Battery management device, battery management method, and program

Abstract

A storage battery management device according to this embodiment comprises a display control unit that, in response to an operation in which a user interface screen was used, causes a display unit to display first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of a storage battery system, said first remaining life information having been calculated on the basis of the respective SOH of a plurality of storage battery modules that make up the storage battery system, and second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system if one or more of the storage battery modules were each replaced with another storage battery module, said second remaining life information having been calculated on the basis of the SOH of the storage battery modules that would not be replaced and the SOH of the aforementioned other storage battery module or modules.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a storage battery management device, a storage battery management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, storage battery systems including a plurality of storage battery modules have been used, for example, as backup power sources, storage devices for power generated by renewable energy sources, etc. However, the storage battery modules gradually deteriorate over time.

[0003] Therefore, in conventional technology, for example, the SOH (State of Health) of storage battery modules is monitored, and if a storage battery module whose SOH indicates deterioration is found, the module is replaced with a new storage battery module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-128769 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if a battery module showing deterioration in SOH is found, it does not necessarily need to be replaced immediately. Moreover, replacing a battery module is costly. Therefore, it would be meaningful to display information on how the remaining life of the battery system will be extended if the battery module is replaced before actually replacing it.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an objective of providing a battery management device, a battery management method, and a program that can display information regarding how to extend the remaining life of a battery system if at least a portion of the multiple battery modules that make up the battery system are replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The battery management device of this embodiment is equipped with a display control unit that, in response to an operation using a user interface screen, causes a display unit to display first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system calculated based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules that constitute the storage battery system, and second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system when one or more of the storage battery modules are replaced with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on the SOH of the storage battery module that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overview of a storage battery system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of the storage battery unit of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the cell module etc. of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram of the upper control device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a functional configuration block diagram of the control unit of the upper control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the upper control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the upper control device of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a functional configuration block diagram of the control unit of the upper control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the upper control device of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional configuration block diagram of the control unit of the upper control device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the upper control device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments (first to sixth embodiments) of a storage battery management device, a storage battery management method, and a program of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overview of a storage battery system 100 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the storage battery system 100 includes, for example, a power meter 2, a storage battery unit 4, a storage battery controller 5, and a higher-level control device 6. Note that the configuration of the storage battery system 100 is not limited to this, and the configurations of the individual devices constituting the storage battery system 100 are not limited to those described below.

[0011] A commercial power source 1 supplies commercial power. A power meter 2 measures the power supplied from the commercial power source 1. A load 3 is a device that consumes power.

[0012] The storage battery unit 4 charges the commercial power source 1 based on the measurement results of the power meter 2, and when the power supply from the commercial power source 1 is cut off, discharges the power to supply power to the load 3.

[0013] The battery controller 5 performs local control of the battery unit 4. The upper control device 6 performs remote control of the battery controller 5.

[0014] In the above configuration, the load 3 normally operates by receiving power supply from the commercial power source 1, and operates by receiving power supply from the storage battery unit 4 when the power supply from the commercial power source 1 is cut off.

[0015] The above explanation is for the case where the storage battery unit 4 is operated as a backup power source, but it can be applied to the case where the power of the storage battery unit 4 is superimposed on the power supply from the commercial power source 1 during peak shifting for power load leveling. It can also be applied to the case where the power quality (voltage, frequency, etc.) is stabilized when generating power using renewable energy (energy from sunlight, solar heat, hydroelectric power, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, etc.).

[0016] Fig. 2 is a configuration block diagram of the storage battery unit 4 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage battery unit 4 is roughly divided into a storage battery device 11 that stores electric power, and a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 12 that converts DC power supplied from the storage battery device 11 into AC power having a desired power quality and supplies the AC power to a load.

[0017] The storage battery equipment 11 is roughly divided into a plurality of battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) and a battery terminal board 22 to which the battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N are connected.

[0018] Battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N each include a plurality of battery panels 23-1 to 23-M (M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) connected in parallel to each other, a gateway device 24, and a DC power supply device 25 that supplies DC power for operation to a BMU (Battery Management Unit) and CMU (Cell Monitoring Unit) described below.

