Base, power storage device assembly, power storage device accommodation system, power storage device management system, power storage device management method, program, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

According to the present invention, a pedestal configured such that a plurality of power storage devices can be mounted thereon is provided with a plurality of placing sections on which the respective plurality of power storage devices are mounted. Each of the plurality of placing sections has a first electrical terminal electrically connected to an electrical terminal of each of the plurality of power storage devices. The pedestal may be further provided with an interrupting device for switching between a state in which the first electrical terminal of at least one of the placing sections and an electrical circuit arranged in the pedestal are electrically cut off and a state in which said first electrical terminal and said electrical circuit are electrically connected.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a base, an electricity storage device assembly, an electricity storage device housing system, an electricity storage device management system, an electricity storage device management method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an eco-cycle that reuses large-capacity in-vehicle storage batteries. Patent Document 2 discloses that power is supplied to a power grid from a charging station that stores cassette-type storage devices that are detachably attached to motorcycles. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 215817 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 027202 General Disclosure

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, a base is provided. The base is configured to be able to mount, for example, a plurality of power storage devices. The base includes, for example, a plurality of mounting sections on which the plurality of power storage devices are respectively mounted. In the base, each of the mounting sections has, for example, a first electrical terminal electrically connected to a respective electrical terminal of the plurality of power storage devices.

[0004] The base may include a disconnecting device that switches between an electrically disconnected state and an electrically connected state of the first electrical terminal of at least one mounting portion and an electrical circuit disposed on the base. The base may include a plurality of disconnecting devices that switch between an electrically disconnected state and an electrically connected state of the first electrical terminal of each of the plurality of mounting portions and an electrical circuit disposed on the base. Each of the plurality of disconnecting devices may be disposed near each of the plurality of mounting portions.

[0005] The base may include a second electrical terminal that electrically connects the base to another base. The base may include a third electrical terminal that electrically connects an external power device. The base may include a control device that controls charging and discharging of the multiple power storage devices. The base may include a communication device that can communicate with an external information processing device.

[0006] In the above-mentioned base, the base or a remote device configured to be able to communicate with the base may include a computing device. In the above-mentioned base, the computing device may acquire a total amount of power, which is the sum of the amounts of power of the power storage devices placed on the base. In the above-mentioned base, the computing device may calculate the amount of input / output power of the base based on the total amount of power. In the above-mentioned base, the computing device may calculate the amount of input / output power of each of the multiple power storage devices based on the amount of input / output power. In the above-mentioned base, the computing device may set the amount of input / output power of the base to a predetermined value when it acquires that a power storage device placed on the base has been removed.

[0007] In the above-mentioned base, each of the plurality of power storage devices may have a control circuit or a computer that manages the number of times each device is charged and discharged. In the above-mentioned base, the arithmetic device may acquire the number of times each device is charged and discharged from the control circuit or the computer of each of the plurality of power storage devices. In the above-mentioned base, the arithmetic device may control the charging and discharging of each of the plurality of power storage devices so that a power storage device with a smaller number of times is charged and discharged prior to a power storage device with a larger number of times.

[0008] In the above-described base, each of the plurality of power storage devices may be a portable power storage device. At least one of the plurality of power storage devices may be a power storage device that has been used as a power source for a mobile object until its degree of deterioration exceeds a predetermined standard.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power storage device assembly. The power storage device assembly includes, for example, the base according to the first aspect. The power storage device assembly includes, for example, a plurality of power storage devices.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electricity storage device housing system. The electricity storage device housing system includes, for example, the base according to the first aspect. The electricity storage device housing system includes, for example, a housing that houses the base therein.

[0011] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power storage device management system, which includes an energy amount acquiring unit that acquires, from a base configured to be able to mount a plurality of power storage devices, via a communication network, (i) the amount of power of each of the plurality of power storage devices mounted on the base, or (ii) a total amount of power that is the sum of the amounts of power of the plurality of power storage devices.

[0012] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power storage device management method, which includes, for example, an energy amount acquiring step of acquiring, from a base configured to mount a plurality of power storage devices, (i) the energy amount of each of the plurality of power storage devices mounted on the base, or (ii) a total energy amount which is the sum of the energy amounts of the plurality of power storage devices.

[0013] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a program is provided. A computer-readable medium storing the program may be provided. The computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a computer-readable recording medium. The program may be a program for causing a computer to function as the power storage device management system according to the fourth aspect. The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute the power storage device management method according to the fifth aspect.

[0014] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration of a battery management system 100. [Figure 2] 2 shows an example of the internal structure of the pallet 42. [Figure 3] 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the connection circuit 220. [Figure 4] 10 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of a power wiring 230 used for parallel connection. [Figure 5] 10 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of a power wiring 230 used for series connection. [Figure 6] 10 shows an example of the internal configuration of the pallet connection terminal 232. [Figure 7] 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of a power converter 240 and an input / output terminal 242. [Figure 8] 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the controller 260. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B show an example of the internal structure of a pallet 942. [Figure 10] 10 shows an example of the internal structure of a pallet 1042. [Figure 11] 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of the management server 120. [Figure 12] 12 shows an example of the internal configuration of a power storage system 1200. [Figure 13] 3 shows an example of a system configuration of a computer 3000. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar parts, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0017] [Overview of Battery Management System 100] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the system configuration of a battery management system 100. In this embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 will be described using an example in which the battery management system 100 manages one or more (sometimes referred to as one or more) batteries 20. In this embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 will be described using an example in which the battery 20 is used as a power source for an electric motorcycle 30 and then reused as a power storage module for a stationary power storage system 40.

[0018] In this embodiment, the battery management system 100 includes, for example, one or more power storage systems 40. The battery management system 100 includes, for example, one or more battery stations 110. The battery management system 100 includes, for example, a management server 120.

[0019] In this embodiment, the power storage system 40 and the management server 120 can transmit and receive information to and from each other, for example, via the communication network 10. In addition, the battery station 110 and the management server 120 can transmit and receive information to and from each other, for example, via the communication network 10.

[0020] [Overview of each part of the battery management system 100] In this embodiment, the communication network 10 transmits information between the power storage system 40 and the management server 120. The communication network 10 also transmits information between the battery station 110 and the management server 120.

[0021] The communication network 10 may be a wired communication transmission path, a wireless communication transmission path, or a combination of a wireless communication transmission path and a wired communication transmission path. The communication network 10 includes, for example, at least one of a wireless packet communication network, the Internet, a P2P network, a dedicated line, a VPN, a power line communication line, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication line, and a road-to-vehicle communication line. The communication network 10 may include (i) a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone network, or (ii) a wireless communication network such as a wireless MAN (e.g., WiMAX (registered trademark)), a wireless LAN (e.g., WiFi (registered trademark)), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Zigbee (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0022] In this embodiment, the battery 20 stores electric energy. The battery 20 also provides the electric energy stored in the battery 20 to an external electric device. In this embodiment, the battery 20 is a portable power storage device that is detachably mounted on the electric motorcycle 30. The battery 20 mounted on the electric motorcycle 30 supplies electric power to the electric motorcycle 30.

[0023] In this embodiment, the battery 20 is repeatedly used among one or more electric motorcycles 30. For example, when the remaining capacity of the battery 20 mounted on a particular electric motorcycle 30 becomes low, the user of the electric motorcycle 30 drives the electric motorcycle 30 to the battery station 110 to exchange the battery 20. When the electric motorcycle 30 arrives at the battery station 110, the user removes the battery 20 from the electric motorcycle 30 and stores the removed battery 20 in the battery station 110 (this may be referred to as returning the battery 20). The user also removes another battery 20 stored in the battery station 110 in a fully charged state from the battery station 110 and installs the other battery 20 on the electric motorcycle 30 (this may be referred to as lending the battery 20).

[0024] Meanwhile, the battery 20 removed from the electric motorcycle 30 and stored in the battery station 110 is charged while stored in the battery station 110. Then, when charging of the battery 20 is completed, the battery 20 becomes the subject of rental processing again. For example, the battery 20 is removed from the battery station 110 by a user of another electric motorcycle 30 and loaded onto the other electric motorcycle 30.

[0025] As the battery 20 is repeatedly returned and rented, the battery 20 is also repeatedly charged and discharged. As a result, the battery 20 deteriorates. As the battery 20 deteriorates, the charge and discharge performance of the battery 20 no longer satisfies the specifications required for a power source for the electric motorcycle 30. Therefore, a battery 20 that has deteriorated to an advanced stage cannot be rented out. However, when the battery 20 is used as a power source for the electric motorcycle 30, a relatively high level of performance is required. Therefore, even a battery 20 that cannot be used as a power source for the electric motorcycle 30 may be repurposed for other uses. For example, even a battery 20 whose remaining capacity has decreased to a certain extent compared to a new battery and that cannot be used as a power source for the electric motorcycle 30 can still be used as part of multiple storage batteries that make up a stationary power storage facility.

[0026] In this embodiment, the electric motorcycle 30 operates by consuming power supplied from the battery 20. More specifically, the electric motorcycle 30 moves using power supplied from the battery 20. If the battery 20 has a storage device (not shown), the electric motorcycle 30 may store at least one of the movement history and operation history of the electric motorcycle 30 in the storage device.

[0027] The electric motorcycle 30 is configured so that the battery 20 can be attached and detached. This allows, for example, a user of the electric motorcycle 30 to replace the battery 20 by themselves. The electric motorcycle 30 may be configured so that a single battery 20 can be attached, or so that multiple batteries 20 can be attached.

