be defined as storage pocket 42d, the one to its right will be defined as storage pocket 42e, and the one to its right will be defined as storage pocket 42f. Furthermore, the leftmost pocket in the third row from the bottom will be defined as storage pocket 42g, the one to its right will be defined as storage pocket 42h, and the one to its right will be defined as storage pocket 9.

[0092] Furthermore, the leftmost pocket in the fourth row from the bottom is defined as storage pocket 42j number 10, the one to its right is storage pocket 42k number 11, and the one to its right is storage pocket 42l number 12. Also, the leftmost pocket in the top row is defined as storage pocket 42m number 13, the one to its right is storage pocket 42n number 14, and the one to its right is storage pocket 42p number 15. Thus, the second storage pocket 42 has a total of 15 storage pockets 42a to 42p, numbered from 1 to 15.

[0093] The case-side terminal portions 43 are provided at the rear ends of the first storage pocket 41 and the second storage pocket 42, respectively. The number of case-side terminal portions 43 is, for example, the same as the number of storage pockets. In this embodiment, a total of 17 case-side terminal portions 43 are provided, corresponding to the 2 first storage pockets 41 and 15 second storage pockets 42.

[0094] Figure 9 shows a portion of the case-side terminal section 43. The case-side terminal section 43 is connected to the power transmission path 6. The terminals of the power supply equipment 72 stored in each storage pocket of the storage case 71 are connected to the case-side terminal section 43. Therefore, when the power supply equipment 72 is stored in the storage case 71, the power supply equipment 72 and the power transmission path 6 inside the enclosure 2 are electrically connected.

[0095] The power supply unit 72 includes the AC / DC converter 61 and the DC / DC converter group 62 described above. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the AC / DC converter 61 has a box-like external shape. In this embodiment, the AC / DC converter 61 is composed of two AC / DC inverters, which are, for example, box-shaped devices, arranged vertically side by side. These two AC / DC inverters are housed in the first storage pocket 41 of the storage case 71.

[0096] Each AC / DC converter 61 is provided with a terminal section 45 at its rear end. By housing the AC / DC converters 61 in the first storage pocket 41, the terminal section 45 of the AC / DC converters 61 and the case-side terminal section 43 provided at the rear end of the first storage pocket 41 are electrically connected.

[0097] The DC / DC converter group 62 is formed in a box shape, which is slightly smaller in external dimensions than the AC / DC converter 61. In this embodiment, the DC / DC converter group 62 includes 12 charging DC / DC converters 66, 1 control DC / DC converter 68, and 2 cooling DC / DC converters 67. Each DC / DC converter (charging DC / DC converter 66, control DC / DC converter 68, and cooling DC / DC converter 67) is formed in a box shape with similar external dimensions.

[0098] The twelve charging DC / DC converters 66 (first to twelfth charging DC / DC converters 66a to 66l) each have the same configuration. The twelve charging DC / DC converters 66 are housed in storage pockets 42a to 42l, numbered 1 to 12, of the second storage pocket 42. The twelve charging DC / DC converters 66 are stored in the storage pockets in a partitioned manner.

[0099] Specifically, the first DC / DC converter 66a for charging is stored in storage pocket 42a, the second DC / DC converter 66b for charging is stored in storage pocket 42b, and so on. Similarly, the third to twelfth DC / DC converters 66c to 66l for charging are stored in storage pockets 42c to 42l, respectively.

[0100] One control DC / DC converter 68 is housed in storage pocket 42m, which is the 13th of the second storage pockets 42. Two cooling DC / DC converters 67 are housed in storage pockets 42n and 42p, which are the 14th and 15th of the second storage pockets 42, respectively. The two cooling DC / DC converters 67 are housed in their respective storage pockets, separated from each other.

[0101] The power supply unit 72 may also have an IF board 63 and a control board 64 (control unit), in addition to the AC / DC converter 61 and DC / DC converter group 62 described above. In this case, as shown in Figure 6, for example, the IF board 63 and the control board 64 may be mounted on the top of the storage case 71. For example, a third storage pocket (not shown) for housing the IF board 63 and the control board 64 may be formed in the storage case 71, and the IF board 63 and the control board 64 may be housed in the third storage pocket.

