Battery management system and battery management method

Abstract

To make power storage capacity of each storage battery module housed in a storage battery unit be maintained at a level equal to or higher than a certain level.SOLUTION: A storage battery management system comprises: a power storage capacity detection unit for individually detecting power storage capacity of one or more storage battery modules housed in a storage battery unit; a power storage capacity determination unit for determining whether or not the power storage capacity detected by the power storage capacity detection unit becomes equal to or lower than a threshold; and a replacement module decision unit for deciding a storage battery module having power storage capacity larger than the threshold, as a storage battery module for replacement, from storage battery modules in stock.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage battery management system and a storage battery management method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art It is known to use a power storage device (storage battery unit) containing a plurality of cartridges (storage battery modules) as a power storage device provided in a consumer facility such as a home (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-124064 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, the storage battery modules stored in the storage battery unit deteriorate over time, and the deterioration reduces the storage capacity (the amount of power stored corresponding to a full charge). However, there are cases where it is required to maintain the storage capacity of each storage battery module stored in the storage battery unit at a certain level or higher.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to maintain the power storage capacity of each storage battery module housed in a storage battery unit at a constant level or higher. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a battery management system that includes a storage capacity detection unit that individually detects the storage capacity of one or more storage battery modules stored in a storage battery unit, a storage capacity determination unit that determines whether the storage capacity detected by the storage capacity detection unit is below a threshold value, and a replacement module determination unit that determines, from among storage battery modules in stock, a storage battery module having a storage capacity greater than the threshold value as a replacement storage battery module.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a battery management method in a battery management system, the battery management method including a storage capacity detection step of individually detecting the storage capacity of one or more storage battery modules stored in a storage battery unit, a storage capacity determination step of determining whether the storage capacity detected in the storage capacity detection step has become equal to or less than a threshold value, and a replacement module determination step of determining, from among the storage battery modules in stock, a storage battery module having a storage capacity greater than the threshold value as a replacement storage battery module to replace the storage battery module whose storage capacity has been determined by a storage capacity determination unit to have become equal to or less than the threshold value. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the power storage capacity of each storage battery module housed in a storage battery unit is maintained at a constant level or higher. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a storage battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a storage battery unit and a storage battery management server according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of contract information according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing an example of storage module management information according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of inventory management information according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by a storage battery unit and a storage battery management server according to the embodiment in relation to replacement of a storage battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A battery management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a battery management system according to the present embodiment. The battery management system according to the present embodiment is a system that handles a task of replacing a battery module MD stored in the battery unit 100 (battery module replacement task) as a maintenance task for the battery units 100 provided in a plurality of consumer facilities 10.

[0011] The customer facilities 10 are facilities that serve different customers. The customer facilities 10 may be any of houses, company buildings, public facilities, etc., and are not particularly limited. In the following description, a case where the customer facilities 10 are houses that serve as homes will be taken as an example.

[0012] One customer facility 10 includes a storage battery unit 100 as one piece of electrical equipment. The storage battery unit 100 stores a plurality of storage battery modules MD and can store and output electric power by charging and discharging the stored storage battery modules MD. The storage battery unit 100 is communicably connected to a storage battery management server 200 via a network.

[0013] The battery management server 200 is a server operated by a battery manager whose job is to replace the battery modules MD in the battery units 100 for each consumer facility 10.

[0014] When a consumer uses the storage battery unit 100 provided in his / her own facility 10, the consumer makes a contract with the storage battery manager for a plan regarding the standard storage capacity of the storage battery module MD stored in the storage battery unit 100 (standard storage capacity plan). The standard power storage capacity plan may be set in stages as the standard power storage capacity, such as 12 kWh, 10 kWh, 8 kWh, etc. The standard power storage capacity plan may be set such that the larger the value of the power storage capacity, the higher the fee. A consumer determines a standard storage capacity based on factors such as the amount of electricity needed depending on his or her current life stage, lifestyle, and other circumstances, and then enters into a contract with the battery manager for a standard storage capacity plan based on the determined standard storage capacity.

