DC / DC converter, information processing device, method, computer program, and readable storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides a DC / DC converter that reduces the standby time of a charger and improves the operating rate of the charger. [Solution] An information processing device 10 for controlling a storage device 200 that stores multiple articles, comprising a determination unit that determines, based on information about a component connected to a plurality of storage units SL that each store a plurality of articles, a storage unit SL for receiving articles from a user of the storage device, or a storage unit SL for providing articles to a user of the storage device, or determines articles stored in a storage unit for providing articles to a user of the storage device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a DC / DC converter, an information processing apparatus, a method, a computer program, and a readable storage medium. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, a charging device for charging a plurality of power storage devices accommodated in slots is known. This charging device is provided with chargers (for example, DC / DC converters) in the same number as the slots capable of accommodating the power storage devices. Each charger can charge the power storage device accommodated in the corresponding slot. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 International Publication No. 2024 / 058242 PATENT DOCUMENT 2 International Publication No. 2024 / 090407 PATENT DOCUMENT 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2024-062257 SUMMARY OF INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] However, when charging of the power storage device is completed, the charger enters a standby state until a new uncharged power storage device is inserted. If the standby time of the charger is long, the operating rate of the charger will decrease accordingly. The decrease in the operating rate of the charger has caused not only problems such as deterioration of energy conversion efficiency and increase in unnecessary energy consumption, but also a problem of reduced profitability due to a decrease in the operating rate of the entire battery swapping machine.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above problems, and to provide a DC / DC converter and an information processing apparatus that shorten the standby time of the charger and improve the operating rate of the charger. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] (1) An information processing device (for example, an information processing device 10 described later) for controlling a storage device that stores multiple items (for example, an energy storage device 2 described later), Based on information regarding the components connected to multiple storage units (for example, storage unit SL described later) that each store multiple of the aforementioned articles, From among the multiple storage units, determine which storage unit is for receiving the article from the user of the storage device, or which storage unit is for providing the article to the user of the storage device. To determine the articles stored in the receiving and storage section that will be provided to the user of the storage device, An information processing device equipped with a decision-making unit.

[0007] According to (1) above, the time during which "the DC / DC converter is connected one-to-one with the charged energy storage device 2 and the DC / DC converter is in a standby state" can be reduced. In other words, the standby time of the charger (i.e., the DC / DC converter) can be shortened, and the operating rate of the charger can be improved. Furthermore, the number of chargers to be installed can be reduced, thereby lowering the production cost of the chargers. Moreover, since it can be applied without changing the circuit configuration of the current storage device 200 itself, unnecessary manufacturing costs to obtain the above effects can be reduced. In addition, even when the DC / DC converter is a large bidirectional converter, there is no need to significantly change the structure of the housing 1, including the internal L / O, thus reducing unnecessary manufacturing costs.

[0008] (2) The article is an energy storage device, as described in (1), an information processing device.

[0009] According to (2) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0010] (3) The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the information relating to the constituent devices is information relating to a power converter for charging and / or discharging at least two of the plurality of articles.

[0011] According to (3) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0012] (4) A DC / DC converter (for example, a horizontal two-slot charging DC / DC converter 64, for example, for charging and / or discharging at least two of the multiple energy storage devices (for example, energy storage device 2, described later), A control device that selects one of at least two of the aforementioned energy storage devices (for example, the control device 88 described later), A switching device (for example, a switching device 86 described later) switches the destination of the charging power supply according to the command of the control device, In accordance with the switching result of the switching device, at least two sets of output terminals (for example, voltage output terminals 84, 85 described later) for selectively supplying charging power to one of the at least two energy storage devices, and A DC / DC converter equipped with the following features.

[0013] According to (4) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0014] (5) The DC / DC converter according to (4), wherein the control device transmits identifiers for DC / DC converters for charging and / or discharging at least two of the plurality of energy storage devices.

[0015] According to (5) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0016] (6) A storage device having a DC / DC converter as described in (4) or (5) (for example, the storage device 200 described later).

[0017] According to (6) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0018] (7) An information processing apparatus (for example, an information processing apparatus 10 described later) for controlling a storage apparatus (for example, a storage apparatus 200 described later) that stores a plurality of power storage devices (for example, a power storage device 2 described later), an extraction unit (for example, an extraction unit 111 described later) that extracts a power storage device to be provided to a user of the storage apparatus from among the plurality of power storage devices in response to a request from the user, comprising: the extraction unit extracts the power storage device based on the states of at least two storage units associated with a DC / DC converter capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two power storage devices. An information processing apparatus.

[0019] According to the above (7), the same effect as the above (1) can be obtained.

[0020] (8) A storage unit state acquisition unit (for example, a storage unit state acquisition unit 112 described later) that acquires a storage unit state indicating whether or not a power storage device is accommodated in the storage unit corresponding to the DC / DC converter, a state of charge acquisition unit (for example, a state of charge acquisition unit 113 described later) that acquires the state of charge of the power storage device accommodated in the storage unit, further comprising: The information processing apparatus according to (7), wherein the extraction unit extracts the power storage device based on the storage unit state and the state of charge.

[0021] According to the above (8), the power storage device to be extracted can be selected in consideration of the state of the storage unit and the state indicating whether or not charging is in progress. This makes it possible to extract a power storage device for more effectively reducing the time during which "the DC / DC converter is connected one-to-one with the charged power storage device 2 and the DC / DC converter is in a standby state".

[0022] (9) Further comprising an identifier acquisition unit (for example, an identifier acquisition unit 114 described later) that acquires the identifier of the DC / DC converter, The information processing apparatus according to (8), wherein the extraction unit extracts an energy storage device based on an identifier corresponding to the DC / DC converter, the storage unit state, and the charging state.

[0023] According to (9) above, it is possible to easily determine whether a DC / DC converter is a crossover DC / DC converter or a regular DC / DC converter by using the DC / DC converter identifier.

[0024] (10) The information processing device according to (8) or (9), wherein the charging state indicates that the energy storage device is being charged or that the energy storage device is fully charged.

[0025] According to (10) above, the same effect as in (8) or (9) above can be obtained.

[0026] (11) The information processing device according to any one of (8) to (10), further comprising an extraction list creation unit (for example, an extraction list creation unit 115 described later) that creates an extraction list in which the energy storage devices to be extracted from a plurality of energy storage devices are ranked, wherein the extraction unit extracts energy storage devices based on the extraction list.