[0019] Here, the configuration of battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N will be described in detail. Battery panels 23-1 to 23-M constituting battery panel units 21-1 to 21-N are connected to output power lines (buses) LHO and LLO via high potential power supply line LH and low potential power supply line LL, respectively, and supply power to PCS 12, which is the main circuit.

[0020] Since the battery boards 23-1 to 23-M have the same configuration, the battery board 23-1 will be described as an example. The battery panel 23-1 broadly comprises a plurality of cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, a plurality of CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 provided in the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, a service disconnect 33 provided between the cell modules 31-12 and 31-13, a current sensor 34, and a contactor 35. The plurality of cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, the service disconnect 33, the current sensor 34, and the contactor 35 are connected in series.

[0021] Here, the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 each include a plurality of battery cells connected in series and parallel to form an assembled battery, and the plurality of serially connected cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 form an assembled battery group.

[0022] Furthermore, the battery panel 23-1 includes a BMU 36. The communication lines of the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 and the output line of the current sensor 34 are connected to the BMU 36. Under the control of the gateway device 24, the BMU 36 controls the entire battery board 23-1, and performs opening and closing control of the contactor 35 based on the results of communication with each of the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 and the detection results of the current sensor 34. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the battery boards 23-1 to 23-M, they will also be simply referred to as battery boards 23.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the battery terminal board 22 will be described. The battery terminal board 22 includes a plurality of board breakers 41-1 to 41-N provided corresponding to the battery board units 21-1 to 21-N, and a master device 42 configured as a microcomputer that controls the storage battery equipment 11 as a whole.

[0024] Connected between the master device 42 and the PCS 12 are a control power line 51 that is supplied with power via a UPS (Uninterruptible Power System) 12A of the PCS 12, and a control communication line 52 that is configured as Ethernet (registered trademark) and that exchanges control data.

[0025] Here, a detailed configuration of the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20, and the BMU 36 will be described. Fig. 3 is a configuration block diagram of the cell modules etc. of the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 each include a plurality of battery cells 61-1 to 61-10 connected in series.

[0026] CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 each include an AFEIC (Analog Front End IC: voltage and temperature measurement IC) 62 for measuring the voltage and temperature at a specific location of the battery cells that make up the corresponding cell modules 31-1 to 31-20, an MPU 63 for controlling the entire CMU 32-1 to 32-20, a communication controller 64 that complies with the CAN standard for performing CAN (Controller Area Network) communication with BMU 36, and a memory 65 for storing voltage data and temperature data corresponding to the voltage of each cell.

[0027] In the following description, the configurations each including the cell modules 31-1 to 31-20 and the corresponding CMUs 32-1 to 32-20 are referred to as storage battery modules 37-1 to 37-20. For example, the configuration including the cell module 31-1 and the corresponding CMU 32-1 is referred to as storage battery module 37-1. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the storage battery modules 37-1 to 37-20, they are also simply referred to as storage battery modules 37.

[0028] The BMU 36 also includes an MPU 71 that controls the entire BMU 36, a communication controller 72 that complies with the CAN standard for performing CAN communication with the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20, and a memory 73 that stores voltage data and temperature data transmitted from the CMUs 32-1 to 32-20.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a configuration block diagram of the upper control device 6 of the first embodiment. The upper control device 6 is configured as a so-called computer, and includes, for example, an external storage device 6A, a control unit 6B that controls the entire upper control device 6, a display unit 6C that displays various information to an operator, an input device 6D through which the operator inputs various information, and a communication network 6E for communication between the control unit 6B and the external storage device 6A and between the control unit 6B and external devices such as the storage battery controller 5, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0030] A typical deterioration phenomenon of a storage battery will be described for such a storage battery system 100, taking as an example a case in which lithium ion batteries are used. Battery characteristics that change with deterioration include internal resistance and battery capacity. Battery capacity tends to decrease over time, while battery internal resistance tends to increase. One of the factors that causes battery capacity to decrease is an increase in internal resistance.

[0031] Generally, the higher the battery temperature, the faster the battery will deteriorate. Therefore, if there is variation in the battery temperature within a storage battery module, the deterioration of the cell module with a high battery temperature will progress more easily. For example, heat is generated inside the battery as the battery is charged and discharged, causing the battery temperature to rise. Heat generated from the battery gathers at the top of the battery panel, and the temperature of the battery tends to be higher at the top. It is also possible that the temperature of the adjacent battery panel will rise due to heat generation and exhaust heat from equipment such as the PCS12. Thus, if there is variation in the temperature distribution within the battery panel, there is a concern that the deterioration of the battery cells and storage battery modules with high battery temperatures will be accelerated.