[0028] In this embodiment, the power storage system 40 includes a plurality of batteries 20 and a pallet 42 configured to be able to mount the plurality of batteries 20. The power storage system 40 may include a plurality of pallets 42. In this embodiment, the power storage system 40 is constructed by reusing batteries 20 that have deteriorated to the point where they can no longer be used as a power source for the electric motorcycle 30.

[0029] Specifically, each of the multiple reusable batteries 20 is placed in a predetermined position on the pallet 42 and electrically connected to an electrical circuit arranged on the pallet 42. As a result, the multiple batteries 20 are electrically connected via the electrical circuit arranged on the pallet 42. The multiple batteries 20 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a grid configuration. Some of the multiple batteries 20 may be connected in series, and some of the multiple batteries 20 may be connected in parallel. The power storage system 40 may function as a single storage battery or as multiple storage batteries.

[0030] Note that "electrically connected" is not limited to a case where a specific element is directly connected to another element. A third element having electrical conductivity may be interposed between the specific element and the other element. Furthermore, "electrically connected" is not limited to a case where a specific element is physically connected to the other element. For example, the input winding and output winding of a transformer are not physically connected but are electrically connected.

[0031] The power storage system 40 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 20 to transmit and receive power to and from an external power device. For example, the power storage system 40 receives power from an external power device and charges the battery 20. The power storage system 40 also controls the discharging of the battery 20 to control the supply of power to the external power device. Examples of the external power device include a power grid 52, a load 54, a charging device 56, and a power generation device 58.

[0032] The power storage system 40 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 120. In one embodiment, the power storage system 40 transmits information regarding the states of the plurality of batteries 20 to the management server 120. In another embodiment, the power storage system 40 acquires information regarding control of charging and discharging of the batteries 20 from the management server 120. The power storage system 40 may control charging and discharging of the batteries 20 based on the information acquired from the management server 120.

[0033] In this embodiment, the pallet 42 is configured to be able to mount a plurality of batteries 20. Various electrical circuits are arranged inside the pallet 42. The plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the pallet 42 are electrically connected to an external power device via the electrical circuits. Details of the pallet 42 will be described later.

[0034] In this embodiment, the power grid 52 supplies power to the power storage system 40. The power grid 52 may receive power from the power storage system 40. In this embodiment, the load 54 operates using the power supplied from the power storage system 40. If the load 54 is capable of generating regenerative power, the load 54 may supply the regenerative power to the power storage system 40. In this embodiment, the charging device 56 supplies power to the battery 20 of the power storage system 40. In this embodiment, the power generation device 58 generates power and supplies the power to the power storage system 40. Examples of the power generation device 58 include a solar power generation device, a fuel cell, and a cogeneration system.

[0035] In this embodiment, the battery station 110 is configured to be able to store one or more batteries 20. The battery station 110 also charges each of the one or more batteries 20 stored in the battery station 110. The battery station 110 may receive power from the power storage system 40 or may supply power to the power storage system 40.

[0036] The battery station 110 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 120. In one embodiment, the battery station 110 transmits information regarding the status of the battery 20 stored in the battery station 110 to the management server 120. In another embodiment, the battery station 110 acquires information regarding control of charging and discharging of the battery 20 from the management server 120. The battery station 110 controls charging and discharging of the battery 20 based on the information acquired from the management server 120. In yet another embodiment, the battery station 110 acquires information regarding control of lending of the battery 20 from the management server 120. The battery station 110 controls lending of the battery 20 based on the information acquired from the management server 120.

[0037] The battery station 110 controls the lending of the battery 20. In one embodiment, the battery station 110 selects a battery 20 to be provided to a user from one or more batteries 20 stored in the battery station 110. As described above, the battery station 110 controls the lending of the battery 20 in accordance with instructions from the management server 120. In another embodiment, the battery station 110 suppresses the lending of a battery 20 that has become increasingly degraded. For example, the battery station 110 prohibits the lending of a battery 20 that the management server 120 has determined to be unsuitable for lending. This suppresses the distribution of batteries 20 that have become increasingly degraded. The degraded battery 20 can be collected from the battery station 110 and reused as part of the power storage system 40.

[0038] In this embodiment, the management server 120 manages one or more batteries 20. For example, the management server 120 manages the state of each of the one or more batteries 20. The management server 120 may also manage the charging and discharging of each of the one or more batteries 20.

[0039] In one embodiment, the management server 120 manages one or more batteries 20 that can be used as power sources for the electric motorcycles 30. For example, the management server 120 is configured to be able to communicate with each of one or more battery stations 110, and acquires, from each battery station, information indicating the status of one or more batteries 20 stored in that battery station. In this case, examples of the status of the battery 20 include rental status, operating status, charging status, storage status, and deterioration status.

[0040] Examples of the lending status include available for lending, unavailable for lending, and currently being lent. Examples of the operating status include charging, discharging, and standby. Examples of the charging status include SOC [%], remaining capacity [Ah], and power consumption [Wh]. Examples of the storage status include temperature and humidity.

[0041] The management server 120 manages at least one of the lending and returning of each of the one or more batteries 20. For example, the management server 120 controls the charging operation of each battery at each battery station according to the supply and demand situation of the one or more batteries 20. The management server 120 also manages, for example, the degradation state of each of the one or more batteries 20, and determines that a specific battery 20 is unavailable for lending when the degree of degradation of the specific battery 20 exceeds a predetermined standard. The management server 120 transmits information indicating that the battery 20 is unavailable for lending to the battery station 110 storing the battery 20 determined to be unavailable for lending. This prohibits lending of the battery 20. As a result, the distribution of batteries 20 with advanced degradation is suppressed. The batteries 20 with advanced degradation are collected from the battery station 110 and can be reused as part of the power storage system 40.

[0042] In another embodiment, the management server 120 manages the status of each of one or more batteries 20 used as part of the power storage system 40. For example, the management server 120 is configured to be able to communicate with each of the one or more power storage systems 40, and acquires, from each power storage system, information indicating the status of one or more batteries 20 installed in the power storage system. In this case, examples of the status of the battery 20 include the operating status, the charge status, the voltage, the current, the temperature, the amount of power input to each battery relative to a specific point in time, and the amount of power output from each battery relative to a specific point in time.

[0043] Examples of the operating state include charging, discharging, and standby. Examples of the charging state include SOC [%], remaining capacity [Ah], and power energy [Wh]. An example of the specific point in time is the point in time when the battery 20 is incorporated into the power storage system 40. More specifically, the specific point in time may be the point in time when the battery 20 is mounted on the pallet 42 and electrically connected to an electric circuit arranged inside the pallet 42.

[0044] In this embodiment, the management server 120 manages the state of each of one or more power storage systems 40. Examples of the state of the power storage system 40 include an operation state, a charge state, a voltage, a current, a temperature, an amount of power input to the power storage system 40 based on a specific point in time, and an amount of power output from the power storage system 40 based on a specific point in time. Examples of the operation state include charging, discharging, and standby. Examples of the charge state include SOC [%], remaining capacity [Ah], and amount of power [Wh]. The amount of power of the power storage system 40 is calculated as, for example, the sum of the amounts of power of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 (sometimes referred to as total amount of power). Examples of the specific point in time include a time when at least one battery 20 is incorporated into the power storage system 40, a time when at least one battery 20 is removed from the power storage system 40, and the like.

[0045] In this embodiment, the management server 120 manages the charging and discharging of each of the one or more power storage systems 40. The management server 120 controls, for example, at least one of (i) the start time of charging or discharging, (ii) the stop time of charging or discharging, and (iii) the amount of power charged or discharged for each of the one or more power storage systems 40. The management server 120 may control the operation of each of the one or more power storage systems 40 based on the state of charge of each of the one or more power storage systems 40.

[0046] [Specific Configuration of Each Part of Battery Management System 100] Each unit of the battery management system 100 may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. When at least some of the components of the battery management system 100 are realized by software, the components realized by software may be realized by running a program that defines the operations of the components in an information processing device with a general configuration.

[0047] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a memory, or a hard disk. The program may also be stored in a storage device connected to a network. The program may be installed in a computer constituting at least a part of the battery management system 100 from the computer-readable medium or the storage device connected to the network. Execution of the program may cause the computer to function as at least a part of each unit of the battery management system 100.

[0048] The program that causes a computer to function as each part of the battery management system 100 may include modules that define the operation of each part of the battery management system 100. These programs or modules act on a data processing device, an input device, an output device, a storage device, etc. to cause the computer to function as each part of the battery management system 100 or to execute an information processing method in each part of the battery management system 100.

[0049] When the program is loaded into a computer, the information processing described in the program functions as specific means in which software related to the program works in cooperation with various hardware resources of the battery management system 100. The specific means then realizes calculation or processing of information according to the intended use of the computer in this embodiment, thereby constructing the battery management system 100 according to the intended use.

[0050] The above program may be a program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of an information processing method in the power storage system 40 or the management server 120. The above information processing includes, for example, an energy amount acquisition step of acquiring, from a base configured to be able to mount multiple power storage devices, (i) the amount of power of each of the multiple power storage devices placed on the base, or (ii) a total amount of power that is the sum of the amounts of power of the multiple power storage devices.