[0027] According to (11) above, the energy storage devices to be extracted can be selected using the extraction list. This makes it possible to extract energy storage devices in a way that more effectively reduces the time during which "the DC / DC converter is connected one-to-one with a charged energy storage device 2, and the DC / DC converter is in a standby state."

[0028] (12) The information processing apparatus according to (11), wherein the extraction list creation unit creates the extraction list based on an identifier corresponding to the DC / DC converter, the storage unit state, and the charging state.

[0029] According to (12) above, the same effect as in (11) above can be obtained.

[0030] (13) If the storage unit state and the charging state indicate that the DC / DC converter is in a non-operating state, The information processing device according to (12), wherein the extraction list creation unit increases the extraction priority in the extraction list corresponding to the energy storage device housed in the storage unit corresponding to the DC / DC converter.

[0031] According to (13) above, an optimal extraction list can be created in accordance with the changes in the state of the energy storage devices housed in the storage unit over time.

[0032] (14) If the storage unit state and the charging state indicate that there are fully charged energy storage devices in all of the at least two storage units corresponding to the DC / DC converter, The information processing device according to (12), wherein the extraction list creation unit increases the extraction priority in the extraction list corresponding to the energy storage device housed in the storage unit corresponding to the DC / DC converter.

[0033] According to (14) above, the same effect as in (13) above can be obtained.

[0034] (15) A method for controlling a storage device for storing multiple articles, Based on information regarding the components connected to multiple storage units that each store multiple of the aforementioned articles, A step of determining, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit for receiving the article from the user of the storage device, or a receiving storage unit among the plurality of storage units for providing the article to the user of the storage device, The process of determining the articles stored in the receiving and storage section to be provided to the user of the storage device. Methods that include...

[0035] According to (15) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0036] (16) A method for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A step of selecting a power storage device from among a plurality of power storage devices to be provided to the user of the storage device, in response to a request from the user. Includes, The extraction step is a method comprising the step of extracting energy storage devices based on the state of at least two storage units associated with a DC / DC converter that is capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two energy storage devices.

[0037] According to (16) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0038] (17) A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device for storing multiple items, Based on information regarding the components connected to multiple storage units that each store multiple of the aforementioned articles, From among the multiple storage units, determine which storage unit is for receiving the article from the user of the storage device, or which storage unit is for providing the article to the user of the storage device. To determine the articles stored in the receiving and storage section that will be provided to the user of the storage device, A computer program that functions as a decision-maker.

[0039] According to (17) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0040] (18) A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, In response to a user's request, it functions as an extraction unit that extracts from among the multiple energy storage devices to be provided to the user of the storage device. The extraction unit is a computer program that extracts energy storage devices based on the state of at least two storage units associated with a DC / DC converter that is capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two energy storage devices.

[0041] According to (18) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained.

[0042] A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in (19)(17) or (18).

[0043] According to (19) above, the same effect as in (1) above can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] According to the present invention, the standby time of the charger can be shortened, and the operating rate of the charger can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a battery sharing service system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the external appearance of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a power supply housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a power supply housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a horizontal straddle DC / DC converter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a vertical-type straddle DC / DC converter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the circuit configuration of a horizontal straddle DC / DC converter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the electrical configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows the processing flow executed by the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows the relationship between the state of the crossover DC / DC converter according to the second embodiment and the extraction priority. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of an extraction list according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] 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.

[0047] <First Embodiment> (Battery sharing service system) Figure 1 shows an example of a battery sharing service system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] The battery share service system 100 includes an information processing device 10 (not shown in Figure 1) and a server 300. The information processing device 10 is, for example, housed in one storage device 200. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may be housed in one or more enclosures 1 (enclosure 1c in Figure 1) of the storage device 200. The information processing device 10 controls the operation of the storage device 200. The information processing device 10 is connected to the storage device 200 by wire or wireless. The information processing device 10 may be configured as a single device rather than as a separate device from the storage device 200.

[0049] The storage device 200 comprises one or more enclosures 1. In Figure 1, one storage device 200 comprises three enclosures 1a, 1b, and 1c. When the storage device 200 comprises multiple enclosures, these multiple enclosures are physically and / or electrically connected to each other. Even if the multiple enclosures are not physically and / or electrically connected, they may constitute a single storage device 200 if they are understood to belong to the same station.

[0050] The housing 1 is a device for storing the energy storage device 2. The housing 1 has one or more storage compartments SL (also referred to as "slots") capable of housing and storing the energy storage device 2. In the example shown in Figure 1, one housing 1 has 12 storage compartments SL. The storage compartments SL detachably hold the energy storage device 2.

[0051] The housing 1 is a device for charging and / or discharging the energy storage devices 2. The housing 1 can simultaneously charge multiple energy storage devices 2 (up to 12 energy storage devices 2 in the example shown in Figure 1) housed in multiple storage units SL. "Simultaneous charging" is not limited to cases where charging of multiple energy storage devices 2 is started at the same time, but also includes cases where part of the charging time of a particular energy storage device 2 overlaps with part of the charging time of another energy storage device 2. The energy storage devices 2 housed in the storage units SL are charged by a charger (e.g., a DC / DC converter) associated with the storage units SL. In addition to being used as a charging device, the housing 1 may also be used as a discharge device (i.e., a power supply device) that supplies power to the outside of the housing 1 using the energy storage devices stored in the storage units as a power source, and may be used in a way that allows switching between these modes.

[0052] The enclosure 1 is connected to an external power supply 500. The external power supply 500 is, for example, a 100V AC commercial power supply. The power supplied from the external power supply 500 is used to charge the energy storage device 2 housed in the storage unit SL.

[0053] If a fully charged energy storage device 2 exists within the enclosure 1, the enclosure 1 sends a notification to the information processing device 10 indicating the presence of a fully charged energy storage device 2 within the enclosure 1. As a result, the information processing device 10 recognizes the energy storage device 2 that can be provided to user P (also referred to as "user").