[0102] The power conversion unit 73 is provided on the power transmission path 6 and located in the second region 32 of the housing 2, and supplies DC power to each battery 3 inserted into the battery slot 27. The power conversion unit 73, along with other power conversion units (AC / DC converter 61, IF board 63, and control board 64), is concentrated in the second region 32. As shown in Figure 9, the power conversion unit 73 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned second storage pocket 42 (more specifically, storage pockets 42a to 42l numbered 1 to 12 of the second storage pocket 42) (the housing section of the claim) and a charging DC / DC converter 66 (the power conversion unit body of the claim) from the DC / DC converter group 62. Storage pockets 42a to 42l numbered 1 to 12 of the second storage pocket 42 detachably house the charging DC / DC converter 66.

[0103] The power conversion unit 73 includes a first power conversion unit 73a, a second power conversion unit 73b, a third power conversion unit 73c, a fourth power conversion unit 73d, a fifth power conversion unit 73e, a sixth power conversion unit 73f, a seventh power conversion unit 73g, an eighth power conversion unit 73h, a ninth power conversion unit 73i, a tenth power conversion unit 73j, an eleventh power conversion unit 73k, and a twelfth power conversion unit 73l. The first power conversion unit 73a electrically connects the external power supply connection unit 4 and the first internal connection unit 5a. The second power conversion unit 73b electrically connects the external power supply connection unit 4 and the second internal connection unit 5b. Similarly, the third to twelfth power conversion units 73c to 73l electrically connect the external power supply connection unit 4 and the third to twelfth internal connection units 5c to 5l, respectively.

[0104] The first power conversion unit 73a has a storage pocket 42a no. 1 and a first charging DC / DC converter 66a housed in storage pocket 42a no. 1. The second power conversion unit 73b has a storage pocket 42b no. 2 and a second charging DC / DC converter 66b housed in storage pocket 42b no. 2. Similarly, the third to twelfth power conversion units 73c to 73l have storage pockets 42c to 42l no. 3 to 12 and third to twelfth charging DC / DC converters 66c to 66l housed in storage pockets 42c to 42l no. 3 to 12, respectively. All power conversion units 73 (first to twelfth power conversion units 73a to 73l) are arranged in a matrix of three horizontal rows and four vertical rows according to the position of each corresponding storage pocket.

[0105] The power conversion unit 73 has a terminal portion 45 (the main body side connection portion in the claim) provided on each charging DC / DC converter 66, which is the power conversion unit body, and a case side terminal portion 43 (the housing side connection portion in the claim) provided on the storage case 71. The case side terminal portion 43 of the power conversion unit 73 is provided at the rear end of each of the storage pockets 42a to 42l (the housing portion in the claim) numbered 1 to 12 of the second storage pocket 42. The case side terminal portion 43 of the power conversion unit 73 is detachably connected to the terminal portion 45 of the charging DC / DC converter 66.

[0106] Next, the control of the operation and non-operation of the AC / DC converters 61 by the control board 64, which acts as a control unit, for implementing a control method for the power device by executing a computer program stored in a readable storage medium electrically connected to the control board 64, will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Based on first operation information that includes at least one of the current actual operating degree or the future predicted operating degree of the DC / DC converter 66, the control board 64 determines the number of AC / DC converters 61 that will be in operation and the number of AC / DC converters 61 that will not be in operation. Alternatively, the control board 64 may determine either the number of AC / DC converters 61 that will be in operation or the number of AC / DC converters 61 that will not be in operation based on first operation information that includes at least one of the current actual operating degree or the future predicted operating degree of the DC / DC converter 66.

[0107] As shown in Figure 11, in the AC / DC converter 61, regardless of whether AC240V power or AC180V power is input, the efficiency decreases as the output power decreases, and power is wasted due to unnecessary power conversion. Therefore, the more batteries 3 inserted into the battery slot 27 and charged, the better the efficiency. The two AC / DC inverters that make up the AC / DC converter 61 each have the capability to charge up to six batteries 3.

[0108] For example, as shown in Figure 12, if we focus on the number of batteries 3 inserted into the battery slots 27 of the battery exchange machine 1 that are being charged simultaneously at each time of day, the number of batteries 3 being charged simultaneously is relatively small from 10 PM to 8 AM the following day. In contrast, the number of batteries 3 being charged simultaneously is relatively large from 8 AM to 10 PM that day. For the sake of explanation, Figure 12 illustrates the charging status of the battery exchange machine 1, which has 14 battery slots 27, at each time of day.

[0109] Furthermore, the number of DC / DC converters in operation significantly affects the change in output power of the AC / DC converter 61. Since the power consumption per DC / DC converter is known, Number of operating DC / DC converters × Power consumption per DC / DC converter + Power consumption of control power supply and other components (including internal cooling) < Switching power point (A) In such inefficient situations, it is possible to avoid operating two AC / DC converters in an inefficient state by stopping as many AC / DC inverters as possible that can be shut down.