[0051] The battery 20 may be an example of a power storage device or a portable power storage device. The power storage system 40 may be an example of a power storage device assembly. The pallet 42 may be an example of a base. The power system 52 may be an example of an external power device. The load 54 may be an example of an external power device. The charging device 56 may be an example of an external power device. The power generation device 58 may be an example of an external power device. The battery management system 100 may be an example of a power storage device management system. The battery station 110 may be an example of an external power device. The management server 120 may be an example of an external information processing device, a remote device, or a power storage device management system.

[0052] [An example of another embodiment] In this embodiment, the battery management system 100 has been described in detail using an example in which the battery 20 is provided by the battery management system 100 in a rental manner. However, the provision of the battery 20 is not limited to a rental manner as long as the battery 20 is dispensed from the battery station 110 to the user. In other embodiments, a third party other than the administrator of the battery management system 100 may be the owner of the battery 20.

[0053] In this embodiment, the battery management system 100 has been described in detail using as an example a case where the battery 20 is used as a power source for the electric motorcycle 30 and then reused as part of the power storage system 40. However, the use of the battery 20 before reuse is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the battery 20 may be used as a power source for various electrical devices before being reused as part of the power storage system 40. The type or structure of the electrical devices is not particularly limited as long as they are devices that consume power supplied from the battery 20 to operate.

[0054] Other examples of electrical equipment include mobile objects powered by electric motors and stationary power storage devices. Mobile objects include vehicles, ships, and aircraft. Vehicles include automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and stand-up vehicles with power units. Automobiles include electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, hybrid vehicles, small commuters, and electric carts. Motorcycles include motorbikes and three-wheeled bikes. Ships include ships, hovercrafts, jet skis, submarines, submersibles, and underwater scooters. Aircraft include airplanes, airships, balloons, helicopters, and drones.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the details of the power storage system 40 have been described using as an example a case where the batteries 20 installed in the power storage system 40 are reused products. However, the power storage system 40 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, at least some of the multiple batteries 20 installed in the power storage system 40 may be new. For example, at least one of the multiple batteries 20 may be a power storage device that has been used as a power source for a mobile body until its degree of deterioration exceeds a predetermined standard.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the details of the battery management system 100 have been described using as an example a case in which the management server 120 manages one or more batteries 20 and one or more battery stations 110. However, the battery management system 100 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, at least one of the one or more battery stations 110 may have at least some of the functions of the above-described management server 120. For example, at least one of the one or more battery stations 110 may manage one or more batteries 20 and other battery stations 110. In this case, the battery management system 100 may or may not include the management server 120.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the details of the battery 20 have been described using an example in which the battery 20 simply stores electrical energy. However, the battery 20 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the battery 20 may include (i) various sensors that acquire information indicating the state of the battery, and (ii) a control circuit or computer (not shown) that processes output data from the various sensors. Examples of the battery state include SOC, terminal voltage, output voltage, input current value, output current value, temperature, and charge / discharge history. Examples of the charge / discharge history include the number of times the battery has been charged and the number of times it has been discharged.

[0058] The control circuit or computer of the battery 20 may transmit and receive information to and from the control circuit or computer installed in the pallet 42, the battery station 110, and / or the management server 120. For example, the control circuit or computer of the battery 20 transmits information indicating the status of the battery 20 to the pallet 42 or the management server 120.

[0059] In one embodiment, the control circuit or computer of the battery 20 transmits information indicating the SOC or voltage of the battery 20 to the pallet 42 or the management server 120. The pallet 42 or the management server 120 determines, for example, the charge / discharge amount of the battery 20 based on the SOC or voltage of the battery 20. In another embodiment, the control circuit or computer of the battery 20 transmits information indicating the number of times the battery 20 has been charged / discharged to the pallet 42 or the management server 120. The pallet 42 or the management server 120 controls the power supply of each battery based on the number of times the battery 20 has been charged / discharged. For example, the pallet 42 or the management server 120 determines the battery 20 to be charged based on the number of times the battery 20 has been charged / discharged. Specifically, the pallet 42 or the management server 120 determines the battery 20 to be charged so that batteries 20 with fewer charge / discharge counts are charged / discharged preferentially over batteries 20 with more charge / discharge counts.

[0060] 2 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the pallet 42. In this embodiment, the pallet 42 includes a main body 202 and a plurality of slots 210. In this embodiment, the pallet 42 includes a plurality of connection circuits 220 corresponding to the plurality of slots 210, respectively, power wiring 230, a pallet connection terminal 232, a power converter 240, and an input / output terminal 242. In this embodiment, the pallet 42 includes instrumentation wiring 250, a controller 260, and an operation panel 262. In this embodiment, the pallet 42 includes a communication device 270.

[0061] In this embodiment, the main body 202 is equipped with a plurality of batteries 20. The shape of the main body 202 is not particularly limited, but the main body 202 has, for example, a plate-like or frame-like shape.

[0062] In this embodiment, the battery 20 is placed in the slot 210. The battery 20 may be placed so that the electrical terminals of the battery 20 face downward, or so that the electrical terminals of the battery 20 face sideways. In one embodiment, a single battery 20 is placed in a single slot 210. In another embodiment, multiple batteries 20 are placed in a single slot 210.

[0063] Slot 210 may be configured to be detachable from battery 20. This allows battery 20 to be easily replaced, for example, when battery 20 placed in slot 210 further deteriorates. In one embodiment, slot 210 is configured so that a portion of battery 20 is disposed inside main body 202. In another embodiment, slot 210 is configured so that the entire battery 20 is disposed inside main body 202. In yet another embodiment, slot 210 is configured so that the entire battery 20 is disposed outside main body 202.

[0064] In this embodiment, the connection circuit 220 electrically connects the battery 20 placed in the slot 210 to the power wiring 230. The connection circuit 220 is disposed, for example, on the surface of or inside the pallet 42. Details of the connection circuit 220 will be described later.

[0065] In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 electrically connects, for example, the battery 20 placed in the slot 210 to the pallet connection terminal 232. The power wiring 230 electrically connects, for example, the battery 20 placed in the slot 210 to the input / output terminal 242. In this embodiment, the battery 20 and the input / output terminal 242 can be electrically connected via the power converter 240. Furthermore, the power wiring 230 electrically connects, for example, the multiple batteries 20 placed in each of the multiple slots 210. The power wiring 230 is arranged on the surface and / or inside the pallet 42. Details of the power wiring 230 will be described later.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the first power storage system 40 and the second power storage system 40 are connected to each other, the pallet connection terminal 232 electrically connects the pallet 42 of the first power storage system 40 to the pallet 42 of the second power storage system 40. The pallet connection terminal 232 may be a contact-type terminal or a non-contact-type terminal.

[0067] More specifically, the pallet connection terminal 232 electrically connects the power wiring 230 of the pallet 42 of the first power storage system 40 to the power wiring 230 of the pallet 42 of the second power storage system 40. The pallet connection terminal 232 may electrically connect the instrumentation wiring 250 of the pallet 42 of the first power storage system 40 to the instrumentation wiring 250 of the pallet 42 of the second power storage system 40.

[0068] In this embodiment, the power converter 240 converts power. The power converter 240 includes, for example, at least one of an AC / DC converter, a DC / AC converter, and a DC / DC converter. The AC / DC converter, the DC / AC converter, and the DC / DC converter may be a bidirectional power converter or a unidirectional power converter.

[0069] In one embodiment, power converter 240 has an AC / DC converter and / or a DC / AC converter and converts AC to DC or DC to AC. In another embodiment, power converter 240 has a DC / DC converter and converts the voltage of power wiring 230 to the voltage of an external device of power storage system 40 or converts the voltage of an external device of power storage system 40 to the voltage of power wiring 230. Examples of the external device include power system 52, load 54, charging device 56, power generation device 58, etc.

[0070] In this embodiment, the input / output terminal 242 is electrically connected to at least one of the power grid 52, the load 54, the charging device 56, and the power generation device 58. The input / output terminal 242 may be a contact-type terminal or a non-contact-type terminal.

[0071] Examples of the input / output terminals 242 include a DC input terminal, a DC output terminal, an AC input terminal, and an AC output terminal. The DC input terminal is electrically connected to, for example, a charging device 56, a power generation device 58, etc., and receives DC power provided by these devices. The DC output terminal is electrically connected to, for example, a load 54, and supplies DC power to the load 54. The AC input terminal is electrically connected to, for example, the power grid 52, a power generation device 58, etc., and receives AC power provided by these devices. The AC output terminal is electrically connected to, for example, the load 54, and supplies AC power to the load 54.

[0072] In this embodiment, the instrumentation wiring 250 transmits various signals or information between the controller 260 and each part of the power storage system 40. The instrumentation wiring 250 may be a wired transmission path, a wireless transmission path, or a combination thereof.

[0073] In one embodiment, the instrumentation wiring 250 transmits information input to the operation panel 262 from the operation panel 262 to the controller 260. In another embodiment, the instrumentation wiring 250 transmits output signals of various sensors arranged at various locations in the power storage system 40 from the sensors to the controller 260. In still another embodiment, the instrumentation wiring 250 transmits opening / closing signals for controlling the opening / closing of switches arranged at various locations in the power storage system 40 from the controller 260 to the switches to be controlled. This makes it possible to control, for example, the charging and discharging of any battery 20 out of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40.