[0054] When a user P who wishes to exchange (i.e., receive and provide) a power storage device 2 visits the storage device 200, the information processing device 10 controls the provision of a fully charged power storage device 2 located in the housing 1 to user P. For example, the information processing device 10 authenticates the user using the authentication unit 220 described later. The extraction unit 111 of the information processing device 10 extracts a power storage device 2 that has been determined to be available to the user of the storage device. The information processing device 10 indicates to the user, for example, the location of the storage unit SL in which the extracted power storage device 2 is housed, by displaying it on a display unit (for example, included in the authentication unit 220) (see, for example, Figure 20 of Patent Document 2). The user confirms the location of the storage unit SL shown on the display unit and obtains the fully charged power storage device 2 housed in the storage unit, as shown in Figure 1. User P loads the power storage device 2 into the storage compartment of the electric motor 400, which is driven by the power supplied from the power storage device 2, and uses it.

[0055] The storage device 200 receiving the energy storage device 2 can also be described as the user P accommodating the energy storage device 2. The storage device 200 providing the energy storage device 2 can also be described as the user P acquiring the energy storage device 2.

[0056] If the storage device 200 is used for sharing the energy storage device 2 among multiple users P, the provision of the energy storage device 2 to users P in the storage device 200 may be described as users P borrowing the energy storage device 2. Furthermore, the receipt of the energy storage device 2 from users P in the storage device 200 may be described as users P returning the energy storage device 2.

[0057] The energy storage device 2 extracted by the extraction unit 111 may be an energy storage device 2 housed in any of the storage units SL of the multiple housings (1a, 1b, and 1c in Figure 1) included in the storage device 200. When two energy storage devices 2 are extracted simultaneously by the extraction unit 111, the two energy storage devices 2 may be extracted from any two of the storage units SL of the multiple housings (1a, 1b, and 1c in Figure 1) included in the storage device 200. For example, one energy storage device 2 may be extracted simultaneously from housing 1a and one energy storage device 2 from housing 1b in Figure 1 and provided to the user P.

[0058] The electric motor 400 is any device that can be driven by power supplied from one or more energy storage devices 2. The electric motor 400 is, for example, a vehicle capable of housing two or four energy storage devices 2. Alternatively, the electric motor 400 is a portable power supply capable of housing one energy storage device 2, used for charging mobile devices, etc.

[0059] At least one enclosure (enclosure 1c in Figure 1) included in each storage device 200 is a station control device 210. The station control device 210 includes an authentication unit 220 (see, for example, Patent Document 3) that has the function of receiving operations from users. Through the authentication unit 220, the information processing device 10 performs user authentication using an IC card, IC tag, credit card, etc. The authentication unit 220 may be, for example, a user interface shown by reference numeral 136 in Patent Document 2. The station control device 210 may also have the functions of the information processing device 10.

[0060] The information processing device 10 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, 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. The information processing device 10 communicates with the server 300 via the network NW. For example, the information processing device 10 transmits information about the storage device 200 and / or information about the energy storage device 2 to the server 300. The server 300 may determine the status of each storage device 200 and / or the status of the energy storage device 2 based on this information. The server 300 may send instructions to the information processing device 10 based on the determination results. The information processing device 10 may control the storage device 200 based on the received instructions.

[0061] Server 300 may communicate with terminal device T used by user P directly or via network NW, and manage reservations for the use of energy storage device 2 stored in storage device 200. Server 300 may transmit reservation information to storage device 200 based on reservations for the use of energy storage device 2. Server 300 is any electronic device, for example, a stationary PC, a notebook PC, a portable terminal device, etc. Terminal device T is any electronic device, for example, a stationary PC, a notebook PC, a portable terminal device, etc.

[0062] (Enclosure) Figure 2 shows an example of the external appearance of the housing 1 according to the first embodiment. The housing 1 comprises a power supply housing 3 and a power storage device housing 4. The power supply housing 3 comprises an openable and closable top cover 5 and a removable front panel 6. The power storage device housing 4 comprises a plurality of storage compartments SL.

[0063] Figure 3 shows the internal configuration of the power supply housing 3 of the enclosure 1. The inside of the power supply housing 3 is exposed when the top cover 5 is opened and the front panel 6 is removed. Inside the power supply housing 3 is a power supply equipment unit 7. The power supply equipment unit 7 comprises a housing case 71, at least one AC / DC converter 61, and a plurality of DC / DC converters 62 to 66.

[0064] Figure 4 shows the state in which at least one AC / DC converter 61 and multiple DC / DC converters 62-66 have been removed from the housing case 71. As shown in Figure 4, at least one AC / DC converter 61 can be housed in the first storage pocket 41a or 41b of the housing case 71. Multiple DC / DC converters 62-66 can be housed in the second to sixth storage pockets 42-46 of the housing case 71. When at least one AC / DC converter 61 and multiple DC / DC converters 62-66 are housed in the housing case 71, at least one AC / DC converter 61 and multiple DC / DC converters 62-66 are electrically connected to the internal circuitry of the housing 1.

[0065] The multiple DC / DC converters 62-66 include a control DC / DC converter 62, a cooling DC / DC converter 63, and multiple charging DC / DC converters. The multiple charging DC / DC converters include a charging straddle DC / DC converter (64 or 65). The multiple charging DC / DC converters may also include single-slot charging DC / DC converters 66 (66a-66h in Figure 4).

[0066] A straddle DC / DC converter is a DC / DC converter capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two of a plurality of energy storage devices. The straddle DC / DC converter is associated with at least two of a plurality of storage units SL. The straddle DC / DC converter is capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two energy storage devices 2 housed in the two associated storage units SL.

[0067] A straddle DC / DC converter is, for example, a horizontal straddle DC / DC converter 64 or a vertical straddle DC / DC converter 65. All charging DC / DC converters housed in the housing case 71 may be straddle DC / DC converters. In this disclosure, in order to distinguish between a conventional DC / DC converter capable of charging and / or discharging one energy storage device and a straddle DC / DC converter, a DC / DC converter capable of charging and / or discharging one energy storage device is referred to as a conventional DC / DC converter or a single-slot DC / DC converter.

[0068] The storage case 71 includes a first storage pocket 41a or 41b for housing at least one AC / DC converter 61. The storage case 71 includes a second pocket 42 for housing a control DC / DC converter 62. The storage case 71 includes third pockets 43a and 43b for housing a cooling DC / DC converter 63. The storage case 71 includes a straddle storage pocket (44 or 45) for housing at least one straddle DC / DC converter (64 or 65). The storage case 71 may also include a fourth pocket 46 (46a to 46h in Figure 4) for housing a standard DC / DC converter 66 (66a to 66h in Figure 4).

