Power management method and power management device

Abstract

To perform a calculation in grid computing, while securing charging completion of a secondary battery.SOLUTION: In a control process controlling electric energy supplied to a processing device mounted on a vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle, first electric energy required for completing charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time is supplied to the secondary battery for charging from an electric power supply device, and excess electric energy is supplied to the processing device when there is excess electric energy obtained from the electric power supply device even after supplying the first electric energy to the secondary battery for charging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power management method and a power management device.

Background Art

[0002] Some vehicles are equipped with a computer capable of participating in grid computing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the example of Patent Document 1, in response to an engine-off operation or a power-off operation of the vehicle by the user, a signal indicating that participation in grid computing is possible is transmitted to a management server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about the distribution of power for charging the secondary battery and power for grid computing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable the execution of calculations in grid computing while ensuring the completion of charging of the secondary battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect includes a control step of controlling the amount of power supplied to a processing device mounted on a vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle, the processing device includes a computer permitted to participate in grid computing and an auxiliary device that functions when the computer operates, in the control step, Supply a first amount of electric power necessary to complete charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time from a power supply device for charging the secondary battery. When there is a surplus in the amount of electric power obtained from the power supply device even after supplying the first amount of electric power for charging the secondary battery, supply the surplus amount of electric power to the processing device. A power management method characterized by the above.

[0007] In the first aspect, the power for completing charging at the charging completion setting time is supplied to the secondary battery. The processing device is supplied with power when there is a surplus in the amount of electric power even when charging is performed.

[0008] The second aspect is the power management method described in the first aspect, The control step includes a step of supplying a second amount of electric power obtained by subtracting the first amount of electric power from the amount of electric power obtained from the power supply device to the processing device. A power management method characterized by the above.

[0009] In the second aspect, the processing device is supplied with the maximum power, which is the power obtained by subtracting the necessary charging power from the supplied power of normal charging. As a result, efficient processing becomes possible in grid computing.

[0010] The third aspect is the power management method described in the first or second aspect, The control step is A step of obtaining the power consumption amount in the processing device; When the amount of electric power distributed to the processing device exceeds the power consumption amount, while reducing the amount of electric power distributed to the processing device, increase the amount of electric power supplied for charging the secondary battery. A power management method characterized by the above.

[0011] In the third aspect, when the allocated power to the processing device is surplus, the surplus power is distributed to charging. As a result, it becomes possible to advance the charging end time.

[0012] The fourth aspect is the power management method according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control step includes a step of distributing part or all of the amount of power allocated for charging to the processing device when the charging of the secondary battery is completed. This is a power management method characterized by the above.

[0013] In the fourth aspect, power is allocated for grid computing after the completion of charging.

[0014] The fifth aspect is the power management method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein it includes a step of notifying an index related to the processing capacity of the computer to a server device that performs job allocation in the grid computing. This is a power management method characterized by the above.

[0015] In the fifth aspect, the server device can estimate which jobs are optimal to allocate to the computers participating in the grid computing. In other words, the fifth aspect can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

[0016] The sixth aspect is a power management device characterized by including an arithmetic device that executes the power management method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0017] In the sixth aspect, the power management method can be implemented.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, operations in grid computing can be performed while ensuring the completion of charging of the secondary battery.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, the power management method and the power management device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The power management method is implemented in the power management device. Note that the power management device of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle connected to a system 1 (described later). First, the system 1 will be described below. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0021] 《System 1》 FIG. 1 exemplifies the configuration of the system 1 in the present embodiment. The system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 10, a plurality of user terminals 20, a client server 30, a facility server 40, and a management server 50.

[0022] The client server 30 is owned by the client. The client requests the management server 50 to manage the calculation of job data. Examples of such clients include companies, research institutions, educational institutions, etc. The facility server 40 is owned by the facility. The facility is visited by users. The users can make reservation for visiting the facility. Examples of such facilities include stadiums, theaters, supermarkets, restaurants, accommodation facilities, stores, etc. The management server 50 manages the operation of the system 1 configured with grid computing (such as job allocation). The management server 50 is owned by the operator who operates the system 1.

