Contactless power supply equipment

Abstract

To manage power consumption so as not to exceed the upper limit with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A non-contact power supply facility 1 comprises: a power factor improvement device 2 that converts AC pre-stage input power received from a commercial power supply 100 to DC pre-stage output power and has a plurality of output terminals 91 for outputting the pre-stage output power; a plurality of inverters 31 that are connected to the respective output terminals 91 of the power factor improvement device 2 and convert DC subsequent stage input power containing DC pre-stage output power received from the output terminals 91 to AC subsequent stage output power; a plurality of power transmission coils 32 that are connected to the respective inverters 31 and receive the subsequent stage output power; and a controller 4 for performing control so that the pre-stage input power to be output to the power factor improvement device 2 does not exceed allowable power of the commercial power supply 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to contactless power supply equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 5 disclose technologies related to contactless power supply devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the configuration of a basic electric circuit of a contactless power supply device. Patent Documents 2 to 5 disclose circuits that output power from one power supply device to a plurality of power transmission devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in a parking lot or the like, contactless power supply equipment equipped with a plurality of contactless power supply devices may be installed. The contactless power supply equipment may be in a state where all the contactless power supply devices are transmitting power, or some of the contactless power supply devices may be transmitting power. Also, the timing at which power transmission starts and the timing at which power transmission stops are different for each contactless power supply device. Then, the power consumed by the contactless power supply equipment increases or decreases depending on the number of contactless power supply devices that are transmitting power. When the number of contactless power supply devices that are transmitting power increases, the power consumed increases.

[0005] On the one hand, the power that a non-contact power supply device can consume is not unlimited. The upper limit of the power that a non-contact power supply device can consume is determined by, for example, the capacity of the breaker. Also, the upper limit of the power is determined by, for example, the power capacity stipulated in the contract with the power company. Then, depending on the operating status of the non-contact power supply device, it may exceed the upper limit of the power that can be consumed. Therefore, it was necessary for the non-contact power supply equipment to manage so that the consumed power does not exceed the upper limit.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a non-contact power supply device that can be managed so that the consumed power does not exceed the upper limit with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] A non-contact power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a front-stage power conversion unit that converts the AC front-stage input power received from an external power source into DC front-stage output power and has a plurality of output terminals for outputting the front-stage output power, and a plurality of rear-stage power conversion units that are connected to each of the output terminals of the front-stage power conversion unit and convert the DC rear-stage input power including the DC front-stage output power received from the output terminals into AC rear-stage output power, a plurality of coils that are connected to each of the plurality of rear-stage power conversion units and receive the rear-stage output power, and a controller that controls so that the front-stage input power output to the front-stage power conversion unit does not exceed the allowable power of the external power source.

[0008] The non-contact power supply device includes a controller. The controller controls so that the front-stage input power output to the front-stage power conversion unit does not exceed the allowable power of the external power source. That is, the non-contact power supply device can realize the management of power that does not exceed the upper limit by the control executed by the controller. Therefore, it can be managed so that the consumed power does not exceed the upper limit with a simple configuration.

[0009] The subsequent input power of the non-contact power supply equipment described above is composed only of the previous-stage output power. The previous-stage power conversion unit includes a rectification unit that receives the previous-stage input power and outputs a DC intermediate power obtained by rectifying the previous-stage input power, and a transformation unit that receives the intermediate power and outputs a previous-stage output power whose voltage has been transformed from the intermediate power. The controller executes an operation of instructing the transformation unit to set a first voltage as the voltage of the previous-stage output power, an operation of obtaining information regarding the previous-stage input power when the previous-stage power conversion unit outputs the previous-stage output power that is the first voltage, and an operation of comparing the information regarding the previous-stage input power with a threshold value, and an operation of instructing the transformation unit to set a second voltage lower than the first voltage as the voltage of the previous-stage output power when the information regarding the previous-stage input power is not less than the threshold value. According to this configuration, by controlling the previous-stage power conversion unit, it becomes possible to collectively suppress the power output to a plurality of subsequent-stage power conversion units. Therefore, power consumption management can be executed with a simple configuration.

[0010] The transformation unit of the non-contact power supply equipment described above may include a boosting unit that boosts the voltage of the intermediate power to a value corresponding to an instruction from the controller. According to this configuration, the configuration of the transformation unit can be simplified.

[0011] The transformation unit of the non-contact power supply equipment described above may include a boosting unit that boosts the voltage of the intermediate power to a predetermined voltage, and a bucking unit that reduces the voltage of the power output by the boosting unit to a value corresponding to an instruction from the controller. According to this configuration, the circuit configuration of the boosting unit can be simplified.

[0012] The number of bucking units included in the transformation unit of the non-contact power supply equipment described above is the same as the number of subsequent-stage power conversion units, and the bucking units may be arranged in series with respect to the subsequent-stage power conversion units. According to this configuration, the configuration of the wiring connecting the previous-stage power conversion unit to the subsequent-stage power conversion units can be simplified.

[0013] The number of bucking units included in the transformation unit of the non-contact power supply equipment described above is one, and the bucking unit may be connected in parallel to the wiring connecting the boosting unit to the subsequent-stage power conversion units. According to this configuration, since the transformation unit includes only one bucking unit, the configuration of the transformation unit can be simplified.

[0014] The input power at the rear stage of the above non-contact power supply equipment is composed of the output power at the front stage and the auxiliary power, and is connected to the rear-stage power conversion unit, and further includes an auxiliary power output unit that outputs auxiliary power to the rear-stage power conversion unit. The controller may control the auxiliary power output unit. According to this configuration, the insufficient power can be covered by the auxiliary power output from the auxiliary power output unit.

[0015] The auxiliary power output unit of the above non-contact power supply equipment is at least one of the plurality of rear-stage power conversion units. The rear-stage power conversion unit as the auxiliary power output unit receives the AC coil output power from the coil and converts the coil output power into DC auxiliary power. When the front-stage power conversion unit outputs the front-stage output power, the controller obtains information regarding the front-stage input power and compares the information regarding the front-stage input power with a threshold value. When the information regarding the front-stage input power is not less than the threshold value, the controller may execute an operation of outputting auxiliary power from the rear-stage power conversion unit as the auxiliary power output unit. According to this configuration, several rear-stage power conversion units can be used as the auxiliary power output unit. Therefore, since it is not necessary to additionally provide a component as the auxiliary power output unit, the configuration of the non-contact power supply equipment can be simplified.

[0016] The auxiliary power output unit of the above non-contact power supply equipment is a battery. When the front-stage power conversion unit outputs the front-stage output power, the controller obtains information regarding the front-stage input power, compares the information regarding the front-stage input power with a threshold value, charges the battery with the front-stage output power when the information regarding the front-stage input power is less than or equal to the threshold value, and discharges the auxiliary power from the battery when the information regarding the front-stage input power is not less than the threshold value. According to this configuration, the auxiliary power can be output from the battery. Furthermore, surplus power can also be stored in the battery.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] The non-contact power supply equipment of the present invention can be managed so that the consumed power does not exceed the upper limit with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the non-contact power supply equipment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0020] <First Embodiment> The non-contact power supply equipment 1 shown in FIG. 1 transmits power to a plurality of power supply objects 200 in a non-contact manner. For example, an electromagnetic wave with a frequency of 85 kHz is used for power transmission from the non-contact power supply equipment 1 to the power supply object 200.

[0021] The power supply object 200 is, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with a battery. The power supply object 200 includes a power receiving coil 201, a rectifier 202, and a battery 203. The power receiving coil 201 receives power in a non-contact manner from the non-contact power supply equipment 1. Note that the power receiving coil 201 can also transmit power to the non-contact power supply equipment 1. The rectifier 202 converts the high-frequency AC power output from the power receiving coil 201 into power in another form. For example, the rectifier 202 converts AC power of 85 kHz into DC power. The DC power output by the rectifier 202 is charged into the battery 203.

[0022] Note that the power supply object 200 is not limited to an electric vehicle and may be various moving bodies that require power supply. The non-contact power supply equipment 1 is installed, for example, in a parking lot that can accommodate a plurality of vehicles. Also, the non-contact power supply equipment 1 may be installed on the roadside strip or the like beside the road.

[0023] The non-contact power supply equipment 1 includes one power factor improvement device 2, a plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3, and a control device 4.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the power factor improvement device 2 corresponds to the front-stage power conversion unit. Therefore, the power received by the power factor improvement device 2 from the commercial power supply 100 is the front-stage input power. Also, the power output by the power factor improvement device 2 to the non-contact power supply device 3 is the front-stage output power. The power factor improvement device 2 is connected to an external power supply such as the commercial power supply 100. The power factor improvement device 2 converts the power received from the commercial power supply 100 into power in a form required by the non-contact power supply device 3. For example, the power factor improvement device 2 receives AC power with a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz from the commercial power supply 100. Then, the power factor improvement device 2 outputs power to each non-contact power supply device 3 according to the requirements of the non-contact power supply device 3. The power factor improvement device 2 outputs DC power having a voltage of 500 V or less to the non-contact power supply device 3, for example.

[0025] The power factor improvement device 2 can output power to one non-contact power supply device 3. Also, the power factor improvement device 2 can output power to two or more non-contact power supply devices 3. That is, the number of non-contact power supply devices 3 to which the power factor improvement device 2 can output power is not particularly limited as long as the limit capacity of the commercial power supply 100 described later is satisfied. Further, in the case of outputting power to a plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3, there are no particular restrictions on the timing of starting the power output and the timing of stopping the power output.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which three non-contact power supply devices 3 are connected to the power factor improvement device 2. That is, it can be said that a plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3 share one power factor improvement device 2. Further, the non-contact power supply facility 1 branches the DC power supply bus that is the output of the power factor improvement device 2 and connects a plurality of inverters 31 and power transmission coils 32 in parallel to the power factor improvement device 2. The number of non-contact power supply devices 3 connected to the power factor improvement device 2 may be two or more. Therefore, the power factor improvement device 2 has a plurality of output terminals 91. The output terminal 91 shows a component having a configuration capable of connecting a plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3 to the power factor improvement device 2 and may be a physical or virtual component. That is, the output terminal 91 is not limited to a physical component such as a connector.

[0027] The power factor improvement device 2 includes a rectifier circuit 21 and a boost DCDC converter 22 (boost section). The power factor improvement device 2 having the rectifier circuit 21 and the boost DCDC converter 22 functions as a so-called power factor correction circuit (PFC: POWER FACTOR CORRECTION). In the first embodiment, the rectifier circuit 21 corresponds to a rectifying section. Further, in the first embodiment, the boost DCDC converter 22 corresponds to a transformer section.

