Power device and control method thereof

Abstract

SOLUTION: To provide a power device 10 and a control method thereof in which a main board 60 acquires charge / discharge information of a battery 12 held in at least one slot 20 among a plurality of slots 20, and the main board 60 controls a plurality of airflow units 28 respectively provided in the plurality of slots 20 on the basis of the acquired charge / discharge information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric power device and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery rental device for charging a plurality of batteries. This device has a battery storage section. The battery storage section is composed of a plurality of storage sections. A battery is stored in each of the plurality of storage sections. The battery storage section is surrounded by a temperature storage section formed of a heat insulating material. A fan is disposed in the temperature storage section. When a battery stored in a storage section is charged, the battery generates heat. The fan blows air into the battery storage section or exhausts air from within the battery storage section. This maintains the temperature of the battery at a constant storage temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-98613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When discharging or charging a plurality of power storage devices held in a plurality of holding parts, it is possible to provide a wind generating section in each holding part. In this case, when each of the plurality of wind generating sections operates, an air flow is generated inside the holding part. This allows the temperature of the plurality of power storage devices held in the plurality of holding parts to be individually adjusted. However, providing each of the plurality of holding parts with a wind generating section having sufficient temperature adjustment function is costly.

[0005] In view of the above problems, it is desirable to be able to adjust the temperature of an electricity storage device at low cost.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of holding sections that hold a plurality of power storage devices in order to charge or discharge the plurality of power storage devices, a plurality of wind generating sections that are provided in each of the plurality of holding sections and promote the flow of air inside and outside the holding section, and a control section that controls the plurality of wind generating sections based on charge / discharge information that indicates the discharge state or charge state of the power storage device held in at least one of the plurality of holding sections.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention includes a first step of acquiring charge / discharge information indicating a discharged state or a charged state of an energy storage device held in at least one of a plurality of holding sections, and a second step of controlling a plurality of air-generating sections provided in each of the plurality of holding sections and promoting the flow of air inside and outside the holding section based on the charge / discharge information. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, when there is a storage device in a discharging state or a charging state, a wind generating section provided in a holding section that holds the storage device and a wind generating section provided in another holding section near the holding section are operated. By operating the multiple wind generating sections, airflow is generated inside each holding section. This improves the temperature adjustment performance for the storage device in a discharging state or a charging state. Furthermore, even if the performance of the multiple wind generating sections is low, the temperature of the storage device in a discharging state or a charging state can be adjusted at low cost by operating the multiple wind generating sections. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the electric power device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the power device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the power device. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a side view of the battery held in the slot. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the power device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a power device 10 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the power device 10.

[0012] The power device 10 holds a plurality of batteries 12 (power storage devices). The power device 10 is a charging / discharging device that discharges or charges the plurality of batteries 12. At least one of the plurality of batteries 12 is a mobile battery that can be attached to and detached from the power device 10. That is, a user deposits a mobile battery with a low remaining capacity (SOC) in the power device 10. The user also receives another mobile battery from the power device 10 that has been fully charged. Therefore, the power device 10 can be used as a battery exchange machine. Alternatively, the power device 10 can also be used as a discharging device that outputs (supplies) the power (internal power) stored in the plurality of batteries 12 to the outside.

[0013] The power device 10 has a housing 14 with a tilted front surface 16. In the following description, the configuration of the power device 10 will be described based on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis defined as follows. As shown in FIG. 1, when the power device 10 is viewed from the front (when the front surface 16 of the housing 14 is viewed), the depth direction of the power device 10 is defined as the X-axis direction. In this case, the direction from the back surface of the power device 10 toward the front surface 16 is defined as the +X-axis direction. The width direction of the power device 10 is defined as the Y-axis direction. In this case, when viewed from a position facing the front surface 16 of the housing 14, the direction toward the right side is defined as the +Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the up-down direction of the power device 10 is defined as the Z-axis direction. In this case, the upward direction is defined as the +Z-axis direction.