[0023] These components can communicate with each other via the communication network 5. Each of the vehicles 10 is equipped with an arithmetic unit 105. Note that a plurality of client servers 30 may be provided in the system 1. Similarly, a plurality of facility servers 40 may be provided in the system 1.

[0024] 〔Grid Computing〕 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of grid computing. As shown in FIG. 2, in the system 1, grid computing is configured by a plurality of arithmetic units 105. In the system 1, among the plurality of arithmetic units 105, a process (grid computing process) for causing the available arithmetic unit 105 to process job data is performed.

[0025] When the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in an operating state. That is, the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is utilized. For example, when the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is required for the driving control of the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in an operating state.

[0026] On the other hand, when the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic unit 105 is in a stopped state. That is, in the vehicle 10, the computing power of the arithmetic unit 105 is not utilized.

[0027] Here, in the vehicle 10, when the computing power of the computing device 105 is not required, the computing power of the computing device 105 is provided for grid computing processing. Thereby, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the computing power of the computing device 105.

[0028] 〔Vehicle〕 The vehicle 10 is owned by a user. The user may drive the vehicle 10. In this example, the vehicle 10 is an automobile. Examples of the vehicle 10 include an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the like.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes an actuator 11, a sensor 12, a motor 13, secondary batteries 14, 15, an inverter circuit 16, an input unit 101, an output unit 102, a communication unit 103, a storage unit 104, a computing device 105, a power conversion device 106, a DC / DC converter 107, and a cooling device 108.

[0030] The voltage of the secondary battery 14 (hereinafter, may also be simply referred to as a battery) is several hundred volts (for example, 200V). The power of the secondary battery 14 is input to the inverter circuit 16. The secondary battery 14 may be normally charged or rapidly charged. Although both a normal charger and a rapid charger are shown in FIG. 3, this is for the convenience of explanation and shows two chargers. The vehicle 10 is not connected to two chargers at the same time.

[0031] The inverter circuit 16 converts the input DC voltage into an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency and a predetermined voltage and outputs it. The output (AC voltage) of the inverter circuit 16 is supplied to a motor (motor 13) for vehicle travel.

[0032] The voltage of the secondary battery 15 is 12V. The power of the secondary battery 15 is supplied to a computer (central control unit 105b described later) or the like.

[0033] The actuator 11 includes an actuator for the steering system, an actuator for the braking system, etc. Examples of the actuator for the braking system include brakes. Examples of the actuator for the steering system include steering.

[0034] The sensor 12 acquires various types of information used for controlling the vehicle 10. Examples of the sensor 12 include an external camera, an in-vehicle camera, a radar, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, an accelerator opening sensor, a steering sensor, a brake hydraulic pressure sensor, etc. The external camera images the outside of the vehicle. The in-vehicle camera images the inside of the vehicle. The radar images the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] The input unit 101 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 101 include an operation unit that inputs information corresponding to an operation when operated, a camera that inputs an image indicating information, a microphone that inputs a voice indicating information, etc. Examples of the operation unit include operation buttons and touch sensors of a car navigation device. The information and data input to the input unit 101 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105.

[0036] The output unit 102 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 102 include a display unit that outputs an image indicating information, a speaker that outputs a voice indicating information, etc. Examples of the display unit include a display of a car navigation device. Examples of the speaker include a speaker of a car navigation device.

[0037] The communication unit 103 transmits and receives information and data. The information and data received by the communication unit 103 are sent to the arithmetic unit 105. In this embodiment, the user can instruct (transmit) the operation mode (described later) when connected to a normal charger to the communication unit 103. In this example, the user can send an instruction to the communication unit 103 from the user terminal 20 by wireless communication.

[0038] The storage unit 104 stores information and data.

[0039] The arithmetic unit 105 controls each part of the vehicle 10. The arithmetic unit 105 will be described in detail later.

[0040] The power conversion device 106 has a function of supplying DC power. The power conversion device 106 includes an AC / DC converter circuit and a DC / DC converter circuit in order to output a DC voltage. For example, the power conversion device 106 supplies power (DC) for charging the secondary battery 14. The output voltage of the power conversion device 106 is the DC voltage required for charging the secondary battery 14. Specifically, the output voltage of the power conversion device 106 is several hundred volts (for example, 200V).