[0110] Here, the "switching power point" is the point at which the operating efficiency of the AC / DC inverter itself with respect to its output power is measured in advance. It represents the switching power point between the losses when two AC / DC inverters are operating in parallel and the losses when one AC / DC inverter is operating in parallel (when the number of operating units is reduced). Specifically, it represents the power value at which the output is 50% of the maximum output of one AC / DC converter, as described above in the high-efficiency situation. Furthermore, "power consumption of control power supply and other components (including internal cooling)" refers to the power consumption due to the internal load of the battery exchanger 1, which is used to electrically drive the battery exchanger 1, excluding the DC / DC converter.

[0111] vice versa, Number of operating DC / DC converters × Power consumption per DC / DC converter + Power consumption of control power supply and other components (including internal cooling) > Power switching point ... (B) In this highly efficient situation, by activating the number of AC / DC converters that were previously shut down, it is possible to operate with high output power using only two AC / DC converters. Therefore, in order to implement the control method of the power device according to this embodiment, the control board 64, which acts as the control unit, executes the computer program according to this embodiment on the control board 64, which acts as the control unit. The control board 64 performs the following control.

[0112] (Controlled by the control unit) In the flowchart shown in Figure 10, the control board 64 determines in step S101 whether or not predetermined charging conditions are met. Here, "predetermined charging conditions" refer to the "predetermined charging conditions" included in the first operating information and second operating information, which are stored in a storage medium (not shown) in advance for the control board 64 to control the battery exchange machine 1.

[0113] In the first operational information, "predetermined charging conditions" refer to conditions in which the future predicted operating degree, which is a value that predicts the number of batteries 3 being charged simultaneously in the future based on the charging time distribution data shown in Figure 12, or the current actual operating degree, which is the number of batteries 3 being charged simultaneously at present, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold number. Specifically, in the former case, the predetermined charging condition is that the current time is between 8:00 and 23:00, and in the latter case, the predetermined charging condition is that the conditions for performing high-efficiency charging as described above are met, and specifically, the predetermined charging condition is that the number of batteries being charged simultaneously at present is 6 or more.

[0114] In the second operational information, "predetermined charging conditions" refers to conditions in which the predicted future operating degree of internal load, which is a value that predicts the internal load corresponding to the number of batteries 3 being charged simultaneously in the future based on the data of the distribution of charging time shown in Figure 12, or the current actual operating degree, which is the operating degree of internal load corresponding to the number of batteries 3 being charged simultaneously at present, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold number.

[0115] If the control board 64 determines that the predetermined charging conditions are met (step S101: YES), the control board 64 proceeds to step S102. If the control board 64 determines that the predetermined charging conditions are not met (step S101: NO), the control board 64 proceeds to step S103.

[0116] In step S102, the control board 64 determines that two of the two AC / DC inverters constituting the AC / DC converter 61 are operational, and sets the number of inactive inverters to zero. The control board 64 then controls the two AC / DC inverters to achieve this operational and inactive count, so that both AC / DC inverters in the AC / DC converter 61 are operational. The control board 64 then completes its processing.

[0117] In step S103, the control board 64 determines that one of the two AC / DC inverters constituting the AC / DC converter 61 is operational, and sets the number of inoperable inverters to one. The control board 64 then controls the two AC / DC inverters to achieve this operational and inoperable number, so that one AC / DC inverter in the AC / DC converter 61 is operational. The control board 64 then completes its processing.

[0118] (Effects of this embodiment) The power device (battery exchange machine 1), the control method for the power device, the computer program, and the readable storage medium described above can achieve the following effects. According to the battery exchange machine 1 as the power device of this embodiment, the control board 64 as the control unit, based on first operating information including at least one of the current actual operating level or the future predicted operating level of the charging DC / DC converter 66 as the first power conversion unit, (i) Determine the number of AC / DC inverters of the AC / DC converter 61, which serves as a second power conversion unit, that will be in operation. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating AC / DC inverters among the multiple AC / DC converters 61 that serve as the multiple second power conversion units.