[0074] In this embodiment, the controller 260 acquires output signals from various sensors arranged at various locations in the power storage system 40. This allows the controller 260 to acquire, for example, information indicating the state of charge of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40. The controller 260 may estimate the state of charge of each of the multiple batteries 20 based on the outputs of the above sensors.

[0075] In this embodiment, the controller 260 acquires information input by a user to the operation panel 262. For example, the controller 260 acquires information related to operations of the power storage system 40 from the operation panel 262. Examples of operations of the power storage system 40 include (i) an operation to stop charging / discharging of a specific battery 20 among the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40, (ii) an operation to stop charging / discharging of all batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40, (iii) an operation to place a battery 20 in a specific slot 210 among the multiple slots 210 of the power storage system 40, and (iv) an operation to remove a specific battery 20 among the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40.

[0076] In this embodiment, the controller 260 controls the operation of each unit of the power storage system 40. Examples of the operation of the power storage system 40 include charging and discharging the battery 20, and attaching and detaching the battery 20.

[0077] In one embodiment, the controller 260 controls the charging and discharging of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40. For example, the controller 260 controls the opening and closing of switches disposed at various locations in the power storage system 40 to control the charging and discharging of any of the batteries 20.

[0078] The controller 260 determines the charge / discharge amount of the power storage system 40, for example, based on the state of charge of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 and / or the state of charge of the power storage system 40. The controller 260 may determine the charge / discharge amount of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40, for example, based on the state of charge of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 or the state of charge of the power storage system 40. As described above, examples of the state of charge include SOC [%], remaining capacity [Ah], and electric energy [Wh].

[0079] In another embodiment, the controller 260 controls the attachment and detachment of the battery 20. For example, when a user instructs an operation to place the battery 20 in a specific slot 210, the controller 260 controls the opening and closing of switches disposed at various locations in the power storage system 40 to electrically disconnect the battery 20 and the power wiring 230 before the battery 20 is placed in the slot 210. The controller 260 also controls the opening and closing of switches disposed at various locations in the power storage system 40 to electrically connect the battery 20 and the power wiring 230 after the battery 20 is placed in the slot 210 and the battery 20 and the connection circuit 220 are electrically connected. This allows the battery 20 to be safely attached to the pallet 42.

[0080] Similarly, for example, when a user issues an instruction to remove the battery 20 from a specific slot 210, the controller 260 controls the opening and closing of switches disposed in various locations in the power storage system 40 to electrically disconnect the battery 20 and the power wiring 230 before the battery 20 is removed from the slot 210. This allows the battery 20 to be safely removed from the pallet 42.

[0081] In this embodiment, the communicator 270 is configured to be able to communicate with the management server 120. This allows the controller 260 to send and receive information to and from the management server 120 via the communication network 10 using the communicator 270. According to one embodiment, the controller 260 sends information indicating output results of various sensors arranged at various locations in the power storage system 40 to the management server 120. In another embodiment, the controller 260 receives information or commands for controlling the operation of the power storage system 40 from the management server 120. For example, the controller 260 receives information or commands for controlling the charging and discharging of the power storage system 40 from the management server 120.

[0082] The slot 210 may be an example of a mounting portion. The connection circuit 220 may be an example of an electrical circuit arranged on a base. The power wiring 230 may be an example of an electrical circuit arranged on a base. The pallet connection terminal 232 may be an example of a second electrical terminal. The input / output terminal 242 may be an example of a third electrical terminal. The controller 260 may be an example of a control device or a computing device. The controller 260 may be an example of a control circuit or a computer mounted on the pallet 42 described in relation to FIG. 1 . The communicator 270 may be an example of a communication device.

[0083] [An example of another embodiment] In this embodiment, the details of the pallet 42 have been described by taking as an example a case where the pallet connection terminal 232 is disposed at one end of the power wiring 230. However, the pallet 42 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0084] In another embodiment, the power wiring 230 and the pallet connection terminal 232 are electrically connected via a power converter 240. This suppresses the occurrence of inrush current even when there is a relatively large difference between the terminal voltage at the pallet connection terminal 232 of the first power storage system 40 and the terminal voltage at the pallet connection terminal 232 of the second power storage system 40.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the details of the pallet 42 have been described using as an example a case where the controller 260 controls the opening and closing of switches arranged at various locations in the power storage system 40, and the user opens and closes specific switches by operating the operation panel 262. However, the pallet 42 is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0086] In another embodiment, a user directly operates a switch disposed on the pallet 42 to switch the ON / OFF state of the switch. For example, a switch is disposed near each slot for switching the electrical connection between the battery 20 placed in the slot and the power wiring 230. The user manually performs a mechanical operation to switch the ON / OFF state of the switch, thereby switching between a state in which the battery 20 and the power wiring 230 are electrically disconnected and a state in which the battery 20 and the power wiring 230 are electrically connected.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the details of the pallet 42 have been described using as an example a case in which the controller 260 determines the charge / discharge amount of the power storage system 40 and / or the charge / discharge amount of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 based on the charge state of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 and / or the charge state of the power storage system 40. However, the pallet 42 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0088] In another embodiment, the management server 120 determines the charge / discharge amount of the power storage system 40 and / or the charge / discharge amount of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 based on the charge state of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 and / or the charge / discharge amount of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40. The management server 120 transmits information indicating the charge / discharge amount of the power storage system 40 and / or the charge / discharge amount of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 to the power storage system 40. The controller 260 determines the charge / discharge amount of the power storage system 40 and / or the charge / discharge amount of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 based on the information acquired from the management server 120.

[0089] 3 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of the connection circuit 220. In this embodiment, the connection circuit 220 includes a battery connection terminal 312, a battery connection terminal 314, a positive terminal 322, a negative terminal 324, a wiring 332, and a wiring 334. In this embodiment, the connection circuit 220 includes a bypass wiring 336. In this embodiment, the connection circuit 220 includes a switch 344, a switch 346, a signal input terminal 354, and a signal input terminal 356. In this embodiment, the connection circuit 220 includes a connection / detachment detection sensor 360 and a signal output terminal 362. In this embodiment, the connection circuit 220 includes a voltage sensor 370 and a signal output terminal 372.

[0090] In this embodiment, the battery connection terminal 312 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 22 of the battery 20 when the battery 20 is placed in the slot 210. Similarly, the battery connection terminal 314 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 24 of the battery 20 when the battery 20 is placed in the slot 210.

[0091] In this embodiment, the positive electrode terminal 322 electrically connects the battery connection terminal 312 and the power wiring 230. Similarly, the negative electrode terminal 324 electrically connects the battery connection terminal 314 and the power wiring 230. The positive electrode terminal 322 may be a different member from the wiring 332, or may simply be a part of the wiring 332. The negative electrode terminal 324 may be a different member from the wiring 334, or may simply be a part of the wiring 334.

[0092] In this embodiment, one end of the wiring 332 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminal 312, and the other end is electrically connected to the positive terminal 322. Similarly, one end of the wiring 334 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminal 314, and the other end is electrically connected to the negative terminal 324. In this embodiment, one end of the bypass wiring 336 is electrically connected to the wiring 332, and the other end is electrically connected to the wiring 334. As a result, one end of the bypass wiring 336 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 322, and the other end of the bypass wiring 336 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 324.

[0093] In this embodiment, the switch 344 switches between a state in which the battery 20 and the power wiring 230 are electrically disconnected and a state in which the battery 20 and the power wiring 230 are electrically connected. Specifically, the switch 344 is disposed, for example, in a part of the wiring 334. In this way, the switch 344 switches between a state in which the battery connection terminal 314 and the power wiring 230 are electrically disconnected and a state in which the battery connection terminal 314 and the power wiring 230 are electrically connected.

[0094] The location of the switch 344 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the switch 344 may be disposed in a portion of the wiring 332. In this case, the switch 344 switches between a state in which the battery connection terminal 312 and the power wiring 230 are electrically disconnected and a state in which the battery connection terminal 312 and the power wiring 230 are electrically connected.

[0095] The switch 344 may be a mechanical switch that switches electrical connections by mechanical action, or may be a semiconductor switch. Examples of mechanical switches include a push button switch and a toggle switch. A semiconductor switch is sometimes called a switching element.

[0096] In this embodiment, the switch 346 is disposed in a part of the bypass wiring 336. The switch 346 switches between a state in which the bypass wiring 336 electrically connects the wiring 332 and the wiring 334 and a state in which the bypass wiring 336 does not electrically connect the wiring 332 and the wiring 334. When the bypass wiring 336 is ON, the positive electrode terminal 322 and the negative electrode terminal 324 are short-circuited.

[0097] Switch 346 may be a mechanical switch that switches electrical connections by mechanical action, or may be a semiconductor switch. Examples of mechanical switches include a push button switch and a toggle switch. A semiconductor switch is sometimes called a switching element.

[0098] In this embodiment, an open / close signal for controlling the open / close of switch 344 is input to signal input terminal 354. An open / close signal for controlling the open / close of switch 346 is input to signal input terminal 356. The open / close signal is transmitted from controller 260 via instrumentation wiring 250.

[0099] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment detection sensor 360 detects the attachment / detachment of the battery 20. The attachment / detachment detection sensor 360 may be a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. A signal indicating the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection sensor 360 is transmitted to the controller 260 via the signal output terminal 362 and the instrumentation wiring 250.

[0100] In this embodiment, the voltage sensor 370 measures the voltage across the terminals of the battery 20. A signal indicating the measurement result of the voltage sensor 370 is transmitted to the controller 260 via the signal output terminal 372 and the instrumentation wiring 250.