[0014] Twenty openings 18 are formed in the front surface 16 of the housing 14. The twenty openings 18 communicate with twenty slots 20 in the housing 14. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the power device 10 is provided with four slots 20 (four rows) in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). Also, the power device 10 is provided with five slots 20 (five columns) in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, the power device 10 is provided with a total of twenty slots 20 (four rows and five columns). The battery 12 is set (held) in the slot 20 by inserting or removing the battery 12 into or from the slot 20 through the openings 18.

[0015] In this embodiment, it is sufficient if there is a plurality of slots 20. Furthermore, the housing 14 may have doors (not shown) for opening and closing each of the openings 18.

[0016] An indicator 22 is provided near the multiple openings 18 on the front surface 16 of the housing 14. The indicator 22 indicates the discharged or charged state of the battery 12 accommodated in the slot 20, the availability of the slot 20, etc. Specifically, the indicator 22 indicates the discharged or charged state, the availability, etc. by lighting up a color, blinking, etc. Also, an operation panel 24 is provided above the multiple openings 18 on the front surface 16 of the housing 14. The operation panel 24 is a device operated by a user. The user operates the operation panel 24 to, for example, pay a fee for discharging or charging the battery 12. An air vent 26 is formed above the operation panel 24 on the front surface 16 of the housing 14.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, in the housing 14, each of the multiple slots 20 extends from the opening 18 toward the -X-axis direction at an incline downward. Each of the multiple slots 20 can hold the battery 12 when the battery 12 is inserted. A wind generating section 28 is disposed on the rear surface of each of the multiple slots 20. Each wind generating section 28 is a fan that generates an airflow inside the slot 20 to promote the flow of air inside and outside the slot 20. That is, when each of the multiple wind generating sections 28 operates, an airflow is generated inside the slot 20. As a result, each wind generating section 28 draws air inside the housing 14 into the slot 20. The drawn air moves forward inside the slot 20. The air that moves forward is discharged into the housing 14 from an opening 32 formed in a side wall 30 of the slot 20. 2, when an opening 32 is provided in the side wall 30 on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the slot 20, the air flow from the wind raising section 28 toward the opening 32 inside the slot 20 is illustrated by arrows. In this case, the air inside each slot 20 is discharged upward from the opening 32.

[0018] A fan 36 is provided inside the housing 14 at a position facing the ventilation opening 26 on the rear surface 34. When the fan 36 is operated, an airflow toward the -X-axis direction is generated above the multiple slots 20 inside the housing 14. This airflow causes outside air to be drawn into the housing 14 through the ventilation opening 26. The drawn-in outside air (air) moves rearward (in the -X-axis direction) inside the slots 20. The air that has moved rearward is exhausted to the outside via the fan 36.

[0019] In this manner, by operating each of the air generating sections 28 and the fans 36, a flow of circulating air is generated within the housing 14 as shown by the arrows in FIG.

[0020] The electric power device 10 further includes an internal heat exchanger 38, a compressor 40, and an external heat exchanger 42. The internal heat exchanger 38 is disposed inside the housing 14. The compressor 40 and the external heat exchanger 42 are disposed outside the housing 14. The internal heat exchanger 38, the compressor 40, and the external heat exchanger 42 are connected to each other by a plurality of pipes 44, 46, and 48. That is, the internal heat exchanger 38 and the compressor 40 are connected to each other via the pipe 44. The compressor 40 and the external heat exchanger 42 are connected to each other via the pipe 46. The internal heat exchanger 38 and the external heat exchanger 42 are connected to each other via the pipe 48. The internal heat exchanger 38, the compressor 40, the external heat exchanger 42, and the plurality of pipes 44, 46, and 48 constitute a circulation path 50 for circulating the refrigerant.

[0021] The refrigerant flows through the multiple pipes 44, 46, 48 in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 2. The internal heat exchanger 38 exchanges heat between the air in the housing 14 and the refrigerant. The compressor 40 compresses the refrigerant flowing from the internal heat exchanger 38 through the pipe 44 and sends it to the pipe 46. The external heat exchanger 42 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 40 through the pipe 46 and the outside air. The external heat exchanger 42 sends the refrigerant after the heat exchange to the internal heat exchanger 38 through the pipe 48. By providing the internal heat exchanger 38, the compressor 40, and the external heat exchanger 42 in the electric power device 10, the temperature adjustment performance of the electric power device 10 is improved.