[0032] As a countermeasure to such a situation, in the prior art, for example, the SOH of the storage battery modules is monitored, and if a storage battery module is found whose SOH indicates deterioration, the module is replaced with a new storage battery module.

[0033] However, even if a battery module showing deterioration in SOH is found, it does not necessarily need to be replaced immediately. Moreover, replacing a battery module is costly. Therefore, before actually replacing a battery module, it would be useful to obtain information on how the remaining life of the battery system will be extended if the battery module is replaced.

[0034] Therefore, hereinafter, a technique will be described that can display information regarding how the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 will be extended if it is assumed that at least some of the multiple storage battery modules that make up the storage battery system 100 are replaced.

[0035] 5 is a functional configuration block diagram of the control unit 6B of the upper control device 6 of the first embodiment. The control unit 6B includes, as functional components, a replacement target selection unit 91, a remaining life calculation unit 92, a cost calculation unit 93, and a display control unit 94, as shown in FIG.

[0036] The replacement target selection unit 91 selects a storage battery module 37 to be replaced from among the multiple storage battery modules 37 constituting the storage battery system 100. For example, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects a storage battery module 37 whose SOH indicates deterioration as the storage battery module 37 to be replaced. Furthermore, for example, the replacement target selection unit 91 may select a storage battery module 37 specified by a user as the storage battery module 37 to be replaced.

[0037] The remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the current storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37 constituting the storage battery system 100. In addition, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when one or more storage battery modules 37 are replaced with other storage battery modules based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules. Note that the other storage battery modules are, for example, new storage battery modules or reused storage battery modules.

[0038] In addition, when calculating the second remaining life information, the remaining life calculation unit 92 may calculate the second remaining life information in the case where all the storage battery modules 37 in a specified battery panel 23 are replaced with other storage battery modules, based on the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0039] The remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates the above-mentioned first remaining life information and second remaining life information by simulating the charging and discharging operation of the storage battery module using, for example, a digital model (e.g., an equivalent circuit model) of the storage battery unit 4 incorporating various characteristic values, etc. of the storage battery module 37 and other storage battery modules (hereinafter, they are also collectively referred to simply as "storage battery modules"). In addition, in calculating the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information, not only the SOH of the storage battery module but also other information such as the environmental temperature of the storage battery module may be used.

[0040] The cost calculation unit 93 calculates the cost required for the replacement (hereinafter also referred to as "replacement cost") based on the procurement cost of another storage battery module to be newly installed in replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0041] The display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display various information. For example, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display first remaining life information, second remaining life information, and replacement cost in response to an operation using a user interface screen. The display control unit 94 also causes the display unit 6C to display, for example, a life extension effect. The life extension effect is an effect of extending the time when the storage battery system 100 will no longer satisfy the specifications. Specifically, the display content of the life extension effect may be, for example, the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information, or may be the length of the life of the storage battery system 100 extended by replacing the storage battery module 37 (for example, "3 months").

[0042] Next, the processing of the upper control device 6 and an example of a display screen of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device 6 of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen of the upper control device 6 of the first embodiment.

[0043] First, in step S1 , the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37 .

[0044] Next, for example, the user performs an operation on the screen shown in Fig. 7(a). In Fig. 7(a), a plurality of battery panels 23 each consisting of a plurality of storage battery modules 37 are displayed in an area R1. Also, the storage battery module 37 (also referred to as module A) whose SOH indicates degradation is displayed as "A."

[0045] In addition, in region R2, module A, battery panel A (battery panel 23 including module A), and selection (arbitrarily selectable) are displayed as replacement candidates in a selectable manner.

[0046] In addition, in the region R3, a new storage battery module and a reused storage battery module are displayed as options for replacement.

[0047] In addition, a calculation start button is displayed in area R4.

[0048] On such a screen, the user can complete the operation by selecting the item to be exchanged from the exchange candidates in area R2, selecting the item to be exchanged (new item, reused item) from the exchange destination in area R3, and then pressing the start calculation button in area R4.

