Battery temperature estimation method and battery temperature estimation device

Abstract

To accurately estimate battery temperature of a vehicle during parking.SOLUTION: A battery temperature estimation device 30 estimates the temperature of a battery 11 arranged in a vehicle 10. The battery temperature estimation device 30 comprises: an acquisition section 35 for acquiring a detection value of a battery temperature sensor 12 arranged in the vehicle 10 and acquiring ambient temperature included in weather observation data related to a position where the vehicle 10 exists; a calculation section 36 for calculating a differential value between the ambient temperature and the detection value; and an estimation section 37 for estimating the temperature of the battery 11 during a stop based on the differential value and the ambient temperature acquired during the stop of a control system of the vehicle 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery temperature estimation method and a battery temperature estimation device for estimating the temperature of a battery installed in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are techniques for estimating the temperature of a battery installed in a vehicle. For example, a technique has been proposed for estimating the temperature transition of a battery while the vehicle is parked based on the battery temperature acquired when it is determined that the vehicle will be parked and meteorological factors such as the air temperature at the planned parking location (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-116357 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, since the temperature included in the weather observation data is the temperature at a specific weather observation point in the weather observation area, if the weather observation point is different from the parking location of the vehicle, it is assumed that there will be a difference between the temperature in the weather observation area and the temperature outside the vehicle. Therefore, if the observation point in the weather observation area is different from the parking location of the vehicle, when the vehicle is parked for a long period of time, it is difficult to appropriately estimate the battery temperature while parked based on past battery temperatures and weather factors.

[0005] The present invention aims to estimate the battery temperature of a parked vehicle with higher accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a battery temperature estimation method for estimating the temperature of a battery installed in a vehicle, which includes a temperature acquisition step of acquiring a detection value of a temperature sensor installed in the vehicle, an air temperature acquisition step of acquiring an air temperature included in meteorological observation data related to the location where the vehicle is located, a calculation step of calculating a difference between the air temperature and the detection value, and an estimation step of estimating the temperature of the battery while the vehicle is stopped based on the difference value and an air temperature acquired while the vehicle control system is stopped. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the battery temperature of a parked vehicle can be estimated with higher accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a simplified system configuration example of a battery temperature estimation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the contents of a probe information DB stored in the storage unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the temperature of a battery of a vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of estimating the air temperature around a vehicle using meteorological observation data from a plurality of meteorological observation areas. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the difference value information stored in the storage unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of correcting the difference value of another vehicle based on the relationship between the position of the vehicle, the positions of the other vehicles, and the positions of weather observation points in a weather observation area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [First embodiment] [Example of battery temperature estimation system configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a simplified system configuration example of a battery temperature estimation system 1. The battery temperature estimation system 1 is a communication system for estimating the temperature and deterioration of batteries installed in the vehicles 3 to 5, 10, and includes a network 2, a control system for the vehicles 3 to 5, 10, a weather data server 20, a battery temperature estimation device 30, and a probe server 40. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which there are four vehicles 3 to 5, 10, but the number of vehicles is not limited to this. Also, in this embodiment, an example in which the temperature and deterioration of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 is mainly described, but the temperature and deterioration of the batteries of the vehicles 3 to 5 can be similarly estimated. Note that the battery temperature estimation system 1 can also be called a battery deterioration estimation system.

[0011] The network 2 is a network such as a public line network, the Internet, etc. Each device constituting the battery temperature estimation system 1 is connected to the network 2 by a communication method using wireless communication or a communication method using wired communication, or by both methods.

[0012] The vehicle 10 is a vehicle such as an internal combustion engine vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle, and includes a battery 11, a battery temperature sensor 12, an outside air temperature sensor 13, a solar radiation sensor 14, a position information acquisition unit 15, a storage unit 16, a vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 17, and a communication unit 18. A control system for the vehicle 10 is configured by these units.

[0013] The battery 11 is a secondary battery that supplies power to on-board devices such as the drive motor and auxiliary machinery of the vehicle 10, and can be charged by an on-board charger or an external charging device. For example, a lithium ion battery, a lead battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. can be used as the battery 11.

[0014] The battery temperature sensor 12 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery 11 and outputs the detection result to the vehicle ECU 17 .

[0015] The outside air temperature sensor 13 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature related to the air temperature around the vehicle 10 , and outputs the detection result to the vehicle ECU 17 .

[0016] The solar radiation sensor 14 is a solar radiation sensor that detects the amount of solar radiation (amount of sunlight) in the vehicle 10, and outputs the detection result to the vehicle ECU 17. The detection values ​​acquired by the battery temperature sensor 12, the outside air temperature sensor 13, and the solar radiation sensor 14 may be transmitted to the probe server 40 sequentially at any timing, or may be transmitted in response to a request from the probe server 40.

[0017] The position information acquisition unit 15 acquires position information on the position where the vehicle 10 is located, and outputs the acquired position information to the vehicle ECU 17. The position information acquisition unit 15 can be realized by, for example, a GNSS receiver that acquires position information using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The position information includes data on the position such as latitude, longitude, and altitude at the time of receiving the GNSS signal. The position information may be acquired by other methods of acquiring position information. For example, the position information may be derived using information from an access point or a base station present in the vicinity. For example, the position information may be derived using a position estimation technique by a navigation device. The position information of the vehicle 10 acquired by the position information acquisition unit 15 may be transmitted to the probe server 40 sequentially at any timing, or may be transmitted in response to a request from the probe server 40.

[0018] The storage unit 16 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 16 stores various types of information (e.g., control programs) required for the vehicle ECU 17 to perform various processes. The storage unit 16 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 18. For example, the storage unit 16 can be a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a Solid State Drive (SSD), or a combination of these.

[0019] The vehicle ECU 17 controls each part based on various programs stored in the storage unit 16. For example, the vehicle ECU 17 controls various actuators (such as a brake actuator, an accelerator actuator, and a steering actuator) based on various programs. The vehicle ECU 17 also provides the probe server 40 with requests and various information from the probe server 40. The vehicle ECU 17 also executes various processes based on instruction information from the probe server 40.

[0020] The communication unit 18, under the control of the vehicle ECU 17, exchanges various types of information with other devices using wireless communication.

[0021] The weather data server 20 is an information processing device that provides various types of weather observation data via the network 2. Specifically, the weather data server 20 provides the probe server 40 with weather observation data for one or more weather observation areas designated by the probe server 40 in response to a request from the probe server 40. For example, the weather data server 20 is installed by a business that provides weather observation data. The weather observation data includes information on the weather observation point (e.g., latitude and longitude), information on the weather observation area (e.g., Yokohama City, Chiyoda Ward), temperature, weather, etc.

[0022] The battery temperature estimation device 30 uses information stored in the probe information DB 50 of the probe server 40 to estimate the temperature and deterioration of the batteries installed in each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. The battery temperature estimation device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The battery temperature estimation device 30 is realized by an information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0023] The communication section 31, under the control of the control section 32, exchanges various types of information with other devices by using wireless communication.

[0024] The storage unit 33 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 33 stores various types of information (for example, control programs) required for the control unit 32 to perform various processes. The storage unit 33 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 31. For example, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, an SSD, or a combination of these can be used as the storage unit 33.

[0025] The control unit 32 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 33. The control unit 32 is realized by a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example.

[0026] The control unit 32 includes an acquisition unit 35, a calculation unit 36, and an estimation unit 37 as functional components related to the battery temperature estimation process.

[0027] The acquisition unit 35 acquires various information such as probe information stored in the probe information DB 50 of the probe server 40 and meteorological observation data provided by the meteorological data server 20 via the communication unit 31, and outputs the acquired various information to the calculation unit 36 ​​and the estimation unit 37.

[0028] The calculation unit 36 ​​performs various calculation processes using each piece of information acquired by the acquisition unit 35, and outputs the calculation results to the estimation unit 37. For example, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates a difference value between the air temperature included in the meteorological observation data acquired by the acquisition unit 35 and a detection value of a temperature sensor included in the probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 35. The temperature sensor is, for example, the battery temperature sensor 12 or the outside air temperature sensor 13 installed in the vehicle 10.

[0029] The estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature and deterioration of the battery installed in each vehicle managed by the probe server 40, and stores the estimation results (temperature, deterioration) in the memory unit 33 and supplies them to the probe server 40. For example, the estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature and deterioration of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped based on the difference value calculated by the calculation unit 36 ​​and the air temperature included in the weather observation data acquired by the acquisition unit 35 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped.

[0030] The probe server 40 is an information processing device that manages various information related to the vehicles 3 to 5 and 10, and includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0031] The communication section 41, under the control of the control section 42, exchanges various types of information with other devices by using wireless communication.

[0032] The control unit 42 controls each unit based on various programs stored in the storage unit 43. The control unit 42 is realized by, for example, a processing device such as a CPU.

[0033] The storage unit 43 is a storage medium that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 43 stores various types of information (for example, a control program, a probe information DB 50) required for the control unit 42 to perform various processes. The storage unit 43 also stores various types of information acquired via the communication unit 41. For example, a ROM, a RAM, a HDD, an SSD, or a combination of these can be used as the storage unit 43.

[0034] Although Figure 1 shows an example in which the battery temperature estimation device 30 and the probe server 40 are configured as separate devices, the battery temperature estimation device 30 and the probe server 40 may be configured as an integrated device, and each function of the battery temperature estimation device 30 may be realized by the probe server 40.

[0035] [Example of contents stored in the probe information DB] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the contents stored in the probe information DB 50 stored in the storage unit 43. As shown in FIG.

[0036] The probe information DB 50 is a database in which various information on each vehicle managed by the probe server 40 is stored for each vehicle. Specifically, a vehicle position 52, a start date and time 53, a stop date and time 54, a battery temperature 56, a battery current 57, a battery voltage 58, a battery charge amount 59, a charging history 60, an outside air temperature 61, a solar radiation sensor value 62, a weather observation area 63, a difference value 64, and a battery deterioration degree 65 are stored in association with a vehicle ID 51. Each of these pieces of information is appropriately stored based on each piece of information transmitted from each vehicle and the battery temperature estimation device 30 via the network 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, various types of information transmitted from each device and stored in the probe server 40 will be referred to as probe information.

[0038] The vehicle ID 51 is identification information that is assigned to each vehicle in order to identify each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. In Fig. 2, an example is shown in which vehicle 10 is assigned "NM01", vehicle 3 is assigned "NM02", vehicle 4 is assigned "NM03", and vehicle 5 is assigned "NM04".