[0022] In this embodiment, the airflow generating section 28 may be operated so that an airflow is generated from the opening 32 toward the airflow generating section 28 inside the plurality of slots 20. Furthermore, inside the housing 14, the fan 36 may be operated so that an airflow is generated in the +X-axis direction from the fan 36 toward the ventilation opening 26.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram of the power device 10. Fig. 4 is a side view illustrating the battery 12 held in one slot 20. Note that in the explanation of Figs. 3 and 4, detailed explanation of the components of the power device 10 that have already been explained will be omitted.

[0024] The power device 10 further includes an external connection unit 52, a breaker 54, a plurality of inverters 56, 58, and a main board 60 (control unit). The external connection unit 52, the breaker 54, the plurality of inverters 56, 58, and the main board 60 are disposed inside the housing 14.

[0025] The external connection unit 52 is an external connection connector that can be connected to an external connection line (not shown). When connected to the external connection line, the external connection unit 52 receives a supply of external power from the outside via the external connection line. Alternatively, the external connection unit 52 outputs (supplies) internal power to the outside via the external connection line.

[0026] The breaker 54 is electrically connected to the external connection unit 52 via a high-voltage line 62. A plurality of inverters 56 are provided in the same number as the number of slots 20. Each of the plurality of inverters 56 corresponds to any one of the plurality of slots 20. The plurality of inverters 56 and one inverter 58 are electrically connected to the breaker 54 via a high-voltage line 64. The portion from the external connection unit 52 to each of the inverters 56, 58 constitutes a high-voltage circuit 66. The high-voltage circuit 66 is a relatively high-voltage circuit portion in the power device 10. In FIG. 3, the thick line portion indicates the high-voltage circuit 66.

[0027] The breaker 54 is a high-voltage circuit breaker. When an excessive voltage exceeding a predetermined threshold occurs in the high-voltage circuit 66, the breaker 54 cuts off the electrical continuity between the external connection part 52 and each of the inverters 56 and 58. This provides proper protection for the power device 10.

[0028] AC power flows through the high voltage circuit 66. That is, when the power device 10 receives a supply of external power, relatively high voltage AC power is supplied to each of the inverters 56, 58 via the external connection unit 52, the high voltage line 62, the breaker 54, and the high voltage line 64. Each of the inverters 56, 58 converts the AC power into relatively low voltage DC power. The converted DC power is output to the multiple batteries 12 or the main board 60. When the power device 10 outputs internal power to the outside, each of the inverters 56 converts the DC power supplied from the multiple batteries 12 into AC power. The converted AC power is output to the outside via the high voltage line 64, the breaker 54, the high voltage line 62, and the external connection unit 52.

[0029] The parts from the multiple inverters 56, 58 to the multiple slots 20 and the main board 60 constitute a low-voltage circuit 68. The low-voltage circuit 68 is a relatively low-voltage circuit part in the power device 10. In addition, in FIG. 3, the thin line part indicates the low-voltage circuit 68.

[0030] Each of the multiple slots 20 has a wind generating section 28, a slot substrate 70 (control section), and a DC / DC converter 72. The wind generating section 28, the slot substrate 70, and the DC / DC converter 72 are disposed at the rear of the slot 20 (the end in the -X-axis direction).

[0031] Each of the multiple inverters 56 is electrically connected to the DC / DC converter 72 of one of the slots 20 via a low-voltage line 74. Also, one inverter 58 is electrically connected to the main board 60 and the multiple slot boards 70 via a plurality of low-voltage lines 76. Furthermore, the main board 60 is electrically connected to the multiple slot boards 70 via a plurality of communication lines 78. It is desirable that the multiple low-voltage lines 74, 76 and the multiple communication lines 78 are bundled together, for example, like a wire harness 80.

[0032] In each slot 20, the DC / DC converter 72 is connected via a cable 82 to a connector 84 disposed at the rear of the slot 20. The connector 84 is connected to a connector 86 of the battery 12.