[0041] During normal charging, the power conversion device 106 is connected to a normal charger. The normal charger is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply. When power is supplied to the power conversion device 106, power is supplied to a predetermined part of the arithmetic unit 105 (such as the power distribution control unit 105c described later). The operation of the power conversion device 106 is controlled by the power distribution control unit 105c.

[0042] The DC / DC converter 107 outputs a DC voltage obtained by stepping down the output voltage of the power conversion device 106. The output of the DC / DC converter 107 is approximately 12V. The output destination of the DC / DC converter 107 is determined according to the control of the power distribution control unit 105c (described later). For example, the output of the DC / DC converter 107 is supplied to the video media control unit 105a (described later) or the secondary battery 15 according to the control of the power distribution control unit 105c (described later).

[0043] The cooling device 108 cools the arithmetic unit 105 and the secondary battery 14. Specifically, the cooling device 108 cools the secondary battery 14 by water cooling. The cooling device 108 also performs air conditioning inside the vehicle (in the cabin). That is, the cooling device 108 has a water cooling function and an air conditioning function. The cooling device 108 uses these functions to water-cool a part of the arithmetic unit 105 and air-cool a part of it.

[0044] The cooling device 108 includes a condenser, an evaporator, a chiller, a pump, etc. (all not shown) in order to realize a water cooling function and an air conditioning function. The operation of the cooling device 108 is controlled by the arithmetic unit 105.

[0045] 〔Details of the arithmetic unit 105〕 Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the arithmetic unit 105. The arithmetic unit 105 controls each part of the vehicle 10. The arithmetic unit 105 includes a plurality of control units (computers). In this example, the arithmetic unit 105 includes, as control units, a video media control unit 105a, a central control unit 105b, a power distribution control unit 105c, a remaining amount management unit 105d, and a driving support unit 105e. Some of these computers are allowed to participate in grid computing, while others are not.

[0046] The video media control unit 105a includes an MPU (Media Processing Unit). The MPU is a device including a processor that processes image data. Note that the video media control unit 105a may allow a user to select whether to install it when purchasing the vehicle 10 or the like.

[0047] The video media control unit 105a processes the video captured by the in-vehicle camera and the video (image data) captured by the out-vehicle camera by the MPU executing a predetermined program. By executing the program, the MPU can, for example, automatically edit the image data. Note that the video media control unit 105a may communicate with the central control unit 105b and the driving support unit 105e via a local area network (such as Ethernet).

[0048] The MPU is a processor with relatively high computing power. The video media control unit 105a (MPU) is a computer allowed to participate in grid computing.

[0049] The video media control unit 105a has its electronic components cooled by the cooling device 108. For example, a predetermined semiconductor element that constitutes the video media control unit 105a is water-cooled by the cooling device 108. The housing that houses the video media control unit 105a has cold air introduced into it from the cooling device 108. In other words, the video media control unit 105a is air-cooled by the cooling device 108.

[0050] By executing the program, the video media control unit 105a can control the cooling device 108. The video media control unit 105a can adjust the capacity of the cooling device 108 to cool itself.

[0051] The central control unit 105b includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). By having its CPU execute a predetermined program, the central control unit 105b controls the vehicle 10 during driving. In principle, the central control unit 105b does not operate while the vehicle is parked.

[0052] For example, the central control unit 105b controls the actuator (motor 13) of the drive system according to various information obtained by the sensor 12. The central control unit 105b also controls the cooling device 108 (such as controlling the air conditioning inside the vehicle). Note that the CPU etc. of the central control unit 105b is cooled by the cooling device 108, similar to the video media control unit 105a.

[0053] The central control unit 105b is not allowed to participate in grid computing. In this embodiment, when the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing, power is not supplied to the central control unit 105b.

[0054] The power distribution control unit 105c includes a CPU. By having its CPU execute a predetermined program, the power distribution control unit 105c distributes the power of the power conversion device 106 (details will be described later).