[0039] The vehicle position 52 is position information for identifying the location of each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. This position information is acquired by a position information acquisition unit installed in each vehicle, and for example, latitude and longitude are stored. Note that, although this example shows an example in which the latest vehicle position is stored, movement history information of the vehicle position may also be stored.

[0040] The start date and time 53 is time information related to the date and time when the control system of each vehicle managed by the probe server 40 was started. For example, when the user of the vehicle 10 starts the vehicle 10 using an ignition key (start key), that is, when the key is turned on (IGN ON), the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 transmits the start time to the probe server 40. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received start time in the start date and time 53 in association with "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that, although this example shows an example in which only the most recent start date and time is stored, past start dates and times may also be stored as history information.

[0041] The stop date and time 54 is time information related to the date and time when the system of each vehicle managed by the probe server 40 was stopped. For example, when the user of the vehicle 10 stops the vehicle 10 using the ignition key, that is, when the key is turned off (IGN OFF), the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 transmits the stop time to the probe server 40. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received stop time in the stop date and time 54 in association with "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that, although this example shows an example in which only the latest stop date and time is stored, past stop dates and times may also be stored as history information.

[0042] The battery temperature 56, the battery current 57, the battery voltage 58, the battery charge amount 59, and the charge history 60 are various types of battery information related to the battery installed in each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. For example, when the vehicle 10 is started, the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 acquires the temperature related to the battery 11 from the battery temperature sensor 12 at a predetermined timing and transmits the temperature to the probe server 40. The predetermined timing can be, for example, a regular timing or a timing when a predetermined change occurs in the temperature of the battery 11. Note that the predetermined change means that the temperature of the battery 11 changes by a predetermined value or more. Note that the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 also acquires each piece of information related to the current, voltage, and charge amount of the battery 11 at a predetermined timing and transmits the each piece of information to the probe server 40. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received information in the battery temperature 56, the battery current 57, the battery voltage 58, and the battery charge amount 59 in association with the vehicle ID 51 "NM01". The battery charge amount can be referred to as SOC (State Of Charge).

[0043] Also, for example, when charging of the battery 11 is executed in the vehicle 10, the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 transmits each piece of information related to the charging to the probe server 40. The each piece of information related to the charging is, for example, a charging start time, a charging end time, a charging amount, and a type of charging (normal charging or quick charging). Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records each piece of information related to the charging in the charging history 60 in association with "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that FIG. 2 shows an example in which only the charging end time is stored in the charging history 60 as the battery information. Also, this example shows an example in which only the latest battery information is stored, but various types of past battery information may be stored as history information.

[0044] The battery temperature estimated by the battery temperature estimation device 30 is stored as the battery temperature 56 of the vehicle in which the control system is stopped. The battery temperature acquired by the battery temperature sensor 12 and the battery temperature estimated by the battery temperature estimation device 30 may be stored as different information. Also, each past battery temperature may be stored as history information.

[0045] The battery temperature stored in the battery temperature column 56 may be provided to the vehicle managed by the probe server 40, or may be provided to the vehicle's dealer, manufacturer, etc. For example, when the battery temperature is notified to the vehicle, it can be used in the on-board battery controller for battery control functions such as calculation of the battery charge state (SOC, etc.) and charge current control, and for battery self-diagnosis functions such as over-temperature detection. Also, the battery temperature of each vehicle managed by the probe server 40 can be used for analysis of the characteristics of the battery usage environment by region, etc.

[0046] The outside air temperature 61 is temperature information related to the outside air temperature of each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. For example, when the vehicle 10 is started, the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 acquires the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 from the outside air temperature sensor 13 at a predetermined timing and transmits the temperature to the probe server 40. The predetermined timing can be, for example, a regular timing or a timing when a predetermined change occurs in the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10. Note that the predetermined change means that the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 changes by a predetermined value or more. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received temperature in the outside air temperature 61 in association with the "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that, in this example, an example in which only the latest outside air temperature is stored is shown, but past outside air temperatures may also be stored as history information.

[0047] The solar radiation sensor value 62 is solar radiation information on the amount of solar radiation of each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. For example, when the vehicle 10 is activated, the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 acquires the amount of solar radiation of the vehicle 10 from the solar radiation sensor 14 at a predetermined timing and transmits the amount of solar radiation to the probe server 40. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a regular timing or a timing when a predetermined change occurs in the amount of solar radiation of the vehicle 10. Note that the predetermined change means that the amount of solar radiation of the vehicle 10 changes by a predetermined value or more. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received amount of solar radiation in the solar radiation sensor value 62 in association with "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that, in this example, an example in which only the latest amount of solar radiation is stored is shown, but past amounts of solar radiation may be stored as history information.

[0048] The weather observation area 63 is information on a weather observation area including the location of each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. For example, when the battery temperature of the vehicle 10 is estimated by the battery temperature estimation device 30, the weather observation area of ​​the weather observation data used for the estimation is transmitted from the battery temperature estimation device 30 to the probe server 40. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received weather observation area in the weather observation area 63 in association with "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that, in this example, only the latest weather observation area is stored, but past weather observation areas may also be stored as history information.

[0049] The difference value 64 is information related to the difference value calculated by the battery temperature estimation device 30 for each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. For example, when the difference value for the vehicle 10 is calculated by the battery temperature estimation device 30, the difference value is transmitted from the battery temperature estimation device 30 to the probe server 40. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received difference value in the difference value 64 in association with "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that, although this example shows an example in which only the latest difference value is stored, past difference values ​​may also be stored as history information.

[0050] The battery degradation degree 65 is information on the degree of battery degradation estimated by the battery temperature estimation device 30 for each vehicle managed by the probe server 40. For example, when the battery degradation degree for the vehicle 10 is estimated by the battery temperature estimation device 30, the battery degradation degree is transmitted from the battery temperature estimation device 30 to the probe server 40. Then, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 records the received battery degradation degree in the battery degradation degree 65 in association with "NM01" of the vehicle ID 51. Note that, although this example shows an example in which only the latest battery degradation degree is stored, past battery degradation degrees may also be stored as history information.

[0051] As the battery degradation level, for example, information indicating the degree of degradation from a 100% state is stored. For example, if it is estimated that the battery has deteriorated by 10%, 90% is stored as the battery degradation level. Information indicating the battery's lifespan, such as information indicating the battery's usable period or information indicating the battery's travel distance, may be stored as the battery degradation level.

[0052] The information stored in the battery deterioration level 65 may be provided to each vehicle managed by the probe server 40, or may be provided to the dealer of each vehicle. For example, by notifying the user of each vehicle of the battery deterioration level, the user can easily understand the battery life, etc. Also, for example, by notifying a dealer of the battery deterioration level, the dealer can easily understand when to replace the battery and how to recycle the battery after it is collected.

[0053] [Example of battery temperature transition] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of transition of the temperature of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10. In the graph shown in Fig. 3, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates temperature.

[0054] 3 shows periods SU1 and SU2 during which the control system of the vehicle 10 is active, and a period SI1 during which the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped. That is, in the first period SU1, the vehicle 10 with its control system active stops at time T1, and in the next period SI1, the vehicle 10 with its control system stopped starts at time T2.

[0055] 3 shows battery temperatures BT1 to BT6 obtained by the battery temperature sensor 12, as well as outside air temperatures OT1 and OT2 of the vehicle 10 obtained by the outside air temperature sensor 13. As described above, these temperatures are stored sequentially in the probe information DB 50 of the probe server 40. Also, FIG. 3 shows temperatures WD1 to WD11 included in meteorological observation data obtained from the meteorological data server 20. This meteorological observation data may also be stored sequentially in the probe information DB 50 of the probe server 40.

[0056] FIG. 3 also shows the temperatures of the battery 11 (estimated battery temperatures EB1 to EB10) and the outside air temperatures of the vehicle 10 (estimated outside air temperatures EO1 to EO10) estimated based on these temperatures.

[0057] 3, during periods SU1 and SU2 when the control system of the vehicle 10 is in operation, it is possible to directly obtain the temperature of the battery 11 (battery temperatures BT1 to BT6) by the battery temperature sensor 12. However, during period SI1 when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped, it is not possible to obtain the temperature of the battery 11 by the battery temperature sensor 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the temperature of the battery 11 is estimated based on air temperatures WD1 to WD10 included in meteorological observation data obtained from the meteorological data server 20 during period SI1 when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped.

[0058] Here, for example, a lithium ion battery (one example of a battery) deteriorates over time, so it is necessary to estimate the deterioration state, and in order to improve the estimation accuracy, it is necessary to use the temperature information of the battery. However, when the control system of the vehicle is stopped, the detection value of the battery temperature sensor cannot be obtained, so the battery estimation at the time of the stop is likely to cause an error because the battery temperature information cannot be used. In particular, when the control system of the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, the detection value of the battery temperature sensor cannot be obtained during the long period of stop. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the battery temperature based on meteorological observation data (air temperature). However, since the meteorological observation data is average data of a meteorological observation area, there is an error from the air temperature at the position where the vehicle is parked, and it is difficult to accurately estimate the battery temperature. Therefore, even when the control system of the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, it is important to accurately estimate the battery temperature during the stop, and thereby to accurately estimate the deterioration state of the battery.

[0059] Here, the relationship between the temperature of the meteorological observation data, the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor, and the detection value of the battery temperature sensor changes depending on the driving conditions and the vehicle position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle control system estimates the battery temperature while the vehicle is stopped by utilizing these relationships that change depending on the driving conditions and the vehicle position. Specifically, the vehicle control system estimates the battery temperature while the vehicle is stopped by calculating the difference between the meteorological observation data (temperature) and the detection value of the temperature sensor, and correcting the meteorological observation data (temperature) based on the difference. As a result, even if there is a temperature difference due to the difference between the meteorological observation point and the vehicle position, the battery temperature while the vehicle is stopped can be estimated with high accuracy using the meteorological observation data (temperature).

[0060] For example, the temperatures WD1 to WD10 included in the weather observation data are temperatures at the weather observation points in the weather observation area including the location where the vehicle 10 is located. The weather observation area is a preset area, such as a city, ward, town, or village. For this reason, it is assumed that the values ​​are relatively close to the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 (estimated outside air temperature EO1 to EO10). However, as described above, when the weather observation points in the weather observation area are different from the location where the vehicle 10 is located, it is assumed that a difference occurs between the temperature in the weather observation area including the location where the vehicle 10 is located and the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, when estimating the temperature of the battery 11 during the period SI1 when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped, the temperature difference is corrected using the difference value between the temperature included in the weather observation data acquired from the weather data server 20 and the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10.