[0028] The rectifier circuit 21 converts AC power into DC power. There is no particular limitation on the specific circuit configuration of the rectifier circuit 21. For example, a circuit as shown in FIG. 2(a) may be adopted. The rectifier circuit 21 is composed of four diodes 211, 212, 213, and 214. The diode 211 is connected in series with the diode 212. The diode 213 is connected in series with the diode 214. The pair of diodes 211 and 212 is connected in parallel with the pair of diodes 213 and 214. The input of the diode 211 is connected to the first input 21a of the rectifier circuit 21. The input of the diode 213 is connected to the second input 21b of the rectifier circuit 21. The outputs of the diodes 211 and 213 are connected to the first output 21c of the rectifier circuit 21. The outputs of the diodes 212 and 214 are connected to the second output 21d of the rectifier circuit 21.

[0029] In the non-contact power feeding device 3, when the voltage of the received DC power increases, the transmitted power increases. Conversely, in the non-contact power feeding device 3, when the voltage of the received DC power decreases, the transmitted power decreases. Therefore, the boost DCDC converter 22 can control the transmitted power of the non-contact power feeding device 3 by transforming the voltage of the power supplied to the non-contact power feeding device 3 to a predetermined voltage. The boost DCDC converter 22 boosts the voltage of the input DC power. Therefore, the voltage of the power output by the boost DCDC converter 22 is higher than the voltage of the input power. There is no particular limitation on the specific circuit configuration of the boost DCDC converter 22. For example, a circuit as shown in FIG. 2(b) may be adopted.

[0030] The boost DCDC converter 22 is composed of an inductor 221, a switch functional unit 222, and a diode 223. The switch functional unit 222 has a transistor 22t and a diode 22d. The transistor 22t and the diode 22d are connected in parallel with each other. An inductor 221 and a diode 223 are arranged between the first input 22a and the first output 22c of the boost DCDC converter 22. The inductor 221 is connected to the first input 22a. The diode 223 is connected to the first output 22c. The second input 22b of the boost DCDC converter 22 is connected to the second output 22e by a wiring 225. A switch functional unit 222 is connected between a wiring 224 connecting the inductor 221 and the diode 223 and a wiring 225 connecting the second input 22b and the second output 22e.

[0031] The boost DCDC converter 22 receives a control signal θ output by the control device 4. The voltage of the power output by the boost DCDC converter 22 follows the control signal θ. The boost DCDC converter 22 controls the voltage of the output power by on / off control of the transistor 22t that functions as a switching element. The control signal θ is output to the gate of the transistor 22t.

[0032] The non-contact power supply devices 3 have the same configuration. The non-contact power supply devices 3 are installed at positions for transmitting power to the power supply object 200. Therefore, the distances from the power factor improvement device 2 to the respective non-contact power supply devices 3 are relatively long. Also, the distances from the power factor improvement device 2 to the respective non-contact power supply devices 3 are determined by the positions where the non-contact power supply devices 3 are arranged. Therefore, the distances from the power factor improvement device 2 to the respective non-contact power supply devices 3 may be different from each other for each non-contact power supply device 3.

[0033] The non-contact power supply device 3 has an inverter 31 and a power transmission coil 32.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the inverter 31 corresponds to the subsequent-stage power conversion unit. Therefore, the power received by the inverter 31 is the subsequent-stage input power. Also, in the first embodiment, the non-contact power supply device 3 receives power only from the power factor improvement device 2. Therefore, the sum of the subsequent-stage input power received by one or more inverters 31 is equal to the previous-stage output power output by the power factor improvement device 2.

[0035] The inverter 31 is connected to the power factor improvement device 2. The inverter 31 receives DC power from the power factor improvement device 2. The inverter 31 converts the received DC power into the predetermined AC power required by the power transmission coil 32. There is no particular limitation on the specific circuit configuration of the inverter 31, and for example, a circuit as illustrated in Fig. 2(c) may be adopted.

[0036] The inverter 31 has four switch function units 311, 312, 313, and 314 in which a transistor 31t and a diode 31d are connected in parallel. The switch function unit 311 is connected in series to the switch function unit 312. The switch function unit 313 is connected in series to the switch function unit 314. The pair of the switch function units 311 and 312 is connected in parallel to the pair of the switch function units 313 and 314. One end of the pair of the switch function units 311 and 312 and the pair of the switch function units 313 and 314 is connected to the first output 31c of the inverter 31. The other end of the pair of the switch function units 311 and 312 and the pair of the switch function units 313 and 314 is connected to the second output 31e of the inverter 31. The second input 31b of the inverter 31 is connected to the wiring connecting the switch function units 311 and 312. The first input 31a of the inverter 31 is connected to the wiring connecting the switch function units 313 and 314.

[0037] The power transmission coil 32 transmits power by non-contact power supply to the power reception coil 201 mounted on the power supply target object 200. The power transmission coil 32 is housed in a housing. The housing may house components such as a ferrite plate which is a magnetic member and a resonance circuit in addition to the power transmission coil 32. For example, the housing may house the inverter 31. The power transmission coil 32 is a spiral coil also referred to as a spiral coil or a circular coil around which a conductor such as a litz wire is wound. Note that other types of power transmission coils 32 may be employed. For example, a solenoid type coil may be employed as the power transmission coil 32.

[0038] The control device 4 operates the non-contact power supply facility 1 so that the power received by the power factor improvement device 2 from the commercial power supply 100 does not exceed the upper limit value. Specifically, the control device 4 controls the DC bus voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 so that the value of the ammeter 92 does not exceed the upper limit value. This function is realized by the control device 4 controlling the power factor improvement device 2.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 4.

[0040] First, the control device 4 sets an output voltage which is zero as an initial state. Note that the "output voltage" referred to in the following description can be known by the voltmeter 93 shown in FIG. 1. Next, the control device 4 outputs a control signal θ for increasing the output voltage by a predetermined increment (step S101). The increment is, for example, smaller than the maximum allowable value of the output voltage.

[0041] The control device 4 compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S102). First, the control device 4 acquires the input current. The input current can be acquired from the ammeter 92 provided in the wiring connecting the commercial power supply 100 and the power factor improvement device 2. The input current is an example of information φ regarding the pre-stage input power output from the commercial power supply 100 to the power factor improvement device 2. As the information φ regarding the pre-stage input power, in addition to the input current, the power output from the commercial power supply 100 to the power factor improvement device 2 may be employed. Next, the control device 4 determines whether or not the input current exceeds the upper limit value.

[0042] In step S102, when it is determined that the input current does not exceed the upper limit value (step S102: NO), the control device 4 outputs a control signal θ for increasing the output voltage (step S101). When the output voltage increases, the input current output from the commercial power supply 100 to the power factor improvement device 2 increases. When the input current does not exceed the upper limit value, the control device 4 repeats the comparison between the input current and the upper limit value (step S102) and the output of the control signal θ for increasing the output voltage (step S101). According to this repetition, when the input current does not exceed the upper limit value, the output voltage gradually increases.

[0043] In step S102, when it is determined that the input current exceeds the upper limit value (step S102: YES), the control device 4 outputs a control signal θ for decreasing the output voltage (step S103). When the output voltage decreases, the input current output from the commercial power supply 100 to the power factor improvement device 2 decreases. After step S103, the control device 4 compares the input current with the upper limit value again (step S102). That is, when the input current exceeds the upper limit value, the control device 4 repeats the comparison between the input current and the upper limit value (step S102) and the output of the control signal θ for decreasing the output voltage (step S103). According to this repetition, when the input current exceeds the upper limit value, the output voltage gradually decreases.

[0044] The control device 4 is, for example, a computer, and the above operations are realized by the computer executing a program. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 4 has functional components for realizing the above operations. The control device 4 includes a data acquisition unit 4a, an input current determination unit 4b, and a voltage control unit 4c. The functions performed by these elements are realized by a program being executed by the CPU.

[0045] The data acquisition unit 4a receives information on the input power in the previous stage from an external device. The external device is, for example, an ammeter 92. Note that the data acquisition unit 4a receives the input current from the ammeter 92. The data acquisition unit 4a executes a part of step S102. Note that the external device that outputs information on the input power in the previous stage to the data acquisition unit 4a is not limited to the ammeter 92. The data acquisition unit 4a may obtain a power value as information on the input power in the previous stage from a wattmeter provided in the commercial power supply 100.

[0046] The input current determination unit 4b compares the information on the input power in the previous stage with a threshold value. The threshold value is an upper limit value. The upper limit value is set in advance according to the breaker capacity, the contract power capacity, etc. The control device 4 of the first embodiment employs the input current as the upper limit value. In addition to the input current, power may be employed as the upper limit value. The input current determination unit 4b compares the input current acquired by the data acquisition unit 4a with the upper limit value. That is, the input current determination unit 4b executes a part of step S102. Then, as a result of the comparison, the input current determination unit 4b outputs either the result that "the input current exceeds the upper limit value" or the result that "the input current does not exceed the upper limit value".

[0047] The voltage control unit 4c determines the output voltage to be output to the power factor improvement device 2 according to the result of the input current determination unit 4b. Based on the result that "the input current exceeds the upper limit value", the voltage control unit 4c decreases the output voltage. Based on the result that "the input current does not exceed the upper limit value", the voltage control unit 4c increases the output voltage. That is, the voltage control unit 4c executes the operations of step S101 and step S103.

[0048] The control device 4 is realized by a computer having the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 4. The control device 4 includes one or more computers. The computer has a processor 41, a main memory unit 42, an auxiliary storage unit 43, a communication control unit 44, an input device 45, and an output device 46. The control device 4 is composed of one or more computers constituted by these hardware and software such as programs.

[0049] When the control device 4 is constituted by a plurality of computers, these computers may be locally connected or may be connected via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet. By this connection, a logically single control device 4 is constructed.

[0050] The processor 41 executes an operating system, an application program, and the like. The main memory unit 42 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage unit 43 is a storage medium composed of a hard disk, a flash memory, and the like. The auxiliary storage unit 43 generally stores a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 42. The communication control unit 44 is composed of a network card or a wireless communication module. The auxiliary storage unit 43 generally stores a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 42. The input device 45 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone for voice input, and the like. The output device 46 is composed of a display, a printer, and the like.

[0051] The auxiliary storage unit 43 stores programs and data necessary for processing in advance. The program causes each functional element of the control device 4 to be executed by a computer. By the program, for example, the processing related to the power adjustment method described above is executed in the computer. For example, the program is read by the processor 41 or the main storage unit 42, and operates at least one of the processor 41, the main storage unit 42, the auxiliary storage unit 43, the communication control unit 44, the input device 45, and the output device 46. For example, the program executes reading and writing of data in the main storage unit 42 and the auxiliary storage unit 43.