[0055] The power distribution control unit 105c is not permitted to participate in grid computing. However, the power distribution control unit 105c operates while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing. That is, power is supplied to the power distribution control unit 105c while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing.

[0056] The remaining amount management unit 105d includes a CPU. The remaining amount management unit 105d collects information on the remaining amount of the secondary battery 14 (hereinafter referred to as remaining amount information) by executing a predetermined program with its CPU. Specifically, the remaining amount management unit 105d collects the remaining amount information of the secondary battery 14 based on the voltage of the secondary battery 14. The remaining amount information may be referred to as the charge state of the secondary battery 14.

[0057] Note that the remaining amount management unit 105d is not permitted to participate in grid computing. However, the remaining amount management unit 105d operates while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing. That is, power is supplied to the remaining amount management unit 105d while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing.

[0058] The driving support unit 105e includes one or more CPUs. The driving support unit 105e controls each function of preventive safety driving support by executing a predetermined program with its CPU. The driving support unit 105e generally does not operate while the vehicle is parked.

[0059] For example, the driving support unit 105e performs following driving of the vehicle ahead, situation evaluation related to collision mitigation brakes, etc., and brake control. The driving support unit 105e is not permitted to participate in grid computing. In the present embodiment, power is not supplied to the driving support unit 105e while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing.

[0060] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a computer permitted to participate in grid computing is referred to as a node computer. Also, a device that is powered simultaneously with the node computer in the vehicle 10 is hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary device. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 103, the storage unit 104, the power distribution control unit 105c, the remaining amount management unit 105d, the power conversion device 106, the DC / DC converter 107, and the cooling device 108 are examples of auxiliary devices. The node computer and the auxiliary device constitute a processing device for grid computing.

[0061] 《Operation Example》 The power management method according to the present embodiment is implemented when the user connects the vehicle 10 to an ordinary charger. When the vehicle 10 is connected to the ordinary charger, in the vehicle 10, the power conversion device 106 is activated. Thereby, power is supplied to the power distribution control unit 105c, and the power distribution control unit 105c is activated.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the preparation process of power management. First, the power distribution control unit 105c activates the secondary battery 14 (step S101). "Activation of the secondary battery 14" means connecting the secondary battery 14 to a charging circuit (the same applies hereinafter). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c operates the relay R1 (FIG. 4) between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106 to connect the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106.

[0063] The power distribution control unit 105c causes the DC / DC converter 107 to supply power to the remaining amount management unit 105d. Thereby, the remaining amount management unit 105d is activated. The power distribution control unit 105c acquires (receives) the "maximum charge capacity" of the secondary battery 14 (step S102). The "maximum charge capacity" is the maximum capacity (numerical information) of the mounted secondary battery 14. The maximum capacity can be obtained, for example, from the type information of the secondary battery 14.

[0064] When the preparation process is completed, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the power control process for charging the secondary battery 14 and for grid computing. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the power control process for charging the secondary battery 14. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the power control process for charging the secondary battery 14 and for grid computing.

[0065] The power distribution control unit 105c performs the loop processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 until the charging of the secondary battery 14 is completed. That is, the end condition of the loop processing is the completion of charging of the secondary battery 14. Here, the completion of charging of the secondary battery 14 means that the maximum charge capacity = the remaining battery amount. The "remaining battery amount" can be obtained from the remaining amount information.

[0066] When the processing of the loop is started, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires information on the current time, the charging completion setting time, and the amount of charging power (step S201). The "current time" may be acquired from the clock of the power distribution control unit 105c itself, or may be acquired from the communication network 5 via the communication unit 103.

[0067] The "charging completion setting time" is information input by the user. The user can set the time (for example, 8:00 in the morning the next day) when charging is to be completed in the power distribution control unit 105c by operating the user terminal 20.

[0068] The "amount of charging power" is the amount of power that can be supplied for charging, etc. in normal charging. The "amount of charging power" can be determined by considering the output capacity of the normal charger and the capacity of the power conversion device 106. The output capacity of the normal charger may be acquired, for example, when the power distribution control unit 105c communicates with the normal charger.