[0101] The positive terminal 22 may be an example of an electrical terminal of a power storage device. The negative terminal 24 may be an example of an electrical terminal of a power storage device. The battery connection terminal 312 may be an example of a first electrical terminal. The battery connection terminal 314 may be an example of a first electrical terminal. The switch 344 may be an example of an interrupter.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the details of the connection circuit 220 have been described using as an example a case where a switch 344 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of slots 210, and a single switch 344 switches the electrical connection relationship between the battery connection terminal 312 or the battery connection terminal 314 provided in a single slot 210 and the power wiring 230. However, the connection circuit 220 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, a single switch 344 may switch the electrical connection relationship between the battery connection terminal 312 or the battery connection terminal 314 provided in a plurality of slots 210 and the power wiring 230.

[0103] In this embodiment, the details of the connection circuit 220 have been described using the example in which the switch 344 is disposed inside the main body 202. However, the connection circuit 220 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the switch 344 may be disposed on the surface of the main body 202. As described above, for example, a corresponding switch 344 is disposed near each of the multiple slots 210.

[0104] In this embodiment, the connection circuit 220 has been described in detail using the case where the connection circuit 220 includes the voltage sensor 370 as an example. However, the sensors arranged in the connection circuit 220 are not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the connection circuit 220 includes a current sensor for measuring the magnitude of the input current and / or output current of the battery 20. In still other embodiments, the connection circuit 220 may include a temperature sensor.

[0105] 4 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal configuration of a power wiring 230 (sometimes referred to as a power wiring 230 for parallel connection) used when a plurality of batteries 20 are connected in parallel. The power wiring 230 is electrically connected to a plurality of batteries 20 via a plurality of connection circuits 220. Note that, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of a power wiring 230 for parallel connection will be described, taking as an example a case where the power wiring 230 is electrically connected to n connection circuits 220 (n is a positive integer).

[0106] In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a wiring 412 and a wiring 414. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a plurality of connection terminals 420 corresponding to the plurality of connection circuits 220, respectively. Each of the plurality of connection terminals 420 has a positive terminal 422 and a negative terminal 424. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes terminals 432, 434, 436, and 438 that constitute at least a portion of the pallet connection terminal 232. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a connection terminal 440. The connection terminal 440 has a positive terminal 442 and a negative terminal 444. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes wiring 452, wiring 454, wiring 456, and wiring 458. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a switch 460.

[0107] In this embodiment, the wiring 412 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminals 312 of the plurality of connection circuits 220. This allows the wiring 412 to be electrically connected to the positive terminals 22 of the plurality of batteries 20.

[0108] More specifically, the wiring 412 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery connection terminals 312 via positive terminals 422 provided on the power wiring 230 corresponding to the positive terminals 322 of each of the plurality of connection circuits 220. Each of the plurality of positive terminals 422 is electrically connected to the wiring 412 via a corresponding wiring 452. Note that the positive terminal 422 may be a member different from the wiring 452, or may simply be a part of the wiring 452. When the positive terminal 422 is part of the wiring 452, the wiring 332 and the wiring 452 may be different regions of a single wiring.

[0109] In this embodiment, the wiring 414 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminals 314 of the plurality of connection circuits 220. This allows the wiring 414 to be electrically connected to the negative terminals 24 of the plurality of batteries 20.

[0110] More specifically, the wiring 414 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of battery connection terminals 314 via negative terminals 424 provided on the power wiring 230 corresponding to the respective negative terminals 324 of the plurality of connection circuits 220. Each of the plurality of negative terminals 424 is electrically connected to the wiring 414 via a corresponding wiring 454. Note that the negative terminal 424 may be a member different from the wiring 454, or may simply be a part of the wiring 454. When the negative terminal 424 is part of the wiring 454, the wiring 334 and the wiring 454 may each be different regions of a single wiring.

[0111] In this embodiment, one end of the wire 412 is electrically connected to a terminal 432 that constitutes a part of the pallet connecting terminal 232. The other end of the wire 412 is electrically connected to a terminal 436 that constitutes a part of the pallet connecting terminal 232. Similarly, one end of the wire 414 is electrically connected to a terminal 434 that constitutes a part of the pallet connecting terminal 232. The other end of the wire 412 is electrically connected to a terminal 438 that constitutes a part of the pallet connecting terminal 232.

[0112] In one embodiment, terminals 432 and 434 are arranged on the same side of the main body 202 of the pallet 42. Terminals 436 and 438 are arranged on the same side of the main body 202 of the pallet 42. Terminals 432 and 434, and terminals 436 and 438 are arranged on different sides of the main body 202 of the pallet 42. This allows three or more pallets 42 to be connected together.

[0113] In another embodiment, terminals 432 and 434 are arranged on one end side of the upper or lower surface of main body 202 of pallet 42. Terminals 436 and 438 are arranged on the other end side of the upper or lower surface of main body 202 of pallet 42. This allows three or more pallets 42 to be connected together.

[0114] In this embodiment, the wiring 412 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power converter 240 via the positive terminal 442 and the wiring 456. Similarly, the wiring 414 is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power converter 240 via the negative terminal 444 and the wiring 458. As described above, the power converter 240 is electrically connected to the input / output terminal 242 of the power storage system 40. This allows the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 to supply power to a power device external to the power storage system 40. Similarly, the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 can receive power from a power device external to the power storage system 40.

[0115] In this embodiment, the switch 460 is disposed in a portion of the wiring 412. The location of the switch 460 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the switch 460 may be disposed in a portion of the wiring 414.

[0116] The switch 460 simultaneously switches the electrical connection relationship between the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 and the power wiring 230. As a result, for example, when the switch 460 is turned OFF, all of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 are electrically disconnected from the input / output terminal 242. Similarly, for example, when the switch 460 is turned ON, all of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 can be electrically connected to the input / output terminal 242.

[0117] Switch 460 may be a mechanical switch that switches electrical connections by mechanical operation, or may be a semiconductor switch. Examples of mechanical switches include a push button switch and a toggle switch. A semiconductor switch may also be referred to as a switching element. In one embodiment, switch 460 operates in accordance with an open / close signal sent by controller 260. In another embodiment, switch 460 is directly operated by a user.

[0118] Terminal 432 may be an example of a second electrical terminal. Terminal 434 may be an example of a second electrical terminal. Terminal 436 may be an example of a second electrical terminal. Terminal 438 may be an example of a second electrical terminal. Switch 460 may be an example of an interrupter.

[0119] Note that in this embodiment, the details of the power wiring 230 have been described using as an example a case where the various sensors are arranged in the connection circuit 220 and the various sensors are not arranged in the power converter 240. However, the power wiring 230 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to the various sensors arranged in the connection circuit 220, the power wiring 230 has at least one of (i) a voltage sensor for measuring the terminal-to-terminal voltage of the connection terminal 440, (ii) a current sensor for measuring the magnitude of the current flowing through the connection terminal 440, (iii) a voltage sensor for measuring the terminal-to-terminal voltage of the pallet connection terminal 232, and (iv) a current sensor for measuring the magnitude of the current flowing through the pallet connection terminal 232.

[0120] FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of a power wiring 230 (sometimes referred to as a power wiring 230 for series connection) used when a plurality of batteries 20 are connected in series. The power wiring 230 is electrically connected to a plurality of batteries 20 via a plurality of connection circuits 220. Note that FIG. 5 will be used to explain an example of a power wiring 230 for series connection, taking as an example a case where the power wiring 230 is electrically connected to n (n is a positive integer) connection circuits 220. Furthermore, in FIG. 5, components having similar characteristics to the components shown in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4.

[0121] In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a wiring 512, a plurality of wirings 514, a wiring 516, and a wiring 518. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a connection jig 520. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a plurality of connection terminals 420 corresponding to the plurality of connection circuits 220, respectively. Each of the plurality of connection terminals 420 has a positive terminal 422 and a negative terminal 424. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a terminal 432, a terminal 434, a terminal 436, and a terminal 438 that constitute at least a portion of the pallet connection terminal 232. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a connection terminal 440. The connection terminal 440 has a positive terminal 442 and a negative terminal 444. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a wiring 456 and a wiring 458. In this embodiment, the power wiring 230 includes a switch 460.

[0122] In this embodiment, one end of the wiring 512 is electrically connected to the terminal 432 and the positive terminal 442. The other end of the wiring 512 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminal 312 corresponding to the slot 210 in which the battery 20 arranged most positive among the plurality of batteries 20 connected in series is placed. The other end of the wiring 512 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminal 312 via the positive terminal 422, for example.

[0123] In this embodiment, the wiring 514 electrically connects the negative electrode terminal 24 of one of two adjacent batteries 20 among the plurality of batteries 20 connected in series to the positive electrode terminal 22 of the other of the two adjacent batteries 20. More specifically, one end of each of the plurality of wirings 514 is electrically connected via the negative electrode terminal 424 to the negative electrode terminal 324 of the connection circuit 220 corresponding to the i-th battery 20. The other end is electrically connected via the negative electrode terminal 424 to the positive electrode terminal 322 of the connection circuit 220 corresponding to the (i+1)-th battery 20. Here, i is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0124] In this embodiment, one end of the wiring 516 is electrically connected to the battery connection terminal 314 corresponding to the slot 210 in which the battery 20 arranged most negative among the plurality of batteries 20 connected in series is placed. The other end of the wiring 516 is electrically connected to the terminal 436.