[0061] In addition, since the outside air temperature sensor 13 is often installed inside the vehicle 10 (for example, in the engine room), when the temperature of the vehicle 10 is high, the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13 is also higher than the outside air temperature. For this reason, for example, immediately after the vehicle 10 is stopped, due to the influence of the driving conditions of the vehicle 10 immediately before, an error may occur in the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 acquired by the outside air temperature sensor 13 compared with the actual outside air temperature of the vehicle 10.

[0062] For example, an outside air temperature OT1 of the vehicle 10 acquired by the outside air temperature sensor 13 at the end of a period SU1 during which the control system of the vehicle 10 is active will be described as a comparative example. This outside air temperature OT1 is often higher than the actual outside air temperature OT1' due to the influence of the driving conditions of the vehicle 10 during the active period SU1, etc. The example shown in Fig. 3 shows a case in which the outside air temperature OT1 of the vehicle 10 acquired by the outside air temperature sensor 13 is higher than the actual outside air temperature OT1' by a difference value DV1.

[0063] In this way, the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 acquired by the outside air temperature sensor 13 may have an error due to the influence of the immediately preceding driving conditions of the vehicle 10, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to use the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 acquired by the outside air temperature sensor 13 when starting up the control system of the vehicle 10. Here, an example is shown in which, when starting up the control system of the vehicle 10, the temperature of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 while stopped before the start-up is estimated using the difference value between the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 acquired by the outside air temperature sensor 13 and the air temperature included in the weather observation data acquired from the weather data server 20.

[0064] Specifically, immediately after the control system of the vehicle 10 is started at time T2, the temperature of the battery 11 is estimated using a difference value ΔT1 between the outside air temperature OT2 of the vehicle 10 acquired by the outside air temperature sensor 13 and the air temperature WD11 included in the weather observation data acquired from the weather data server 20. For example, the difference value ΔT1 is calculated using the following formula. ΔT1 = temperature WD11 - outside temperature OT2

[0065] Next, the temperature of the battery 11 during the stopped period SI1 is estimated using the difference value ΔT1. For example, the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 during the stopped period SI1 (estimated outside air temperatures EO1 to EO10) is calculated using the following equation. Estimated outside temperature = Temperature from weather observation data - ΔT1

[0066] Specifically, the estimated outside air temperature EO1=WD1-ΔT1, ..., the estimated outside air temperature EO10=WD10-ΔT1 are calculated in sequence. Based on the outside air temperatures (estimated outside air temperatures EO1 to EO10) of the vehicle 10 calculated in this manner, the temperatures of the battery 11 (estimated battery temperatures EB1 to EB10) during the stopped period SI1 are estimated.

[0067] Here, immediately after parking the vehicle 10, it is assumed that the temperature of the battery 11 is high due to the influence of the previous driving conditions of the vehicle 10, and that the temperature of the battery 11 is far from the temperature outside the vehicle 10 (outside air temperature). However, it is assumed that the difference between the temperature of the battery 11 and the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 becomes smaller as time passes. Therefore, the outside air temperature estimated temperature (for example, EO1 to EO10) calculated using the difference value ΔT1 may be estimated as the temperature of the battery 11. However, it is assumed that the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 and the temperature of the battery 11 installed inside the vehicle 10 do not necessarily match. Therefore, in this embodiment, a predetermined calculation is performed on the outside air temperature estimated temperature calculated using the difference value ΔT1, so that the temperature of the battery 11 is estimated with higher accuracy.

[0068] Specifically, the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated using a known estimation method using temperature and various information related to the battery. For example, the temperature of the battery 11 can be calculated based on the outside air temperature (estimated outside air temperature) of the vehicle 10, the thermal resistance between the battery 11, and the heat capacity of the battery 11. This allows the transient temperature change of the battery 11 to be estimated with high accuracy. Note that immediately after parking the vehicle 10, the temperature of the battery 11 may be estimated based on a one-time delay calculation, taking into account the influence of the immediately preceding driving conditions of the vehicle 10, etc. An example of this will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0069] Here, an example is shown in which the temperature of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 while stopped before the start of the control system of the vehicle 10 is estimated using the difference value ΔT1 calculated at the start of the control system of the vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the temperature of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 while stopped after the start of the control system of the vehicle 10 may be estimated using the difference value ΔT1 calculated at the start of the vehicle 10, and the temperature of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 while parked may be estimated using the difference value ΔT1 calculated immediately before parking the vehicle 10. These examples will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 9. In this way, it is preferable that the difference value used by the control system of the vehicle 10 to estimate the temperature of the battery 11 while stopped is calculated before and after the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped, for example, immediately before stopping or immediately after starting.

[0070] In addition, when the vehicle 10 is parked in the same place for a long period of time (for example, several weeks or months), the environment of the vehicle 10 also changes, so it is preferable to update the difference value ΔT1 according to the change. However, when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time, the battery temperature sensor 12 cannot be used and the temperature of the battery 11 cannot be acquired. For this reason, the above-mentioned difference value ΔT1 cannot be calculated. Therefore, when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time, the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated using a past difference value that is assumed to be in approximately the same environment (for example, the same season). An example of this is shown in FIG. 11. Also, when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time, the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated using a difference value of another vehicle existing near the vehicle 10. An example of this is shown in FIG. 13. In addition, when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time, the control system of the vehicle 10 is periodically started to acquire a difference value, and the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated using the difference value. This example will be described later.

[0071] In this way, the temperature of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped becomes close to the outside air temperature of the vehicle 10 after a long period of time has passed. Therefore, as a simple estimation of the battery temperature, the battery temperature can be estimated based on a value (= estimated outside air temperature) obtained by subtracting the above-mentioned difference value from the meteorological observation data (air temperature). More specifically, by calculating the battery temperature based on the estimated outside air temperature, the thermal resistance between the batteries, and the heat capacity of the batteries, the transient temperature change can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0072] [Example of battery temperature estimation device operation] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. In this processing example, the battery temperature estimation device 30 estimates the temperature of the battery of each vehicle at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing can be, for example, one or more predetermined times in a day. In addition, the predetermined timing can be a timing when the parking of the vehicle is detected, or a timing when the start of the parked vehicle is detected. In addition, this processing example is executed by the control unit 32 based on a program stored in the storage unit 33. In FIG. 4, the examples shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 are appropriately referred to for explanation.

[0073] In step S91, the acquisition unit 35 identifies the vehicle ID of a vehicle managed by the probe server 40 through communication with the probe server 40 via the communication unit 31. For example, the acquisition unit 35 sequentially identifies the vehicle ID of one vehicle to be subjected to the battery temperature estimation process from among the vehicles whose vehicle IDs are stored in the vehicle ID 51 of the probe information DB 50. That is, the battery temperature estimation process is sequentially executed for each vehicle managed by the probe server 40.

[0074] In step S92, the acquisition unit 35 acquires each piece of probe information associated with the vehicle ID identified in step S91 and stored in the probe information DB 50. For example, when the vehicle ID 51 "MN01" is identified in step S91, each piece of information associated with the vehicle ID 51 "MN01" is acquired.

[0075] In step S93, the acquisition unit 35 acquires meteorological observation data from the meteorological data server 20. In this case, the acquisition unit 35 acquires meteorological observation data for a meteorological observation area including the vehicle position (vehicle position 52 shown in FIG. 2) included in the probe information acquired in step S92. Note that meteorological observation data for the meteorological observation area including the vehicle position of the vehicle corresponding to the vehicle ID identified in step S91 and the surrounding meteorological observation areas may be acquired.

[0076] Here, it is preferable to use meteorological observation data observed at the same time or approximately the same time as the detection time of the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor used to calculate the difference value ΔT1. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain meteorological observation data corresponding to a plurality of observation times within a predetermined period of time, and use the meteorological observation data with the observation time closest to the detection time of the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor from among the plurality of meteorological observation data. Note that, each time the probe server 40 obtains a detection value of the outside air temperature sensor, it may obtain meteorological observation data observed at the same time or approximately the same time as the detection time of the detection value, and store the data in the probe information DB 50 sequentially. In this case, the obtaining unit 35 may obtain meteorological observation data from the probe information DB 50 of the probe server 40.

[0077] In step S100, a battery temperature estimation process is executed. This battery temperature estimation process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] In step S94, the estimation unit 37 calculates the degree of battery deterioration for the battery of the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91, based on the battery temperature estimated in step S100.

[0079] [Example of battery deterioration estimation] Here, a description will be given of a method for estimating the deterioration level of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10. First, the types of battery deterioration will be described.

[0080] There are two main types of battery deterioration: storage deterioration and cycle deterioration. Storage deterioration means that the battery deteriorates over time simply by leaving it alone. Cycle deterioration means that the battery deteriorates as a result of repeated charging and discharging.

[0081] It is known that both storage deterioration and cycle deterioration are affected by the temperature of the battery. For example, storage deterioration occurs simply by leaving the battery standing, so the degree of deterioration varies depending on the environment in which the battery is stored. In particular, the temperature of the environment in which the battery is stored has a large effect. For example, it also varies depending on the environment in which the vehicle in which the battery is installed is parked. For example, it is known that storage deterioration increases in an upward direction as the battery temperature increases. On the other hand, it is known that storage deterioration occurs even when the battery temperature is extremely low.

[0082] In addition, the progress of deterioration differs depending on whether the vehicle is moving or parked. For example, when the vehicle is running, both storage deterioration and cycle deterioration progress. On the other hand, when the vehicle is parked, storage deterioration progresses. Therefore, when estimating battery deterioration when the vehicle is parked, the temperature of the battery is an important parameter for estimating battery deterioration. However, when the vehicle is parked, the control system of the vehicle is often stopped, so the temperature of the battery cannot be detected by the battery temperature sensor, and battery deterioration estimation based on the battery temperature cannot be performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the temperature data included in the meteorological observation data is used to estimate the temperature of the battery, and battery deterioration estimation is performed based on the battery temperature. For this battery deterioration estimation method, a known calculation method that takes into account both storage deterioration and cycle deterioration can be used.

[0083] [Example of battery deterioration estimation using moving average difference values] For example, it is assumed that the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor may be affected by a temporary disturbance. Therefore, it is possible to perform battery degradation estimation by taking into account the influence of the disturbance. For example, the above-mentioned difference values ​​are recorded in sequence, an average value (moving average value) of each difference value in a predetermined period is calculated, and the battery temperature estimated based on the average value of the difference values ​​is used to perform battery degradation estimation. Note that the predetermined period can be appropriately set based on experimental data, etc. In this way, by performing battery degradation estimation using the battery temperature estimated based on the moving average value of the difference values, it is possible to estimate an appropriate battery temperature by suppressing the influence of a temporary disturbance on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of battery degradation estimation.