[0033] In addition, the slot substrate 70 is electrically connected to the wind generating section 28, the DC / DC converter 72, and the indicator 22 via a plurality of cables 88. In addition, the slot substrate 70 is electrically connected to the battery 12 via a cable 90 and a connector 84.

[0034] The main board 60 and each of the multiple slot boards 70 are driven by DC power supplied from the inverter 58 via a low-voltage line 76. The main board 60 controls each part of the power device 10. Specifically, the main board 60 transmits and receives signals to and from the multiple slot boards 70 via a plurality of communication lines 78. The main board 60 transmits control signals to the multiple slot boards 70 via the plurality of communication lines 78.

[0035] Each of the multiple slot boards 70 controls the DC / DC converter 72 based on a control signal received via the communication line 78. As a result, the DC power from the inverter 56 is converted into the desired DC power by the DC / DC converter 72. The converted DC power is supplied to the battery 12 via the cable 82 and each of the connectors 84, 86. As a result, the battery 12 is charged. In addition, the DC power from the battery 12 is converted into the desired DC power by the DC / DC converter 72. The converted DC power is supplied to the inverter 56 via the low-voltage line 74. As a result, the internal power can be output (discharged) from the battery 12.

[0036] Each of the multiple slot substrates 70 controls the operation (drive) of the airflow generating unit 28 based on the control signal. When the airflow generating unit 28 operates, an airflow is generated inside the slot 20, so that the temperature of the battery 12 held in the slot 20 can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0037] Each of the multiple slot substrates 70 acquires information about the battery 12 from the battery 12 via connectors 84, 86 and a cable 90. The information about the battery 12 (battery information) includes battery voltage, battery temperature, SOC, charge / discharge information indicating whether the battery 12 is in a discharged or charged state, and the like. The discharged state is a state in which the battery 12 is outputting DC power (a state during discharging). The charged state is a state in which DC power is being supplied to the battery 12 (a state during charging).

[0038] Each of the plurality of slot boards 70 causes the indicator 22 to perform necessary display. Each of the plurality of slot boards 70 transmits battery information and the control results of the wind generating section 28, the DC / DC converter 72, and the indicator 22 to the main board 60 via the communication line 78.

[0039] In the power device 10 according to this embodiment, the main board 60 controls the multiple wind generating sections 28 based on charge / discharge information of the battery 12 held in at least one of the multiple slots 20. Here, the control of each wind generating section 28 by the main board 60 will be described with reference to the flow chart in Fig. 5 and the schematic rear views of each slot 20 in Figs. 6 to 8.

[0040] 5, in step S1 (first step), the main board 60 receives battery information from the multiple slot boards 70 via the multiple communication lines 78. Next, the main board 60 acquires charge / discharge information from each battery information. Next, the main board 60 determines, from the acquired charge / discharge information, whether there is a slot 20 (first holding section, fourth holding section) that is holding a battery 12 in a discharged or charged state.

[0041] If there is no battery 12 in a discharged or charged state (step S1: NO), the main board 60 ends the process of Fig. 5. This makes it possible to avoid inadvertently operating the wind generating sections 28 when the battery 12 is not in a discharged or charged state.

[0042] In step S1, if there is a battery 12 in a discharged or charged state (step S1: YES), the main board 60 proceeds to step S2 (second step). Note that in Figures 6 to 8, the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state is illustrated by a dashed line.

[0043] In step S2, the main board 60 controls the multiple wind generating sections 28 to operate based on the charge / discharge information indicating that the battery 12 is in a discharged or charged state.

[0044] Specifically, in step S2, the main board 60 controls the plurality of wind generating sections 28 as in the first to third embodiments of FIGS.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the battery 12 held in one slot 20 is in a discharged or charged state. In the following description, the slot 20 holding the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state is referred to as the first slot 100 (first holding section). The wind generating section 28 provided in the first slot 100 is referred to as the first wind generating section 102. The first wind generating section 102 directly cools the battery 12 by generating an airflow around the battery 12 in the first slot 100. In this case, the main board 60 determines the first wind generating section 102 as the control target. Note that even if a battery 12 is held in a slot 20, if the battery 12 is not in a discharged or charged state, the slot 20 is not the first slot 100.