[0015] According to the contract details of the standard power storage capacity plan, the power storage capacity of the storage battery module MD in the storage battery unit 100 is determined so as to be guaranteed within a range from the standard power storage capacity according to the contract details to a predetermined lower limit value (lower limit power storage capacity). As a specific example, lower limit power storage capacities of 10 kWh, 8 kWh, and 6 kWh may be determined corresponding to the standard power storage capacities of 12 kWh, 10 kWh, and 8 kWh, respectively. In this embodiment, the storage battery module MD in the storage battery unit 100 is replaced so that the storage capacity of the storage battery module MD used by the consumer is maintained within a range from the standard storage capacity according to the contract for the standard storage capacity plan to the lower limit storage capacity.

[0016] The storage battery module replacement base 300 is a base for the battery manager to perform battery module replacement operations. The storage battery module replacement base 300 includes a base terminal 310. The base terminal 310 is communicably connected to the storage battery management server 200 via a network. Furthermore, the storage battery module exchange base 300 manages the inventory of storage battery modules MD used for exchange.

[0017] The storage battery unit 100 in the customer facility 10 periodically inspects the storage capacity of the storage battery module MD stored therein. When the inspected storage capacity of the storage battery module MD is equal to or less than a threshold value determined in accordance with the lower limit storage capacity contracted by the customer, the storage battery unit 100 transmits a replacement necessity notification to the storage battery management server 200 indicating that it is time to replace the storage battery module MD. In response to receiving the notification of the need for replacement, the battery management server 200 transmits replacement instruction information to the base terminal 310.

[0018] The base terminal 310 issues an exchange instruction notification based on the received exchange instruction information. The base terminal 310 may be configured to notify the replacement instruction by display. The replacement instruction notification may display, for example, the destination consumer facility 10, information indicating the storage battery module MD to be replaced among the storage battery modules MD stored in the storage battery unit 100 of the destination consumer facility 10 (for example, an identifier of the storage battery module MD, information on the slot position in the storage battery unit 100 where the replacement storage battery module MD is stored), information identifying the storage battery module MD to be replaced among the storage battery modules MD in stock, etc. The replacement storage battery module MD will have a storage capacity equal to or greater than the standard storage capacity determined by the standard storage capacity plan contracted by the destination consumer.

[0019] A battery replacement technician (not shown) receives the replacement instruction notification issued by the base terminal 310, takes out a replacement storage battery module MD from the inventory at the storage battery module replacement base 300, and travels to the customer facility 10 where the battery replacement is to be performed. The battery replacement technician removes the storage battery module MD to be replaced from the slot of the storage battery unit 100 in the customer facility 10 that the technician has arrived at, and stores the replacement storage battery module MD in its place. In this manner, in this embodiment, the storage battery module MD in the storage battery unit 100 in one consumer facility 10 is managed to ensure that the storage capacity is maintained within the range from the standard storage capacity to the lower limit storage capacity, which is determined according to the contents of the contracted standard storage capacity plan.

[0020] In this way, by maintaining the storage capacity within the range according to the standard storage capacity plan, the consumer is guaranteed to have the storage capacity of the storage battery unit according to the required power. This allows the consumer to use power with peace of mind without worrying about a decrease in the storage capacity of the storage battery module MD due to long-term use of the storage battery unit 100.

[0021] In addition, in this embodiment, the standard power storage capacity plan can be changed at any time in response to a request from a consumer. This makes it possible to change to an optimal standard power storage capacity plan whenever the required power usage changes, for example, in response to a change in life stage or lifestyle. This makes it possible to make the most efficient use of the storage battery module MD without storing unnecessary power. Also, for consumers, for example, when they no longer need much power, they can improve economic efficiency by changing the standard power storage capacity plan to lower the standard power storage capacity and lowering the fee.

[0022] Furthermore, the storage battery modules MD managed as inventory by the storage battery module exchange base 300 may include not only new products but also second-hand products that have already been used in the consumer facility 10. For example, when a storage battery module MD that had a storage capacity of 12 kWh when manufactured but has decreased to 10 kWh through use is managed as inventory, the storage battery module MD with a storage capacity of 10 kWh can be used as a replacement for a consumer who has a contract for a standard storage capacity plan of 10 kWh.

[0023] An example of the configuration of the storage battery unit 100 and the storage battery management server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The storage battery unit 100 in the figure is shown in one customer facility 10 together with multiple customer equipment 11 and a power management device 12. For example, in a home, the customer equipment 11 includes electronic devices that run on electricity, such as lighting devices, air conditioners, refrigerators, and other home appliances. The customer equipment 11 may also include a power generation device compatible with renewable energy, such as a solar power generation device.