[0125] In this embodiment, one end of the wire 518 is electrically connected to the terminal 434 and the negative terminal 444. The other end of the wire 518 is electrically connected to the terminal 438. In this embodiment, the terminal 436 and the terminal 438 are electrically connected by a connecting jig 520.

[0126] In this embodiment, the switch 460 is disposed in a portion of the wiring 512. Note that the location of the switch 460 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the switch 460 may be disposed in a portion of the wiring 514, the wiring 516, the wiring 518, or the connecting jig 520.

[0127] 6 schematically shows an example of the internal configuration of the pallet connection terminal 232. In this embodiment, the pallet connection terminal 232 includes a pair of terminals 432 and 434 used to connect the power wiring 230, and a terminal 620 used to connect the instrumentation wiring 250. In this embodiment, the terminals 432 and 434 may be contact-type terminals or non-contact-type terminals. Similarly, the terminal 620 may be a contact-type terminal or non-contact-type terminal.

[0128] As described above, a plurality of pallet connection terminals 232 may be arranged on the pallet 42. In this case, for example, one of the plurality of pallet connection terminals 232 includes terminals 432 and 434 and the instrumentation wiring 250. Meanwhile, the other pallet connection terminal 232 includes, for example, a pair of terminals 436 and 438 used to connect the power wiring 230, and a terminal 620 used to connect the instrumentation wiring 250.

[0129] 7 shows an example of the internal configuration of the power converter 240 and the input / output terminal 242. In this embodiment, the power converter 240 includes a bidirectional DC / DC converter 712 and a bidirectional inverter 714. The input / output terminal 242 includes a DC input terminal 722, a DC output terminal 724, and an AC input / output terminal 742.

[0130] In this embodiment, one input / output of the DC / DC converter 712 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 442 and the negative terminal 444 of the power wiring 230. The other input / output of the DC / DC converter 712 is electrically connected to the DC input terminal 722 and the DC output terminal 724.

[0131] In this embodiment, one input / output of the inverter 714 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 442 and the negative terminal 444 of the power wiring 230. The other input / output of the inverter 714 is electrically connected to an AC input / output terminal 742.

[0132] In this embodiment, DC power from an external power device is input to the DC input terminal 722. The DC input terminal 722 is electrically connected to the charging device 56 and / or the power generation device 58, for example.

[0133] In this embodiment, the DC output terminal 724 outputs DC power to an external power device. The DC output terminal 724 is electrically connected to the load 54, for example.

[0134] In this embodiment, AC power from an external power device is input to the AC input / output terminal 742. The AC input / output terminal 742 also outputs AC power to the external power device. The AC input / output terminal 742 is electrically connected to the power grid 52, for example.

[0135] The DC input terminal 722 may be an example of a third electrical terminal. The DC output terminal 724 may be an example of a third electrical terminal. The AC input / output terminal 742 may be an example of a third electrical terminal.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the details of the power converter 240 have been described using as an example a case in which the power converter 240 includes a bidirectional DC / DC converter 712 and a bidirectional inverter 714. However, the power converter 240 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the power converter 240 may not include one of the DC / DC converter 712 and the inverter 714. In still other embodiments, the power converter 240 may include a unidirectional DC / DC converter instead of the DC / DC converter 712, and may include a unidirectional inverter instead of the inverter 714.

[0137] 8 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of controller 260. In this embodiment, controller 260 includes a communication control unit 822, a data collection unit 824, a data storage unit 826, an intermittent control unit 832, a charge / discharge control unit 834, and a power conversion control unit 836.

[0138] In this embodiment, the communication control unit 822 controls, for example, communication between the controller 260 and each unit of the power storage system 40. The communication control unit 822 may control transmission of signals transmitted and received via the instrumentation wiring 250. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication control unit 822 controls communication between the controller 260 and the management server 120. The communication control unit 822 may be a communication interface that supports a plurality of communication methods.

[0139] In this embodiment, the data collection unit 824 collects output data from various sensors disposed in various parts of the pallet 42. The data collection unit 824 stores the collected data in the data storage unit 826.

[0140] For example, the data collection unit 824 acquires output data indicating the magnitude of the terminal voltage of the battery 20 placed in each slot from the voltage sensor 370 of the connection circuit 220 corresponding to each of the multiple slots 210. The data collection unit 824 associates the identification information of each of the multiple slots 210 and / or the identification information of the battery 20 placed in each slot with information indicating the magnitude of the terminal voltage of the battery 20, and stores the associated information in the data storage unit 826.

[0141] In this embodiment, the data storage unit 826 stores various types of data. For example, the data storage unit 826 stores data collected by the data collection unit 824. Furthermore, in response to a request from each unit of the controller 260 or the management server 120, the data storage unit 826 extracts data that matches the conditions specified by the request, and transmits the extracted data to each unit of the controller 260 or the management server 120.

[0142] In this embodiment, the on / off control unit 832 controls the operation of the switches arranged at various locations on the pallet 42. In one embodiment, the on / off control unit 832 controls the operation of the switches arranged at various locations on the pallet 42 based on instructions from the charge / discharge control unit 834. In another embodiment, the on / off control unit 832 controls the operation of the switches arranged at various locations on the pallet 42 based on instructions from the user input to the operation panel 262. In yet another embodiment, the on / off control unit 832 controls the operation of the switches arranged at various locations on the pallet 42 based on instructions from the management server 120.

[0143] In this embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 controls the charge / discharge of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40. For example, the charge / discharge control unit 834 controls the charge / discharge of at least one of the batteries 20 by instructing the on / off control unit 832 to control the opening and closing of a specific switch.

[0144] In one embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 determines the charge / discharge amount of the entire power storage system 40 based on the charge state of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 and / or the charge state of the power storage system 40. In another embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 determines the charge / discharge amount of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 based on, for example, the charge state of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 or the charge state of the power storage system 40.

[0145] Next, for the purpose of simplifying the explanation, a specific example of the process of determining the charge / discharge amount in the charge / discharge control unit 834 will be explained using the case where the charge state is the amount of power [Wh] as an example. Note that, as described above, the charge state is not limited to the amount of power, and may be the SOC [%] or the remaining capacity [Ah].

[0146] According to this embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 first acquires the total amount of power, which is the sum of the amounts of power of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40. For example, the charge / discharge control unit 834 accesses the data storage unit 826 to acquire information indicating the amount of power of each of the multiple batteries 20. The information indicating the amount of power of the battery 20 may be information indicating the terminal voltage of the battery 20. The terminal voltage may be the terminal voltage in an open circuit state. The charge / discharge control unit 834 acquires the current total amount of power of the power storage system 40 by calculating the sum of the amounts of power of each of the multiple batteries 20.

[0147] Next, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the input power amount or output power amount (sometimes referred to as input / output power amount) of the power storage system 40 based on the current total power amount of the power storage system 40. The input power amount may be referred to as the charge amount. The output power amount may be referred to as the discharge amount.

[0148] In one embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the amount of input power to the power storage system 40 based on the current total amount of power in the power storage system 40 and the power supply and demand situation or supply and demand forecast in the area where the power storage system 40 is installed. For example, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the amount of power that can be stored in each of one or more power storage systems 40 based on the current total amount of power in each power storage system and the maximum value or rated value of the amount of power that can be stored in each power storage system. For example, if the current demand for power in the above area is relatively low and the amount of power that can be stored in a specific power storage system 40 is relatively large, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the amount of input power to the specific power storage system 40 based on the power demand forecast in the above area.

[0149] In another embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the output power amount of the power storage system 40 based on the current total power amount of the power storage system 40 and the power supply and demand situation or supply and demand forecast in the area where the power storage system 40 is installed. For example, there is a certain correlation between the remaining capacity of the battery 20 and the rate of deterioration. Therefore, for example, the charge / discharge control unit 834 adjusts the output of the power storage system 40 so that the remaining capacity value of the battery 20 installed in the power storage system 40 falls within a predetermined numerical range, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the battery 20. In this case, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the output power amount of each of the one or more power storage systems 40 so as to shorten the period during which the remaining capacity of the battery 20 installed in the power storage system 40 is equal to or lower than the lower limit of the numerical range.

[0150] Next, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the amount of input / output power of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 based on the amount of input / output power of the power storage system 40. In one embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the amount of input power of each battery based on the amount of input power of the power storage system 40 and the remaining capacity of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40. In another embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 calculates the amount of output power of each battery based on the amount of output power of the power storage system 40 and the remaining capacity of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40.

[0151] Thereafter, the charge / discharge control unit 834 controls the opening and closing of switches disposed at various locations in the power storage system 40 based on the calculation results of the input / output power amounts of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40. In this way, the charge / discharge of the power storage system 40 or each battery is controlled.

[0152] When the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected, the charge / discharge control unit 834 may set the input / output power amount of the power storage system 40 to a predetermined value. For example, when the occurrence of a predetermined event is detected, the charge / discharge control unit 834 sets the input / output power amount of the power storage system 40 to zero. Examples of the predetermined event include (i) at least one battery 20 being removed from the power storage system 40 (sometimes referred to as "detaching the battery 20"), and (ii) an instruction to perform an operation to electrically disconnect at least one battery 20 from the power wiring 230. In this case, the charge / discharge control unit 834 controls the opening and closing of switches disposed in various locations in the power storage system 40 to electrically disconnect the input / output terminal 242 from the power wiring 230. As a result, the input / output power amount of the power storage system 40 becomes zero.