[0046] Next, the main board 60 determines the wind generating section 28 of the slot 20 adjacent to the first slot 100 as the control target among the multiple slots 20. In the following description, the slot 20 adjacent to the first slot 100 is referred to as the second slot 104 (second holding section). The wind generating section 28 provided in the second slot 104 is referred to as the second wind generating section 106. Note that the "slot 20 adjacent to the first slot 100" refers to the slot 20 (second slot 104) that is in the vicinity of the first slot 100 and has sides facing each side of the rectangular first slot 100 in the rear view of FIG. 6. Therefore, in FIG. 6, the four slots 20 facing the four sides of the first slot 100 are the second slots 104. Also, if the first slot 100 is polygonal, the slots 20 having sides facing each side of the polygon are the second slots 104.

[0047] Next, the main board 60 determines the wind generating section 28 of the slot 20 adjacent to the two second slots 104 as the control target among the multiple slots 20. In the following description, the slot 20 adjacent to the two second slots 104 is referred to as the third slot 108 (third holding section). The wind generating section 28 provided in the third slot 108 is referred to as the third wind generating section 110. Note that the "slot 20 adjacent to the two second slots 104" refers to the slot 20 (third slot 108) that is in the vicinity of the first slot 100 and has a side facing one side of the second slot 104 and a side facing the other side of the second slot 104 in the rear view of FIG. 6. Therefore, in FIG. 6, the four slots 20 facing the four corners of the first slot 100 are the third slots 108.

[0048] Thus, in the first embodiment, the wind generating section 28 (first wind generating section 102, second wind generating section 106, third wind generating section 110) provided in each of the nine slots 20, including the first slot 100 and the eight slots 20 (second slot 104, third slot 108) surrounding the first slot 100, are controlled by the main board 60.

[0049] It should be noted that the second slot 104 and the third slot 108 may hold the battery 12. Alternatively, the second slot 104 and the third slot 108 may not hold the battery 12. When the second slot 104 and the third slot 108 hold the battery 12, the battery 12 is a battery that is not in a discharged or charged state.

[0050] 6, the slots 20 and the wind generating portions 28 indicated by dashed lines are slots 20 and wind generating portions 28 that are not subject to the control of the main board 60. In other words, the slots 20 indicated by dashed lines are not disposed in the vicinity of the first slots 100.

[0051] Next, the main board 60 transmits control signals to the slot boards 70 of the first slot 100, the second slot 104 and the third slot 108 via multiple communication lines 78. These control signals are signals for instructing the operation of the first wind generating section 102, the second wind generating section 106 and the third wind generating section 110.

[0052] The slot substrate 70 of the first slot 100 operates the first wind generating section 102 based on the control signal received via the communication line 78. By operating the first wind generating section 102, an airflow is generated inside the first slot 100. As a result, the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state is directly cooled by the generated airflow.

[0053] Each of the slot substrates 70 of the four second slots 104 operates the second wind generating section 106 based on the control signal received via the communication line 78. The operation of the second wind generating section 106 generates an airflow inside the second slot 104. Furthermore, each of the slot substrates 70 of the four third slots 108 operates the third wind generating section 110 based on the control signal received via the communication line 78. The operation of the third wind generating section 110 generates an airflow inside the third slot 108.

[0054] The battery 12 held in the first slot 100 generates heat when it is discharged or charged. The generated heat is transferred from the first slot 100 to the second slot 104 and the third slot 108. By generating airflows inside the second slot 104 and the third slot 108, the heat transferred to the second slot 104 and the third slot 108 is dissipated. In other words, the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state is indirectly cooled by the airflows generated inside the second slot 104 and the third slot 108.

[0055] In this manner, in the first embodiment, the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state is cooled by operating the first wind generating section 102 and the second and third wind generating sections 106 and 110 arranged in the vicinity of the first wind generating section 102. This allows the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state to be cooled efficiently. Furthermore, even if the cooling performance of each wind generating section 28 is low, the temperature of the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state can be adjusted at low cost by operating each wind generating section 28.