[0024] The power management device 12 performs power control called a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) in the customer facility 10. The power management device 12 is communicably connected to the customer facility 11 and a control unit 103 in the storage battery unit 100 in the customer facility 10. The power management device 12 can control the operation of the customer facility 11 via communication. The power management device 12 can also control the operation of the storage battery unit 100 relating to charging and discharging by communicating with the control unit 103 of the storage battery unit 100.

[0025] The storage battery unit 100 in the figure includes a storage battery module storage section 101, a charge / discharge circuit 102, and a control unit 103. The storage battery module storage unit 101 is a portion for storing the storage battery modules MD. The storage battery module storage unit 101 in the figure shows an example in which four storage battery modules MD are stored, but the number of storage battery modules MD that can be stored in the storage battery module storage unit 101 is not particularly limited. The storage battery module storage unit 101 has four slots corresponding to the individual storage battery modules MD. In the storage battery module storage unit 101, it is possible to attach and detach the storage battery modules MD to and from each slot individually. This allows the storage battery modules MD in the storage battery unit 100 to be replaced individually rather than collectively in this embodiment. The four storage battery modules MD may be connected in parallel or in series while stored in the storage battery module storage unit 101. Alternatively, the four storage battery modules MD may be independent as one storage battery without being connected, and the storage battery module MD to be charged or discharged may be selected by selection of the charge / discharge circuit 102.

[0026] The charge / discharge circuit 102 is a circuit that charges and discharges the storage battery module MD stored in the storage battery module storage unit 101. The charge / discharge circuit 102 converts power between AC and DC when charging and discharging the storage battery module MD. For example, the charge / discharge circuit 102 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source AC and AC power output from a power conditioner in the consumer equipment 11, which serves as a renewable energy power generation device, into DC before charging the storage battery module MD. The charge / discharge circuit 102 also converts DC power discharged from the storage battery module MD into AC power and outputs it to the commercial power line LAC. This allows the power discharged from the storage battery module MD to be supplied to the consumer equipment 11 or to flow reversely to the power system of the commercial power source AC.

[0027] The control unit 103 controls the charging and discharging operations of the storage battery module MD by controlling the charge / discharge circuit 102. The control unit 103 also determines whether or not the storage battery module MD needs to be replaced, and when it determines that the storage battery module MD needs to be replaced, transmits a replacement necessity notification to the storage battery management server 200.

[0028] The control unit 103 includes a communication unit 131, a storage capacity detection unit 132, a storage capacity determination unit 133, and a storage unit .

[0029] The communication unit 131 communicates with the power management device 12 via a network in the customer facility 10. The communication unit 131 also communicates with the battery management server 200 via the network. In addition, by connecting the power management device 12 to the storage battery management server 200 via a network, communication between the communication unit 131 and the storage battery management server 200 may be performed via the power management device 12.

[0030] The power storage capacity detection unit 132 calculates the power storage capacity of each storage battery module MD individually. The power storage capacity detection unit 132 calculates the power storage capacity of the storage battery module MD for each predetermined period, for example, about several months. When calculating the power storage capacity for each predetermined period, the power storage capacity detection unit 132 does not need to target all of the storage battery modules MD stored in the storage battery module storage unit 101. In other words, the timing at which the power storage capacity is calculated for each predetermined period may differ for each storage battery module MD, such as calculating the power storage capacity for each predetermined period starting from the time when each storage battery module MD is replaced.

[0031] The storage capacity detection unit 132 may, for example, discharge the storage battery module MD to be detected until the SOC becomes 0%, and then charge it until the SOC (State Of Charge) becomes 100%, and detect the storage capacity based on the integrated charge amount until the SOC becomes 100%. Alternatively, the storage capacity detection unit 132 may estimate the SOH (State Of Health) using information such as current and voltage measured on the storage battery module MD to be detected, and calculate the storage capacity by performing a calculation using the estimated SOH and the storage capacity of the storage battery module MD immediately after manufacture, and the calculated storage capacity may be used as the detection result.