[0084] [Example of battery deterioration estimation using various parameters] Here, it is assumed that the reliability of the battery temperature estimation may decrease due to the influence of temporary disturbances on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor. In addition, it is assumed that the reliability of the weather observation data may decrease due to a sudden change in the environment around the vehicle or depending on the location where the vehicle is parked. In such a case, it is assumed that the above-mentioned difference value will be a large value. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned difference value is a large value, in order to maintain the accuracy of the battery deterioration estimation, the calculation process of the battery deterioration estimation may be performed using various parameters. Therefore, an example of improving the accuracy of the battery deterioration estimation using various parameters will be shown below.

[0085] Here, an example of performing battery degradation estimation processing based on at least one of a battery degradation estimation calculation (first calculation) using the battery temperature estimated in step S100 and a battery degradation estimation calculation (second calculation) using data other than the battery temperature is shown. In this battery degradation estimation processing, when the vehicle control system estimates the degradation of the battery during a stop, the calculation result of the first calculation and the calculation result of the second calculation are weighted based on the above-mentioned difference value to estimate the battery degradation. In this case, the weighting of the calculation result of the first calculation is reduced as the above-mentioned difference value increases to perform the battery degradation estimation. That is, when the battery degradation is estimated using two different parameters, these two parameters are weighted, and the weighting is changed based on the difference value. In this way, when the reliability of the above-mentioned difference value is reduced and the reliability of the battery temperature estimation is also reduced, the weighting of the second calculation can be increased to improve the accuracy of the battery degradation estimation.

[0086] The first calculation is a calculation method for estimating battery degradation based on storage degradation and cycle degradation using battery temperature. The second calculation is a calculation method for estimating battery degradation based on EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) and a calculation method for estimating battery degradation based on current integration. The calculation method using EIS is a calculation method for analyzing changes in the internal impedance of the battery and estimating battery degradation based on the changes in impedance. The calculation method using current integration is a calculation method for estimating battery degradation based on information regarding current input and output to the battery, such as power generation and charging of the battery. The second calculation may be a combination of these calculation methods to estimate battery degradation.

[0087] [Example of battery temperature estimation processing] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. This battery temperature estimation process corresponds to step S100 shown in FIG.

[0088] In step S101, the estimation unit 37 determines whether or not the control system of the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 is stopped. Specifically, the estimation unit 37 determines whether or not the control system of the vehicle is stopped based on the start date and time 53 and the stop date and time 54 included in the probe information acquired in step S92. If the control system of the vehicle is stopped, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the control system of the vehicle is started, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0089] In step S102, the estimation unit 37 sets the detection value of the battery temperature sensor installed in the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 as the temperature of the battery of that vehicle. That is, the estimation unit 37 sets the value of the battery temperature 56 included in the probe information acquired in step S92 as the temperature of the battery of the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91. In this way, since the battery temperature can be detected by the battery temperature sensor while the vehicle control system is running, the detection value of the battery temperature sensor can be used.

[0090] In step S103, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates a difference value between the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor installed in the vehicle having the vehicle ID specified in step S91 and the air temperature included in the meteorological observation data acquired in step S93. That is, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates a difference value between the value of the outside air temperature 61 included in the probe information acquired in step S92 and the air temperature included in the meteorological observation data acquired in step S93. Then, the calculation unit 36 ​​associates the calculated difference value with the vehicle ID and stores it in the storage unit 33. Note that, in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which the difference value is calculated when the control system of the vehicle is activated (for example, the vehicle is running or stopped), but the difference value may be calculated only at a predetermined timing. For example, the difference value may be calculated only at the timing when the parking of the vehicle is detected or the activation of the parked vehicle is detected. Also, only the latest difference value may be stored in the storage unit 33, or multiple difference values ​​may be stored in the storage unit 33. Note that an example in which multiple difference values ​​for a long period are stored in the storage unit 33 is shown in FIG. 11. In this manner, the difference value is updated sequentially. The difference value may be transmitted to the probe server 40 and stored as the difference value 64 in the probe information DB 50 .

[0091] In step S104, the estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature of the battery installed in the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 based on the air temperature included in the meteorological observation data acquired in step S93 and the difference value calculated in step S103. The method of estimating this battery temperature is the same as the estimation method described in FIG.

[0092] In this example, the difference value is calculated while the vehicle control system is running. However, the difference value may be calculated at other times when the weather observation data (air temperature) and the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor can be obtained.

[0093] In this way, the temperature difference between the weather observation point of the weather observation data and the vehicle position can be calculated based on the difference value between the temperature included in the weather observation data and the detection value of the vehicle's outside air temperature sensor. Also, when the vehicle control system is stopped and the detection value of the battery temperature sensor cannot be obtained, the temperature at the vehicle position is calculated based on the temperature included in the weather observation data and the difference value, and the battery temperature is estimated from the temperature at the vehicle position.

[0094] [Example of battery temperature estimation process using average difference value] FIG. 5 shows an example in which the vehicle control system estimates the battery temperature using the difference value calculated while the vehicle control system is running. Here, it is assumed that the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor used to calculate the difference value may be affected by disturbances. In order to eliminate the influence of disturbances on the outside air temperature sensor, it is therefore conceivable to use, for example, the average value or most frequent value of the difference value. Thus, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the vehicle control system estimates the battery temperature using the average value of the difference value calculated while the vehicle control system is running.

[0095] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. Since this battery temperature estimation process is a modified example of the battery temperature estimation process shown in Fig. 5, the same reference numerals are used for the process steps common to Fig. 5, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] In step S111, the calculation unit 36 ​​performs an averaging process of the difference values ​​using the difference values ​​calculated in step S103 and the difference values ​​stored in the storage unit 33. For example, when only one difference value is stored in the storage unit 33, the difference value is added to the difference value calculated in step S103, and the average value of the difference values ​​is obtained by dividing the result by 2. Also, for example, when a plurality of difference values ​​are stored in the storage unit 33, the plurality of difference values ​​are added to the difference value calculated in step S103, and the average value of the difference values ​​is obtained by dividing the result by the number of the added difference values. Note that when the number of difference values ​​stored in the storage unit 33 exceeds a threshold value or when the calculation date and time of the difference value exceeds a predetermined period, the difference value used to calculate the average value may be selected and used.

[0097] In step S112, the estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature of the battery installed in the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 based on the air temperature included in the meteorological observation data acquired in step S93 and the average value of the difference values ​​calculated in step S111. This method of estimating the battery temperature is different from the estimation method described in Fig. 3 in that the average value of the difference values ​​is used instead of the difference value, but otherwise is similar to the estimation method described in Fig. 3.

[0098] In this way, taking into consideration the fluctuation (variation) of the difference value, the average value of a plurality of difference values ​​calculated at each predetermined period while the vehicle control system is running can be calculated and used. Note that, although an example of using the average value of the difference values ​​is shown in Fig. 6, the median value, mode value, etc. of the difference values ​​may also be used. Furthermore, the calculation conditions (e.g., difference value, median value, mode value) may be selected according to the weather conditions, the vehicle operating conditions, etc.

[0099] In this way, by using the average value, median value, mode value, etc. of the difference values, the influence of disturbances on the outside air temperature sensor can be eliminated.

[0100] [Example of battery temperature estimation process that calculates the difference value at the beginning of vehicle startup] 5 and 6 show an example of estimating the battery temperature using the difference value calculated while the vehicle's control system is running. Here, it is assumed that the outside air temperature sensor is affected by disturbances due to environmental conditions while the vehicle is running. Therefore, it is conceivable to calculate the difference value using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor at the beginning of startup when the outside air temperature sensor is less affected by disturbances. Therefore, FIG. 7 shows an example of estimating the battery temperature using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor at the beginning of startup of the vehicle's control system.

[0101] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. This battery temperature estimation process is a modified example of the battery temperature estimation process shown in Fig. 5, so the same reference numerals are used for the process steps common to Fig. 5, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] In step S121, the calculation unit 36 ​​determines whether or not the control system of the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 is in an initial startup state. Specifically, the calculation unit 36 ​​determines whether or not the control system of the vehicle is in an initial startup state based on the startup date and time 53 included in the probe information acquired in step S92. If the control system of the vehicle is in an initial startup state, the calculation unit 36 ​​proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the control system of the vehicle is not in an initial startup state, the operation of the battery temperature estimation process is terminated.

[0103] In this way, the difference value calculation process is performed at the beginning of startup when the outside air temperature sensor is less affected by disturbances such as wind while driving and air conditioning due to the vehicle's operating conditions. That is, at the beginning of startup of the vehicle's control system, for example, when the output of the outside air temperature sensor can be stably detected, the difference value between the temperature included in the meteorological observation data and the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor is calculated.

[0104] In step S122, the estimation unit 37 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the control system of the vehicle of the vehicle ID identified in step S91 was stopped. This predetermined time is an elapsed time when the influence of disturbance on the outside air temperature sensor is assumed to be smaller than a threshold. For example, the predetermined time can be an elapsed time when the difference between the battery temperature and the outside air temperature of the vehicle is assumed to be smaller than a threshold. This predetermined time can be appropriately set based on experimental data or the like. Specifically, the estimation unit 37 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the control system of the vehicle was stopped based on the stop date and time 54 included in the probe information acquired in step S92 and the stop time accumulated in step S124. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the control system of the vehicle was stopped, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the control system of the vehicle was stopped, the process proceeds to step S123.

[0105] In step S123, the estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature of the battery installed in the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 based on a first-order lag calculation using the battery temperature 56 (see FIG. 2) included in the probe information data acquired in step S92. For example, a known first-order lag calculation method can be used as this first-order lag calculation. That is, the first-order lag calculation is performed based on the detection value of the battery temperature sensor acquired immediately before the vehicle control system is stopped and a time constant. Note that the time constant, etc., can be obtained experimentally in advance.

[0106] In this way, the battery temperature is often high during the period from when the vehicle is parked and the vehicle control system is stopped until a predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, during that period, the battery temperature is often higher than the air temperature at the location where the vehicle is located. Therefore, during the period until the battery temperature becomes substantially the same as the air temperature at the location where the vehicle is located, the battery temperature is estimated based on a first-order lag calculation. Note that the processes of steps S122 and S123 may be additionally executed in the examples shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0107] 7 shows an example of estimating the battery temperature during the period from when the vehicle control system is stopped until a predetermined time has elapsed, but other calculation methods may be used to estimate the battery temperature. For example, the battery temperature may be estimated using battery temperature transition information acquired based on experimental data of the vehicle's running time or running distance and the temperature change of the battery after the vehicle is parked.