[0056] The second embodiment of Fig. 7 differs from the first embodiment of Fig. 6 in that the battery 12 in the discharged or charged state is cooled by one first wind generating part 102 and four second wind generating parts 106. The second embodiment also provides the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0057] The third embodiment in FIG. 8 shows a case where two batteries 12 held in two slots 20 are in a discharging state or a charging state. In this case, the two slots 20 become first slots 100. Also, six slots 20 having sides facing each side of the two first slots 100 become second slots 104. Therefore, two first wind raising parts 102 provided in the two first slots 100 and six second wind raising parts 106 provided in the six second slots 104 are controlled by the main board 60. In the third embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0058] In step S2, the main board 60 can control each wind generating section 28 as described below, not limited to the first to third embodiments. That is, when the plurality of batteries 12 are in a discharging state or a charging state, the main board 60 may operate the first wind generating section 102, the plurality of second wind generating sections 106, and the plurality of third wind generating sections 110. Even in this case, the above-mentioned effect can be easily obtained.

[0059] Furthermore, the main board 60 may divide the multiple slots 20 into slots 20 that hold batteries 12 in a discharged or charged state and other slots 20 other than the slots 20. In the following description, the slots 20 that hold batteries 12 in a discharged or charged state are referred to as fourth slots 112 (fourth holding section). Among the multiple slots 20, the slots 20 other than the fourth slots 112 are referred to as fifth slots 114 (fifth holding section). In Figs. 6 to 8, the fourth slots 112 and the fifth slots 114 are also illustrated. Note that the fifth slot 114 may or may not hold a battery 12.

[0060] The main board 60 controls to operate the wind generating section 28 of the fourth slot 112 and the wind generating section 28 of the fifth slot 114. In the following description, the wind generating section 28 provided in the fifth slot 114 is referred to as the fourth wind generating section 116.

[0061] Since a discharged or charged battery 12 is not held in the fifth slot 114, it is not necessary to operate the fourth wind generating section 116. However, in this embodiment, the discharged or charged battery 12 can be efficiently cooled by operating each wind generating section 28 of the fourth slot 112 and the fifth slot 114. Even if the cooling performance of each wind generating section 28 is low, the temperature of the discharged or charged battery 12 can be adjusted at low cost by operating each wind generating section 28.

[0062] Furthermore, the main board 60 may operate only the fourth wind raising section 116 provided in the fifth slot 114 adjacent to the fourth slot 112, among the multiple fifth slots 114. The "fifth slot 114 adjacent to the fourth slot 112" refers to the fifth slot 114 in the vicinity of the fourth slot 112 and having sides facing each side of the fourth slot 112. In this way, in addition to the above effects, it is possible to avoid inadvertently operating the fourth wind raising section 116 that is away from the fourth slot 112.

[0063] In the above description, the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state is cooled. If the power device 10 is installed in a cold region, the battery 12 in a discharged or charged state may be heated in step S2 by operating the multiple wind generating units 28. This improves the temperature adjustment performance of the battery 12 used in cold regions. Also, even if the performance of the multiple wind generating units 28 is low, the battery storage device in a discharged or charged state can be heated at low cost.

[0064] In the next step S3, the main board 60 determines whether or not discharging or charging of the battery 12 has been completed based on the battery information from each slot board 70. If discharging or charging of the battery 12 is continuing (step S3: NO), the main board 60 continues the processing of step S2.

[0065] Furthermore, in step S3, if discharging or charging of the battery 12 is completed (step S3: YES), the main board 60 proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the main board 60 transmits a control signal to each slot board 70 via the multiple communication lines 78 to instruct the stopping of the operating wind generating section 28. Each of the multiple slot boards 70 stops the operation of the wind generating section 28 based on the control signal received via the communication line 78.

[0066] In the above description, a case has been described in which a plurality of batteries 12 are attachable to and detachable from a plurality of slots 20. The plurality of batteries 12 do not have to be attachable to and detachable from a plurality of slots 20.