[0049] After that, in step S2, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects, from among the multiple storage battery modules 37 constituting the storage battery system 100, the storage battery module 37 to be replaced that is specified by the operation.

[0050] Next, in step S3, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module 37 to be replaced is replaced with another storage battery module, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not being replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery module.

[0051] Next, in step S4, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of another storage battery module to be newly installed in replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0052] Next, in step S5, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the replacement cost. Fig. 7(b) is an example of the display screen. In Fig. 7(b), the current life of the storage battery system 100 (2020 / 10), the life after the storage battery module replacement (2021 / 01), and the replacement cost (300,000 yen) are displayed in the area R11.

[0053] Note that the display contents of the areas R12 to R14 are the same as those of the areas R2 to R4 in FIG. 7(a), but are not limited thereto. For example, the selected exchange target may be displayed in the area R12. Alternatively, for example, the selected item (new item, reused item) may be displayed in the area R13.

[0054] In this way, according to the storage battery system 100 of the first embodiment, the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 (first remaining life information) and the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module is replaced (second remaining life information) can be calculated and displayed. This allows the user to view the information and appropriately determine the timing of replacement of the storage battery module 37, etc. Furthermore, by calculating and displaying the replacement cost as well, the user can obtain even more meaningful replacement cost information.

[0055] In the conventional technology, for example, when some batteries in a large-scale storage battery system deteriorate, replacing the deteriorated batteries extends the lifespan of the system, but it is difficult for end users to make a decision if they are unclear about the cost and the effect to be obtained. Therefore, by calculating and displaying each remaining lifespan and replacement cost as described above as in this embodiment, it is possible to present the user with an appropriate decision criterion for battery replacement.

[0056] In addition, by allowing users to select not only new storage battery modules but also reused storage battery modules as replacement targets, a wider range of options can be presented to users. In other words, if a user selects a reused module, the effect of extending the life of the module is inferior to that of a new module, but the module is less expensive.

[0057] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Regarding matters similar to those in the first embodiment, duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Figs. 1 to 5 are similar to those in the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, instead of replacing a storage battery module 37 with another storage battery module, a rearrangement (one form of replacement) is performed between a plurality of storage battery modules 37.

[0058] When calculating the second remaining life information, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates the second remaining life information in the case where the arrangement of the multiple storage battery modules 37 is changed instead of replacing one or more storage battery modules 37 with other storage battery modules, using a digital model based on the deterioration progress characteristic information of the storage battery modules 37 for each position in the storage battery system 100 stored in a memory unit (e.g., the external memory device 6A (Figure 4)).

[0059] The deterioration progress characteristic information is information on the deterioration progress characteristic of each storage battery module 37. In general, the higher the temperature, the faster the battery deteriorates. Therefore, the deterioration progress characteristic information is created, for example, based on temperature distribution information of the multiple storage battery modules 37. That is, for example, the deterioration progress characteristic (progression speed) differs depending on the position of each storage battery module 37 due to differences in the heat dissipation efficiency of heat generated during use and differences in temperature. Therefore, the deterioration progress characteristic information can be created in advance, for example, by experiments. Note that when creating the deterioration progress characteristic information, not only temperature but also other factors related to deterioration may be used.

[0060] Next, the processing of the upper control device 6 and an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device 6 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the upper control device 6 according to the second embodiment.

[0061] First, in step S11, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37.

[0062] Next, for example, the user performs an operation on the screen shown in Fig. 9(a). The screen in Fig. 9(a) differs from the screen in Fig. 7(a) in that a selection button for "rearrangement" is added to area R3. On such a screen, the user can complete the operation by selecting "rearrangement" in area R3 and then pressing the calculation start button in area R4.

[0063] After that, in step S12, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects, from among the multiple storage battery modules 37 constituting the storage battery system 100, a storage battery module 37 that is a target for rearrangement.

[0064] Next, in step S13, second remaining life information in the case where the arrangement of the storage battery module 37 to be rearranged is rearranged is calculated based on the above-mentioned deterioration progress characteristic information.