[0069] A straddle storage pocket may be provided by removing a panel located between two fourth pockets for housing a single-slot DC / DC converter. This panel is, for example, located between the fourth pocket 46b and the fourth pocket 46c in Figure 4. The straddle storage pocket may be expanded to accommodate the size of the straddle DC / DC converter. For example, if the straddle DC / DC converter is the size of three or more standard DC / DC converters stacked on top of each other, a straddle storage pocket may be provided by removing a panel located between three or more fourth pockets 46 (e.g., 46b to 46d). Even when the panel is removed, the straddle DC / DC converter can be stably held and secured in the straddle storage pocket by any retainer.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an example of a horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64. As shown in Figure 5, the size of the horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64 is equal to the size of two standard DC / DC converters placed side by side.

[0071] Figure 6 shows an example of a vertical two-slot DC / DC converter 65. As shown in Figure 6, the size of the vertical two-slot DC / DC converter 65 is equal to the size of two standard DC / DC converters placed vertically side by side.

[0072] Figure 7 shows an example of the internal circuitry of a horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64. The horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64 includes a first part 81 corresponding to a power storage device housed in the first storage section SL, and a second part 82 corresponding to a power storage device housed in the second storage section SL.

[0073] The horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64 comprises a voltage input terminal 83, a first voltage output terminal 84, a second voltage output terminal 85, a DC / DC conversion unit 87, and a control device 88. The control device 88 may be any processing unit. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the control device 88 is an MCU (Microcontroller Unit). Also, as shown in Figure 7, the control device 88 can communicate with other devices using CAN (Controller Area Network) as the communication protocol.

[0074] The control device 88 has a memory area that stores the identifier of the horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64. This identifier is an arbitrary identifier that uniquely identifies the horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64. When the control device 88 receives a request to obtain the identifier from another device, it retrieves the identifier of the horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64 from the memory area and returns the identifier.

[0075] The functions of the control device 88 are also provided in a standard DC / DC converter 66. That is, when a control device provided in a standard DC / DC converter 66 receives a request to obtain an identifier from another device, it obtains the identifier of the standard DC / DC converter 66 from its storage and returns that identifier.

[0076] The voltage input terminal 83 is connected to the AC / DC converter 61. The DC / DC conversion unit 87 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 via the voltage input terminal 83 into DC power with a voltage suitable for charging the energy storage device 2, and supplies the converted DC power to the energy storage device 2. The DC / DC conversion unit 87 is connected to either the first voltage output terminal 84 or the second voltage output terminal 85 by a switching device 86 for switching the destination of the charging power supply. The switching device 86 is, for example, a switching device such as a relay or an FET (Field-Effect Transistor). In Figure 7, the DC / DC conversion unit 87 is connected to the second voltage output terminal 85.

[0077] The first voltage output terminal 84 is connected to the energy storage device 2 housed in the first storage unit SL. The second voltage output terminal 85 is connected to the energy storage device 2 housed in the second storage unit SL. When the DC / DC converter 87 is connected to the first voltage output terminal 84, charging power from the DC / DC converter 87 is supplied to the energy storage device 2 housed in the first storage unit SL. When the DC / DC converter 87 is connected to the second voltage output terminal 85, charging power from the DC / DC converter 87 is supplied to the energy storage device 2 housed in the second storage unit SL.

[0078] The switching device 86 selects, according to a command from the control device 88, which of the first voltage output terminal 84 and the second voltage output terminal 85 the DC / DC converter 87 is connected to. Furthermore, this command from the control device 88 may be generated based on a command from the control board 92 (or information processing device 10), which will be described later.

[0079] The horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64 for charging may also be configured to discharge power from the energy storage device 2 housed in the corresponding storage unit SL (see, for example, Figure 5 of Patent Document 1).

[0080] The vertical DC / DC converter 65 for charging across two slots has the same internal circuitry as the horizontal DC / DC converter 64 for charging across two slots described in Figure 7.

[0081] If the DC / DC converter for crossover charging is a DC / DC converter for crossover charging with 3 or more slots, the DC / DC converter for crossover charging has three or more voltage output terminals. In this case, the DC / DC converter for crossover charging is equipped with a switching device that can switch the destination of the charging power supplied from the DC / DC conversion unit 87 (i.e., the voltage input terminal 83) to three or more voltage output terminals.

[0082] Figure 8 shows an example of the electrical configuration of the housing 1 according to the first embodiment. Solid lines in Figure 8 represent power lines (power cables, etc.). Dashed lines in Figure 8 represent signal lines (communication cables, etc.).

[0083] The power transmission path 90 shown in Figure 8 is an electrical circuit located inside the enclosure 1. The power transmission path 90 includes an AC / DC converter 61, DC / DC converters 62-66, a plurality of interface boards (IF boards 91), and a control board 92.

[0084] AC power is supplied to the AC / DC converter 61 from an external power supply 500. The AC / DC converter 61 converts the AC power supplied from the external power supply 500 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to DC / DC converters 62-66. The AC / DC converter 61 is electrically connected to the energy storage devices 2 via charging DC / DC converters 64-66. One AC / DC converter 61 is provided for each of the multiple storage units SL (multiple energy storage devices 2). The AC / DC converter 61 is arranged to simultaneously supply charging power to the multiple energy storage devices 2 housed in the multiple storage units SL. In other words, multiple storage units SL are connected to one AC / DC converter 61.

[0085] The DC / DC converters 62-66 include a control DC / DC converter 62, a cooling DC / DC converter 63, and multiple charging DC / DC converters 64-66. The multiple DC / DC converters 62-66 are electrically connected in parallel to one AC / DC converter 61.

[0086] The control DC / DC converter 62 is connected to the control board 92, which is the main control unit of the power transmission path 90. The control DC / DC converter 62 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power with a voltage suitable for the control board 92, and supplies the converted DC power to the control board 92 via the IF board 91.

[0087] The cooling DC / DC converter 63 is connected to a heat exchange fan (for example, a fan attached to the storage unit SL) and a capacitor. The cooling DC / DC converter 63 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 91. A power detector is connected to the wiring between the IF board 91 and the fan.