[0069] The power distribution control unit 105c obtains the power required for charging completion (hereinafter referred to as the required charging power) (step S202). The power distribution control unit 105c calculates the power required for charging completion by the following formula.

[0070] Required charging power = (Maximum charging capacity - Battery remaining capacity) / (Set charging completion time - Current time) However, the maximum charging capacity, battery remaining capacity, set charging completion time, and current time are the information obtained in the preparation process or step S201.

[0071] The power distribution control unit 105c compares the charging power amount with the required charging power (step S203). In step S203, when the charging power amount ≤ the required charging power, there is no margin in the charging power amount. When there is no margin in the charging power amount, the determination result in step S203 is "No". In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c causes the power converter 106 to supply power only to the secondary battery 14 (step S204).

[0072] After starting charging, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the remaining capacity information of the secondary battery 14 via the remaining capacity management unit 105d (step S205). The power distribution control unit 105c determines whether the loop end condition is satisfied based on the remaining capacity information and the like.

[0073] When the end condition is satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c ends the processing within the loop and performs the next operation (described later). When the end condition is not satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing again from the beginning of the loop.

[0074] In step S203, when the charging power amount > the required charging power, there is a margin in the charging power amount. When there is a margin in the charging power amount, the determination result in step S203 is "Yes". In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c allocates power to both charging and grid computing. In this case, the control of the charging power and the power control of grid computing are performed in parallel.

[0075] - Power control of grid computing - In the power control of grid computing (a part of the control process), first, the power distribution control unit 105c checks the completion of the startup of the video media control unit 105a (MPU) (step S206). The power distribution control unit 105c checks whether it has acquired (received) the MPU power peak value (step S206).

[0076] Here, the "MPU power peak value" is the peak value of the power consumption by the processing device. More specifically, it is the sum of the maximum value (specification value) of the power consumption of the processor installed in the video media control unit 105a and the maximum value of the power consumption in the auxiliary device.

[0077] When the startup of the video media control unit 105a (MPU) is completed and the MPU power peak value has been acquired, the determination result in step S206 is Yes. In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the process of step S209 described later.

[0078] When the startup of the video media control unit 105a is not completed (when the determination in step S206 is No), the power distribution control unit 105c starts the video media control unit 105a (step S207).

[0079] When the MPU power peak value has not been received (when the determination in step S206 is No), the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the MPU power peak value (step S208). For example, the maximum value of the power consumption of the processor in the video media control unit 105a can be specified by acquiring the model number of the processor. The model number of the processor may be acquired by the power distribution control unit 105c communicating with the video media control unit 105a.

[0080] Next, the power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the MPU is executing grid computing processing (arithmetic operation) (step S209). If the MPU is not performing an arithmetic operation, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "maximum power supply to the MPU" (step S210). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "maximum power supply to the MPU" as follows.

[0081] (i) When the amount of charged power - the required charging power ≥ the MPU power peak value The maximum power supply to the MPU = the MPU power peak value (ii) When the amount of charged power - the required charging power < the MPU power peak value The maximum power supply to the MPU = the amount of charged power - the required charging power The power distribution control unit 105c controls the DC / DC converter 107 to supply power corresponding to the "maximum power supply to the MPU" to the processing device (video media control unit 105a, auxiliary device).

[0082] Note that in case (i), even if there is surplus power, the minimum necessary power is supplied to the processing device. In case (ii), the maximum available power is supplied to the processing device.

[0083] Also, the power distribution control unit 105c transmits an index related to the processing ability of the node computer (MPU in this example) to the management server 50 (step S211). Generally, the amount of power supplied to a computer (MPU in this example) affects its processing ability. Therefore, the power distribution control unit 105c notifies the management server 50 of the value indicating the power supplied to the MPU as the index value via the communication unit 103.

[0084] By this notification, the management server 50 can estimate what jobs are optimal to assign to the computer. In other words, this embodiment can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

[0085] If the determination in step S209 is Yes and the process of step S211 is completed, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the process of step S212. Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c receives the "MPU power consumption value" (step S212). The "MPU power consumption value" is the actual power consumption in the processing device. As the actual power consumption, for example, it is conceivable to adopt the time-average value of the power consumption over a predetermined period.