[0065] Next, in step S14, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the rearrangement cost. Note that since the rearrangement is of the storage battery module 37, the procurement costs of the other storage battery modules are not necessary, and the rearrangement cost is calculated based only on the work cost.

[0066] Next, in step S15, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the rearrangement cost. Fig. 9(b) is an example of the display screen. In Fig. 9(b), the current life (2020 / 10) of the storage battery system 100, the life after the rearrangement (2021 / 01), and the rearrangement cost (300,000 yen) are displayed in the area R11.

[0067] In this way, according to the storage battery system 100 of the second embodiment, it is possible to calculate and display the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 (first remaining life information), the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the rearrangement of the storage battery modules 37 is changed (second remaining life information), and the rearrangement cost. This allows the user to appropriately decide whether to replace or rearrange the storage battery modules 37.

[0068] Furthermore, when the arrangement of the storage battery module 37 is changed, the effect of extending the life is inferior to that of replacing the battery module with a new one, but there is an advantage in that the effect of extending the life can be obtained at low cost.

[0069] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. For matters similar to those in the first embodiment, duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 4 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, the replacement cost, etc. are calculated and displayed at a timing specified by the user. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, a predetermined index value related to the cost-effectiveness of replacement is continuously calculated based on the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the replacement cost, and the judgment result is displayed when the index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a functional configuration block diagram of a control unit 6B of a host control device 6 according to the third embodiment. Compared to the case of Fig. 5, an index value calculation unit 95 and a determination unit 96 are added.

[0071] The index value calculation unit 95 continuously calculates a predetermined index value related to the cost-effectiveness of replacement based on the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the replacement cost. The index value may be, for example, the extension time of the life of the storage battery system 100 due to the replacement. Alternatively, the index value may be a value obtained by dividing the extension time of the life of the storage battery system 100 due to the replacement by the replacement cost. In the following example, the index value is assumed to be the extension time of the life.

[0072] The determination unit 96 determines whether or not the predetermined index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, two months), and outputs a determination result when it is determined that the index value is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0073] Next, the processing of the upper control device 6 and an example of a display screen according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device 6 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the upper control device 6 according to the third embodiment.

[0074] First, in step S21, the control unit 6B determines whether it is the calculation timing (for example, a fixed time every day) and if Yes, the process proceeds to step S22, and if No, the process returns to step S21.

[0075] Next, in step S22, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37.

[0076] Next, in step S23, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects a replacement target storage battery module 37 (for example, a storage battery module 37 whose SOH indicates deterioration) from among the multiple storage battery modules 37 constituting the storage battery system 100.

[0077] Next, in step S24, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module 37 to be replaced is replaced with another storage battery module, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not being replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery module.

[0078] Next, in step S25, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of another storage battery module to be newly installed in replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0079] Next, in step S26, the index value calculation unit 95 calculates an index value based on the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the replacement cost.

[0080] Next, in step S27, the determination unit 96 determines whether the index value (extended life span) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, two months), and if Yes, proceeds to step S28, and if No, returns to step S21.

[0081] In step S28, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, the replacement cost, and the index value. In the display screen example shown in Fig. 12, a plurality of battery panels 23 each consisting of a plurality of storage battery modules 37 are displayed in an area R21, and the first remaining life information (the current life of the storage battery system 100), the second remaining life information (the life of the storage battery system 100 after replacement and an indication that module A will be replaced with a new one), the replacement cost, and the index value (life extension effect) are displayed in areas R22 to R25.

[0082] In this way, according to the third embodiment of the storage battery system 100, the above-mentioned index value is continuously calculated, and the judgment result is displayed when the index value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, thereby making it possible to automatically present meaningful information at an appropriate time without imposing a burden on the user.

[0083] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. For matters similar to those in the first embodiment, duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 4 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a maintenance plan for replacing the storage battery module 37 before the storage battery system 100 reaches the end of its life is created and displayed.

[0084] 13 is a functional configuration block diagram of a control unit 6B of a host control device 6 according to the fourth embodiment. Compared to the case of FIG. 5, a creation unit 97 is added.

[0085] The creation unit 97 creates a maintenance plan for replacing the storage battery module 37 before the storage battery system 100 reaches the end of its life, based on the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information.

[0086] Furthermore, the display control unit 94 causes the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the maintenance plan to be displayed on the display unit 6C.