[0052] The program may be provided after being recorded on a tangible storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory. The program may be provided via a communication network as a data signal.

[0053] <Description of the operation example> Next, an operation example of the non-contact power supply facility 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the operation example, it is assumed that in the non-contact power supply facility 1, the number of power supply objects 200 increases one by one from a state where there are 0 power supply objects 200 to a state where there are 4 power supply objects 200. Then, it is assumed that when the number of power supply objects 200 decreases one by one in order from the ones that have completed charging from a state where there are 4 power supply objects 200 to a state where there are 2 power supply objects 200. As an upper limit value of the input current, 120 A is exemplified. As an upper limit value of the output voltage, 500 V is exemplified. Also, when the input current from the commercial power supply 100 has not reached the upper limit value, the output voltage is set to the maximum voltage at which output is possible. As a result, the power supplied to the inverter 31 that should output power can be maximized.

[0054] FIG. 5(a) shows the input current (graph G5a) output from the commercial power supply 100 to the power factor correction device 2. FIG. 5(b) shows the output power (graph G5c) output by the power factor correction device 2. FIG. 5(c) shows the power (graph G5d) output to the first power supply target 200 and the remaining amount (graph G5e) of the battery 203 of the power supply target 200. FIG. 5(d) shows the power (graph G5f) output to the second power supply target 200 and the remaining amount (graph G5g) of the battery of the power supply target 200. FIG. 5(e) shows the power (graph G5h) output to the third power supply target 200 and the remaining amount (graph G5i) of the battery 203 of the power supply target 200. FIG. 5(f) shows the power (graph G5j) output to the fourth power supply target 200 and the remaining amount (graph G5k) of the battery 203 of the power supply target 200.

[0055] <When the number of power supply targets is 0: State C1> The power output to each power supply target 200 is 0 kW. The input current is 0 A. The output voltage is 500 V.

[0056] <When the number of power supply targets increases from 0 to 1: State C2> 10 kW of power is output to the first power supply target 200. The power output to the second, third, and fourth power supply targets 200 is 0 kW. In this case, the input current is 50 A. Converted to power, it is 10 kW. That is, when there is 1 power supply target 200, the input current does not exceed the upper limit value (120 A). Therefore, since it is not necessary to lower the output voltage, the output voltage is maintained at 500 V.

[0057] <When the number of power supply targets increases from 1 to 2: State C3> Power of 10 kW is output to the first and second power supply objects 200 respectively. The power output to the third and fourth power supply objects 200 is 0 kW. In this case, the input current is 100 A. When converted to power, it is 20 kW. That is, even when there are two power supply objects 200, the input current does not exceed the upper limit value (120 A). Therefore, there is no need to lower the output voltage, so the output voltage of 500 V is maintained.

[0058] <When the number of power supply objects increases from two to three: State C4> Suppose that power of 10 kW is output to the first, second, and third power supply objects 200 respectively. The power output to the fourth power supply object 200 is 0 kW. If the control device 4 does not execute control to suppress the input current, the input current will become 150 A (see the graph G5b shown by the dashed line). When converted to power, it is 24 kW. When the control device 4 executes control to suppress the input current, the control device 4 repeats steps S102 and S103 until the input current is below the upper limit value (120 A). As a result of the repetition of steps S102 and S103, the output voltage gradually decreases. Then, the control device 4 maintains the output voltage (for example, 400 V) when the input current is below the upper limit value of 120 A. When the control to suppress the input current is executed, since the output voltage drops from 500 V to 400 V, power of 10 kW cannot be output to the power supply object 200. When the output voltage is 400 V, 8 kW of power is output to each power supply object 200. In other words, when the upper limit value of the input current is 120 A, the upper limit value of the power is 24 kW. And a plurality of power supply objects 200 share this 24 kW of power. If evenly divided, three power supply objects 200 can each receive 8 kW of power.

[0059] <When the number of power supply objects increases from three to four: State C5> Assume that 10 kW of power is output to the first, second, third, and fourth power supply objects 200 respectively. If the control device 4 does not execute the control to suppress the input current, the input current will become 200 A (see the graph G5b shown by the dashed line). In terms of power conversion, it is 40 kW. The control device 4 repeats steps S102 and S103 until the input current falls below the upper limit value (120 A). As a result of the repetition of steps S102 and S103, the output voltage gradually decreases further from 400 V. Then, the control device 4 maintains the output voltage (for example, 300 V) when the input current falls below the upper limit value of 120 A. When the control to suppress the input current is executed, since the output voltage drops from 400 V to 300 V, 8 kW of power cannot be output to the power supply object 200. When the output voltage is 300 V, 6 kW of power is output to each power supply object 200.

[0060] <When the number of power supply objects decreases from 4 to 3: State C6> Assume that the charging of the first power supply object 200 is completed and the number of power supply objects decreases from 4 to 3. In this case, if it is assumed that 6 kW of power is output to each power supply object 200, the power to be received from the commercial power supply 100 will be 18 kW. That is, the input current is below the upper limit value (step S102: NO). Therefore, the control device 4 repeatedly executes steps S101 and S102 until the input current reaches the upper limit value. During the repetition, the output voltage gradually increases. Then, the control device 4 maintains the output voltage (for example, 400 V) when the input current reaches the upper limit value (120 A). As a result, the second, third, and fourth power supply objects 200 receive 8 kW of power each.

[0061] <When the number of power supply objects decreases from 3 to 2: State C7> Assume that the charging of the second power supply target object 200 is completed, and the number of power supply target objects is reduced from three to two. In this case, assuming that 8 kW of power is output to each power supply target object 200, the power to be received from the commercial power supply 100 is 16 kW. That is, the input current is below the upper limit value (step S102: NO). Therefore, the control device 4 repeatedly executes steps S101 and S102 until the input current reaches the upper limit value. During the repetition, the output voltage gradually increases from 400V. Then, the control device 4 maintains the output voltage (500V) when the input current reaches the upper limit value (120A). As a result, the third and fourth power supply target objects 200 each receive 10 kW of power.

[0062] <Effect> The non-contact power supply facility 1 includes a control device 4 which is a controller. The control device 4 controls so that the input power in the previous stage output to the power factor improvement device 2 does not exceed the allowable power of the commercial power supply 100. That is, the non-contact power supply facility 1 can be realized by the control executed by the control device 4 for managing the power that does not exceed the upper limit. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the consumed power can be managed so as not to exceed the upper limit. According to this configuration, by controlling the power factor improvement device 2, it becomes possible to collectively suppress the power output to the plurality of inverters 31. Therefore, the management of the power consumption can be executed with a simple configuration.

[0063] The power factor improvement device 2 includes a rectifier circuit 21 that receives the input power in the previous stage and outputs the DC intermediate power obtained by rectifying the input power in the previous stage, and a boost DCDC converter 22 that outputs the output power in the previous stage whose voltage of the intermediate power is transformed. The power factor improvement device 2 performs an operation of instructing the transformer unit with a first voltage as the voltage of the output power in the previous stage (step S101), obtains an input current which is information regarding the input power in the previous stage output to the power factor improvement device 2 when the power factor improvement device 2 outputs the output power in the previous stage which is the first voltage, and compares the input current with the upper limit value, and when the input current is not less than the upper limit value, performs an operation of instructing the transformer unit with a second voltage lower than the first voltage as the voltage of the output power in the previous stage (step S103). According to this configuration, by controlling the power factor improvement device 2, it becomes possible to collectively suppress the power output to the plurality of inverters 31. Therefore, power consumption management can be executed with a simple configuration.

[0064] The boost DCDC converter 22 of the non-contact power feeding facility 1 boosts the voltage of the intermediate power to a value corresponding to the control signal θ of the control device 4. According to this configuration, the configuration of the power factor improvement device 2 can be simplified.

[0065] The non-contact power feeding facility 1 can control the outputs of the plurality of non-contact power feeding devices 3 by the control device 4 controlling one power factor improvement device 2. That is, the control device 4 of the non-contact power feeding facility 1 does not directly transmit the control signal θ to the plurality of non-contact power feeding devices 3. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a configuration for receiving the control signal θ in each of the non-contact power feeding devices 3. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide communication means for transmitting the control signal θ from the control device 4 to the non-contact power feeding device 3 by wire or wirelessly. Therefore, the system configuration of the non-contact power feeding facility 1 can be simplified. Moreover, the transmission and reception of the control signal θ only need to be realized between the ammeter 92 and the control device 4 and between the control device 4 and the power factor improvement device 2. Therefore, since the configuration for transmitting and receiving the control signal θ is simplified, the influence of noise mixed into the control signal θ can be suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of malfunction due to noise can be suppressed.

[0066] The power output from the commercial power supply 100 is output to the power supply target 200 via the power factor correction device 2, the inverter 31, and the power transmission coil 32. When the configuration including the power factor correction device 2, the inverter 31, and the power transmission coil 32 is treated as one non-contact power supply device, it is necessary to prepare the same number of power factor correction devices 2, inverters 31, and power transmission coils 32 as the number of non-contact power supply devices. In the non-contact power supply facility 1 of the first embodiment, the inverters 31 and the power transmission coils 32 are arranged for each power supply location. On the other hand, the power factor correction device 2 is not arranged for each power supply location, and the non-contact power supply facility 1 includes only one power factor correction device 2. Therefore, since it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of power factor correction devices 2 for the non-contact power supply facility 1, the system configuration of the non-contact power supply facility 1 can be simplified. In other words, it is possible to suppress the enlargement and complication of the system configuration of the non-contact power supply facility 1. Moreover, since it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of power factor correction devices 2, the ground area required for installing the non-contact power supply facility 1 can be reduced (that is, miniaturized). Furthermore, the cost for the non-contact power supply facility 1 can also be reduced.

[0067] The non-contact power supply device 1 is paralleled on the downstream side from the power factor improvement device 2. The output of the power factor improvement device 2 is a direct current. That is, the circuits through which the direct current flows are paralleled. When the circuits through which the direct current flows are paralleled, unlike the wires through which the high-frequency current flows, high-frequency electromagnetic waves do not occur from the wires constituting the circuits. Therefore, measures against high-frequency electromagnetic waves are not necessary. Also, the longer the length of the wire becomes as the number of transmission coils 32 increases. For the wires through which the high-frequency current flows, components such as shields are required as measures to meet the regulations defined in the Radio Law and as measures to apply to the EMC standard. However, the non-contact power supply device 1 is paralleled in a circuit through which the direct current flows, not in a circuit through which the high-frequency current flows. Therefore, the non-contact power supply device 1 does not require the measures required for a circuit through which the high-frequency current flows. Moreover, in a circuit through which the high-frequency current flows, the heat generation and loss that occur when the current flows through the wire increase as the length of the wire increases. Since the non-contact power supply device 1 branches the circuit through which the direct current flows, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of heat generation and loss caused by the flow of such a high-frequency current.