[0086] Based on the "MPU power consumption value", the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the power to be supplied to the processing device (hereinafter, MPU supply power) (step S213). The power distribution control unit 105c controls the DC / DC converter 107 to supply the power corresponding to the "MPU supply power" to the MPU (video media control unit 105a) and the auxiliary device (step S214).

[0087] The MPU (video media control unit 105a) performs arithmetic processing with the ability corresponding to the supplied power amount (step S215). Depending on the instruction from the management server 50, the MPU may enter the wait state (step S215).

[0088] If the loop termination condition is satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c ends the processing within the loop and performs the next operation (described later). If the loop termination condition is not satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing from the beginning of the loop again.

[0089] - Control of charging power - The control of the charging power (a part of the control process) is performed in parallel with the power control of grid computing.

[0090] First, the power distribution control unit 105c sets the charging power for the secondary battery 14 (step S216). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c sets the charging power for the secondary battery 14 as follows.

[0091] (i) When the required charging power ≥ the set value of the current charging power Charging power = Required charging power (ii) When the required charging power < the set value of the current charging power Charging power = Set value of the current charging power The power distribution control unit 105c supplies the power corresponding to "charging power" to the secondary battery 14 (step S217). Thereby, the secondary battery 14 is charged. At this time, the power distribution control unit 105c adjusts the power supplied to the secondary battery 14 by controlling the power conversion device 106.

[0092] Here, it is assumed that the power to be supplied to the processing device has been determined in step S213. Then, the power distribution control unit 105c recalculates the required charging power (step S218). After the recalculation is completed, the power distribution control unit 105c compares the required charging power obtained in step S216 with the recalculation result (step S219).

[0093] When the recalculation result is greater than the required charging power obtained in step S216 (when the determination in step S219 is Yes), the power distribution control unit 105c changes the setting of the charging power for the secondary battery 14 (step S220). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c sets the charging power for the secondary battery 14 by the same algorithm as in step S216, using the recalculated value as the new "required charging power".

[0094] The power distribution control unit 105c supplies the power corresponding to the newly determined "charging power" to the secondary battery 14 by controlling the power conversion device 106 (step S221). Thereby, the secondary battery 14 is charged.

[0095] When the processing up to step S215 (power control for grid computing) and the processing up to step S221 (control of charging power) are completed, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing of step S205. After adjusting the charging power, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the remaining amount information of the secondary battery 14 via the remaining amount management unit 105d (step S205). The power distribution control unit 105c determines whether the loop end condition is satisfied based on the remaining amount information.

[0096] When the termination condition is satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c terminates the processing within the loop and performs the next operation (described later). When the termination condition is not satisfied, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing again from the beginning of the loop.

[0097] As described above, in this embodiment, the control of the charging power and the power control of the grid computing are performed in parallel. This parallel operation continues until the charging is completed.

[0098] When the charging is completed, the power distribution control unit 105c stops the secondary battery 14 (see step S222 in FIG. 6). "Stopping the secondary battery 14" means disconnecting the secondary battery 14 from the charging circuit. The power distribution control unit 105c operates the relay R1 (see FIG. 4) between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106 to disconnect the connection between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106.

[0099] Even after the charging is completed, the MPU can participate in the grid computing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the power management after the charging is completed. FIG. 8 shows the flow of the power management in the grid computing.

[0100] First, the power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the video media control unit 105a (MPU) has been started (step S301). The power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the MPU power peak value has been acquired (received) (step S301).

[0101] When the startup of the MPU (video media control unit 105a) is not completed (when the determination in step S301 is No), the power distribution control unit 105c starts the video media control unit 105a (step S302).

[0102] When the power distribution control unit 105c has not received the MPU power peak value (when the determination in step S206 is No), the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the MPU power peak value (step S303).

[0103] The power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "MPU supply power" (step S304). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "MPU supply power" as follows.