[0087] Next, the processing of the upper control device 6 and an example of a display screen according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the upper control device 6 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in the upper control device 6 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0088] Steps S1 to S4 are the same as those in Fig. 6. After step S4, in step S31, the creation unit 97 creates a maintenance plan for replacing the storage battery module 37 before the storage battery system 100 reaches the end of its life, based on the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information.

[0089] Next, in step S32, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the maintenance plan. In the example display screen shown in Fig. 15, the first remaining life information (current life of the storage battery system 100) is displayed at the top, and multiple maintenance plans are displayed below it. The contents displayed for each maintenance plan include the replacement time, replacement target, replacement cost, life of the storage battery system 100 after replacement (second remaining life information), life extension effect, etc.

[0090] In this way, according to the fourth embodiment of the storage battery system 100, multiple maintenance plans for replacing the storage battery modules 37 before the storage battery system 100 reaches the end of its life can be created and displayed, allowing the user to easily recognize and consider the multiple maintenance plans.

[0091] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. For matters similar to those in the first embodiment, duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 5 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a storage battery module 37 to be replaced is selected based on a designated replacement cost.

[0092] When the replacement cost of the storage battery module 37 is specified, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 to be replaced with another storage battery module based on the replacement cost. Note that when there are multiple combinations of storage battery modules 37 to be replaced, all of them may be displayed so that the user can select one of them.

[0093] In addition, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information when one or more storage battery modules 37 selected by the replacement target selection unit 91 are replaced with other storage battery modules, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0094] 16 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device 6 in the fifth embodiment. First, in step S41, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37.

[0095] Next, when the user specifies an exchange cost through the input device 6D (FIG. 4), in step S42, the exchange target selection unit 91 acquires information on the specified exchange cost.

[0096] Next, in step S43, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 to be replaced with another storage battery module, based on the designated replacement cost.

[0097] Next, in step S44, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 when the storage battery module 37 to be replaced is replaced with another storage battery module, based on the SOH of the storage battery module 37 that is not being replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery module.

[0098] Next, in step S45, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information (including information identifying the storage battery module 37 to be replaced), and the replacement cost.

[0099] In this way, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to calculate and display the life extension effect and the like corresponding to the replacement cost designated by the user.

[0100] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. For matters similar to those in the first embodiment, duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. Figures 1 to 5 are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, replacement costs are calculated and displayed based on a specified remaining life.

[0101] When a specified remaining life longer than the remaining life in the first remaining life information is specified, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 that need to be replaced with other storage battery modules to achieve that remaining life, based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37 and the SOH of the other storage battery modules.

[0102] The cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of the other storage battery module and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0103] 17 is a flowchart showing the process of the upper control device 6 in the sixth embodiment. First, in step S51, the remaining life calculation unit 92 calculates first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system 100 based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules 37.

[0104] Next, when the user specifies the remaining life of the storage battery system 100 through the input device 6D (FIG. 4), in step S52, the replacement target selection unit 91 acquires information on the specified remaining life.

[0105] Next, in step S53, the replacement target selection unit 91 selects one or more storage battery modules 37 to be replaced with another storage battery module, based on the specified remaining life information.

[0106] Next, in step S54, the cost calculation unit 93 calculates the replacement cost based on the procurement cost of another storage battery module to be newly installed in replacement and the labor cost of the replacement.

[0107] Next, in step S55, the display control unit 94 causes the display unit 6C to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information (including information identifying the storage battery module 37 to be replaced), and the replacement cost.

[0108] In this way, according to the sixth embodiment, the replacement cost and the like corresponding to the remaining lifespan designated by the user can be calculated and displayed.

[0109] The upper control device 6 that functions as a battery management device for the storage battery of this embodiment can be configured as hardware using a normal computer equipped with a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), an external storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a CD (Compact Disc) drive device, a display device such as a display device, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0110] Therefore, the program executed by the upper control device 6 that functions as a battery management device for the battery of this embodiment can be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0111] The program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program may also be provided in a state where it is pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0112] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0113] For example, the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, the replacement cost, and the like calculated by the upper control device 6 may be displayed on a display device other than the display unit 6C included in the upper control device 6. Specifically, for example, functions other than the display function in the upper control device 6 may be realized by a cloud server, and the display function may be realized by an end user's computer device.