[0068] <First Modified Example> The function of adjusting the voltage output to the inverter 31 is provided in the step-up DCDC converter 22 which is a voltage conversion unit. That is, the voltage conversion unit was composed of one step-up DCDC converter 22. For example, the voltage conversion unit may be composed of a step-up circuit that steps up the voltage of the intermediate power output from the rectifier circuit 21 and a step-down circuit that steps down the stepped-up voltage to a predetermined voltage.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, the non-contact power supply device 1A of the first modified example has one power factor improvement device 2 and a plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3A. The power factor improvement device 2 has a rectifier circuit 21 and a step-up DCDC converter 22. The voltage output by the step-up DCDC converter 22 of the first modified example is a fixed value. For example, the voltage output from the step-up DCDC converter 22 of the first modified example may always be 500V.

[0070] The non-contact power supply device 3A further includes a step-down DC-DC converter 33 (step-down unit) in addition to the inverter 31 and the power transmission coil 32. That is, the number of step-down DC-DC converters 33 is the same as the number of non-contact power supply devices 3A. The step-down DC-DC converter 33 receives power from the boost DC-DC converter 22 and outputs the stepped-down power to the inverter 31. That is, the step-down DC-DC converter 33 is connected in series to the boost DC-DC converter 22. Further, the step-down DC-DC converter 33 is also connected in series to the inverter 31. When it is necessary to limit the input current, that is, when it is necessary to lower the voltage of the power output to the inverter 31, the step-down DC-DC converter 33 is utilized. A switch 34 is connected in parallel to the step-down DC-DC converter 33. When the switch 34 is turned on, power with a voltage of 500V output from the boost DC-DC converter 22 can be output to the inverter 31. When the switch 34 is turned off, power having a voltage stepped down by the step-down DC-DC converter 33 can be output to the inverter 31.

[0071] Note that, as the step-down DC-DC converter 33, a circuit as shown in FIG. 7 may be adopted.

[0072] The step-down DC-DC converter 33 is composed of a switch functional unit 331, an inductor 332, and a diode 333. The switch functional unit 331 includes a transistor 33t and a diode 33d. The transistor 33t and the diode 33d are connected in parallel to each other. Between the first input 33a and the first output 33c of the step-down DC-DC converter 33, the switch functional unit 331 and the inductor 332 are arranged. The switch functional unit 331 is connected to the first input 33a. The inductor 332 is connected to the first output 33c. The second input 33b of the step-down DC-DC converter 33 is connected to the second output 33e by a wiring 335. A diode 333 is connected between a wiring 334 connecting the switch functional unit 331 and the inductor 332 and a wiring 335 connecting the second input 33b and the second output 33e.

[0073] Assume a state where it is not necessary to lower the output voltage (for example, state C2 in FIG. 5). In this case, power with a voltage of 500 V may be output to the inverter 31. The switch control unit 4d of the control device 4A outputs a control signal θ for turning on the switch 34. By this operation, the power output from the boost DCDC converter 22 is output to the inverter 31.

[0074] Assume a state where it is necessary to lower the output voltage (for example, state C5 in FIG. 5). In this case, it is necessary to output power with a voltage lower than 500 V to the inverter 31. The switch control unit 4d of the control device 4A outputs a control signal θ for turning off the switch 34. Further, the control device 4A outputs a control signal θ for lowering the voltage to a predetermined value to the buck DCDC converter 33. By this operation, the power output from the buck DCDC converter 33 is output to the inverter 31.

[0075] The non-contact power feeding facility 1A of the first modification example can also execute power management with a simple configuration.

[0076] <Second Modification Example> The example in which the voltage conversion unit is composed of the boost DCDC converter 22 and the buck DCDC converter 33 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in the first modification example. As shown in FIG. 8, the non-contact power feeding facility 1B which is a second modification example includes one power factor correction device 2, a plurality of non-contact power feeding devices 3, and one buck DCDC converter 5.

[0077] The power factor correction device 2 of the second modification example has the same configuration as the power factor correction device 2 of the first modification example and operates in the same manner. That is, the power factor correction device 2 of the second modification example always outputs power with a DC voltage of 500 V.

[0078] A step-down DCDC converter 5 is connected in parallel to the wiring connecting the power factor improvement device 2 and the plurality of contactless power supply devices 3. The input of the step-down DCDC converter 5 is connected to the power factor improvement device 2. The output of the step-down DCDC converter 5 is connected to each of the plurality of output terminals 91. Therefore, in the case of the second modification, the output terminal 91 has the first output and the second output of the boost DCDC converter 22 connected thereto, and also has the output of the step-down DCDC converter 5 connected thereto.

[0079] The contactless power supply device 3B further includes switches 35 and 36 in addition to the inverter 31 and the power transmission coil 32. The switch 35 is disposed between the boost DCDC converter 22 and the inverter 31. The switch 36 is disposed between the step-down DCDC converter 33 and the inverter 31.

[0080] Assume a state where it is not necessary to lower the output voltage (for example, state C2 in FIG. 5). In this case, the inverter 31 may output electric power with a DC voltage of 500V. The switch control unit 4d of the control device 4B outputs a control signal θ for turning on the switch 35. Further, the switch control unit 4d of the control device 4B outputs a control signal θ for turning off the switch 36. By this operation, the electric power output from the boost DCDC converter 22 is output to the inverter 31.

[0081] Assume a state where it is necessary to lower the output voltage (for example, state C5 in FIG. 5). In this case, it is necessary to output electric power with a voltage lower than 500V to the inverter 31. First, the control device 4B outputs a control signal θ for lowering the voltage of the step-down DCDC converter 33 to a predetermined value. Note that the output voltage of the step-down DCDC converter 33 may be obtained by the voltmeter 94. Next, the switch control unit 4d of the control device 4B outputs a control signal θ for turning off the switch 35. Then, the switch control unit 4d of the control device 4B outputs a control signal θ for turning on the switch 36. By this operation, the electric power output from the step-down DCDC converter 33 is output to the inverter 31.

[0082] The non-contact power supply facility 1B of the second modification example can also execute power management with a simple configuration.

[0083] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 9 shows the non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment. In the non-contact power supply facility 1 of the first embodiment, the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 is adjusted so that the current received by the power factor improvement device 2 from the commercial power supply 100 does not exceed the upper limit value. The non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment suppresses, by another method, the current received by the power factor improvement device 2 from the commercial power supply 100 from exceeding the upper limit value. The fact that the current received by the power factor improvement device 2 from the commercial power supply 100 exceeds the upper limit value means that the power that can be received from the commercial power supply 100 is in a state where it exceeds the power required by the non-contact power supply device 3. That is, a power shortage has occurred. Therefore, the non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment suppresses the current received by the power factor improvement device 2 from the commercial power supply 100 from exceeding the upper limit value by using auxiliary power that compensates for the insufficient power.

[0084] The non-contact power supply facility 1C includes one power factor improvement device 2, a plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3, and one control device 4C. The power factor improvement device 2 includes a rectifier circuit 21 and a boost DCDC converter 22. The rectifier circuit 21 and the boost DCDC converter 22 have the same configuration as the rectifier circuit 21 and the boost DCDC converter 22 of the first embodiment and perform the same operations. The boost DCDC converter 22 can output a voltage of an arbitrary value according to a control signal θ output from the control device 4C. That is, the non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment may include a function of using auxiliary power and a function of adjusting the output voltage in order to suppress the current received by the power factor improvement device 2 from the commercial power supply 100 from exceeding the upper limit value. In the following description, the non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment will be described as having a function of using auxiliary power and a function of adjusting the output voltage.

[0085] Note that the function of adjusting the output voltage may be additionally provided as necessary. That is, the contactless power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment may use only the function of auxiliary power to suppress the current from exceeding the upper limit. In this case, the boost DCDC converter 22 always outputs a constant voltage. That is, the boost DCDC converter 22 does not adjust the voltage according to the control signal θ. Then, since it is not necessary to set the voltage output by the boost DCDC converter 22 each time, the control device 4C can also omit the voltage control unit 4c.

[0086] Among the plurality of contactless power supply devices 3, at least one has a function of receiving power output from the power supply object 200. That is, it can receive the power charged in the battery of the power supply object 200. The power supply object 200 not only receives power through the coil but also has a function of outputting power through the coil. The power supply object 200 has a power transmission and reception coil 204 capable of power transmission and reception. Therefore, the "auxiliary power" referred to in the second embodiment means the power charged in the battery of the power supply object 200C. And since the contactless power supply device 3C having the function of receiving power output from the power supply object 200C can output auxiliary power to another contactless power supply device 3, it is also an auxiliary power output unit. Then, the power received by the contactless power supply device 3 executing the power transmission operation is the sum of the power output from the power factor improvement device 2 and the power output from the contactless power supply device 3C functioning as the auxiliary power output unit.

[0087] The contactless power supply device 3C functioning as the auxiliary power output unit includes a bidirectional inverter 38 and a power transmission and reception coil 39. The bidirectional inverter 38 receives the control signal θ and converts the AC power received from the power transmission and reception coil 39 into DC power. Then, the power is output as auxiliary power to the contactless power supply device 3 executing the power transmission operation.

[0088] The control device 4C controls the power factor improvement device 2 and the non-contact power feeding device 3C that functions as an auxiliary power output unit so that the value of the ammeter 92 does not exceed the upper limit value. First, the operation flow of the control device 4C will be described. Next, the functional configuration of the control device 4C for realizing the operation flow will be described.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 4C.

[0090] First, the control device 4C outputs a control signal θ for increasing the output voltage by an increment (step S201). The details of this step S201 are the same as those of step S101 described in the first embodiment.

[0091] The control device 4C compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S202). The details of this step S202 are also the same as those of step S102 described in the first embodiment.

[0092] In step S202, when it is determined that the input current does not exceed the upper limit value (step S202: NO), the control device 4C outputs a control signal θ for increasing the output voltage (step S201). That is, when the input current does not exceed the upper limit value, the control device 4C repeats the comparison of the input current with the upper limit value (step S202) and the output of the control signal θ for increasing the output voltage (step S201). According to this repetition, when the input current does not exceed the upper limit value, the output voltage gradually increases.

[0093] In step S202, when it is determined that the input current exceeds the upper limit value (step S202: YES), the control device 4C determines the state of the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200C that is receiving power transmission from the non-contact power supply device 3C functioning as an auxiliary power output unit (step S203). Specifically, it is determined whether the state of the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200C receiving power transmission corresponds to either a state where charging has stopped or a state where discharging is occurring. The control device 4C may obtain information φ for determining the state of the battery 203 from the power supply target object 200C. Further, the control device 4C may obtain information φ for determining the state of the battery 203 from the non-contact power supply device 3C functioning as an auxiliary power output unit.