[0104] (i) When the amount of charged power ≥ the MPU power peak value MPU supply power = MPU power peak value (ii) When the amount of charged power < the MPU power peak value MPU supply power = the amount of charged power Also, the power distribution control unit 105c transmits an index regarding the processing capacity of the node computer (MPU) to the management server 50 (step S305). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c notifies the management server 50 of a value indicating the "MPU supply power" as the index value via the communication unit 103.

[0105] With this notification, the management server 50 can estimate what jobs are optimal to assign to its computer. In other words, this embodiment can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

[0106] The MPU (video media control unit 105a) performs arithmetic processing with an ability corresponding to the supplied power amount (step S306). Depending on instructions from the management server 50, the MPU may enter a waiting state (Wait).

[0107] 《Effects in this Embodiment》 As described above, at least the power (required charging power) that is exactly charged at the charging completion setting time is supplied to the secondary battery 14. To the processing device (including the video media control unit 105a and the auxiliary device), the power obtained by subtracting the required charging power from the supplied power amount of normal charging is supplied as the maximum power.

[0108] While participating in grid computing, the power consumption of the MPU and auxiliary devices is monitored. If there is surplus allocated power to the MPU and auxiliary devices, the surplus power is distributed for charging. When the charging of the secondary battery 14 is completed, all charging supply power is distributed to the processing devices (the video media control unit 105a and auxiliary devices).

[0109] As described above, in this embodiment, while ensuring the completion of charging of the secondary battery, the operations in grid computing can be efficiently performed.

[0110] [Other Embodiments] The node computer is not limited to the video media control unit 105a. Also, in addition to the video media control unit 105a, other computers may also be allowed to participate in grid computing. In this case, the "MPU power peak value" is the total value of the power consumption (maximum value) of all computers participating in grid computing and the total value of the maximum power consumption in the auxiliary devices.

[0111] Some or all of the processes performed by the power distribution control unit 105c may be performed by the computers participating in grid computing. For example, if the video media control unit 105a performs all the processes that the power distribution control unit 105c performs, the power distribution control unit 105c may not be provided.

[0112] The auxiliary devices may include devices that have nothing to do with either the charging of the secondary battery 14 or grid computing.

[0113] The vehicle 10 may be provided with a power management mode for performing charging etc. according to the user's instructions. For example, it is conceivable to perform charging and participation in grid computing according to the power distribution set by the user. The user's setting may be given to the power distribution control unit 105c by the user via the user terminal 20. In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c is configured to supply power to the MPU, secondary battery 14, etc. according to the instruction.

[0114] The above embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations. The above embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology disclosed herein, its applications, or its uses.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 10 Vehicle 14 Secondary battery 50 Management server (server device) 105 Arithmetic unit

Claims

1. It includes a control step of controlling the amount of power supplied to a processing device mounted on a vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle, The processing device consists of a computer permitted to participate in grid computing and an auxiliary device that functions when the computer is operating, In the control step, By controlling the auxiliary device, a first amount of power necessary to complete the charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time is supplied from a power supply device for charging the secondary battery, By controlling the auxiliary device, when there is a surplus in the amount of power obtained from the power supply device even after supplying the first amount of power for charging the secondary battery, the surplus amount of power is supplied to the processing device A power management method characterized by the above.

2. In the power management method according to Claim 1, The control step includes a step of supplying a second amount of power, which is obtained by subtracting the first amount of power from the amount of power obtained from the power supply device, to the processing device A power management method characterized by the above.

3. In the power management method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, The control step includes A step of obtaining the power consumption amount in the processing device, and When the amount of power distributed to the processing device exceeds the power consumption amount, a step of increasing the amount of power supplied for charging the secondary battery while reducing the amount of power distributed to the processing device A power management method characterized by the above.

4. In the power management method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, The control step includes When the charging of the secondary battery is completed, a step of distributing part or all of the amount of power allocated for charging to the processing device A power management method characterized by the above.

5. In the power management method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, It includes a step of notifying an index related to the processing capacity of the computer to a server device that allocates jobs in the grid computing A power management method characterized by the above.

6. A power management device characterized by comprising the processing device that executes the power management method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

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