[0032] The power storage capacity determination unit 133 determines whether the power storage capacity of the storage battery module MD detected by the power storage capacity detection unit 132 is equal to or less than the lower limit power storage capacity corresponding to the standard power storage capacity plan contracted by the consumer. The lower limit power storage capacity corresponding to the standard power storage capacity plan contracted by the consumer may be stored in the storage unit 134. In this case, when a standard power storage capacity plan is contracted with the consumer or the contract contents are changed, the lower limit power storage capacity corresponding to the contracted standard power storage capacity plan is notified to the control unit 103 from the storage battery management server 200. The control unit 103 stores the notified lower limit power storage capacity in the storage unit 134. When the storage capacity determination unit 133 determines that the storage capacity is equal to or less than the lower limit storage capacity, the storage battery module MD to be determined cannot maintain the storage capacity guaranteed by the contract, and therefore needs to be replaced. Therefore, in this case, the storage capacity determination unit 133 transmits a replacement necessity notification to the storage battery management server 200. The notification of the need for replacement includes a storage battery module identifier indicating the storage battery module MD that has been determined to require replacement.

[0033] The storage unit 134 stores information used by the control unit 103. As described above, the information stored in the storage unit 134 includes the lower limit storage capacity used as a threshold by the storage capacity determination unit 133 when making a determination.

[0034] Next, a description will be given of an example configuration of the storage battery management server 200. The storage battery management server 200 includes a communication unit 201, a control unit 202, a storage unit 203, and an input / output interface unit 204. The communication unit 201 communicates with the control unit 103 of the storage battery unit 100 via the network. The communication unit 201 also communicates with a base terminal 310 at a storage battery module replacement base 300 via the network.

[0035] The control unit 202 executes control in the storage battery management server 200. The control unit 202 includes a replacement module determination unit 221 and a replacement instruction unit 222. In response to receiving the replacement necessity notification transmitted from the storage battery unit 100, the replacement module determination unit 221 determines a storage battery module MD to be replaced from among the stock managed at the storage battery module replacement base 300. How the replacement module determination unit 221 determines a storage battery module MD to be replaced will be described later.

[0036] The replacement instruction unit 222 transmits replacement instruction information to the base terminal 310 of the storage battery module replacement base 300 as an instruction to replace the storage battery module MD. The replacement instruction information includes information indicating the storage battery module MD to be replaced determined by the replacement module determination unit 221 (which may be a storage battery module identifier) ​​and information on the replacement destination. The information on the replacement destination may include information (replacement destination consumer information) on the name (title), address (location of the corresponding consumer facility 10) and the like of the replacement destination consumer, and a slot identifier (replacement destination slot information) indicating the slot in which the storage battery module MD to be replaced is stored in the replacement destination storage battery unit 100.

[0037] The storage unit 203 stores information used by the storage battery management server 200. The storage unit 203 in the figure includes a contract information storage unit 231, a storage module management information storage unit 232, and an inventory management information storage unit 233. The contract information storage unit 231 stores contract information related to a standard power storage capacity plan for each consumer. Fig. 3 shows an example of the contract information. The contract information includes areas for storing a consumer identifier, consumer basic information, and contract details for each consumer. The consumer identifier area stores a consumer identifier indicating the corresponding consumer. The consumer basic information area stores consumer basic information including the consumer's name, location, etc. The contract details area stores information indicating the contract details of the standard power storage capacity plan for the corresponding consumer.

[0038] The storage module management information storage unit 232 stores storage module management information. The storage module management information is information indicating the storage battery modules MD stored in the storage battery units 100 for each customer facility 10. Fig. 4 shows an example of storage module management information. The storage module management information in the figure has a structure in which a storage module is associated with each consumer identifier. The storage module area stores information indicating the storage battery module MD stored in each slot of the storage battery unit 100 of the corresponding consumer facility 10. Specifically, in the storage module area in the figure, the storage battery module MD stored in the slot is indicated by describing an underscore followed by a storage battery module identifier for each slot identifier "Slot1" to "Slot4."