[0094] The determination executed in step S203 can determine that when the power stored in the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200C receiving power transmission does not change over time, it is in a state where charging and discharging have stopped (charge / discharge stop state). Also, when the power stored in the battery 203 decreases over time, it can be determined that it is in a state where discharging is occurring (discharge state). When the state of the battery 203 does not correspond to either the charge / discharge stop state or the discharge state, the state of the battery 203 is the charging state.

[0095] In step S203, when it does not correspond to the charge / discharge stop state and also does not correspond to the discharge state (step S203: NO), step S204 is executed. The case where it does not correspond to the charge / discharge stop state and also does not correspond to the discharge state means that, in other words, the battery 203 is in the charging state. In step S204, the control device 4C evaluates the amount of electric power stored in the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200C receiving power transmission. The control device 4C evaluates the remaining battery level. Specifically, the control device 4C obtains information φ regarding the remaining battery level from the power supply target object 200C. Next, the control device 4C compares the remaining battery level with a threshold value. When the power at full charge is regarded as 100% of the remaining battery level, 90% may be adopted as the threshold value.

[0096] As a result of the comparison in step S204, if the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the threshold value (90%) (step S204: YES), step S205 is executed. It can be said that when the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the threshold value (90%), it is determined that the charging operation may be temporarily stopped. In step S205, a control signal θ for stopping power transmission is output to the non-contact power supply device 3C that is transmitting the power required for charging the battery 203. Then, step S201 of increasing the output voltage is executed again.

[0097] When the charging of the battery 203 is stopped, the power that can be output to another non-contact power supply device 3 increases. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the power to the power factor improvement device 2. That is, if the charging of the battery 203 with a large charge amount is temporarily stopped, the power output to the battery 203 can be redirected to the charging of another battery 203 with a small charge amount. In this way, even when the power output to the battery 203 with a large charge amount is redirected to the charging of another battery 203, it can be said that the redirected power is auxiliary power.

[0098] As a result of the comparison in step S204, if the remaining battery level is less than the threshold value (90%) (step S204: NO), step S209 is executed. It can be said that when the remaining battery level is less than the threshold value (90%), it is determined that the charging operation is continued. In this case, the input current to the power factor improvement device 2 is reduced by lowering the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2. Therefore, the control device 4C outputs a control signal θ for lowering the output voltage to the power factor improvement device 2 (step S209). Then, step S202 of comparing the input current with the upper limit value is executed again.

[0099] So far, the case where the result of step S203 is NO has been described. Next, the case where the result of step S203 is YES will be described. That is, the case where the battery 203 corresponds to either the charge / discharge stop state or the discharge state will be described.

[0100] In step S203, if the battery 203 corresponds to either the charge / discharge stop state or the discharge state (step S203: YES), step S206 is executed. In step S206, the control device 4C evaluates the amount of electric power stored in the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200C receiving power transmission. In this step S206, when the power at full charge is regarded as 100% of the remaining battery level, 80% may be adopted as the threshold value. In the previous step S204, 90% was exemplified as the threshold value. That is, a value smaller than the threshold value used in step S204 may be adopted as the threshold value used in step S206.

[0101] As a result of the comparison in step S206, if the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the threshold value (80%) (step S206: YES), step S208 is executed. In step S208, the control device 4C outputs a control signal θ for stopping the discharge of the battery 203 to the non-contact power supply device 3C. For example, the operation of the bidirectional inverter 38 is stopped by the control signal θ. It can be said that when the charge / discharge is in the stopped state or the discharging state and the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the threshold value (80%), it is determined that the electric power stored in the battery 203 should be held. Then, after executing step S209 for reducing the output voltage, step S202 for comparing the input current with the upper limit value is executed again.

[0102] As a result of the comparison in step S206, if the remaining battery level is not less than the threshold value (80%) (step S206: NO), step S207 is executed. In step S207, the control device 4C outputs a control signal θ for discharging electric power from the battery 203 to the non-contact power supply device 3C and the power supply target object 200C. For example, the output of electric power from the bidirectional inverter 38 to another non-contact power supply device 3 is started. It can be said that when the charge / discharge is in the stopped state or the discharging state and the remaining battery level is not less than the threshold value (80%), it is determined that a certain amount of electric power is stored in the battery 203. Then, step S201 for increasing the output voltage is executed again.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 4C has functional components for realizing the above operations. The control device 4C includes a data acquisition unit 4a, an input current determination unit 4b, and a voltage control unit 4c. Further, the control device 4C includes a state determination unit 4e, a remaining amount determination unit 4f, and a charge / discharge control unit 4g. The functions performed by these elements are realized by a program being executed by a CPU.

[0104] Since the configurations and operations of the data acquisition unit 4a, the input current determination unit 4b, and the voltage control unit 4c are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0105] The state determination unit 4e determines whether the battery 203 is in a charge / discharge stop state or a discharge state. That is, the state determination unit 4e executes step S203. The state determination unit 4e may obtain information required for the determination from the power supply target object 200C. Further, the state determination unit 4e may obtain information required for the determination from the non-contact power supply device 3C. For example, when the non-contact power supply device 3C is not transmitting power and is not receiving power either, it may be determined that the battery 203 is in a charge / discharge stop state as viewed from the battery 203. For example, when the non-contact power supply device 3C is receiving power, it may be determined that the battery 203 is in a discharge state as viewed from the battery 203. The state determination unit 4e outputs either "the battery 203 is in a charge / discharge stop state" or "the battery 203 is in a discharge state" as a result.

[0106] The remaining amount determination unit 4f evaluates the remaining amount of the battery 203. That is, the remaining amount determination unit 4f executes the operations of steps S204 and S206. The remaining amount determination unit 4f holds in advance a threshold value used in step S204 and a threshold value used in step S206. The remaining amount determination unit 4f outputs as a result either "the battery remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value", "the battery remaining amount is not equal to or greater than the threshold value", "the battery remaining amount is equal to or less than the threshold value", or "the battery remaining amount is not equal to or less than the threshold value".

[0107] The charge / discharge control unit 4g sets the state of the battery 203 to any one of a charge / discharge stop state, a discharge state, and a charge state. Also, when setting to the discharge state, the amount of power to be discharged is also set. That is, the charge / discharge control unit 4g executes the operations of steps S205, S207, and S208.

[0108] <Description of the operation example> Next, an operation example of the non-contact power feeding facility 1C will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The preconditions of the operation example are the same as those of the operation example described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the presentation of detailed preconditions is omitted.

[0109] FIG. 11(a) shows the input current (graph G11a) output from the commercial power supply 100 to the power factor improvement device 2. FIG. 11(b) shows the output voltage (graph G11c) output by the power factor improvement device 2. FIG. 11(c) shows the power (graph G11d) output to the first power receiving object 200 and the remaining battery level (graph G11e) of the power receiving object 200. FIG. 11(d) shows the power (graph G11f) output to the second power receiving object 200 and the remaining battery level (graph G11g) of the power receiving object 200. FIG. 11(e) shows the power (graph G11h) output to the third power receiving object 200 and the remaining battery level (graph G11i) of the power receiving object 200. FIG. 11(f) shows the power (graph G11j) output to the fourth power receiving object 200 and the remaining battery level (graph G11k) of the power receiving object 200.

[0110] When the number of power receiving objects 200 is zero (state C1), when the number of power receiving objects 200 increases from zero to one (state C1), and when the number of power receiving objects 200 increases from one to two (state C3), the operations are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed descriptions of states C1, C2, and C3 are omitted.

[0111] <When the number of power receiving objects increases from two to three: State C4> First, the control device 4C determines that the input current exceeds the upper limit value (step S202: YES). Next, the input current determination unit 4b of the control device 4C determines the state of the first power supply target object 200 (step S203). Now, the first power supply target object 200 is in a charging state. Therefore, the state determination unit 4e of the control device 4C outputs a result that the state of the first power supply target object 200 does not correspond to the charge / discharge stop state or the discharge state (step S203: NO). Next, the remaining amount determination unit 4f of the control device 4C evaluates the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200. Suppose that at the time of determination, the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200 is 95%. As a result, the remaining amount determination unit 4f of the control device 4C evaluates that the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (90%) (step S204: YES). Next, the charge / discharge control unit 4g of the control device 4C stops power transmission to the first power supply target object 200 (step S205). As a result, although there are three power supply target objects 200 that request power transmission, in fact, only the second and third power supply target objects 200 can receive power transmission from the non-contact power supply device 3. Therefore, the first power supply target object 200 can receive 0 kW of power, and the second and third power supply target objects 200 can each receive 10 kW of power. Also, there is no need to lower the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2, and 500 V can be maintained. Then, the input current can be suppressed to 100 A.

[0112] <When the number of power supply target objects increases from three to four (Part 1): State C5A> Assume that a fourth power supply target object 200 is added while the second and third power supply target objects 200 are each receiving 10 kW of power.

[0113] First, the control device 4C determines that the input current exceeds the upper limit value (step S202: YES). Next, the input current determination unit 4b of the control device 4C determines the state of the first power supply target object 200 (step S203). Now, the first power supply target object 200 is in a charge / discharge stop state. Therefore, the state determination unit 4e of the control device 4C outputs a result that the state of the first power supply target object 200 corresponds to the charge / discharge stop state (step S203: YES). Next, the remaining amount determination unit 4f of the control device 4C evaluates the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200. Since the first power supply target object 200 is in a charge / discharge stop state, there is no increase or decrease in the battery remaining amount. Therefore, at the time of determination, the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200 remains unchanged at 95%. Then, the remaining amount determination unit 4f of the control device 4C evaluates that the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200 is not less than the threshold value (80%) (step S206: NO). As a result, the charge / discharge control unit 4g of the control device 4C starts discharging the first power supply target object 200 (step S207). In this case, the control device 4C discharges the insufficient power in the power transmission to the three power supply target objects 200.

[0114] For example, assume that 10 kW of power is simultaneously output to each of the three power supply target objects 200. In this case, the required power is 30 kW. On the other hand, the maximum power received from the commercial power supply 100 is 24 kW in this embodiment. That is, a shortage of 6 kW occurs. In the first embodiment, control is executed to share the power received from the commercial power supply 100. Therefore, when charging the three power supply target objects 200 with 24 kW, by lowering the output voltage of the power factor correction device 2, it is 8 kW each. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, auxiliary power can be utilized. That is, the insufficient 6 kW of power is obtained from the first power supply target object 200 that already stores sufficient power. Then, the 30 kW of power required to simultaneously output 10 kW of power to each of the three power supply target objects 200 can be covered by the 24 kW output by the commercial power supply 100 and the 6 kW output by the first power supply target object 200.