[0153] In this embodiment, the power conversion control unit 836 controls the operation of the power converter 240. In one embodiment, the power conversion control unit 836 controls the operation of the power converter 240 based on instructions from a user input to the operation panel 262. In another embodiment, the power conversion control unit 836 controls the operation of the power converter 240 based on instructions from the management server 120.

[0154] The data collection unit 824 may be an example of a computing device. The charge / discharge control unit 834 may be an example of a control device or a computing device.

[0155] In the present embodiment, the details of the charge / discharge control unit 834 have been described by taking as an example a case where the charge / discharge control unit 834 determines the charge / discharge amount of the entire power storage system 40 or the charge / discharge amount of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 based on the charge states of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 and / or the charge state of the power storage system 40. However, the charge / discharge control unit 834 is not limited to the present embodiment. In other embodiments, the charge / discharge control unit 834 determines the above charge / discharge amount based on instructions from the user input to the operation panel 262. In still another embodiment, the charge / discharge control unit 834 determines the above charge / discharge amount based on instructions from the management server 120.

[0156] 9 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of a pallet 942. The pallet 942 is used, for example, coupled to the pallet 42. In this embodiment, the pallet 942 includes a main body 202, a plurality of slots 210, a plurality of connection circuits 220 corresponding to each of the slots 210, power wiring 230, a pallet connection terminal 232, and instrumentation wiring 250. The pallet 942 may have a similar configuration to the pallet 42, except that it does not include the power converter 240, the input / output terminal 242, the controller 260, the operation panel 262, or the communication device 270.

[0157] As described above, a plurality of pallets may be connected to form a single power storage system 40. In this case, according to one embodiment, a pallet 42 is used as all of the pallets that form the single power storage system 40. As described above, the pallet 42 includes the power converter 240, the input / output terminal 242, the controller 260, the operation panel 262, the communication device 270, and the like, and is therefore able to control the operation of the power storage system 40, receive instructions from the user or the management server 120, and exchange power with an external power device.

[0158] However, depending on the application of the power storage system 40, it is not required that all pallets constituting the power storage system have the same functions as the pallet 42. In such cases, the configuration of the power storage system 40 can be simplified by using a pallet that omits some of the functions of the pallet 42. As a result, the power storage system 40 can be made smaller and lighter. A pallet that has the function of controlling the operation of the power storage system 40 and / or the function of communicating with the management server 120 may be referred to as a master pallet. Furthermore, a pallet controlled by a master pallet or a pallet that omits some of the functions of the master pallet may be referred to as a slave pallet.

[0159] The pallet 942 may be an example of a base.

[0160] In the present embodiment, the details of the pallet 942 have been described using as an example a case in which the pallet 942 does not include the power converter 240, the input / output terminal 242, the controller 260, the operation panel 262, and the communicator 270. However, the pallet 942 is not limited to this embodiment. In other embodiments, the pallet 942 may have a similar configuration to the pallet 42, except that the pallet 942 does not include at least one of the power converter 240, the input / output terminal 242, the controller 260, the operation panel 262, and the communicator 270.

[0161] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the internal structure of a palette 1042. Another example of a master palette will be described using the palette 1042 shown in Figure 10.

[0162] In the pallet 1042, the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the pallet 1042 are classified into a plurality of groups. Each group includes one or more batteries 20. In a group including two or more batteries 20, the two or more batteries 20 are electrically connected to each other. The connection method of the two or more batteries 20 may be series connection, parallel connection, or a combination of series connection and parallel connection.

[0163] According to this embodiment, the connection method of the batteries 20 can be changed for each group, which allows a single pallet to be used as multiple pallets.

[0164] In this embodiment, the pallet 1042 includes the main body 202, a plurality of blocks 1020, block connection wiring 1040, and a pallet connection terminal 232. Note that, for the purpose of simplifying the explanation, the instrumentation wiring 250, the controller 260, the operation panel 262, and the communication device 270 are not shown in Fig. 10, but in this embodiment, the pallet 1042 includes the instrumentation wiring 250, the controller 260, the operation panel 262, and the communication device 270.

[0165] In this embodiment, each of the multiple blocks 1020 includes one or more slots 210, a connection circuit 220 corresponding to each of the one or more slots 210, power wiring 230, a power converter 240, and an input / output terminal 242. In this embodiment, the input / output terminal 242 is provided on each of the multiple blocks 1020. This allows a single pallet to be used like multiple pallets.

[0166] As described above, the connection circuit 220 and power wiring 230 arranged in each block have one or more switches. Each of the one or more switches operates according to instructions from the controller 260 arranged in the pallet 1042 or the controller 260 of another pallet 42 connected to the pallet 1042.

[0167] In this embodiment, the block connection wiring 1040 electrically connects the multiple blocks 1020. The block connection wiring 1040 may connect at least two blocks 1020 in series, or may connect at least two blocks 1020 in parallel. The block connection wiring 1040 electrically connects the power wiring 230 of the first block 1020 to the power wiring 230 of the second block 1020, thereby electrically connecting the first block 1020 and the second block 1020.

[0168] The block connection wiring 1040 includes, for example, a plurality of switches (not shown) that switch the electrical connection state between each of the plurality of blocks 1020 and the palette connection terminal 232. Each of the plurality of switches operates according to instructions from the controller 260 disposed in the palette 1042 or the controller 260 of another palette 42 connected to the palette 1042.

[0169] The pallet 1042 may be an example of a base.

[0170] 11 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of the management server 120. In this embodiment, the management server 120 includes a station management unit 1110, a battery management unit 1120, and a data storage unit 1130. In this embodiment, the battery management unit 1120 includes a data collection unit 1122 and a command unit 1124. In this embodiment, the data storage unit 1130 includes a station information storage unit 1132 and a battery information storage unit 1134.

[0171] In this embodiment, the station management unit 1110 manages each of the one or more battery stations 110. For example, the station management unit 1110 collects various types of information related to each of the one or more battery stations 110. The station management unit 1110 stores the various types of information related to the one or more battery stations 110 in the station information storage unit 1132.

[0172] For example, the station management unit 1110 controls the operation of each of the one or more battery stations 110. Examples of the operation include charging the battery 20, lending the battery 20, and accepting the return of the battery 20.

[0173] In this embodiment, the battery management unit 1120 manages each of the one or more batteries 20. In one embodiment, the battery management unit 1120 manages at least one of the one or more batteries 20 stored in one or more battery stations 110 and the one or more batteries 20 mounted on one or more electric motorcycles 30. In another embodiment, the battery management unit 1120 manages the one or more batteries 20 mounted on one or more power storage systems 40.

[0174] In this embodiment, the data collection unit 1122 collects various types of information related to one or more batteries 20. The data collection unit 1122 stores the various types of information related to one or more batteries 20 in the battery information storage unit 1134.

[0175] For example, the data collection unit 1122 collects, at predetermined or arbitrary timing, information indicating the rental status, operation status, charge status, storage status, degradation status, etc. of each of the one or more batteries 20. For example, the data collection unit 1122 collects, at predetermined or arbitrary timing, information indicating at least one of the terminal voltage, input / output current, and temperature of each of the one or more batteries 20, the amount of power input to each battery relative to a specific point in time, and the amount of power output from each battery relative to a specific point in time.

[0176] In one embodiment, the data collector 1122 acquires information regarding each of the one or more batteries 20 stored in each battery station from each of the one or more battery stations 110 via the communication network 10. In another embodiment, the data collector 1122 acquires information regarding each of the one or more batteries 20 installed in each of the one or more power storage systems 40 via the communication network 10.

[0177] According to this embodiment, the management server 120 can manage not only the usage history after reuse but also the usage history before reuse for each of one or more batteries 20 reused as part of the power storage system 40. This allows the management server 120 to accurately predict the progress of deterioration of the battery 20 used as part of the power storage system 40, for example.

[0178] In this embodiment, the command unit 1124 controls the operation of one or more power storage systems 40. For example, the command unit 1124 transmits, to at least one power storage system 40, a command (sometimes referred to as a command) for controlling the operation of the power storage system.

[0179] As described above, in one embodiment, the controller 260 of the power storage system 40 controls the charging and discharging of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 without using information from the management server 120. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the controller 260 controls the charging and discharging of the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 based on instructions from the management server 120. The command unit 1124 transmits the above command to the power storage system 40 operating in an operation mode in which the charging and discharging of the batteries 20 is controlled based on instructions from the management server 120.

[0180] In one embodiment, the command unit 1124 determines the charge / discharge amount of the entire power storage system 40 based on the charge states of each of the multiple batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 to be controlled and / or the charge state of the power storage system 40. The command unit 1124, for example, refers to the battery information storage unit 1134 to acquire information indicating the charge states of the batteries 20 or the charge state of the power storage system 40. The command unit 1124 determines the charge / discharge amount of the entire power storage system 40, for example, by a procedure similar to the procedure for determining the charge / discharge amount in the charge / discharge control unit 834 described in relation to FIG. 8.

[0181] The command unit 1124 transmits a command including information indicating the charge / discharge amount of the entire power storage system 40 to the power storage system 40. The command unit 1124 may transmit a command including information indicating the time or period when charging / discharging is performed and information indicating the charge / discharge amount of the entire power storage system 40 to the power storage system 40.