[0119] This makes it possible to operate a minimum number of AC / DC inverters instead of operating all of them when the output power of multiple AC / DC converters 61 is low. As a result, the operating AC / DC inverters can be used at output power that can be converted with high efficiency, and consequently, the battery exchange machine 1, including the AC / DC inverters, can be used as a power device.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the battery 3 as an energy storage unit is configured to be replaceable with respect to the power transmission path 6. This makes it possible to exchange a fully charged battery 3 as an energy storage unit for an uncharged battery 3, and in the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device, it becomes possible to determine the number of operating DC / DC converters that constitute the charging DC / DC converter 66, which converts the power supplied to the battery 3, by taking into account the number of uncharged batteries 3.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the first power conversion unit is composed of DC / DC converters that constitute the charging DC / DC converter 66. This makes it possible to determine the number of operating DC / DC converters that constitute the charging DC / DC converter 66, which converts the power supplied to the battery 3, in accordance with the number of uncharged batteries 3.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the second power conversion unit is composed of an AC / DC inverter that constitutes the AC / DC converter 61. This makes it possible to convert power with high efficiency by considering the output power of the AC / DC inverter and the conversion efficiency.

[0123] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the current actual operating rate of the DC / DC converters constituting the charging DC / DC converter 66 as the first power conversion unit is the current actual operating number, which is the number of DC / DC converters constituting the charging DC / DC converter 66 as the first power conversion unit, and the future predicted operating rate is the future predicted number of DC / DC converters constituting the charging DC / DC converter 66 as the first power conversion unit.

[0124] This makes it possible to determine the number of AC / DC inverters of the multiple AC / DC converters 61, which serve as the multiple second power conversion units, to be operational, using the current actual number of DC / DC converters operating as the first power conversion unit. Furthermore, even if it is not possible to use the current actual number of units operating, it is possible to determine the number of AC / DC inverters of the multiple AC / DC converters 61, which serve as the multiple second power conversion units, to be operational, using the predicted future operating rate.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the predicted future operating rate of the DC / DC converters constituting the charging DC / DC converter 66 as the first power conversion unit is predetermined for each predetermined time period of the day. This makes it possible to determine the number of operating AC / DC inverters among the multiple second power conversion units for each predetermined time period of the day.

[0126] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the control board 64 as a control unit further uses second operating information, which includes at least one of the current actual operating degree of the internal load of the battery exchange machine 1, which is electrically connected to at least one of the external power supply connection unit 4 or the battery 3 as an energy storage unit, or the future predicted operating degree of the internal load. (i) Determine the number of AC / DC inverters of the AC / DC converter 61, which serves as a second power conversion unit, that will be in operation. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating AC / DC inverters among the multiple AC / DC converters 61 that serve as the multiple second power conversion units.

[0127] Even with internal loads, DC power converted from multiple AC / DC inverters acting as multiple second power conversion units is used. However, by taking into account the power consumed by the internal load, it becomes possible to determine the number of DC / DC converters that make up the charging DC / DC converter 66 that are in operation. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the efficiency of power conversion by multiple AC / DC inverters acting as multiple second power conversion units.

[0128] Furthermore, in the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the internal load is the load on the electric drive of the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device when storing power in the battery 3 as an energy storage unit. This makes it possible to determine the number of DC / DC converters constituting the charging DC / DC converter 66 in operation while taking into account the power consumed by the internal load (fan 34, control board 64, etc.) on the electric drive of the battery exchange machine 1. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of power conversion of the multiple AC / DC inverters as multiple second power conversion units with higher precision.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the first power conversion unit has a plurality of DC / DC converters as a plurality of first power conversion units arranged in a position that is electrically parallel to one another, and the current actual operating degree of the first power conversion unit is, Is it determined based on the number of DC / DC converters currently in operation among the multiple DC / DC converters that serve as the multiple first power conversion units? Or, The projected future operating rate of the first power conversion unit is determined based on the projected future operating number of DC / DC converters, which constitute the multiple first power conversion units.

[0130] This makes it possible to use the current actual operating level and the predicted future operating level based on the number of DC / DC converters that are currently in operation. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine the number of operational AC / DC inverters, which act as second power conversion units, on a per-DC converter basis.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device of this embodiment, the battery 3 as an energy storage unit is electrically connected one to each of the multiple DC / DC converters that make up the multiple DC / DC converters for charging 66 as multiple first power conversion units. This makes it possible to predict the number of DC / DC converters that make up the multiple DC / DC converters for charging 66 as multiple first power conversion units that are in operation, based on the charge state of the battery 3.

[0132] The first embodiment described above is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the first embodiment also includes the following modifications.