[0115] By the above operation, in state C5A, the first power supply target object 200 outputs (discharges) 6 kW of power, and the second, third, and fourth power supply target objects 200 can each receive (receive power) 10 kW of power. In this case, it is not necessary to lower the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2, and 500 V can be maintained. And the input current can be suppressed to 120 A.

[0116] <When the number of power supply target objects increases from 3 to 4 (Part 2): State C5B> If state C5A continues, the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200 decreases with the passage of time. Then, initially, although it was evaluated (step S207: NO) that the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200 was not less than the threshold value (80%), after a certain period of time, it is evaluated (step S206: YES) that the battery remaining amount of the first power supply target object 200 is less than the threshold value (80%). Thus, the state in which it is evaluated that the battery remaining amount is not less than the threshold value (80%) (step S207: NO) is the above state C5A. And the state in which it is evaluated that the battery remaining amount is less than the threshold value (80%) (step S206: YES) is the state C5B mentioned in this paragraph.

[0117] First, the control device 4C determines that the input current has exceeded the upper limit value (step S202: YES). Next, the input current determination unit 4b of the control device 4C determines the state of the first power supply object 200 (step S203). Now, the first power supply object 200 is in a discharging state. Therefore, the state determination unit 4e of the control device 4C outputs a result that the state of the first power supply object 200 corresponds to the discharging state (step S203: YES). Next, the remaining amount determination unit 4f of the control device 4C evaluates the battery remaining amount of the first power supply object 200. Since the first power supply object 200 is in a discharging state, the battery remaining amount decreases with the passage of time. Therefore, at the time of determination, the battery remaining amount of the first power supply object 200 is assumed to be 80%. Then, the remaining amount determination unit 4f of the control device 4C evaluates that the battery remaining amount of the first power supply object 200 is equal to or less than the threshold value (80%) (step S206: YES). As a result, the charge / discharge control unit 4g of the control device 4C stops the discharging of the first power supply object 200 (step S208).

[0118] When the discharging of the first power supply object 200 is stopped, the 6 kW auxiliary power is no longer output. Therefore, the three power supply objects 200 will share the 24 kW power output from the commercial power supply 100. Accordingly, the voltage control unit 4c of the control device 4C lowers the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 (step S209). Then, step S202 of comparing the input current with the upper limit value is executed again.

[0119] <When the number of power supply objects decreases from 4 to 3: State C6> Assume that the charging of the second power supply target object 200 is completed, and the number of power supply target objects 200 is reduced to three. In this case, the charging and discharging of the first power supply target object 200 is stopped. Therefore, the actual power supply target objects 200 are the third and fourth power supply target objects 200. When there are two power supply target objects 200, the 24 kW power from the commercial power supply 100 can cover it. That is, the input current determination unit 4b of the control device 4C outputs, as a result of the comparison in step S202, that the input current does not exceed the upper limit value (step S202: NO). Then, the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 that has been stepped down to a voltage lower than 500V is increased (step S201). By repeating the above operation, finally the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 reaches 500V. In this state, the third and fourth power supply target objects 200 each receive 10 kW of power.

[0120] <Operational effects> Similar to the non-contact power supply facility 1 of the first embodiment, the non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment can also be managed with a simple configuration so that the consumed power does not exceed the upper limit.

[0121] The non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment has a non-contact power supply device 3C that functions as an auxiliary power output unit for outputting auxiliary power. The control device 4C controls the non-contact power supply device 3C that functions as an auxiliary power output unit. According to this configuration, the insufficient power can be covered by the auxiliary power output from the non-contact power supply device 3C that functions as an auxiliary power output unit.

[0122] The non-contact power supply facility 1C of the second embodiment can utilize the bidirectional inverter 38 as an auxiliary power output unit. Therefore, since there is no need to additionally provide a component as the auxiliary power output unit, the configuration of the non-contact power supply facility 1C can be simplified.

[0123] <Third Embodiment> FIG. 12 shows the non-contact power supply equipment 1D of the third embodiment. In the non-contact power supply equipment 1C of the second embodiment, the power stored in the power supply object 200C is used as auxiliary power. In the third embodiment, the auxiliary power is output from the installed battery device 6.

[0124] The non-contact power supply equipment 1D includes one power factor improvement device 2, a plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3, one control device 4D, and an installed battery device 6. Since the configurations and operations of the power factor improvement device 2 and the non-contact power supply device 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Note that, similar to the second embodiment, the function of adjusting the output voltage of the boost DCDC converter 22 included in the power factor improvement device 2 may be additionally provided as necessary.

[0125] The battery device 6 includes a buck-boost DCDC converter 61 and a stationary battery 62. The stationary battery 62 may be installed at a corner of the parking lot where the non-contact power supply device 3 is arranged. The buck-boost DCDC converter 61 is connected to the power factor improvement device 2. Further, the buck-boost DCDC converter 61 is also connected to the plurality of non-contact power supply devices 3. An ammeter 95 may be provided at the output of the buck-boost DCDC converter 61. The buck-boost DCDC converter 61 transforms the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 into a chargeable voltage of the stationary battery 62. This transformation may be a boost or a buck. The buck-boost DCDC converter 61 transforms the DC voltage output by the stationary battery 62 into the DC voltage required by the inverter 31. This transformation may be a boost or a buck. The buck-boost DCDC converter 61 may use the circuit shown in FIG. 13.

[0126] The buck-boost DCDC converter 61 includes an inductor 611 and two switch functional units 612 and 613. The switch functional units 612 and 613 each have a transistor 61t and a diode 61d. The transistor 61t and the diode 61d are connected in parallel with each other. An inductor 611 and a switch functional unit 612 are arranged between the first input 61a and the first output 61c of the buck-boost DCDC converter 61. The inductor 611 is connected to the first input 61a. The switch functional unit 612 is connected to the first output 61c. The inductor 611 and the switch functional unit 612 are connected in series by a wiring 614. The second input 61b of the buck-boost DCDC converter 61 is connected to the second output 61e by a wiring 615. A switch functional unit 613 is arranged between the wiring 614 connecting the inductor 611 and the switch functional unit 612 and the wiring 615 connecting the second input 61b and the second output 61e.

[0127] The control device 4D controls the power factor correction device 2 and the battery device 6 so that the value of the ammeter 92 does not exceed the upper limit value. First, the operation flow of the control device 4D shown in FIG. 14 will be described. Next, the functional configuration of the control device 4D for realizing the operation flow will be described.

[0128] At the start of the operation, the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for starting the charging operation of the battery device 6. When receiving the control signal θ, the battery device 6 becomes in a state where it can charge the power when there is power output.

[0129] First, the control device 4D increases the output voltage (step S301). The details of this step S301 are the same as those of step S101 described in the first embodiment.

[0130] Next, the control device 4D checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S302). Specifically, the control device 4D determines whether the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value. If the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is sufficient, there is no need to store more power. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (step S302: YES), the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ to stop charging the battery device 6 (step S303). Next, the control device 4D compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S304).

[0131] On the other hand, if the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is not sufficient, it is necessary to store power. At the start of operation, the battery device 6 is in a chargeable state. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is less than the upper limit value (step S302: NO), the control device 4D maintains the charging of the battery device 6. For example, the control device 4D may output a control signal θ to maintain the charging state. Also, the control device 4D may not output the control signal θ. Next, the control device 4D compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S304).

[0132] The control device 4D compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S304). The details of this step S304 are the same as those of step S102 described in the first embodiment.

[0133] In step S304, when it is determined that the input current does not exceed the upper limit value (step S304: NO), the power output from the commercial power supply 100 is greater than the power output from the power factor improvement device 2. That is, there is an excess in the power output from the commercial power supply 100. Therefore, this excess power is used to charge the battery device 6. The control device 4D outputs a control signal θ to increase the charging power of the battery device 6 (step S305). The battery device 6 that has received the control signal θ transforms the output voltage output from the power factor improvement device 2 by the buck-boost DCDC converter 61 into a voltage that can charge the stationary battery 62. Then, the stationary battery 62 receives the power output from the buck-boost DCDC converter 61 and charges.

[0134] Subsequently, the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for increasing the output voltage again (step S305). That is, when the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is equal to or less than the upper limit value (step S302: NO) and the input current does not exceed the upper limit value (step S304: NO), the control device 4D repeats step S305 for increasing the output voltage, step S302 for checking the remaining amount of the battery device 6, step S304 for comparing the input current with the upper limit value, and step S305 for increasing the charging voltage of the battery device 6. According to this repetition, when the input current does not exceed the upper limit value, the output voltage gradually increases. Further, according to this repetition, when the input current does not exceed the upper limit value, the charging voltage also gradually increases.

[0135] If it is determined in step S304 that the input current exceeds the upper limit value (step S304: YES), the power output from the commercial power supply 100 is less than the power output from the power factor improvement device 2. At this time, the power output from the power factor improvement device 2 is used for charging the power supply target object 200 and charging the battery device 6. Then, if the power output to the battery device 6 is adjusted, there is a possibility of eliminating the state where the power output from the commercial power supply 100 is less than the power output from the power factor improvement device 2. Therefore, the control device 4D checks the operating state of the battery device 6 (step S306). Specifically, it is determined whether the operating state of the battery device 6 corresponds to a charge / discharge stop state or a discharge state.

[0136] If, in step S306, the battery device 6 does not correspond to the charge / discharge stop state, it can be said that the battery device 6 is in a charging state. Also, if, in step S306, the battery device 6 does not correspond to the discharge state, it can be said that the battery device 6 is in a charging state. Therefore, in these cases, the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for reducing the charging power of the battery device 6 (step S307). Then, the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for increasing the output voltage again.

[0137] In step S306, when the battery device 6 corresponds to the charge / discharge stop state, the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for an operation (discharge) to output power from the battery device 6 (step S308). Further, in step S306, when the battery device 6 corresponds to the discharge state, the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for increasing the discharge power of the battery device 6 (step S308).

[0138] Next, the control device 4D checks the discharge state of the battery device 6 (step S309). Specifically, it is determined whether the power being discharged by the battery device 6 has reached the limit value of the power that the battery device 6 can discharge. If the power being discharged by the battery device 6 has not reached the limit value, there is a possibility that the discharge power can be further increased. That is, since there is a possibility that the auxiliary power can be further increased, there is a possibility that the state where the input current exceeds the upper limit value can be eliminated. On the other hand, if the power being discharged by the battery device 6 has reached the limit value, the auxiliary power cannot be further increased. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the state where the input current exceeds the upper limit value by decreasing the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 instead of increasing the auxiliary power.