[0108] [Example of battery temperature estimation process that calculates the difference value when the previous stop time is long] FIG. 7 shows an example of estimating the battery temperature using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor at the beginning of the activation of the vehicle control system. Here, if the stop time before the activation of the vehicle control system is short, it is assumed that the vehicle is still affected by the wind during the previous activation, air conditioning, etc. In addition, it is assumed that the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor is high due to the influence of disturbances such as the wind during the previous activation and air conditioning. Therefore, in order to avoid the influence of such disturbances, it is preferable not to calculate the difference value using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor when the stop time before the activation of the vehicle control system is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Therefore, FIG. 8 shows an example of estimating the battery temperature using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13 at the beginning of the activation when the stop time before the activation of the vehicle control system exceeds a predetermined value.

[0109] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. Since this battery temperature estimation process is a modified example of the battery temperature estimation process shown in Fig. 7, the same reference numerals are used for the process steps common to Fig. 7, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] In step S131, the calculation unit 36 ​​judges whether or not the stop time before the control system of the vehicle of the vehicle ID specified in step S91 is started is longer than a predetermined time. Specifically, the calculation unit 36 ​​judges whether or not the stop time is longer than a predetermined time based on the start date and time 53 and the stop date and time 54 included in the probe information acquired in step S92. This predetermined time is an elapsed time when the influence of disturbance on the outside air temperature sensor is assumed to be smaller than a threshold. For example, the predetermined time can be an elapsed time when the difference between the battery temperature and the outside air temperature of the vehicle is assumed to be smaller than a threshold. Note that this predetermined time can be appropriately set based on experimental data or the like. For example, it may be the same value as the predetermined time shown in step S122. If the stop time is longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the stop time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, the operation of the battery temperature estimation process is terminated. In this way, the difference value is not calculated until a stop time occurs that is long enough to eliminate the influence of disturbance.

[0111] 8 and 9 show an example in which the battery temperature after the vehicle control system is started is estimated using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor at the beginning of the start of the vehicle control system. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery temperature before the start of the vehicle control system while the vehicle control system is stopped may be estimated using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor at the beginning of the start of the vehicle control system. In this case, instead of estimating the battery temperature in step S104, the temperature and observation time included in the meteorological observation data are sequentially stored in the storage unit 33. Then, after the difference value is calculated in step S103, the estimation unit 37 estimates the battery temperature for each observation time based on the difference value and each temperature stored in the storage unit 33. That is, the battery temperature before the difference value is calculated in step S103 is estimated.

[0112] [Example of battery temperature estimation process that calculates the difference value just before the vehicle stops] 7 and 8 show an example of estimating the battery temperature using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor at the beginning of the startup of the vehicle control system. Here, while the vehicle control system is stopped, the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor cannot be obtained. Therefore, it is also possible to obtain the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor immediately before the vehicle control system is stopped, use the detection value to update the difference value, and use this difference value to estimate the battery temperature during the subsequent stop. Therefore, FIG. 9 shows an example of estimating the battery temperature using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor immediately before the vehicle control system is stopped.

[0113] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. Since this battery temperature estimation process is a modified example of the battery temperature estimation process shown in Fig. 7, the same reference numerals are used for the process steps common to Fig. 7, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] In step S141, the calculation unit 36 ​​determines whether the control system of the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 was about to stop. Specifically, the calculation unit 36 ​​determines whether the control system of the vehicle was about to stop based on the stop date and time 54 included in the probe information acquired in step S92. If the control system of the vehicle was about to stop, the calculation unit 36 ​​proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the control system of the vehicle was not about to stop, the calculation unit 36 ​​ends the operation of the battery temperature estimation process.

[0115] In this way, since the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor cannot be obtained while the vehicle control system is stopped, the difference value is calculated and updated using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor obtained immediately before the vehicle is stopped. In other words, the difference value can be calculated and updated using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor at the timing when the key is turned off in the vehicle. Then, while the vehicle control system is stopped, the battery temperature is estimated using the updated difference value. This makes it possible to estimate the battery temperature while the vehicle is stopped in real time using information that is ahead in time (the difference value).

[0116] In order to avoid the influence of disturbances on the outside air temperature sensor, for example, an average value (moving average value) of a predetermined number of detection values ​​of the outside air temperature sensor may be calculated, and the average value at the timing of key-off may be used instead of the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor. Also, for example, a value considering the influence of disturbances on the outside air temperature sensor may be set in advance based on experimental data or the like, and the difference value may be calculated using the value considering the influence of disturbances. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a difference value DV1 between the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor (outside air temperature of the vehicle) OT1 and the actual outside air temperature OT1' may be set as a value considering the influence of disturbances on the outside air temperature sensor. In this case, in step S103, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates a difference value between a value obtained by subtracting the difference value DV1 from the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor and the temperature included in the weather observation data.

[0117] [Example of correcting the outside temperature of a vehicle using weather observation data from multiple weather observation areas] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of estimating the temperature around the vehicle 10 using meteorological observation data from multiple meteorological observation areas OA11 to OA14. The meteorological observation area OA11 is the area in which the vehicle 10 is located, and the meteorological observation areas OA12 to OA14 are areas adjacent to the meteorological observation area OA11. Note that FIG. 10 shows an example in which the meteorological observation area OA11 in which the vehicle 10 is located and the three surrounding meteorological observation areas OA12 to OA14 are the target areas, but is not limited to this. The meteorological observation area OA11 and two or four or more surrounding meteorological observation areas may also be the target areas.

[0118] Here, the distances between the vehicle 10 and weather observation points WP11 to WP14 in the weather observation areas OA11 to OA14 are denoted as D11 to D14, respectively. Also, the temperature observed at the weather observation point WP11 is denoted as TA, the temperature observed at the weather observation point WP12 is denoted as TB, the temperature observed at the weather observation point WP13 is denoted as TC, and the temperature observed at the weather observation point WP14 is denoted as TD.

[0119] In this case, the temperatures TA to TD at the weather observation points WP11 to WP14 are interpolated based on the distances D11 to D14 between the weather observation points WP11 to WP14 and the vehicle 10, and the temperature data at the position of the vehicle 10 is calculated. For example, the temperature data can be calculated by using the inverses of the distances D11 to D14 between the weather observation points WP11 to WP14 and the vehicle 10 as weights. Specifically, WA=1 / DA, WB=1 / DB, WC=1 / DC, and WD=1 / DD. Then, the temperature T10 at the position of the vehicle 10 is calculated based on the temperatures at the weather observation points WP11 to WP14 and the above-mentioned weights. Specifically, the temperature T10 at the position of the vehicle 10 can be calculated using the following formula. T10=(WA×TA+WB×TB+WC×TC+WD×TD)÷(WA+WB+WC+WD)

[0120] The temperature T10 calculated by the above formula can be used instead of the temperature included in the weather observation data to calculate the difference value. For example, in step S103, the calculation unit 36 ​​calculates the difference value between the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor installed in the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 and the temperature T10 calculated by the above formula. In this way, the difference value can be obtained based on a value obtained by interpolating the weather observation data (temperature) of a plurality of adjacent weather observation areas.

[0121] For example, when a weather observation area is large and the vehicle 10 is far from the weather measurement point in the weather observation area, the battery temperature can be estimated with high accuracy even if the vehicle 10 is located near the boundary of the weather observation area.

[0122] [Configuration and Effects of the First Embodiment] The battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment is a battery temperature estimation method for estimating the temperature of a battery 11 installed in a vehicle 10. This battery temperature estimation method includes a temperature acquisition step (step S92) for acquiring a detection value of an outside air temperature sensor 13 (one example of a temperature sensor) installed in the vehicle 10, a temperature acquisition step (step S93) for acquiring an air temperature included in meteorological observation data related to the location where the vehicle 10 is present, a calculation step (step S103) for calculating a difference value between the air temperature and the detection value, and an estimation step (steps S104, S112) for estimating the temperature of the battery 11 while the vehicle 10 is stopped based on the difference value and an air temperature acquired while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped.

[0123] According to this configuration, even if the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped and the detection value of the battery temperature sensor 12 cannot be obtained, the temperature of the battery 11 can be accurately estimated based on the meteorological observation data. Also, even if there is a temperature difference due to the difference between the meteorological observation point and the position of the vehicle 10, the temperature of the stopped battery 11 can be accurately estimated using the meteorological observation data (air temperature).

[0124] In the battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment, the calculation step (step S103) calculates the difference value using the air temperature and the detection value acquired while the control system of the vehicle 10 is running.

[0125] According to this configuration, the temperature difference between the weather observation point and the position of the vehicle 10 can be accurately calculated using the temperature and detection values ​​obtained before and after the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the battery 11 while it is stopped.

[0126] Furthermore, in the battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment, a calculation step (step S103 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) calculates a difference value using the air temperature and detection value acquired when the control system of the vehicle 10 is started (at the beginning of start-up), and an estimation step (step S104) estimates the temperature of the battery 11 immediately before (see FIG. 3) or after the timing at which the air temperature and detection value used in calculating the difference value are acquired while the control system is stopped.

[0127] According to this configuration, the influence of disturbances due to environmental conditions during driving on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13 can be avoided, and the temperature of the battery 11 during stoppage can be accurately estimated.

[0128] Furthermore, in the battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment, the calculation step (step S103 shown in FIG. 8) calculates a difference value when the stop period of the control system of the vehicle 10 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, using the air temperature and detection value acquired at the time of start-up (initial start-up) after the stop period.

[0129] According to this configuration, specific conditions can be set to avoid the influence of disturbances due to environmental conditions during driving on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13, and the temperature of the stopped battery 11 can be accurately estimated.

[0130] Furthermore, in the battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment, a calculation step (step S103 shown in FIG. 9) calculates a difference value using the air temperature and detection value acquired just before the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped (at the end of startup), and an estimation step (step S104 shown in FIG. 9) estimates the temperature of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped just after the air temperature and detection value used in calculating the difference value are acquired.

[0131] According to this configuration, the temperature of the stopped battery 11 can be estimated in real time by using the information (difference value) that is earlier in time.

[0132] Furthermore, in the battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment, the calculation step (step S103) calculates a difference value based on an interpolated value of temperatures contained in meteorological observation data for multiple meteorological observation areas, including a meteorological observation area including the location of the vehicle 10 and other meteorological observation areas adjacent to that meteorological observation area.

[0133] With this configuration, the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated with high accuracy even when the weather observation area is large and the weather measurement point in the weather observation area is far from the parking position of the vehicle 10 (for example, when the vehicle 10 is parked near the boundary of the weather observation area).