Claims

1. A battery management device comprising: a display control unit that causes a display unit to display, in response to an operation using a user interface screen, first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system calculated based on the SOH (State of Health) of each of a plurality of storage battery modules that constitute the storage battery system; and second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system when the arrangement of the plurality of storage battery modules is changed instead of replacing one or more of the storage battery modules with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on deterioration progress characteristic information of the storage battery modules for each position in the storage battery system stored in a memory unit.

2. a display control unit that causes a display unit to display, in response to an operation using a user interface screen, first remaining life information indicating a current remaining life of the storage battery system calculated based on a State of Health (SOH) of each of a plurality of storage battery modules that constitute the storage battery system, and second remaining life information indicating a remaining life of the storage battery system when one or more of the storage battery modules are replaced with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on the SOH of the storage battery module that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery modules; a cost calculation unit that calculates a cost required for the replacement based on a procurement cost of the other storage battery module and a work cost for the replacement, The display control unit causes the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the cost to be displayed on the display unit.

3. The storage battery system includes a plurality of battery panels each including a plurality of the storage battery modules, 3. The battery management device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information when all of the storage battery modules in a specified battery panel are replaced with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information calculated based on the SOH of the other storage battery modules, and the cost.

4. a replacement target selection unit that selects a storage battery module whose SOH indicates deterioration from among the plurality of storage battery modules that constitute the storage battery system; 3. The battery management device of claim 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information in the case where the storage battery module selected by the replacement target selection unit is replaced with another storage battery module, the second remaining life information calculated based on the SOH of the storage battery module that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery module, and the cost.

5. The other storage battery module is a reused storage battery module, The battery management device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information in the case where one or more of the storage battery modules are replaced with the other storage battery modules that are reused, and the cost.

6. A creation unit that creates a maintenance plan for replacing the storage battery module before the storage battery system reaches a life span based on the first remaining life information and the second remaining life information, The battery management device according to claim 2 , wherein the display control unit causes the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, the cost, and the maintenance plan to be displayed on the display unit.

7. A battery management method comprising a display control step of causing a display unit to display, in response to an operation using a user interface screen, first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system calculated based on the SOH of each of a plurality of storage battery modules that constitute the storage battery system, and second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system when the arrangement of the plurality of storage battery modules is changed instead of replacing one or more of the storage battery modules with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on deterioration progress characteristic information of the storage battery modules for each position in the storage battery system stored in a memory unit.

8. a display control step of displaying, on a display unit, first remaining life information indicating a current remaining life of the storage battery system calculated based on the SOH of each of a plurality of storage battery modules constituting the storage battery system, and second remaining life information indicating a remaining life of the storage battery system when one or more of the storage battery modules are replaced with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on the SOH of the storage battery module that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery module, in response to an operation using a user interface screen; a cost calculation step of calculating a cost required for the replacement based on a procurement cost of the other storage battery module and a work cost for the replacement; The display control step includes causing the display unit to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the cost.

9. On the computer, A program for executing a display control step of displaying on a display unit, in response to an operation using a user interface screen, first remaining life information indicating the current remaining life of the storage battery system calculated based on the SOH of each of the multiple storage battery modules that constitute the storage battery system, and second remaining life information indicating the remaining life of the storage battery system when the arrangement of the multiple storage battery modules is changed instead of replacing one or more of the storage battery modules with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on deterioration progress characteristic information of the storage battery modules for each position in the storage battery system stored in a memory unit.

10. On the computer, a display control step of displaying, on a display unit, first remaining life information indicating a current remaining life of the storage battery system calculated based on the SOH of each of a plurality of storage battery modules constituting the storage battery system, and second remaining life information indicating a remaining life of the storage battery system when one or more of the storage battery modules are replaced with other storage battery modules, the second remaining life information being calculated based on the SOH of the storage battery module that is not replaced and the SOH of the other storage battery module, in response to an operation using a user interface screen; a cost calculation step of calculating a cost required for the replacement based on a procurement cost of the other storage battery module and a work cost of the replacement, The display control step is a program for causing the display unit to display the first remaining life information, the second remaining life information, and the cost.

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