[0133] (First variation) For example, in the embodiment described above, the cases are distinguished by equations (A) and (B), and a determination is made as to whether it falls under either (A) or (B). (i) Determine the number of AC / DC inverters of the AC / DC converter 61, which serves as a second power conversion unit, that will be in operation. and / or (ii) Of the multiple AC / DC inverters of the AC / DC converter 61 as a multiple second power conversion unit, the number of non-operating inverters was determined, but is not limited to this.

[0134] For example, the above determination was made based on the number of DC / DC converters operating in the DC / DC converter 66 for charging as the first power conversion unit, and the degree of operation of the internal load of the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device. Alternatively, the above determination may be made based on the degree of operation of the combined AC / DC inverters of the multiple AC / DC converters 61 as multiple second power conversion units.

[0135] In other words, the power device comprises an external power connection unit electrically connected to an external power source, a power storage unit for storing power, a plurality of second power conversion units provided on a power transmission path electrically connecting the external power connection unit and the power storage unit, and positioned in an electrically parallel manner to one another, and a control unit for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, and the control unit controls the plurality of second power conversion units based on third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined, or the future predicted operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined. (i) Determine the number of operating units among the multiple second power converters. and / or (ii) The system may be configured to determine the number of non-operating units among the multiple second power converters. Here, the "operating rate" of the multiple second power converters as a whole means the operating rate of the multiple second power converters as a whole, the output power, etc.

[0136] The power device control method implemented by the power device comprises an external power connection unit electrically connected to an external power source, a power storage unit for storing power, a plurality of second power conversion units provided on a power transmission path electrically connecting the external power connection unit and the power storage unit, and positioned in an electrically parallel manner to one another, and a control unit for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, wherein the power device controls the plurality of second power conversion units based on third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined, or the future predicted operating rate of the plurality of second power conversion units combined. (i) Determine the number of operating units among the multiple second power converters. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the multiple second power converters. It is sufficient to have a process.

[0137] Furthermore, the computer program executed on the control board 64 as a control unit in order to implement the above-described control method for the power device controls a processor comprising an external power supply connection unit electrically connected to an external power supply, a power storage unit for storing power, a plurality of second power conversion units provided on a power transmission path electrically connecting the external power supply connection unit and the power storage unit and positioned electrically in parallel with each other, and a control unit for controlling the plurality of second power conversion units, based on third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating rate of the total of the plurality of second power conversion units, or the future predicted operating rate of the total of the plurality of second power conversion units. (i) Determine the number of operating units among the multiple second power converters. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the multiple second power converters. It just needs to be configured to function as a control unit.

[0138] This makes it possible to determine the number of operating and non-operating units in the second power conversion unit without considering the operating status of the DC / DC converters constituting the charging DC / DC converter 66 as the first power conversion unit, or the internal resistance of the battery exchange machine 1 as a power device.

[0139] (Second variation) Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the battery exchanger 1 was equipped with multiple DC / DC converters that constituted multiple charging DC / DC converters 66 as multiple first power conversion units, but it is not limited to this. For example, instead of multiple DC / DC converters, it may be equipped with a single DC / DC converter whose output power can be adjusted.

[0140] For example, the control board 64, acting as a control unit, determined the number of DC / DC converters in operation based on both first operation information, which includes at least one of the current actual operating level or future predicted operating level of the multiple DC / DC converters constituting the charging DC / DC converter 66, acting as a first power conversion unit, and second operation information, which includes at least one of the current actual operating level or future predicted operating level of the internal load. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the number of operations may be determined based on the first operation information alone.

[0141] <Other Embodiments> Although the embodiments have been described above, they are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Each embodiment can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0142] 1. Battery replacement machine (power device) 3. Battery (Energy Storage Unit) 4. External power connection section 6. Power transmission path 61 AC / DC Converter (Second Power Conversion Unit) 64 Control circuit (control unit) 66. DC / DC converter for charging (first power conversion unit) 500 external power supply

Claims

1. An external power supply connection section that is electrically connected to an external power supply, A power storage unit that stores electricity, A first power conversion unit is provided on a power transmission path that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the energy storage unit, A plurality of second power conversion units are provided on the power transmission path, positioned closer to the external power supply connection unit than the first power conversion unit, and in positions that are electrically parallel to each other. A control unit that controls a plurality of the second power conversion units, Equipped with, The control unit, Based on first operating information which includes at least one of the current actual operating level or the future predicted operating level of the first power conversion unit, (i) Determine the number of the multiple second power conversion units that will be in operation. and / or (ii) A power device that determines the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units.