[0088] Multiple charging DC / DC converters include at least one straddle DC / DC converter. The straddle DC / DC converter is, for example, a horizontal 2-slot straddle DC / DC converter 64 or a vertical 2-slot straddle DC / DC converter 65. The straddle DC / DC converter may also be a 3-slot or larger straddle DC / DC converter. Exemplarily, Figure 8 shows a horizontal 2-slot straddle DC / DC converter 64 as a straddle DC / DC converter. Also, as shown in Figure 8, multiple charging DC / DC converters may include ordinary DC / DC converters 66 (66a to 66h in Figure 8).

[0089] The horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64 for charging is connected to two storage units SL. When energy storage devices 2 are housed in each of the two storage units SL, the horizontal two-slot DC / DC converter 64 is electrically connected to the two energy storage devices 2 housed in the two storage units SL, as shown in Figure 8.

[0090] A typical single-slot DC / DC converter 66 for charging is provided in a one-to-one relationship with one storage unit SL. When a power storage device 2 is housed in the storage unit SL, the typical DC / DC converter 66 is electrically connected to the power storage device 2 housed in the storage unit SL, as shown in Figure 8.

[0091] Multiple DC / DC converters 64 to 66 for charging convert the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 61 into DC power with a voltage suitable for charging, and supply the converted DC power to the energy storage device 2.

[0092] Multiple IF boards 91 are provided in a one-to-one relationship with multiple storage units SL. The IF boards 91 communicate with the energy storage device 2 and acquire information stored in the memory unit of the BMU (Battery Management Unit) of the energy storage device 2 (for example, status information of the energy storage device 2, the ID of the energy storage device 2, etc.) from the energy storage device 2. The IF boards 91 output the information acquired from the energy storage device 2 to the control board 92.

[0093] The IF board 91 communicates with multiple DC / DC converters 64-66 for charging, receives identifiers from the DC / DC converters 64-66, and transmits the received identifiers to the control board 92.

[0094] The control board 92 controls the AC / DC converter 61, each DC / DC converter in DC / DC converters 62-66, and the multiple IF boards 91. The control board 92 also 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 energy storage devices 2 being charged simultaneously. In this specification, "board" refers to a base on which components are mounted, and is not limited to a printed circuit board; it may also be a metal plate or the like.

[0095] When the control board 92 receives identifiers from the multiple charging DC / DC converters 64 to 66, it determines, based on the identifiers, whether the multiple charging DC / DC converters are normal DC / DC converters or crossover DC / DC converters. Based on the determination result, the control board 92 executes control for the multiple charging DC / DC converters 64 to 66.

[0096] If it is determined that a crossover DC / DC converter is included among the multiple DC / DC converters for charging, the control board 92 sends a command to the control device 88 of the crossover DC / DC converter to perform control to switch the energy storage device 2 being charged. The control to switch the energy storage device 2 being charged may be performed in response to the completion of charging of the energy storage device 2 currently being charged. The control to switch the energy storage device 2 being charged may be performed at any predetermined timing, not limited to when charging is complete.

[0097] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, a DC / DC converter for charging and / or discharging at least two of the multiple energy storage devices 2 comprises a control device 88 for selecting one of the at least two energy storage devices 2, a switching device 86 for switching the destination of the charging power supply according to the command of the control device 88, and at least two sets of output terminals (84, 85) for selectively supplying charging power to one of the at least two energy storage devices 2 according to the switching result of the switching device 86. This reduces the time during which the DC / DC converter is connected one-to-one with a charged energy storage device 2 and is in a standby state. In other words, it reduces the standby time of the charger (i.e., the DC / DC converter) and improves the operating rate of the charger. Furthermore, it reduces the number of chargers that need to be installed, thereby lowering the production cost of the chargers. Moreover, since it can be applied without changing the circuit configuration of the current storage device 200 itself, it reduces unnecessary manufacturing costs required to obtain the above effects. Furthermore, even when using a large bidirectional DC / DC converter, there is no need to significantly alter the structure of the enclosure 1, including the internal L / O, thus reducing unnecessary manufacturing costs.

[0098] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The second embodiment relates to control using the DC / DC converter for crossover charging according to the first embodiment.

[0099] (Configuration of information processing device) Figure 9 shows the configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 comprises a processor 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The information processing device 10 is configured, for example, on a control board 92.

[0100] The processor 11 is any arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 11 performs various functions by operating according to a pre-prepared program. Specifically, the processor 11 has the functions of an extraction unit 111, a storage unit status acquisition unit 112, a charge status acquisition unit 113, an identifier acquisition unit 114, and an extraction list creation unit 115. These functions will be described later.

[0101] The storage unit 12 is a storage device composed of semiconductor storage media such as SSDs, RAMs, and ROMs, or recording media such as HDDs, magnetic disks, and CD-ROMs. The storage unit 12 may be any temporary-readable storage medium or any non-temporary-readable storage medium. The storage unit 12 stores computer programs used for the operation instructions of the processor 11 described above, and various data used in the processing of the processor 11. The computer programs or data may be delivered from other devices via the communication unit 13 during the operation of the processor 11, stored in the storage unit 12, and used as appropriate for the processing of the processor 11.

[0102] The communication unit 13 is an interface for connecting to a wide-area communication network such as the Internet. The information processing device 10 communicates with other devices such as the server 300 via the wide-area communication network and the communication unit 13.

[0103] (Example of operation) The processing flow executed by the information processing device 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Note that the content and order of processing shown below are just examples, and the following explanation is not intended to limit the content and order of processing.

[0104] [Step S101] The processor 11 receives a request from user P to acquire the energy storage device 2.

[0105] For example, when user P presents their IC card to the authentication unit 220 of the storage device 200, the information processing device 10 authenticates user P. Next, user P places a used energy storage device 2 into a storage unit SL that does not currently contain an energy storage device 2, i.e., an empty storage unit SL. When user P places one used energy storage device 2 into one empty storage unit SL, the processor 11 detects that user P has requested to acquire one energy storage device 2. When user P places multiple used energy storage devices 2 into multiple empty storage units SL, the processor 11 detects that user P has requested to acquire multiple energy storage devices 2.