[0067] 1 and 2, the multiple slots 20 are configured to hold and accommodate substantially the entirety of the multiple batteries 12. In this embodiment, the battery 12 may be held in the slots 20 with half or more of the battery 12 exposed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above description, an airflow is generated between the wind raising portion 28 and the opening 32 in the slot 20. In this embodiment, an airflow may be generated between the opening 18 and the wind raising portion 28.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above description, the main board 60 performs the control process of Fig. 5. In this embodiment, each slot board 70 may perform the control process of Fig. 5. In this case, each of the multiple slot boards 70 may obtain battery information from the other slot boards 70 via the main board 60 and the communication line 78, for example, and control each wind generating section 28 based on the charge / discharge information included in the battery information.

[0070] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below.

[0071] The power device (10) has a plurality of holding sections (20) that hold a plurality of power storage devices (12) in order to charge or discharge the power storage devices, a plurality of wind generating sections (28) that are provided in each of the plurality of holding sections and promote the flow of air inside and outside the holding section, and a control section (60, 70) that controls the plurality of wind generating sections based on charge / discharge information indicating the discharge state or charge state of the power storage device held in at least one of the plurality of holding sections.

[0072] According to this configuration, when there is a storage device in a discharging or charging state, the wind generating section provided in the holding section that holds the storage device and the wind generating section provided in another holding section near the holding section are operated. In this way, by operating the multiple wind generating sections, airflow is generated inside each holding section. This improves the temperature adjustment performance for the storage device in a discharging or charging state. Also, even if the performance of the multiple wind generating sections is low, the temperature of the storage device in a discharging or charging state can be adjusted at low cost.

[0073] The control unit controls the operation of the first wind generating unit (102) provided in the first holding unit (100), which is the holding unit among the multiple holding units that holds the storage device whose charging / discharging information indicates that the storage device is in the discharging state or the charging state.

[0074] By operating the first wind generating section, an air current is generated inside the first holding section, and the air current directly hits the electricity storage device in a discharging or charging state, making it possible to easily adjust the temperature of the electricity storage device.

[0075] The control unit controls the second wind generating unit (106) provided in the second holding unit (104), which is the holding unit adjacent to the first holding unit, among the multiple holding units, to operate.

[0076] Heat generated in the electric storage device in a discharging or charging state is transferred from the first holding section to the second holding section. An airflow is generated inside the second holding section by operating the second wind generating section. As a result, the heat transferred from the first holding section to the second holding section is dissipated by the airflow inside the second holding section. As a result, the temperature of the electric storage device can be indirectly adjusted.

[0077] The control unit controls the operation of the third wind generating unit (110), which is the wind generating unit provided in the third holding unit (108), which is the holding unit adjacent to two of the second holding units, among the multiple holding units.

[0078] Heat generated in the electric storage device in a discharging or charging state is transferred from the first holding section to the third holding section. An airflow is generated inside the third holding section by operating the third wind generating section. As a result, the heat transferred from the first holding section to the third holding section is dissipated by the airflow inside the third holding section. In this case as well, the temperature of the electric storage device can be indirectly adjusted.

[0079] The control unit controls the operation of the fourth wind generating unit (116) provided in the fifth holding unit (114) which is a holding unit other than the fourth holding unit (112) which is a holding unit that holds the power storage device indicating that the charge / discharge information is in a discharging state or a charging state, among the multiple holding units.

[0080] By operating the fourth wind generating section, which does not normally need to be operated, an air current is generated inside the fifth holding section, which makes it possible to efficiently adjust the temperature of the electricity storage device in a discharging or charging state.

[0081] The control unit controls the fourth wind generating unit provided on one of the plurality of fifth holding units adjacent to the fourth holding unit to operate.

[0082] This makes it possible to avoid inadvertently operating the fourth wind generating section that is separate from the fourth holding section, and as a result, the temperature of the electricity storage device in a discharging state or a charging state can be adjusted at a lower cost.