[0139] In step S309, when the discharge power of the battery device 6 has reached the limit value (step S309: YES), the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for decreasing the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 (step S310). Then, again, the operation flow is executed in order from step S302 for checking the remaining amount of the battery device 6.

[0140] As described above, in step S309, when the discharge power of the battery device 6 has not reached the limit value (step S309: NO), there is a possibility that the discharge power can be further increased. However, even if there is a margin in terms of the output capacity of the battery device 6, if the remaining battery level is low in the first place, power cannot be output from the battery device 6 as auxiliary power. Therefore, the control device 4D checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S311). Specifically, the control device 4D determines whether or not the remaining amount of the stationary battery 62 has reached the lower limit value. When the fully charged state is 100%, the lower limit value may be, for example, 0%.

[0141] In step S311, when the remaining amount of the battery device 6 has not reached 0% (step S311: NO), it is in a state where the power discharged by the battery device 6 can be further increased. Therefore, the control device 4D executes the operation flow again from step S301 of increasing the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 in order.

[0142] In step S311, when the remaining amount of the battery device 6 has reached 0% (step S311: YES), it is already in a state where power cannot be discharged from the battery device 6. Therefore, the control device 4D outputs a control signal θ for lowering the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 (step S310). Then, the operation flow is executed again from step S302 of checking the remaining amount of the battery device 6 in order.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 12, the control device 4D has functional components for realizing the above operations. The control device 4 includes a data acquisition unit 4a, an input current determination unit 4b, and a voltage control unit 4c. Further, the control device 4D includes a state determination unit 4h, a discharge amount determination unit 4k, a remaining amount determination unit 4m, and a charge / discharge control unit 4n. The functions played by these elements are realized by a program being executed by the CPU.

[0144] The configurations and operations of the data acquisition unit 4a, the input current determination unit 4b, and the voltage control unit 4c are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0145] The state determination unit 4h determines whether the battery device 6 is in a charge / discharge stop state or a discharge state. That is, the state determination unit 4h executes step S306. The state determination unit 4h obtains information required for the determination from the battery device 6. The state determination unit 4h outputs either "the battery device 6 is in a charge / discharge stop state" or "the battery device 6 is in a discharge state" as a result.

[0146] The discharge amount determination unit 4k determines whether the discharge power of the battery device 6 has reached a limit value. That is, the discharge amount determination unit 4k executes the operation of step S309. The discharge amount determination unit 4k holds in advance the limit value used in step S309. The discharge amount determination unit 4k outputs either "the discharge power has reached the limit value" or "the discharge power has not reached the limit value" as a result.

[0147] The remaining amount determination unit 4m evaluates the remaining amount of the battery device 6. That is, the remaining amount determination unit 4m executes the operation of step S311. The remaining amount determination unit 4m holds in advance the lower limit value used in step S311. The remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs either "the remaining amount has reached the lower limit value" or "the remaining amount has not reached the lower limit value" as a result.

[0148] The charge / discharge control unit 4n sets the state of the battery device 6 to any one of a charge / discharge stop state, a discharge state, and a charge state. Also, when setting the discharge state, the amount of power to be discharged is also set. That is, the charge / discharge control unit 4n executes the operations of steps S303, S305, and S307.

[0149] <Description of operation example> Next, an operation example of the non-contact power supply facility 1D will be described with reference to FIG. 15. The preconditions of the operation example are the same as those of the operation example described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the presentation of detailed preconditions is omitted. Note that at the start of the operation example, it is assumed that the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is 0%.

[0150] FIG. 15(a) shows the input current (graph G15a) output from the commercial power supply 100 to the power factor improvement device 2. FIG. 15(b) shows the output power (graph G15c) output by the power factor improvement device 2. FIG. 15(c) shows the power discharged from the battery device 6 (graph G15m) and the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (graph G15n). FIG. 15(d) shows the power output to the first power supply target object 200 (graph G15d) and the remaining amount of the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200 (graph G15e). FIG. 15(e) shows the power output to the second power supply target object 200 (graph G15f) and the remaining amount of the battery of the power supply target object 200 (graph G15g). FIG. 15(f) shows the power output to the third power supply target object 200 (graph G15h) and the remaining amount of the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200 (graph G15i). FIG. 15(g) shows the power output to the fourth power supply target object 200 (graph G15j) and the remaining amount of the battery 203 of the power supply target object 200 (graph G15k).

[0151] <When the number of power supply target objects is zero: State C1> When in state C1, the states of the power factor improvement device 2, the battery device 6, and the power supply target objects 200 from the first to the fourth are as follows. Input current received by the power factor improvement device 2: 50 A. Input power received by the power factor improvement device 2: 10 kW. Output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2: 500 V. Charging power or discharging power of the battery device 6: +10 kW (charging). Power received by the first power supply target object 200: 0 kW. Power received by the second power supply target object 200: 0 kW. Power received by the third power supply target object 200: 0 kW. Power received by the fourth power supply target 200: 0 kW.

[0152] The remaining amount determination unit 4m of the control device 4D checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S302). At the start point of the operation example, since the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is 0%, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result that it is not the upper limit value (step S302: NO). Therefore, the charging of the battery device 6 continues. Next, the input current determination unit 4b compares the input power with the upper limit value (step S304). Since the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 50 A, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result that the input power (50 A) does not exceed the upper limit value (120 A) (step S304: NO). That is, when in state C1, the operations including step S302 and step S304 are repeated.

[0153] <When there is one power supply target: State C2> When in state C2, the states of the power factor improvement device 2, the battery device 6, and the power supply targets 200 from the first to the fourth are as follows. Input current received by the power factor improvement device 2: 100 A. Input power received by the power factor improvement device 2: 20 kW. Output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2: 500 V. Charging power or discharging power of the battery device 6: +10 kW (charging). Power received by the first power supply target 200: 10 kW. Power received by the second power supply target 200: 0 kW. Power received by the third power supply target 200: 0 kW. Power received by the fourth power supply target 200: 0 kW.

[0154] The remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S302). Although the remaining amount of the battery device 6 has increased from the initial value, it still does not exceed the upper limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result indicating that it is not the upper limit value (step S302: NO). Therefore, charging of the battery device 6 continues even in state C2. Next, the input current determination unit 4b compares the input power with the upper limit value (step S304). At this point, the output of 10 kW of power to the battery device 6 and the output of 10 kW of power to the first power supply object 200 are being executed. As a result, the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 100 A. Therefore, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result indicating that the input current (100 A) does not exceed the upper limit value (120 A) (step S304: NO). That is, even when in state C2, the operations including step S302 and step S304 are repeated.

[0155] <When there are two power supply objects: State C3> When in state C3, the states of the power factor improvement device 2, the battery device 6, and the first to fourth power supply objects 200 are as follows. Input current received by the power factor improvement device 2: 120 A. Input power received by the power factor improvement device 2: 24 kW. Output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2: 500 V. Charging power or discharging power of the battery device 6: +4 kW (charging). Power received by the first power supply object 200: 10 kW. Power received by the second power supply object 200: 10 kW. Power received by the third power supply object 200: 0 kW. Power received by the fourth power supply object 200: 0 kW.

[0156] The remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S302). Although the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is still increasing, it has not yet exceeded the upper limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result indicating that it is not the upper limit value (step S302: NO). Therefore, charging of the battery device 6 continues even in state C3. Next, the input current determination unit 4b compares the input power with the upper limit value (step S304).

[0157] Suppose that an output of 10 kW of power to the battery device 6 and an output of 10 kW of power to the first and second power supply objects 200 are executed. Then, the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 150 A. Therefore, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result indicating that the input current (150 A) exceeds the upper limit value (120 A) (step S304: YES). Next, the state determination unit 4h determines the state of the battery device 6 (step S306). At this point, the battery device 6 is in a charging state. Therefore, the state determination unit 4h outputs a result indicating that it does not correspond to the charge / discharge stop state or the discharge state (step S306: NO). In other words, the state determination unit 4h outputs a result indicating that the charging power of the battery device 6 is neither zero nor negative. Based on this result, the charge / discharge control unit 4n outputs a control signal θ for reducing the charging power of the battery device 6 (step S307). By repeating the above operation, the charging power of the battery device 6 converges to 4 kW.

[0158] <When there are three power supply objects: State C4> When in state C4, the states of the power factor improvement device 2, the battery device 6, and the first to fourth power supply objects 200 are as follows. Input current received by the power factor improvement device 2: 120 A. Input power received by the power factor improvement device 2: 24 kW. Output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2: 500 V. Charging power or discharging power of the battery device 6: -6 kW (discharging). Power received by the first power supply object 200: 10 kW. Power received by the second power supply object 200: 10 kW. Power received by the third power supply target object 200: 10 kW. Power received by the fourth power supply target object 200: 0 kW.

[0159] The remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S302). Although the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is still increasing, it has not yet exceeded the upper limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result indicating that it is not the upper limit value (step S302: NO). Therefore, charging of the battery device 6 continues even in state C4. Next, the input current determination unit 4b compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S304). Assuming that 10 kW of power is output to the first to third power supply target objects 200, the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 150 A. Therefore, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result indicating that the input current (150 A) exceeds the upper limit value (120 A) (step S304: YES). Next, the state determination unit 4h determines the state of the battery device 6 (step S306). At this point, the battery device 6 is in a charging state. Therefore, the state determination unit 4h outputs a result indicating that it does not correspond to the charge / discharge stop state or the discharge state (step S306: NO). Based on this result, the charge / discharge control unit 4n reduces the charging power of the battery device 6.

[0160] By repeating the above operation, the charging power of the battery device 6 gradually decreases. Then, the charging power of the battery device 6 reaches zero. Assuming that the charging power of the battery device 6 is zero and the 10 kW power is output to the first to third power supply objects 200, the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 150 A. Therefore, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result that the input current (150 A) exceeds the upper limit value (120 A) (step S304: YES). Next, the state determination unit 4h determines the state of the battery device 6 (step S306). At this time, since the charging power of the battery device 6 is zero, the state determination unit 4h outputs a result that it corresponds to the charge / discharge stop state (step S306: YES). Based on this result, the charge / discharge control unit 4n outputs a control signal θ for increasing the discharge power of the battery device 6 (step S308). Next, the discharge amount determination unit 4k determines whether the power discharged by the battery device 6 has reached the limit value (10 kW) (step S309). At this time, since the battery device 6 has just started discharging, it has not reached the limit value. Therefore, the discharge amount determination unit 4k outputs a result that the power discharged by the battery device 6 has not reached the limit value (10 kW) (step S309: NO). Next, the remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S311). As described above, at this time, the discharge has just started, and the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is sufficient, so it has not reached the lower limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result that the remaining amount has not reached the lower limit value (step S311: NO).