[0039] The inventory management information storage unit 233 stores inventory management information. The inventory management information is information that indicates the inventory management status of the storage battery modules MD at the storage battery module replacement base 300. Fig. 5 shows an example of inventory management information. The inventory management information in the figure includes storage battery module management information for each storage battery module MD stored as inventory. The storage battery module management information corresponding to one storage battery module MD includes fields for a storage battery module identifier, a storage status type, a power storage capacity, and usage history information. The storage battery module identifier field stores a storage battery module identifier that indicates a corresponding storage battery module MD. The storage status area stores information indicating whether the corresponding storage battery module MD is in a stored state at the storage battery module exchange base 300 or in a used state at the customer facility 10. The type area stores information indicating the type of the corresponding storage battery module MD. The storage capacity area stores the storage capacity of the corresponding storage battery module MD. For a storage battery module MD stored in a new state, the storage capacity at the time of manufacture may be stored. Furthermore, the storage capacity stored in the storage capacity area may be the last detected storage capacity for a storage battery module MD stored in a used state. The last detected storage capacity may be the storage capacity last detected by the storage capacity detection unit 132, or may be the storage capacity detected (measured) at the storage battery module exchange base 30 after being collected from the consumer facility 10 by exchange. Furthermore, for a storage battery module MD in use, the storage capacity stored in the storage capacity area may be the storage capacity when it was stored and updated to the last detected storage capacity when it was collected. Also, for convenience, the figure shows an example in which a uniform value of either 12 kWh, 10 kWh, or 8 kWh is stored in the storage capacity area, but the values ​​stored in the storage capacity area may vary.

[0040] The input / output interface unit 204 inputs and outputs data via a data interface, and may include, for example, an input device and a display device.

[0041] The usage history information area stores usage history information. The usage history information indicates, for example, the usage history of the corresponding storage battery module MD. Depending on the usage history information, for example, the customer facility 10 in which the corresponding storage battery module MD has been used, the slot in which it is stored, the period of use for each customer facility 10, etc. may be indicated.

[0042] An example of a processing procedure executed by the storage battery unit 100 and the storage battery management server 200 in this embodiment in relation to replacement of a storage battery module MD will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. The processing in Fig. 6 is executed for one specific storage battery module MD among the multiple storage battery modules MD stored in the storage battery unit 100.

[0043] Step S100: In the control unit 103 of the storage battery unit 100, the storage capacity detection section 132 determines whether or not it is time to detect the storage capacity of the target storage battery module MD.

[0044] Step S102: When it is time to detect the stored power capacity, the stored power capacity detection unit 132 detects the stored power capacity of the target storage battery module MD.

[0045] Step S104: The power storage capacity determination unit 133 determines whether the power storage capacity detected in step S102 is equal to or less than the lower limit power storage capacity. If it is determined that the power storage capacity is greater than the lower limit power storage capacity, step S106 is skipped and the process in the figure is terminated.

[0046] The lower limit storage capacity used by the power storage capacity determination unit 133 as a threshold in step S104 is stored in the storage unit 134 as described above. However, for example, the power storage capacity determination unit 133 may transmit a lower limit storage capacity request to the battery management server 200 in the process of step S104, and use the lower limit storage capacity transmitted from the battery management server 200 in response to the request as a threshold. In this case, the lower limit storage capacity request includes the target battery module MD battery module identifier. The control unit 202 of the battery management server 200 acquires a consumer identifier including the battery module identifier included in the received lower limit storage capacity request from the storage module management information storage unit 232. The control unit 202 acquires the contract contents of the standard power storage capacity plan of the consumer of the acquired consumer identifier from the contract information storage unit 231. The process of acquiring the contract details of the consumer's standard power storage capacity plan may be similarly performed by the replacement module determination unit 221 of the power storage management server 200 using the power storage module identifier included in the replacement necessity notification in step S302 described below. The control unit 202 acquires a lower limit power storage capacity that is determined in accordance with the acquired standard power storage capacity plan, and transmits the acquired lower limit power storage capacity to the storage battery unit 100.

[0047] Step S106: If it is determined in step S104 that the storage capacity is equal to or less than the lower limit storage capacity, the storage capacity determination unit 133 transmits a replacement necessity notification to the storage battery management server 200. The notification of the need for replacement includes the identifier of the storage battery module that is the subject of the replacement.

[0048] Next, an example of a process executed by the battery management server 200 will be described. Step S300: In the battery management server 200, the communication unit 201 receives the replacement necessity notification transmitted in step S106.

[0049] Step S302: When the replacement necessity notification is received, the replacement module determination unit 221 in the control unit 202 acquires the contract details of the standard power storage capacity plan of the consumer that corresponds to the replacement destination consumer facility.