[0083] The method for controlling a power device includes a first step of acquiring charge / discharge information indicating the discharged state or charged state of a power storage device held in at least one of a plurality of holding sections, and a second step of controlling a plurality of wind generating sections provided in each of the plurality of holding sections and promoting the flow of air inside and outside the holding section based on the charge / discharge information.

[0084] According to these steps, when there is a storage device in a discharging or charging state, the wind generating section provided in the holding section that holds the storage device and the wind generating section provided in another holding section near the holding section are operated. In this way, by operating the multiple wind generating sections, airflow is generated inside each holding section. This improves the temperature adjustment performance for the storage device in a discharging or charging state. Also, even if the performance of the multiple wind generating sections is low, the temperature of the storage device in a discharging or charging state can be adjusted at low cost.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10... Power device 12... Battery (electricity storage device) 20...Slot (retaining part) 28...Wind generating part

Claims

1. a plurality of holding units for holding a plurality of power storage devices in order to charge or discharge the plurality of power storage devices; A plurality of airflow generating sections provided in each of the plurality of holding sections to promote air flow inside and outside the holding sections; a control unit that controls the wind generating units based on charge / discharge information indicating a discharge state or a charge state of the power storage device that is held in at least one of the holding units; having The control unit of the power device controls the operation of a first wind generating unit provided in a first holding unit, which is a holding unit that holds the storage device whose charging / discharging information indicates that the charging / discharging information is in the discharging state or the charging state, and a second wind generating unit provided in a second holding unit, which is a holding unit adjacent to the first holding unit.

2. 2. The power device according to claim 1, The control unit of the power device controls the operation of a third wind generating unit, which is a wind generating unit provided in a third holding unit, which is a holding unit adjacent to two of the second holding units, among the multiple holding units.

3. 3. The power device according to claim 1, The control unit of the power device controls the operation of a fourth wind generating unit, which is the wind generating unit provided in a fifth holding unit, which is the holding unit other than the fourth holding unit, which is the holding unit that holds the storage device whose charging / discharging information indicates that the charging / discharging information is in the discharging state or the charging state, among the multiple holding units.

4. 4. The power device according to claim 3, The control unit controls the fourth wind generating unit provided at the fifth holding unit adjacent to the fourth holding unit among the multiple fifth holding units to operate.

5. A plurality of holding units for holding a plurality of power storage devices in order to charge or discharge the plurality of power storage devices; A plurality of airflow generating sections provided in each of the plurality of holding sections to promote air flow inside and outside the holding sections; a control unit that controls the wind generating units based on charge / discharge information indicating a discharge state or a charge state of the power storage device that is held in at least one of the holding units; having The control unit of the power device controls the operation of a fourth wind generating unit, which is the wind generating unit provided in a fifth holding unit, which is the holding unit other than the fourth holding unit, which is the holding unit that holds the storage device whose charging / discharging information indicates that the charging / discharging information is in the discharging state or the charging state, among the multiple holding units.

6. A first step of acquiring charge / discharge information indicating a discharge state or a charge state of the power storage device held in at least one of the plurality of holding units; a second step of controlling a plurality of airflow generating sections provided in each of the plurality of holding sections and configured to promote air flow inside and outside the holding sections based on the charge / discharge information; having In the second step, a control method for a power device controls to operate a first wind generating section provided in a first holding section, which is a holding section that holds the power storage device whose charging / discharging information indicates that the charging / discharging information is in the discharging state or the charging state, among the multiple holding sections, and a second wind generating section provided in a second holding section, which is a holding section adjacent to the first holding section.

7. A first step of acquiring charge / discharge information indicating a discharge state or a charge state of a storage device held in at least one of a plurality of holding units; a second step of controlling a plurality of airflow generating sections provided in each of the plurality of holding sections and configured to promote air flow inside and outside the holding sections based on the charge / discharge information; having In the second step, a method for controlling a power device controls to operate a fourth wind generating unit provided in a fifth holding unit other than the fourth holding unit, which is a holding unit that holds the power storage device whose charging / discharging information indicates that the charging / discharging information is in the discharging state or the charging state, among the multiple holding units.

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