[0106] [Step S102] The storage unit status acquisition unit 112 acquires the storage unit status of each storage unit SL of the housing 1 of the storage device 200. The storage unit status indicates whether or not a power storage device 2 is housed in the corresponding storage unit SL. As shown in Figure 12, the state in which a power storage device 2 is housed in a storage unit SL may be indicated by the value "1", and the state in which a power storage device 2 is not housed in a storage unit SL may be indicated by the value "0". The state in which a power storage device 2 is not housed in a storage unit SL may include the state immediately after user P has housed a used power storage device 2 in a storage unit SL, that is, the state in which a power storage device 2 was not housed in a storage unit SL until immediately before user P housed the power storage device 2.

[0107] [Step S103] The charge state acquisition unit 113 acquires the charge state of the energy storage device 2 housed in the storage unit SL. The charge state indicates whether the energy storage device 2 is charging or fully charged. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the fully charged state of the energy storage device 2 is indicated by the value "1", and the charging state of the energy storage device 2 is indicated by the value "0". Alternatively, the charge state may be indicated by the numerical value of the State of Charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 2 (0 to 100%).

[0108] [Step S104] The identifier acquisition unit 114 acquires information about the power converter (for example, the identifier of the DC / DC converter for charging) for each storage unit SL of the storage device 200.

[0109] Specifically, the identifier acquisition unit 114 transmits a request to the control device in the corresponding DC / DC converter for each storage unit SL of the storage device 200 to acquire the identifier of the DC / DC converter. Upon receiving the acquisition request, the control device transmits the identifier of the DC / DC converter to the identifier acquisition unit 114. The identifier acquisition unit 114 acquires the identifier returned from the control device.

[0110] There are cases where two storage units SL are associated with the same DC / DC converter. For example, two storage units SL are associated with a two-slot type crossover DC / DC converter. In this case as well, the identifier acquisition unit 114 acquires the identifier of the charging DC / DC converter for each of the two storage units SL associated with the same two-slot type crossover DC / DC converter. At this time, the identifier of the DC / DC converter acquired for one storage unit SL associated with the crossover DC / DC converter is the same as the identifier of the DC / DC converter acquired for the other storage unit SL associated with the same crossover DC / DC converter.

[0111] [Step S105] The extraction list creation unit 115 creates an extraction list based on the storage unit status, the charging status, and the acquired DC / DC converter identifier. The extraction list is a list in which the candidate energy storage devices 2 for extraction are ranked. In the extraction list, a higher number indicates that the corresponding energy storage device 2 will be preferentially extracted by the extraction unit 111.

[0112] Figure 11 shows the relationship between the storage status, charging status, and extraction priority of the two storage units SL (the "first storage unit" and the "second storage unit" in Figure 11) corresponding to the DC / DC converter for 2-slot charging. This relationship is used to create the extraction list.

[0113] For example, the extraction priority of the energy storage device 2 corresponding to the non-operating DC / DC converter for crossover charging is set to the highest. Specifically, if charged energy storage devices 2 are stored in the first and second storage units, the DC / DC converters for crossover charging corresponding to the first and second storage units are in a non-operating state, so the extraction priority of the energy storage devices 2 stored in the first and second storage units is set to the highest ("1" in Figure 11). If a charged energy storage device 2 is stored in one of the first and second storage units, and no energy storage devices 2 are stored in the other storage unit, the extraction priority of the stored energy storage devices 2 is set to the next highest ("2" in Figure 11). After these charged energy storage devices 2 have been extracted, it is expected that when another user visits the storage device 200, the used energy storage devices 2 will be stored in the storage unit SL corresponding to the DC / DC converter for crossover charging. In other words, by prioritizing the extraction of these fully charged energy storage devices 2, the corresponding DC / DC converter for cross-charging is expected to transition quickly from a non-operating state to an operating state for charging used energy storage devices.

[0114] Next, if a fully charged energy storage device 2 is stored in one of the first and second storage units, and a energy storage device 2 being charged is stored in the other storage unit, the priority for extracting the stored fully charged energy storage devices 2 is set to the following rank (in Figure 11, "3"). The DC / DC converter for cross-charging with the rank corresponding to "3" is in operation (i.e., charging one of the energy storage devices 2), but when a fully charged energy storage device 2 is provided to user P, the storage unit SL in which the fully charged energy storage device 2 was stored becomes "empty". In other words, when another user visits the storage device 200, it is expected that the used energy storage device 2 will be stored in the "empty" storage unit SL. When the used energy storage device 2 is stored in the storage unit SL corresponding to the DC / DC converter for cross-charging, the DC / DC converter for cross-charging will continue to operate to charge the used energy storage device 2 stored by the user, even if the charging of the energy storage device 2 being charged is complete. Therefore, the time during which the DC / DC converter for crossover charging is idle can be reduced.

[0115] If a charging energy storage device 2 is housed in either the first or second storage section, but not in the other storage section, the charging energy storage device 2 is excluded from the extraction candidates (shown as "extraction impossible" in Figure 11). Similarly, if no extraction candidate energy storage device 2 is housed in either the first or second storage section, it is also set to "extraction impossible."

[0116] Figure 12 shows an example of an extraction list created by the extraction list creation unit 115. The extraction list includes the housing ID, storage unit ID, converter ID, storage unit status, charging status, and extraction order. The housing ID is an identifier for identifying the housing 1 included in the storage device 200. In Figure 12, the explanation is limited to one housing 1 ("1a" in Figure 1) as an example, but a single extraction list may include multiple housings 1 included in the storage device 200 ("1b", "1c", etc. in Figure 1). The storage unit ID is an identifier for identifying the storage unit SL of housing 1. The converter ID is an identifier for identifying the DC / DC converters 64-66 for charging provided in housing 1.

[0117] In Figure 12, the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "1" and the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "2" are associated with the same converter ID "01". That is, the DC / DC converters corresponding to the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "1" and the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "2" are either the horizontal 2-slot cross-charging DC / DC converter 64 or the vertical 2-slot cross-charging DC / DC converter 65. Also, in Figure 12, the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "6" and the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "9" are associated with the same converter ID "06". That is, the DC / DC converters corresponding to the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "6" and the storage unit SL for storage unit ID "9" are either the horizontal 2-slot cross-charging DC / DC converter 64 or the vertical 2-slot cross-charging DC / DC converter 65.