[0134] In the battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment, an estimation step (step S104) estimates the temperature of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped based on a moving average value of the difference value. Also, the method further includes a deterioration estimation step (step S94) in which the control system of the vehicle 10 estimates deterioration of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped using the temperature of the battery 11 estimated in the estimation step (step S104).

[0135] According to this configuration, the deterioration of the battery 11 can be estimated with high accuracy based on the temperature of the battery 11 estimated while suppressing the influence of temporary disturbances on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13, etc.

[0136] Moreover, the battery temperature estimation method according to the first embodiment further includes a degradation estimation step (step S94) for estimating degradation of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped, based on at least one of a battery degradation estimation calculation (first calculation) using the temperature of the battery 11 estimated in the estimation step (step S104) and a battery degradation estimation calculation (second calculation) using data other than the temperature of the battery 11. The degradation estimation step (step S94) estimates degradation of the battery 11 by weighting the calculation results of the first calculation and the second calculation based on the difference value, and reduces the weighting of the calculation result of the first calculation as the difference value increases.

[0137] According to this configuration, even if the reliability of the temperature estimation of the battery 11 is reduced due to the influence of a temporary disturbance on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13, the deterioration estimation of the battery 11 can be performed with high accuracy by increasing the weight of the deterioration estimation calculation using other data.

[0138] The battery temperature estimation device 30 is a battery temperature estimation device that estimates the temperature of the battery 11 installed in the vehicle 10. The battery temperature estimation device 30 includes an acquisition unit 35 (an example of a temperature acquisition unit) that acquires a detection value of a temperature sensor installed in the vehicle, an acquisition unit 35 (an example of a temperature acquisition unit) that acquires an air temperature included in meteorological observation data related to the location where the vehicle 10 is located, a calculation unit 36 ​​that calculates a difference value between the air temperature and the detection value, and an estimation unit 37 that estimates the temperature of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped based on the difference value and the air temperature acquired while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped. The battery temperature estimation device according to this embodiment may be realized by a vehicle control system (for example, a system including the vehicle ECU 17) or a probe server 40, or may be realized by a plurality of devices that configure the battery temperature estimation system 1.

[0139] According to this configuration, even if the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped and the detection value of the battery temperature sensor 12 cannot be obtained, the temperature of the battery 11 can be accurately estimated based on the meteorological observation data. Also, even if there is a temperature difference due to the difference between the meteorological observation point and the position of the vehicle 10, the temperature of the stopped battery 11 can be accurately estimated using the meteorological observation data (air temperature).

[0140] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which the battery temperature while the vehicle control system is stopped is estimated using the difference value calculated while the vehicle control system is running. As a result, the difference value is updated sequentially while the vehicle control system is running, so that the battery temperature can be estimated with higher accuracy according to the vehicle environment. Here, if the vehicle control system is stopped for a long period of time, the difference value cannot be updated. In this case, it is assumed that the calculation time of the difference value and the estimation time of the battery temperature are significantly different. For example, it is assumed that the battery temperature is estimated in winter using the difference value calculated in summer. In this case, it is assumed that the battery temperature cannot be estimated appropriately according to the season. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the difference values ​​calculated within a predetermined period (for example, one year) are stored and the battery temperature is estimated using each of the stored difference values. Note that the second embodiment is a partial modification of the first embodiment, so that the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0141] [Example of battery temperature estimation process using past difference values] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. Since this battery temperature estimation process is a modified example of the battery temperature estimation process shown in Fig. 7, the same reference numerals are used for the process steps common to Fig. 7, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the difference value information stored in the storage unit 33. In the storage unit 33, a difference value 72, a calculation time 73, and vehicle position information 74 are stored as the difference value information in association with a vehicle ID 71.

[0143] In step S151, the calculation unit 36 ​​stores the difference value calculated in step S103, the calculation time, and the vehicle position information of the vehicle ID identified in step S91 in the storage unit 33 in association with the vehicle ID. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, difference value information related to the difference value is stored in the storage unit 33. Note that, for example, information on a weather observation area including the location of the vehicle may be stored as the vehicle position information. Note that, although an example in which the battery temperature estimation device 30 stores the difference value information is shown in this example, the difference values ​​calculated in step S103 may be sequentially transmitted to the probe server 40, and the difference values ​​may be stored in the difference value 64 (see FIG. 2) of the probe information DB 50 of the probe server 40 in association with the vehicle ID. Note that the difference value from a predetermined period (for example, one year) ago may be erased.

[0144] In step S152, the estimation unit 37 judges whether or not the control system of the vehicle with the vehicle ID identified in step S91 is stopped for a long period of time. Specifically, the estimation unit 37 judges whether or not the control system is stopped for a long period of time based on the start date and time 53 and the stop date and time 54 included in the probe information acquired in step S92. The threshold for judging the long period of time can be appropriately set, for example, based on experimental data. For example, a value of about one month to one year can be set as the threshold for judging the long period of time. If the control system is stopped for a long period of time, the process proceeds to step S153. On the other hand, if the control system is not stopped for a long period of time, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0145] In step S153, the estimation unit 37 acquires the difference value stored in the storage unit 33 in association with the vehicle ID identified in step S91. In this case, if there are multiple difference values ​​stored in the storage unit 33, each of these difference values ​​is acquired.

[0146] In step S154, the estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature of the battery installed in the vehicle with the vehicle ID identified in step S91 based on the air temperature included in the weather observation data acquired in step S93 and the difference value acquired in step S153. In this case, the estimation unit 37 uses a difference value calculated in the same time period (for example, the same month) among difference values ​​calculated in the past at the same vehicle position (same weather observation area) as the vehicle with the vehicle ID identified in step S91. In addition, when a plurality of difference values ​​to be calculated are stored, a calculation result using those values ​​(for example, an average value) can be used. In this way, in step S154, the battery temperature is estimated using difference values ​​calculated in the past at approximately the same position and time, whereas in step S104, the battery temperature is estimated using the latest difference value.

[0147] In this way, even if the difference value cannot be updated due to a long-term stop of the vehicle control system, the battery temperature is estimated using the difference value information calculated in the past. In this case, the past difference value using the temperature of the weather observation area corresponding to the same location as the parking location of the vehicle (e.g., the home garage) can be used, and the battery temperature can be appropriately estimated. Also, even if the temperature difference between the weather observation point and the parking location (e.g., the home garage) varies depending on the season, the battery temperature can be appropriately estimated in accordance with the variation. In other words, even if the difference value cannot be updated due to a long-term stop of the vehicle control system, the battery temperature can be estimated using the past difference value information of the vehicle, taking into account seasonal variations, etc.

[0148] Even if the vehicle is not parked for a long period of time and the difference value can be updated frequently, the accuracy of estimating the battery temperature can be improved by taking into account past data, such as by using an average value with past difference values.

[0149] [Configuration and Effects of the Second Embodiment] The battery temperature estimation method according to the second embodiment further includes a storage step (step S151) of storing the difference value calculated in the calculation step (step S103) in the storage unit 33. In addition, an estimation step (step S154) estimates the temperature of the battery 11 while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped, based on the air temperature acquired while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped and the difference value stored in the storage unit 33.

[0150] According to this configuration, even when a new difference value cannot be obtained in the case where the control system of the vehicle 10 has been stopped for a long period of time, the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated with high accuracy using the past difference values ​​of the vehicle 10.

[0151] In the battery temperature estimation method of the second embodiment, a storage step (step S151) stores the difference values ​​calculated over at least the past year in the memory unit 33, and an estimation step (step S154) estimates the temperature of the battery 11 while the vehicle 10 is stopped based on the air temperature acquired while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped and the difference value stored in the memory unit 33 that corresponds to the period during which the vehicle was stopped.

[0152] According to this configuration, even when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time and a new difference value cannot be obtained, the temperature of the battery 11 can be accurately estimated using the past difference values ​​of the vehicle 10, taking into account seasonal fluctuations, etc.

[0153] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the temperature of the battery 11 is estimated using a difference value calculated for the vehicle 10. Here, as shown in the second embodiment, if the vehicle control system is stopped for a long period (for example, for one month or more), it is assumed that the difference value cannot be updated and the calculation time of the difference value and the estimation time of the battery temperature are significantly different. In this case, it is assumed that an appropriate estimation of the battery temperature according to the season cannot be performed. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an example is shown in which the battery temperature is estimated using a difference value calculated for another vehicle present nearby. Note that the third embodiment is a partial modification of the first and second embodiments, and therefore the same reference numerals are used to designate parts common to the first and second embodiments, and their description is omitted.

[0154] [Example of battery temperature estimation process using differential values ​​from other vehicles] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a battery temperature estimation process in the battery temperature estimation device 30. This battery temperature estimation process is a modified example of the battery temperature estimation process shown in Fig. 11, so the same reference numerals are used for the process steps common to Fig. 11, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] In step S161, the estimation unit 37 acquires the difference value calculated for the vehicle other than the vehicle with the vehicle ID identified in step S91. Here, the other vehicle may be a vehicle existing near the vehicle 10, a vehicle existing in the same area as the vehicle 10, a vehicle existing in the same weather observation area as the vehicle 10, or the like. Specifically, the acquisition unit 35 acquires each piece of probe information stored in the probe information DB 50 in association with the vehicle other than the vehicle with the vehicle ID identified in step S91. For example, based on the vehicle position 52 (see FIG. 2), it is possible to extract a vehicle existing near the vehicle 10 or a vehicle existing in the same area as the vehicle 10. Also, based on the weather observation area 63 (see FIG. 2), it is possible to extract a vehicle existing in the same weather observation area as the vehicle 10. Then, the estimation unit 37 acquires the difference value of the other vehicle included in each piece of probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 35. It is preferable to acquire the difference value calculated at the time closest to the current time.

[0156] In step S162, the estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature of the battery installed in the vehicle having the vehicle ID identified in step S91 based on the air temperature included in the weather observation data acquired in step S93 and the difference value of the other vehicle acquired in step S161. When difference values ​​of a plurality of vehicles are acquired as the difference value calculated for the other vehicle, one of these difference values ​​(e.g., the difference value of the vehicle whose vehicle position is closest) may be used, or a plurality of difference values ​​(e.g., an average value) may be used.

[0157] In this way, even when the vehicle's control system has been stopped for a long period of time (for example, more than one month) and the difference value cannot be calculated, the battery temperature can be accurately estimated using the difference values ​​of other vehicles around the vehicle.

[0158] [Example of correcting the differential value of other vehicles] Fig. 13 shows an example of estimating the temperature of the battery 11 of the vehicle 10 using the difference value of another vehicle. Here, when the vehicle 10 and the other vehicle are relatively far away from each other, it is assumed that the temperature around the vehicle 10 and the temperature around the other vehicle are different. Therefore, Fig. 14 shows an example of correcting the difference value of the other vehicle by taking into account the position of the vehicle 10 and the position of the other vehicle.