[0050] Step S304: The replacement module determination unit 221 determines one storage battery module MD to be replaced from among the storage battery modules MD currently managed as inventory, based on the contract details of the standard power storage capacity plan acquired in step S302. At this time, the replacement module determination unit 221 searches the inventory management information for a storage battery module MD that falls within the power storage capacity range corresponding to the contract details of the standard power storage capacity plan acquired in step S302. For example, when the contract content of the standard power storage capacity plan is 12 kWh, the replacement module determination unit 221 searches for a storage battery module MD with a power storage capacity of 12 kWh or more. Furthermore, when the contract content of the standard power storage capacity plan is 10 kWh, the replacement module determination unit 221 searches for a storage battery module MD with a power storage capacity of 10 kWh or more and less than 12 kWh. Furthermore, when the contract content of the standard power storage capacity plan is 8 kWh, the replacement module determination unit 221 searches for a storage battery module MD with a power storage capacity of 8 kWh or more and less than 10 kWh. In addition, several different types of storage battery modules MD are used among the consumer facilities 10, and it may be necessary to use a storage battery module MD of the same type as the storage battery module MD to be replaced as the replacement module. In such a case, the replacement module determination unit 221 may further identify, from the inventory management information, the type corresponding to the storage battery module identifier included in the replacement necessity notification, and add the identified type to the search conditions.

[0051] The replacement module determination unit 221 determines one storage battery module MD to be a replacement module from among the searched storage battery modules MD in accordance with a predetermined rule. The replacement module determination unit 221 may, for example, determine the storage battery module MD for replacement by giving priority to the one with the longest usage history, or conversely, may determine the one with the shortest usage history. The replacement module determination unit 221 may also determine the storage battery module MD for replacement by giving priority to the one with the oldest or newest manufacturing date, for example.

[0052] Step S306: The replacement instruction unit 222 transmits replacement instruction information to the base terminal 310. The replacement instruction information includes, for example, information indicating the consumer facility 10 to be replaced, information indicating the storage battery module MD to be replaced among the storage battery modules MD stored in the storage battery unit 100 of the consumer facility 10 to be replaced (for example, an identifier of the storage battery module MD, information on the slot position in the storage battery unit 100 where the replacement storage battery module MD is stored, etc.), information for identifying the storage battery module MD to be replaced, etc. The base terminal 310, which has received the exchange instruction information transmitted in step S306, issues an exchange instruction notification reflecting the contents included in the received exchange instruction information.

[0053] In addition, a program for implementing the functions of the storage battery unit 100, the storage battery management server 200, the base terminal 310, etc. described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing corresponding to the storage battery unit 100, the storage battery management server 200, the base terminal 310, etc. described above. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The "computer system" may also include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the computer system and accessible from a distribution server to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. The above program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10 Customer facility, 11 Customer equipment, 12 Power management device, 100 Battery unit, 101 Battery module storage section, 102 Charge / discharge circuit, 103 Control unit, 131 Communication section, 132 Battery capacity detection section, 133 Battery capacity determination section, 134 Memory section, 200 Battery management server, 201 Communication section, 202 Control section, 203 Memory section, 204 Input / output interface section, 221 Replacement module determination section, 222 Replacement instruction section, 231 Contract information memory section, 232 Storage module management information memory section, 233 Inventory management information memory section, 300 Battery module replacement base, 310 Base terminal

Claims

1. a storage capacity detection unit that detects the storage capacity of each of the one or more storage battery modules included in the storage battery unit; a storage capacity determination unit that determines whether the storage capacity detected by the storage capacity detection unit is equal to or smaller than a threshold; a replacement module determination unit that determines, from among the storage battery modules in stock, a storage battery module having a power storage capacity larger than the threshold value as a storage battery module to be replaced; a replacement instruction unit that instructs the storage battery module, the storage capacity of which has been determined to be equal to or less than a threshold by the storage capacity determination unit, to be replaced with the replacement storage battery module; The exchange instruction unit is Indicating the replacement battery module determined by the replacement module determination unit and a replacement destination of the replacement battery module. Battery management system.

2. The storage capacity determination unit is The threshold value is set based on the storage capacity that the consumer who owns the storage battery unit has contracted with the storage battery manager. The battery management system according to claim 1 .

3. The replacement module determination unit The replacement battery module is selected from among the storage battery modules in the inventory, including a second-hand storage battery module whose storage capacity has decreased due to deterioration due to use. The battery management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. One or more storage battery modules housed in the storage battery unit are made individually replaceable. The battery management system according to claim 1 .

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