[0118] The storage unit SL with storage unit ID "1" and the storage unit SL with storage unit ID "2" contain charged energy storage devices 2. According to the table in Figure 11, the extraction priority of the energy storage devices 2 contained in the storage unit SL with storage unit ID "1" and the storage unit SL with storage unit ID "2" is set to a high value. In Figure 12, these extraction priorities are set to "1" and "2".

[0119] Storage unit SL with storage unit ID "6" contains a fully charged energy storage device 2. Storage unit SL with storage unit ID "9" does not contain an energy storage device 2. Alternatively, storage unit SL with storage unit ID "9" is the storage unit SL into which user P has placed a used energy storage device 2. In this case, the extraction priority of the energy storage device 2 stored in storage unit SL with storage unit ID "6" is set to be after the extraction priority of the energy storage devices 2 stored in storage unit SL with storage unit IDs "1" and "2". Energy storage devices 2 stored (or not stored) in storage unit SL with storage unit ID "9" are set to be unavailable for extraction.

[0120] Storage unit SL with storage unit ID "7" houses a fully charged energy storage device 2. However, there is no other storage unit SL with the same converter ID as storage unit SL with storage unit ID "7" (converter ID "07"). In other words, the DC / DC converter for charging in storage unit SL with storage unit ID "7" (converter ID "07") is a standard single-slot DC / DC converter. In this case, the extraction order of the energy storage device 2 housed in storage unit SL with storage unit ID "7" is set after the extraction order of the energy storage devices 2 housed in storage unit SL with storage unit IDs "1", "2", and "6".

[0121] Furthermore, the extraction order in the extraction list may be adjusted considering factors such as the degradation status indicated by the State of Health (SOH) of the energy storage device 2 and the operating rate of the DC / DC converter.

[0122] As another example, the creation of the extraction list may determine which energy storage devices 2 to be extracted, in accordance with the following two points: (1) neither of the storage units corresponding to the DC / DC converters for crossover charging should be "empty". (2) Storage units where both of the storage units corresponding to the DC / DC converters for crossover charging are "charged" should have a higher extraction priority, and if the combination is "charging" and "charged", the extraction priority should be after "charged" and "charged".

[0123] [Step S106] The extraction unit 111 extracts the energy storage devices 2 based on the created extraction list. Specifically, if user P has requested to acquire one energy storage device 2 in step S101, the extraction unit 111 extracts the energy storage device 2 corresponding to the storage unit whose extraction priority is "1" in the extraction list. If user P has requested to acquire two energy storage devices 2 in step S101, the extraction unit 111 extracts the two energy storage devices 2 corresponding to the storage units whose extraction priority is "1" and "2" in the extraction list.

[0124] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, the information processing device 10 for controlling the storage device 200 that stores multiple energy storage devices 2 includes an extraction unit 111 that, in response to a request from a user, extracts an energy storage device 2 from among the multiple energy storage devices 2 to be provided to the user of the storage device. The extraction unit 111 extracts the energy storage devices 2 based on the state of at least two storage units SL associated with DC / DC converters that are selectively capable of charging and / or discharging at least two energy storage devices 2. This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0125] (First variation) In the second embodiment, the determination of the extracted energy storage device 2 was made using the identifier of the DC / DC converter. In the first modification of the second embodiment, the determination of the extracted energy storage device 2 may be made based on information about any of the components of the storage device 200. For example, the determination of the extracted energy storage device 2 may be made based on information about hardware on other non-electrical circuits, such as a cooling fan or a battery state sensing sensor.

[0126] (Second variation) In the second embodiment, after receiving a request from user P to acquire the energy storage device 2 (step S101), the extraction list was created (step S105). In a second modification of the second embodiment, the extraction list may be prepared in advance before receiving a request from user P to acquire the energy storage device 2. The extraction list created in advance is created in the same manner as in step S105 of the second embodiment.

[0127] Furthermore, the created extraction list may be updated as appropriate based on the identifier corresponding to the DC / DC converter, the storage unit status, and the charging status.

[0128] For example, suppose the storage unit status and charging status, which previously indicated that the corresponding DC / DC converter was operational, change to indicate that it is inactive. In this case, the extraction list creation unit 115 increases the extraction priority in the extraction list for the energy storage device 2 housed in the storage unit SL corresponding to the DC / DC converter in question.

[0129] More specifically, the storage unit status and charging status are determined to indicate that there are fully charged energy storage devices in all of the at least two storage units corresponding to the DC / DC converter. In this case, the extraction list creation unit 115 increases the extraction priority in the extraction list for the energy storage device 2 housed in the storage unit SL corresponding to the DC / DC converter.

[0130] (Third variation) In the second embodiment, each operation was performed by one of the functional units provided in the information processing device 10. However, the main entity performing each operation in the second embodiment is not limited to the functional units described in the second embodiment.

[0131] For example, the server 300 may perform some or all of the processing performed by the information processing device 10 in the second embodiment described above. That is, the processor of the server 300 may perform at least one of the following processes: the extraction unit 111, the storage unit state acquisition unit 112, the charge state acquisition unit 113, the identifier acquisition unit 114, and the extraction list creation unit 115.

[0132] The information processing device 10 may consist of multiple devices. The information processing device 10 may also be implemented using cloud computing.

[0133] <Third Embodiment> In the second embodiment, the information processing device 10 determined which energy storage device 2 to be extracted. That is, the information processing device 10 determined which items stored in the storage unit (i.e., storage unit SL) to be provided to the user P (i.e., the user) based on information about the components connected to the storage unit (i.e., storage unit SL) that stores the items (i.e., the energy storage device 2) (i.e., the identifier of the DC / DC converter for charging, or information about the power converter).

[0134] In a third embodiment, the information processing device 10 may determine a receiving / storage unit, which is a storage unit for providing articles to users of a storage unit, based on information about a component connected to a plurality of storage units, each storing a plurality of articles. Articles include goods and packages other than the energy storage device 2. The location of the determined receiving / storage unit is shown to the user by being displayed on a display unit (for example, included in the authentication unit 220). The user confirms the location of the storage unit shown on the display unit and retrieves the articles stored in the storage unit, as shown in Figure 1.