[0159] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of correcting the difference value of the other vehicle based on the relationship between the position of the vehicle 10, the positions of the other vehicles, and the positions of the weather observation points in the weather observation area. Fig. 14(A) shows an example of correction when there is one other vehicle, and Fig. 14(B) shows an example of correction when there are multiple other vehicles.

[0160] FIG. 14(A) shows an example of correcting the difference value of vehicle 3 based on the relationship between the position of vehicle 10, the position of vehicle 3, and the position of weather observation point WP1 in weather observation area OA1. Here, the difference value of vehicle 3 is ΔTa, the distance between vehicle 10 and weather observation point WP1 is D1, and the distance between vehicle 3 and weather observation point WP1 is Da. In this case, the difference value ΔT1 of vehicle 10 can be calculated based on the relationship between the distances D1 and Da to weather observation point WP1 and the difference value ΔTa, so that the difference value changes in proportion to the distance to weather observation point WP1. Specifically, the difference value ΔT1 of vehicle 10 can be calculated using the following formula. ΔT1=ΔTa×D1 / Da

[0161] FIG. 14(B) shows an example of correcting the difference values ​​of the other vehicles 3 to 5 based on the interpolation calculation of the contour data. As shown in FIG. 14(B), when many vehicles 3 to 5 exist in the weather observation area OA2, the contour data ED1 to ED3 are created based on the positions and difference values ​​of the vehicles 3 to 5. The contour data ED1 to ED3 are data created based on the relationship between the distance between the weather observation point WP2 and the vehicles 3 to 5 and the difference values ​​of the vehicles 3 to 5. That is, as the vehicle advances in the direction of the arrow AR1, the temperature difference with the weather observation point WP2 increases, and the contour data ED1 to ED3 are created based on this temperature difference. For example, the outside air temperatures of the vehicles existing on the line corresponding to the contour data ED1 are estimated to be the same temperature. Similarly, the difference values ​​of the vehicles existing on the lines corresponding to the contour data ED2 and ED3 are estimated to be the same value. Then, the difference values ​​of the other vehicles can be corrected based on the position of the vehicle 10 in the contour data ED1 to ED3.

[0162] In this manner, the difference value of the vehicle 10 can also be obtained by the interpolation calculation using the contour line data ED1 to ED3. As a result, even when the battery temperature is estimated using the difference values ​​of other vehicles existing around the vehicle, the battery temperature can be estimated with high accuracy by the interpolation calculation based on the positional relationship.

[0163] [Configuration and Effects of the Third Embodiment] The battery temperature estimation method according to the third embodiment further includes a difference value acquisition step (step S161) of acquiring difference values ​​calculated for other vehicles present in the same weather observation area as the vehicle 10 when the stop period of the control system of the vehicle 10 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. In addition, the estimation step (step S162) estimates the temperature of the battery 11 while the vehicle 10 is stopped based on the air temperature acquired during the stop and the difference value acquired in the difference value acquisition step (step S161) for the other vehicles when the stop period of the control system of the vehicle 10 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

[0164] According to this configuration, even when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time and the difference value cannot be calculated, the temperature of the battery 11 can be accurately estimated using the difference values ​​of other vehicles present around the vehicle 10.

[0165] In the battery temperature estimation method of the third embodiment, the estimation step (step S162) corrects the difference value for other vehicles acquired in the difference value acquisition step (step S161) based on the location of the vehicle 10, the locations of other vehicles, and the observation locations of the weather observation data in the weather observation area, and estimates the temperature of the stopped battery 11 based on the corrected difference value.

[0166] According to this configuration, the difference values ​​of other vehicles existing around the vehicle 10 can be corrected by an interpolation calculation based on the positional relationship. As a result, even when the control system of the vehicle 10 has been stopped for a long period of time and it is not possible to calculate the difference value for the vehicle 10, the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0167] [Other embodiments] [Example of cyclically activating a control system to obtain differential values] In the first to third embodiments, an example was shown in which the battery temperature was estimated using the difference value (including the difference value of another vehicle) calculated while the control system of the vehicle was running. Here, when the vehicle 10 is parked for a long period of time, it is assumed that the past difference value of the vehicle 10 cannot be used (for example, the difference value is not stored) or there is no other vehicle near the vehicle 10. In such a case, it is assumed that the difference value cannot be appropriately acquired. Therefore, when the vehicle 10 is parked for a long period of time and an appropriate difference value cannot be acquired, the control system of the vehicle 10 is temporarily started, and the difference value is acquired based on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13. This temporary start-up can be performed periodically, for example, once a week, once a month, once every six months, etc. For example, it is preferable to temporarily start the control system of the vehicle 10 based on the timing of updating the difference value. For example, it is preferable to set an optimal timing obtained from experimental data according to the environment, season, etc.

[0168] In addition, when the control system of the vehicle 10 is temporarily started, the detection value of the battery temperature sensor 12 can also be obtained, and the detection value of the battery temperature sensor 12 can be used as the battery temperature at the time of the temporary start-up.

[0169] Specifically, when the vehicle 10 is parked for a long period of time, the control unit 42 of the probe server 40 transmits to the vehicle 10, in response to a request from the battery temperature estimation device 30, activation instruction information for temporarily activating the control system. Upon receiving the activation instruction information, the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 activates the control system for a predetermined time based on the activation instruction information. During this activation, the vehicle ECU 17 acquires detection values ​​of each sensor (including the battery temperature sensor 12, the outside air temperature sensor 13, and the solar radiation sensor 14) based on the activation instruction information and transmits them to the probe server 40. The battery temperature estimation device 30 also calculates a difference value using the detection values.

[0170] In this way, by periodically starting the control system of the vehicle 10 and acquiring the difference value based on the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13, the difference value can be updated even when the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time. This makes it possible to estimate an appropriate battery temperature using an appropriate difference value.

[0171] [Example of calculating the difference value taking into account the vehicle's surrounding environment] Here, when the vehicle 10 is parked outdoors without a roof, the temperature of the battery 11 rises rapidly due to solar radiation during a clear summer day. Also, when the vehicle 10 is parked indoors, such as underground or in a garage, the temperature often does not drop much even at night. Therefore, it is preferable to calculate the difference value taking into account the environment around the parked vehicle 10.

[0172] Specifically, the acquisition unit 35 acquires solar radiation status information on the solar radiation status at the position where the vehicle 10 is located from the probe information DB 50. This solar radiation status information is, for example, a solar radiation amount sensor value 62. The estimation unit 37 corrects the above-mentioned difference value based on the solar radiation status information. For example, there are characteristics of temperature changes during the day and at night depending on whether the location is outdoors with a roof, outdoors without a roof, indoors (underground parking lot or garage), etc. Therefore, the solar radiation status information and the characteristics of temperature changes related to the time period of the day are digitized for each region and season and stored as digitized data (correction information). This digitized data may be stored in the probe server 40 or may be stored in the battery temperature estimation device 30. Then, the estimation unit 37 uses the digitized data to perform correction on the difference value based on the digitized data for the season and time period when the difference value was acquired. That is, the difference value is corrected according to the characteristics of the temperature change.

[0173] In this way, the solar radiation conditions at the stop location can be determined and the difference value can be corrected based on the solar radiation conditions, thereby making it possible to estimate the battery temperature with high accuracy according to the solar radiation conditions.

[0174] Here, an example is shown in which the difference value is corrected using the detection value of the solar radiation sensor. However, the parking location of the vehicle 10 may be determined using an image acquired by a camera such as a drive recorder or map information, and the difference value may be corrected according to the determined parking location. The parking location determined here may be an outdoor location with a roof, an outdoor location without a roof, or an indoor location (underground parking lot or garage), as described above. The difference value may also be corrected using the weather at the parking location included in the weather observation data. For example, in an outdoor location without a roof when the weather is sunny, it is assumed that the temperature of the battery 11 will rise rapidly due to solar radiation. On the other hand, in an outdoor location without a roof when the weather is snowy, it is assumed that the temperature of the battery 11 will drop rapidly due to snow. These characteristics of temperature changes related to the weather and parking location are digitized for each region and season and stored as digitized data (correction information), and the difference value can be corrected using this digitized data.

[0175] [Example of estimating battery temperature using the detection value of the battery temperature sensor of another vehicle] In the above, an example of estimating the battery temperature using the difference value (including the difference value of other vehicles) and meteorological observation data has been shown. However, there may be cases where meteorological observation data cannot be obtained due to a communication line failure or the like, or where the reliability of the meteorological observation data is low due to local weather fluctuations or the like. In these cases, it may be possible to appropriately estimate the battery temperature while the vehicle is stopped. Therefore, here, an example is shown in which the battery temperature is estimated using the detection value of a temperature sensor installed in another vehicle near the vehicle 10 when appropriate meteorological observation data cannot be obtained.

[0176] Specifically, when the acquisition unit 35 cannot acquire appropriate weather observation data, it acquires the detection value of a temperature sensor installed in another vehicle near the vehicle 10. Here, the other vehicle may be a vehicle near the vehicle 10, a vehicle in the same region as the vehicle 10, a vehicle in the same weather observation area as the vehicle 10, or the like, as in the third embodiment. Specifically, the acquisition unit 35 acquires each piece of probe information stored in the probe information DB 50 in association with another vehicle other than the vehicle of the vehicle ID identified in step S91. For example, based on the vehicle position 52 (see FIG. 2), it is possible to extract a vehicle near the vehicle 10 or a vehicle in the same region as the vehicle 10. Also, based on the weather observation area 63 (see FIG. 2), it is possible to extract a vehicle in the same weather observation area as the vehicle 10. Then, the estimation unit 37 acquires the battery temperature 56 (see FIG. 2) of the other vehicle included in each piece of probe information acquired by the acquisition unit 35. It is preferable to acquire the battery temperature calculated at the time closest to the current time.

[0177] Next, the estimation unit 37 estimates the temperature of the battery 11 installed in the vehicle 10 based on the acquired battery temperatures of the other vehicles. For example, the acquired battery temperatures of the other vehicles can be estimated as the temperature of the battery 11. Note that when the battery temperatures of a plurality of vehicles are acquired as the battery temperatures of the other vehicles, one of these battery temperatures (e.g., the battery temperature of the vehicle whose vehicle position is the closest) may be used as the battery temperature of the other vehicles, or a plurality of battery temperatures (e.g., an average value) may be used.