[0161] By repeating the above operation, the discharge power of the battery device 6 converges to 6 kW.

[0162] <When there are 4 power supply objects: State C5> When in state C5, the states of the power factor improvement device 2, the battery device 6, and the first to fourth power supply objects 200 are as follows. Input current received by the power factor improvement device 2: 120 A. Input power received by the power factor improvement device 2: 24 kW. Output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2: 500V. Charging power or discharging power of the battery device 6: -10kW (discharging). Power received by the first power supply target object 200: 8.5kW. Power received by the second power supply target object 200: 8.5kW. Power received by the third power supply target object 200: 8.5kW. Power received by the fourth power supply target object 200: 8.5kW.

[0163] The remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S302). Since the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is decreasing due to discharging, it does not exceed the upper limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result that it is not the upper limit value (step S302: NO). Therefore, the charge and discharge control unit 4n continues the discharging operation. Next, the input current determination unit 4b compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S304).

[0164] Suppose that the output of 10kW of power to the first to fourth power supply target objects 200 is executed. Then, the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 200A. Therefore, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result that the input current (200A) exceeds the upper limit value (120A) (step S304: YES). Next, the state determination unit 4h determines the state of the battery device 6 (step S306). At this point, since the discharging power of the battery device 6 is 6kW, the state determination unit 4h outputs a result that it corresponds to the discharging state (step S306: YES). Based on this result, the charge and discharge control unit 4n further increases the discharging power of the battery device 6 (step S308).

[0165] Next, the discharge amount determination unit 4k determines whether the power discharged by the battery device 6 has reached the limit value (10 kW) (step S309). At this point, since the battery device 6 has just started discharging, it has not reached the limit value. Therefore, the discharge amount determination unit 4k outputs a result indicating that the power discharged by the battery device 6 has not reached the limit value (10 kW) (step S309: NO). Next, the remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S311). As described above, at this point, since the discharge has just started, the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is sufficient and has not reached the lower limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result indicating that the remaining amount has not reached the lower limit value (step S311: NO). By repeating the above operations, the discharge power of the battery device 6 reaches 10 kW.

[0166] However, even if 10 kW of power is output from the battery device 6 as auxiliary power, when executing the output of 10 kW of power to the first to fourth power supply objects 200, an input current of 200 A is required. That is, it is necessary to suppress the input current by means other than the output of the auxiliary power.

[0167] After the discharge power of the battery device 6 reaches 10 kW, among the above operations, the discharge amount determination unit 4k outputs a result indicating that the power discharged by the battery device 6 has reached the limit value (10 kW) (step S309: YES). Based on the result, the voltage control unit 4c outputs a control signal θ for reducing the output voltage to the power factor improvement device 2. That is, the operation including the process of outputting a result indicating that the discharge power has reached the limit value (10 kW) in step S309 and outputting a control signal θ for reducing the output voltage to the power factor improvement device 2 is repeated, and the output voltage converges to, for example, 400 V. As a result, as described above, the first to fourth power supply objects 200 each receive an output of 8.5 kW of power.

[0168] <When the number of power supply objects decreases from 4 to 3: State C6> When in state C6, the power factor improvement device 2, the battery device 6, and the states of the power supply objects 200 from the first to the fourth are as follows. This state C6 corresponds to the completion of charging of the first power supply object 200. Input current received by the power factor improvement device 2: 120 A. Input power received by the power factor improvement device 2: 24 kW. Output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2: 500 V. Charging power or discharging power of the battery device 6: -6 kW (discharging). Power received by the first power supply object 200: 0 kW. Power received by the second power supply object 200: 10 kW. Power received by the third power supply object 200: 10 kW. Power received by the fourth power supply object 200: 10 kW.

[0169] The remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S302). Since the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is decreasing due to discharging and does not exceed the upper limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result that it is not the upper limit value (step S302: NO). Therefore, the charge and discharge control unit 4n continues the discharging operation. Next, the input current determination unit 4b compares the input power with the upper limit value (step S304).

[0170] Suppose that the output of 10 kW of power to the second to fourth power supply objects 200 is executed. Then, the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 150 A. Therefore, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result that the input current (150 A) exceeds the upper limit value (120 A) (step S304: YES). Next, the state determination unit 4h determines the state of the battery device 6 (step S306). From the result of state C4, in order to output 10 kW of power to three power supply objects 200, 6 kW may be discharged from the battery device 6 as auxiliary power. Therefore, the discharging power of the battery device 6 is set to 6 kW.

[0171] The state determination unit 4h outputs a result indicating that it corresponds to the discharge state (step S306: YES). Next, the discharge amount determination unit 4k determines whether the power discharged by the battery device 6 has reached the limit value (10 kW) (step S309). Since the discharge power of the battery device 6 is 6 kW, the discharge amount determination unit 4k outputs a result indicating that the discharge power of the battery device 6 has not reached the limit value (10 kW) (step S309: NO). Next, the remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S311). Even at this point, the remaining amount of the battery device 6 is sufficient and has not reached the lower limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result indicating that the remaining amount has not reached the lower limit value (step S311: NO). Thereafter, the voltage control unit 4c repeats step S301 of increasing the output voltage. By repeating the above operations, the output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2 converges to 500V.

[0172] <When the number of power supply objects decreases from 3 to 2: State C7> When it is in state C7, the states of the power factor improvement device 2, the battery device 6, and the power supply objects 200 from the first to the fourth are as follows. This state C7 corresponds to the completion of charging of the first and second power supply objects 200. Input current received by the power factor improvement device 2: 120A. Input power received by the power factor improvement device 2: 24kW. Output voltage of the power factor improvement device 2: 500V. Charging power or discharging power of the battery device 6: +6kW (charging). Power received by the first power supply object 200: 0kW. Power received by the second power supply object 200: 00kW. Power received by the third power supply object 200: 10kW. Power received by the fourth power supply object 200: 10kW.

[0173] The remaining amount determination unit 4m checks the remaining amount of the battery device 6 (step S311). Since the remaining amount of the battery device 6 decreases due to discharge, it does not exceed the upper limit value. Therefore, the remaining amount determination unit 4m outputs a result indicating that it is not the upper limit value (step S302: NO). Accordingly, the charge / discharge control unit 4n continues the discharge operation. Next, the input current determination unit 4b compares the input current with the upper limit value (step S304).

[0174] Assume that 10 kW of power is output to the third and fourth power supply objects 200. Then, the input current received by the power factor improvement device 2 is 100 A. Therefore, the input current determination unit 4b outputs a result indicating that the input current (100 A) does not exceed the upper limit value (120 A) (step S304: NO). Based on this result, the charge / discharge control unit 4n increases the charging power of the battery device 6 (step S305). By repeating the above operation, the charging power of the battery device 6 converges to 6 kW.

[0175] <Operational Effects> Similar to the non-contact power supply facility 1 of the first embodiment, the non-contact power supply facility 1D of the third embodiment can be managed so that the power consumed by the simple configuration does not exceed the upper limit.

[0176] The non-contact power supply facility 1D of the third embodiment includes a battery device 6 that outputs auxiliary power. The control device 4D controls the battery device 6. According to this configuration, it can be covered by the auxiliary power output from the battery device 6.

[0177] The non-contact power supply facility 1D of the third embodiment uses the battery device 6 as an auxiliary power output unit. The battery device 6 can store surplus power. Furthermore, the battery device 6 can output the stored power as auxiliary power.

[0178] The present invention has been described in detail based on its embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0179] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Non-contact power supply equipment 2 Power factor improvement device (front-stage power conversion unit) 3, 3A, 3B, 3C Non-contact power supply device 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D Control device (controller) 4a Data acquisition unit 4b Input current determination unit 4c Voltage control unit 4d Switch control unit 4e State determination unit 4f Remaining amount determination unit 4g Charge and discharge control unit 4h State determination unit 4k Discharge amount determination unit 4m Remaining amount determination unit 4n Charge and discharge control unit 5, 33 Step-down DCDC converter (transformer section, step-down section) 6 Battery device 21 Rectifier circuit (rectification section) 22 Boost DCDC converter (transformer section, boost section) 31 Inverter (rear-stage power conversion unit) 32 Power transmission coil (coil) 38 Bidirectional inverter 39 Power transmission and reception coil 61 Buck-boost DCDC converter 62 Stationary battery 91 Output terminal 92 Ammeter 93 Voltmeter 95 Ammeter 100 Commercial power supply (external power supply) 200, 200C Power supply target object 201 Power reception coil 202 Rectifier 203 Battery 204 Power transmission and reception coil

Claims

1. A front-stage power conversion unit that converts the input AC power received from an external power source into DC front-stage output power and has a plurality of output terminals for outputting the front-stage output power; A plurality of rear-stage power conversion units that are connected to each of the output terminals of the front-stage power conversion unit and convert the DC rear-stage input power including the DC front-stage output power received from the output terminals into AC rear-stage output power; A plurality of coils that are connected to each of the plurality of rear-stage power conversion units and receive the rear-stage output power; A controller that controls so that the front-stage input power output to the front-stage power conversion unit does not exceed the allowable power of the external power source, and is provided with: The rear-stage input power is composed only of the front-stage output power; The front-stage power conversion unit is: A rectifying unit that receives the front-stage input power and outputs DC intermediate power obtained by rectifying the front-stage input power; A voltage transformation unit that receives the intermediate power and outputs the front-stage output power obtained by transforming the voltage of the intermediate power, and has: The controller is: An operation of instructing the voltage transformation unit with a first voltage as the voltage of the front-stage output power; When the front-stage power conversion unit outputs the front-stage output power that is the first voltage, obtaining information regarding the front-stage input power and comparing the information regarding the front-stage input power with a threshold value; When the information regarding the front-stage input power is not less than the threshold value, an operation of instructing the voltage transformation unit with a second voltage lower than the first voltage as the voltage of the front-stage output power, a contactless power supply facility.

2. The voltage transformation unit includes a boosting unit that boosts the voltage of the intermediate power to a value corresponding to an instruction of the controller. The contactless power supply facility according to Claim 1.

3. The voltage transformation unit is: A boosting unit that boosts the voltage of the intermediate power to a predetermined voltage; A step-down unit that reduces the voltage of the power output by the boosting unit to a value corresponding to an instruction of the controller, and includes the contactless power supply facility according to Claim 1.

4. The number of the step-down units included in the voltage transformation unit is the same as the number of the rear-stage power conversion units; The step-down unit is arranged in series with respect to the rear-stage power conversion unit. The contactless power supply facility according to Claim 3.

5. The number of the step-down units included in the voltage transformation unit is one; The step-down unit is connected in parallel to the wiring connecting the boosting unit to the rear-stage power conversion unit. The contactless power supply facility according to Claim 3.

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