[0135] Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may determine a receiving storage unit, which is a storage unit for receiving items from a user, from among the multiple storage units, based on information about the components connected to the multiple storage units, each storing multiple items. For example, when a user visits the storage device 200, the information processing device 10 determines which storage unit to place the items in from among the storage units that are not currently storing any items, based on information about the components connected to the multiple storage units, each storing multiple items. Specifically, if the storage unit corresponding to the DC / DC converter for crossover charging is vacant, the information processing device 10 determines that storage unit to place the items in. The information processing device 10 indicates the location of the determined storage unit to the user by displaying it on the display unit. The user, upon viewing the display unit, places the items they brought to the storage device 200 in the displayed storage unit. In this way, the information processing device 10 receives the items from the user.

[0136] (Effects and Benefits) As described above, the information processing device 10 for controlling a storage device that stores multiple articles includes a determination unit that determines, based on information about the constituent devices connected to the multiple storage units that each store multiple articles, a storage unit for receiving articles from a user, or a receiving / transferring storage unit for providing articles to the user of the storage device, or determines the articles stored in the receiving / transferring storage unit that will be provided to the user of the storage device. This makes it possible to obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0137] <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]

[0138] 1 cabinet 10 Information Processing Devices 11 processors 111 Extraction part 112 Storage Unit Status Acquisition Unit 113 Charging status acquisition unit 114 Identifier acquisition unit 115 Extraction List Creation Section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 100 Battery Sharing Service System 200 Storage device 210 Station Control Unit 220 Authentication Department 300 servers 2. Energy storage device 61 AC / DC Converter 62 DC / DC converter for control 63. DC / DC converter for cooling 64 Horizontal 2-slot DC / DC converter for cross-slot charging 65 Vertical 2-slot DC / DC converter for cross-slot charging 83 Voltage Input Terminal 84 Voltage output terminals 85 Voltage output terminal 86 Switching device 87 DC / DC Conversion Section 88 Control device 90 Power transmission path 92 Control board SL storage department 400 Electric Vehicles 500 external power supply P User T terminal device

Claims

1. An information processing device for controlling a storage device that stores multiple items, Based on information regarding the components connected to multiple storage units that each store multiple of the aforementioned articles, From among the multiple storage units, determine which storage unit is for receiving the article from the user of the storage device, or which storage unit is for providing the article to the user of the storage device. To determine the articles stored in the receiving and storage section that will be provided to the user of the storage device, An information processing device equipped with a decision-making unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the article is an energy storage device.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information relating to the constituent device is information relating to a power converter for charging and / or discharging at least two of the plurality of articles.

4. A DC / DC converter for charging and / or discharging at least two of a plurality of energy storage devices, A control device that selects one of at least two of the aforementioned energy storage devices, A switching device that switches the destination of the charging power supply according to the command of the control device, According to the switching result of the switching device, at least two sets of output terminals for selectively supplying charging power to one of the at least two energy storage devices, A DC / DC converter equipped with the following features.

5. The DC / DC converter according to claim 4, wherein the control device transmits identifiers for DC / DC converters for charging and / or discharging at least two of the plurality of energy storage devices.

6. A storage device having a DC / DC converter according to claim 4 or 5.

7. An information processing device for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, An extraction unit that, in response to a request from a user, extracts from among a plurality of energy storage devices which energy storage device will be provided to the user of the storage device. Equipped with, The extraction unit is an information processing device that extracts energy storage devices based on the state of at least two storage units associated with a DC / DC converter that is capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two energy storage devices.

8. A storage unit status acquisition unit acquires the storage unit status, which indicates whether or not an energy storage device is housed in the storage unit corresponding to the DC / DC converter. A charge state acquisition unit that acquires the charge state of the energy storage device housed in the storage unit. Furthermore, The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the extraction unit extracts an energy storage device based on the state of the storage unit and the charging state.

9. The system further includes an identifier acquisition unit that acquires an identifier for the DC / DC converter, The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the extraction unit extracts an energy storage device based on an identifier corresponding to the DC / DC converter, the storage unit state, and the charging state.

10. The information processing device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the charging state indicates that the energy storage device is charging or that the energy storage device is fully charged.

11. The system further includes an extraction list creation unit that creates an extraction list in which the energy storage devices to be extracted from among the multiple energy storage devices are ranked, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the extraction unit extracts energy storage devices based on the extraction list.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the extraction list creation unit creates the extraction list based on an identifier corresponding to the DC / DC converter, the storage unit state, and the charging state.

13. If the storage unit state and the charging state indicate that the DC / DC converter is in a non-operating state, The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the extraction list creation unit increases the extraction priority in the extraction list corresponding to the energy storage device housed in the storage unit corresponding to the DC / DC converter.

14. If the storage unit state and the charging state indicate that there are fully charged energy storage devices in all of the at least two storage units corresponding to the DC / DC converter, The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the extraction list creation unit increases the extraction priority in the extraction list corresponding to the energy storage device housed in the storage unit corresponding to the DC / DC converter.

15. A method for controlling a storage device that stores multiple articles, Based on information regarding the components connected to multiple storage units that each store multiple of the aforementioned articles, A step of determining, among the plurality of storage units, a storage unit for receiving the article from the user of the storage device, or a receiving storage unit among the plurality of storage units for providing the article to the user of the storage device, The process of determining the articles stored in the receiving and storage section to be provided to the user of the storage device. Methods that include...

16. A method for controlling a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, A step of selecting a power storage device from among a plurality of power storage devices to be provided to the user of the storage device, in response to a request from the user. Includes, The extraction step is a method comprising the step of extracting energy storage devices based on the state of at least two storage units associated with a DC / DC converter that is capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two energy storage devices.

17. A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device for storing multiple items, Based on information regarding the components connected to multiple storage units that each store multiple of the aforementioned articles, From among the multiple storage units, determine which storage unit is for receiving the article from the user of the storage device, or which storage unit is for providing the article to the user of the storage device. To determine the articles stored in the receiving and storage section that will be provided to the user of the storage device, A computer program that functions as a decision-maker.

18. A processor for an information processing device that controls a storage device that stores multiple energy storage devices, In response to a user's request, it functions as an extraction unit that extracts from among the multiple energy storage devices to be provided to the user of the storage device. The extraction unit is a computer program that extracts energy storage devices based on the state of at least two storage units associated with a DC / DC converter that is capable of selectively charging and / or discharging at least two energy storage devices.

19. A readable storage medium storing the computer program described in claim 17 or 18.

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