[0178] [Example of calculating the difference value using the detected value of the battery temperature sensor] In the above, an example of calculating the difference value using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor has been shown. As a result, it is possible to estimate the temperature that the outside air temperature sensor is expected to detect when it is started while the vehicle control system is stopped, based on meteorological observation data. As a result, it is possible to estimate the battery temperature while the vehicle control system is stopped. However, the difference value may be calculated using the detection value of another temperature sensor. For example, the difference value may be calculated using the detection value of the battery temperature sensor. For example, when the vehicle is started immediately after being parked for a long period of time, it is expected that the difference between the temperature of the outside air temperature sensor and the temperature of the battery temperature sensor is small. In such a case, the difference value may be calculated using the detection value of the battery temperature sensor. Also, for example, the characteristics of the temperature change based on the relationship between the detection value of the battery temperature sensor and the parking location of the vehicle are digitized for each region and season and stored as digitized data (correction information), and the difference value can be calculated using this digitized data.

[0179] In this way, it is possible to estimate the temperature that the battery temperature sensor is expected to detect if it were activated while the vehicle control system is stopped, based on the meteorological observation data, thereby making it possible to estimate the battery temperature while the vehicle control system is stopped.

[0180] [Configurations and Effects of Other Embodiments] In another embodiment of the battery temperature estimation method, the calculation step (step S103) calculates a difference value using the detection value of the outside air temperature sensor 13 obtained by temporarily starting the control system of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined timing while the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped.

[0181] According to this configuration, even if the control system of the vehicle 10 is stopped for a long period of time, the difference value can be appropriately updated.

[0182] The battery temperature estimation method according to another embodiment further includes a solar radiation condition acquisition step (step S92) of acquiring solar radiation condition information related to the solar radiation condition at the location where the vehicle 10 is located. Also, the estimation step (step S100) corrects the difference value based on the solar radiation condition information.

[0183] According to this configuration, the temperature of the battery 11 can be estimated with high accuracy according to the solar radiation conditions at the location where the vehicle 10 is located.

[0184] Furthermore, the battery temperature estimation method according to another embodiment further includes an other vehicle detection value acquisition step (step S92) for acquiring a detection value of a temperature sensor installed in another vehicle near the vehicle 10 when appropriate weather observation data cannot be acquired in the air temperature acquisition step (step S92). Furthermore, the estimation step (step S100) estimates the temperature of the stopped battery based on the detection value acquired in the other vehicle detection value acquisition step (step S92) when appropriate weather observation data cannot be acquired in the air temperature acquisition step (step S92).

[0185] According to this configuration, even if meteorological observation data cannot be obtained for some reason or if the reliability of the meteorological observation data is low, the control system of the vehicle 10 can estimate the temperature of the battery 11 while it is stopped with high accuracy.

[0186] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the battery temperature estimation process and the deterioration estimation process are executed in the battery temperature estimation device 30, but all or part of these processes may be executed in other devices. In this case, a battery temperature estimation system is configured by the devices that execute part of each of these processes. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a probe information DB 50 (see FIG. 2) used when executing each of these processes is managed in the probe server 40. However, all or part of these DBs may be managed by one or more devices other than the probe server 40, and the battery temperature estimation device 30 may acquire and use the DBs managed by the other devices.

[0187] Furthermore, a part (or the whole) of the battery temperature estimation system 1 including the function of the battery temperature estimation device 30 may be provided by an application that can be provided via the network 2. This application is, for example, SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0188] Also, all or part of the battery temperature estimation process and deterioration estimation process may be executed in the vehicle 10. In this case, the vehicle ECU 17 of the vehicle 10 executes all or part of the processes of the acquisition unit 35, the calculation unit 36, and the estimation unit 37 included in the control unit 32 of the battery temperature estimation device 30. Also, the storage unit 16 of the vehicle 10 may store part of the above-mentioned probe information DB 50 (information related to the vehicle 10). Note that, when the vehicle 10 uses the probe information DB 50, it may acquire it from an external device and use it.

[0189] For example, information about the vehicle 10 may be managed in the vehicle 10 rather than by the probe server 40, and the temperature estimation process and deterioration estimation process for the battery 11 may be performed in the vehicle 10. When all or part of the processes of the battery temperature estimation device 30 are performed in the vehicle 10 in this manner, the vehicle 10 functions as a battery temperature estimation device.

[0190] Each process shown in this embodiment is executed based on a program for causing a computer to execute each processing procedure. Therefore, this embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program for realizing the function of executing each process, and a recording medium for storing the program. For example, the program can be stored in the storage device of the information processing device by an update process for adding a new function to the information processing device. This makes it possible to cause the updated information processing device to execute each process shown in this embodiment.

[0191] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-mentioned embodiments merely show some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 1 Battery temperature estimation system, 2 Network, 3 to 5, 10 Vehicle, 11 Battery, 12 Battery temperature sensor, 13 Outside air temperature sensor, 14 Solar radiation sensor, 15 Location information acquisition unit, 16 Memory unit, 17 Vehicle ECU, 18 Communication unit, 20 Weather data server, 30 Battery temperature estimation device, 31 Communication unit, 32 Control unit, 33 Memory unit, 35 Acquisition unit, 36 Calculation unit, 37 Estimation unit, 40 Probe server, 41 Communication unit, 42 Control unit, 43 Memory unit, 50 Probe information DB

Claims

1. A battery temperature estimation method for estimating a temperature of a battery installed in a vehicle, comprising: a temperature acquisition step of acquiring a detection value of a temperature sensor installed in the vehicle; a temperature acquisition step of acquiring a temperature included in meteorological observation data relating to a position where the vehicle is located; a calculation step of calculating a difference value between the air temperature and the detection value; and estimating a temperature of the battery while the control system of the vehicle is stopped based on the difference value and the air temperature acquired while the control system of the vehicle is stopped. Battery temperature estimation method.

2. 2. The battery temperature estimation method according to claim 1, the calculation step calculates the difference value by using the air temperature and the detection value acquired while the control system is running. Battery temperature estimation method.

3. 3. A battery temperature estimation method according to claim 1, further comprising: the calculating step calculates the difference value by using the air temperature and the detection value acquired at the time of starting up the control system; the estimation step estimates a temperature of the battery while the control system is stopped immediately before or after a timing at which the air temperature and the detection value used in calculating the difference value are acquired; Battery temperature estimation method.

4. 4. A battery temperature estimation method according to claim 3, comprising: the calculation step calculates the difference value using the air temperature and the detection value acquired when the control system is started up after the stop period when the control system is stopped for a predetermined time or longer; Battery temperature estimation method.

5. 3. A battery temperature estimation method according to claim 1, further comprising: the calculating step calculates the difference value using the air temperature and the detection value acquired immediately before the control system is stopped; the estimation step estimates a temperature of the battery while the control system is stopped immediately after a timing at which the air temperature and the detection value used in calculating the difference value are acquired; Battery temperature estimation method.

6. 3. A battery temperature estimation method according to claim 1, further comprising: The difference value calculated in the calculation step is stored in a storage unit. the estimating step estimates a temperature of the battery while the control system is stopped based on the air temperature acquired while the control system is stopped and a difference value stored in the storage unit; Battery temperature estimation method.

7. 7. A battery temperature estimation method according to claim 6, comprising: The storage step stores the difference values ​​calculated for at least the past year in the storage unit, the estimating step estimates a temperature of the battery while the control system is stopped based on the air temperature acquired while the control system is stopped and a difference value corresponding to the period during the stop among the difference values ​​stored in the storage unit; Battery temperature estimation method.

8. 3. A battery temperature estimation method according to claim 1, further comprising: a difference value acquisition step of acquiring the difference value calculated for another vehicle that is present in the same weather observation area as the vehicle when the stop period of the control system is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, In the estimation step, when a stop period of the control system is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, a temperature of the battery during the stop period is estimated based on the air temperature acquired during the stop period and the difference value regarding the other vehicle acquired in the difference value acquisition step. Battery temperature estimation method.

9. 9. A battery temperature estimation method according to claim 8, comprising: the estimation step corrects the difference value related to the other vehicle acquired in the difference value acquisition step based on a position where the vehicle is present, a position where the other vehicle is present, and an observation position of the weather observation data in the weather observation area, and estimates a temperature of the battery during the stop based on the corrected difference value. Battery temperature estimation method.

10. 2. The battery temperature estimation method according to claim 1, the calculating step calculates the difference value by using the detection value acquired by temporarily starting the control system at a predetermined timing while the control system is stopped; Battery temperature estimation method.

11. A battery temperature estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: the calculation step calculates the difference value based on values ​​obtained by interpolating temperatures included in meteorological observation data for a plurality of meteorological observation areas, including a meteorological observation area including the location of the vehicle and another meteorological observation area adjacent to the meteorological observation area; Battery temperature estimation method.

12. A battery temperature estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: A solar radiation condition acquisition step of acquiring solar radiation condition information regarding a solar radiation condition at a position where the vehicle is located, The estimation step corrects the difference value based on the solar radiation condition information. Battery temperature estimation method.

13. A battery temperature estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: and a vehicle detection value acquisition step of acquiring a detection value of a temperature sensor installed in another vehicle located near the vehicle when appropriate meteorological observation data cannot be acquired in the temperature acquisition step. In the estimation step, when appropriate meteorological observation data cannot be acquired in the air temperature acquisition step, the temperature of the battery during the stop is estimated based on the detection value acquired in the other vehicle detection value acquisition step. Battery temperature estimation method.

14. A battery temperature estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: the estimating step estimates a temperature of the battery during the stop based on a moving average value of the difference value; a deterioration estimation step of estimating deterioration of the battery while the control system is stopped, using the temperature of the battery estimated in the estimation step; Battery temperature estimation method.

15. A battery temperature estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: a deterioration estimation step of estimating deterioration of the battery while the control system is stopped based on at least one of a first calculation, which is a battery deterioration estimation calculation using the temperature of the battery estimated in the estimation step, and a second calculation, which is a battery deterioration estimation calculation using data other than the temperature of the battery; the deterioration estimation step weights a result of the first calculation and a result of the second calculation based on the difference value to estimate deterioration of the battery; As the difference value increases, the weighting of the result of the first calculation is decreased. Battery temperature estimation method.

16. A battery temperature estimation device that estimates a temperature of a battery installed in a vehicle, a temperature acquisition unit that acquires a detection value of a temperature sensor installed in the vehicle; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires a temperature included in meteorological observation data relating to a position where the vehicle is located; a calculation unit that calculates a difference value between the air temperature and the detection value; an estimation unit that estimates a temperature of the battery while the control system of the vehicle is stopped based on the difference value and the air temperature acquired while the control system of the vehicle is stopped; Battery temperature estimator.

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