2. The power device according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage unit is configured to be replaceable with respect to the power transmission path.

3. The power device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first power conversion unit is configured by a DC / DC converter.

4. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second power conversion unit is configured by an AC / DC inverter.

5. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the current actual operating rate of the first power conversion unit is the actual operating number which is the current number of units operating of the first power conversion unit, and the future predicted operating rate of the first power conversion unit is the future predicted number of units operating of the first power conversion unit.

6. The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predicted future operating rate of the first power conversion unit is predetermined for each predetermined time period in a day.

7. The control unit, Based on the second operational information, which includes at least one of the current actual operating degree or future predicted operating degree of the internal load electrically connected to at least one of the external power supply connection unit or the energy storage unit, (i) Determine the number of operations and / or (ii) The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which determines the number of non-operating devices.

8. The power device according to claim 7, wherein the internal load is the load required for the electric drive of the power device when storing power in the energy storage unit.

9. The first power conversion unit has a plurality of first power conversion units arranged in positions that are electrically parallel to each other, The current actual operating level of the first power conversion unit is, Is it determined based on the current number of operating units among the multiple first power conversion units? Or, The power device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the predicted future operating rate of the first power conversion unit is determined based on the predicted future operating number of the plurality of first power conversion units.

10. The power device according to claim 9, wherein the energy storage unit is electrically connected one by one to each of the plurality of first power conversion units.

11. An external power supply connection section that is electrically connected to an external power supply, A power storage unit that stores electricity, A plurality of second power conversion units are provided on the power transmission path that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the energy storage unit, and are positioned in a manner that is electrically parallel to one another. A control unit that controls a plurality of the second power conversion units, Equipped with, The control unit, based on third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating level of the total of the multiple second power conversion units, or the future predicted operating level of the total of the multiple second power conversion units, (i) Determine the number of the multiple second power conversion units that will be in operation. and / or (ii) A power device that determines the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units.

12. An external power supply connection section that is electrically connected to an external power supply, A power storage unit that stores electricity, A first power conversion unit is provided on a power transmission path that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the energy storage unit, A plurality of second power conversion units are provided on the power transmission path, positioned closer to the external power supply connection unit than the first power conversion unit, and in positions that are electrically parallel to each other. A control unit that controls a plurality of the second power conversion units, A control method for a power device comprising, Based on first operating information which includes at least one of the current actual operating level or the future predicted operating level of the first power conversion unit, (i) Determine the number of the multiple second power conversion units that will be in operation. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units. A control method for a power device having a process.

13. An external power supply connection section that is electrically connected to an external power supply, A power storage unit that stores electricity, A plurality of second power conversion units are provided on the power transmission path that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the energy storage unit, and are positioned in a manner that is electrically parallel to one another. A control unit that controls a plurality of the second power conversion units, A power device equipped with, Based on third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating rate of the total of the multiple second power conversion units, or the future predicted operating rate of the total of the multiple second power conversion units, (i) Determine the number of operating units among the multiple second power conversion units. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units. A control method for a power device having a process.

14. An external power supply connection section that is electrically connected to an external power supply, A power storage unit that stores electricity, A first power conversion unit is provided on a power transmission path that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the energy storage unit, A plurality of second power conversion units are provided on the power transmission path, positioned closer to the external power supply connection unit than the first power conversion unit, and in positions that are electrically parallel to each other. A control unit that controls a plurality of the second power conversion units, A processor that constitutes the control unit of a power device equipped with the following: In response to user requests, Based on first operating information which includes at least one of the current actual operating level or the future predicted operating level of the first power conversion unit, (i) Determine the number of the multiple second power conversion units that will be in operation. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units. A computer program that functions as a control unit.

15. An external power supply connection section that is electrically connected to an external power supply, A power storage unit that stores electricity, A plurality of second power conversion units are provided on the power transmission path that electrically connects the external power supply connection unit and the energy storage unit, and are positioned in a manner that is electrically parallel to one another. A control unit that controls a plurality of the second power conversion units, A processor that constitutes the control unit of a power device equipped with the following: Based on third operational information including at least one of the current actual operating rate of the total of the multiple second power conversion units, or the future predicted operating rate of the total of the multiple second power conversion units, (i) Determine the number of operating units among the multiple second power conversion units. and / or (ii) Determine the number of non-operating units among the plurality of second power conversion units. A computer program that functions as a control unit.

16. A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in claim 14 or 15.

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