[0182] In another embodiment, the command unit 1124 determines the charge / discharge amount of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 to be controlled, based on the charge state of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40 or the charge state of the power storage system 40. The command unit 1124, for example, refers to the battery information storage unit 1134 to acquire information indicating the charge state of the battery 20 or the charge state of the power storage system 40. The command unit 1124 determines the charge / discharge amount of each of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted on the power storage system 40, for example, by a procedure similar to the procedure for determining the charge / discharge amount in the charge / discharge control unit 834 described in relation to FIG. 8 .

[0183] The command unit 1124 transmits a command including information indicating the charge / discharge amounts of the plurality of batteries 20 mounted in the power storage system 40 to be controlled to the power storage system 40. The command unit 1124 may transmit a command including information indicating the time or period when charging / discharging is performed and information indicating the charge / discharge amount of each battery to the power storage system 40.

[0184] In this embodiment, the data storage unit 1130 stores various types of information. In this embodiment, the station information storage unit 1132 stores various types of information related to each of the one or more battery stations 110. In this embodiment, the battery information storage unit 1134 stores various types of information related to each of the one or more batteries 20.

[0185] For example, the battery information storage unit 1134 stores (i) identification information of each battery and (ii) information indicating at least one of the usage state, operation state, charge state, storage state, and degradation state of each battery, in association with each other, for each of one or more batteries 20. Examples of the usage state of a battery include a state where the battery is mounted on the electric motorcycle 30, a state where the battery is stored in the battery station 110 as a rentable battery, a state where the battery is stored in the battery station 110 as a non-rentable battery, a state where the battery is mounted in the power storage system 40, and the like.

[0186] The battery management unit 1120 may be an example of an external information processing device, a remote device, or a power storage device management system. The battery management unit 1120 may be an example of a control circuit or a computer mounted on the management server 120 described in relation to FIG. 1. The data collection unit 1122 may be an example of an energy acquisition unit. The command unit 1124 may be an example of a calculation device.

[0187] 12 schematically illustrates an example of the internal configuration of a power storage system 1200. The power storage system 1200 may be an example of a power storage system constructed using a plurality of power storage systems 40. In this embodiment, the power storage system 1200 is a container-type stationary power source, and, for example, a maintenance and inspection personnel or an operation personnel (sometimes simply referred to as a worker) of the power storage system 1200 can enter the inside of a container housing 1220 and perform maintenance work on the plurality of power storage systems 40.

[0188] In this embodiment, the power storage system 1200 includes a container housing 1220, a distribution board 1232, and a distribution board 1234. In this embodiment, the power storage system 1200 includes a stand 1240 disposed inside the container housing 1220, and a plurality of power storage systems 40 housed in the stand 1240. In this embodiment, a maintenance space 1242 used for maintenance work on the power storage systems 40, etc. is provided inside the container housing 1220.

[0189] In this embodiment, the power storage system 40 includes a pallet 42 and a pallet 942. In this embodiment, the pallet 42 and the pallet 942 are connected to each other, and each of the pallet 42 and the pallet 942 is equipped with a plurality of batteries 20. In this embodiment, the pallet 42 functions as a master pallet, and the pallet 942 functions as a slave pallet.

[0190] In this embodiment, the pallet 42 and the pallet 942 each have a rectangular plate-shaped main body 202. An operation panel 262 is arranged on the side of the main body 202 of the pallet 42 facing the maintenance space 1242. Meanwhile, a pallet connection terminal 232 is arranged on the side opposite to the side on which the operation panel 262 is arranged. As described above, the power wiring 230 and the instrumentation wiring 250 of the pallet 42 are connected to the power wiring 230 and the instrumentation wiring 250 of the pallet 942 via the pallet connection terminals 232 of the pallet 42 and the pallet connection terminals 232 of the pallet 942. This allows the controller 260 arranged on the pallet 42 to manage both the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the pallet 42 and the multiple batteries 20 mounted on the pallet 942.

[0191] In this embodiment, the container housing 1220 accommodates therein a plurality of power storage systems 40 and a rack 1240. There are no particular limitations on the size and shape of the container housing 1220, but it is preferable that a space be provided inside the container housing 1220 for workers to perform maintenance work on the power storage systems 40. Note that, in cases where workers can access the power storage systems 40 from outside the container housing 1220, it is not necessary to provide a space inside the container housing 1220 for accommodating workers.

[0192] In this embodiment, the distribution board 1232 receives power from, for example, the power grid 52, the charging device 56, or the power generation device 58, and adjusts the voltage of the power to an appropriate value. The distribution board 1232 supplies the power with the adjusted voltage to the distribution board 1234. The distribution board 1232 supplies the power with the adjusted voltage to each of the multiple power storage systems 40.

[0193] The power distribution board 1232 also receives power from at least one power storage system 40 and adjusts the voltage of the power to an appropriate value. The power distribution board 1232 supplies the power with the adjusted voltage to the power grid 52.

[0194] In this embodiment, the distribution board 1234 receives power from the distribution board 1232. The distribution board 1234 also supplies the power supplied from the distribution board 1232 to the load 54.

[0195] In this embodiment, the stand 1240 accommodates a plurality of power storage systems 40. The stand 1240 may be a multi-tiered rack having a drawer mechanism. For example, each tier of the stand 1240 movably supports at least one power storage system 40. This allows, for example, when a worker performs maintenance work on the power storage system 40, the worker can draw out the power storage system 40 accommodated inside the stand 1240 to the maintenance space 1242 side. Furthermore, after the maintenance work is completed, the worker can place the power storage system 40 inside the stand 1240 again.

[0196] The power storage system 1200 may be an example of a power storage device housing system. The container housing 1220 may be an example of a housing.

[0197] 13 shows an example of a computer 3000 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. A portion of the battery management system 100 may be realized by the computer 3000.

[0198] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the battery station 110 is implemented by the computer 3000. According to another embodiment, at least a portion of the management server 120 is implemented by the computer 3000. According to yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the pallet 42 is implemented by the computer 3000. For example, at least a portion of the controller 260 is implemented by the computer 3000.

[0199] A program installed on the computer 3000 can cause the computer 3000 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention or one or more "parts" of the apparatus, and / or to perform a process or steps of the process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a program can be executed by the CPU 3012 to cause the computer 3000 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks of the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0200] A computer 3000 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 3012, a RAM 3014, a GPU 3016, and a display device 3018, which are interconnected by a host controller 3010. The computer 3000 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 3022, a hard disk drive 3024, a DVD-ROM drive 3026, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 3010 via an input / output controller 3020. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 3030 and a keyboard 3042, which are connected to the input / output controller 3020 via an input / output chip 3040.

[0201] The CPU 3012 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 3030 and RAM 3014, thereby controlling each unit. The GPU 3016 acquires image data generated by the CPU 3012 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 3014 or into the GPU 3016 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 3018.

[0202] The communication interface 3022 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 3024 stores programs and data used by the CPU 3012 in the computer 3000. The DVD-ROM drive 3026 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 3001 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 3024 via the RAM 3014. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0203] The ROM 3030 stores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by the computer 3000 upon activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 3000. The input / output chip 3040 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 3020 via a parallel port, a serial port, a keyboard port, a mouse port, etc.

[0204] The programs are provided by a computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD-ROM 3001 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable storage medium, installed in the hard disk drive 3024, RAM 3014, or ROM 3030, which are also examples of computer-readable storage media, and executed by the CPU 3012. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 3000, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing operations or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 3000.

[0205] For example, when communication is performed between computer 3000 and an external device, CPU 3012 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 3014 and instruct communication interface 3022 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of CPU 3012, communication interface 3022 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer area provided in RAM 3014, hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM 3001, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0206] Furthermore, CPU 3012 may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as hard disk drive 3024, DVD-ROM drive 3026 (DVD-ROM 3001), IC card, etc. to be read into RAM 3014, and may perform various types of processing on the data on RAM 3014. CPU 3012 may then write back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0207] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and subjected to information processing. The CPU 3012 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 3014, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 3014. The CPU 3012 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute, are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 3012 may search for an entry whose attribute value of the first attribute matches a specified condition from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0208] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium on or near the computer 3000. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can also be used as a computer-readable storage medium, thereby providing the above-described programs to the computer 3000 via the network.

[0209] The blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams in the above embodiments may represent stages of a process in which an operation is performed or "parts" of an apparatus responsible for performing the operation. Particular stages and "parts" may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or a processor provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, including integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. The programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuits, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and programmable logic arrays (PLAs), including AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations, flip-flops, registers, and memory elements.

[0210] A computer-readable storage medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by an appropriate device, such that a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon comprises an article of manufacture, including instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, etc.

[0211] The computer readable instructions may include either assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

[0212] Computer-readable instructions may be provided locally or over a wide area network (WAN) such as a local area network (LAN), the Internet, etc. to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, or programmable circuitry, such that the processor or programmable circuitry executes the computer-readable instructions to generate means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0213] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent, the details described for a particular embodiment can be applied to other embodiments. It is apparent from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0214] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0215] 10 communication network, 20 battery, 22 positive terminal, 24 negative terminal, 30 electric motorcycle, 40 power storage system, 42 pallet, 52 power system, 54 load, 56 charging device, 58 power generation device, 100 battery management system, 110 battery station, 120 management server, 202 main body, 210 slot, 220 connection circuit, 230 power wiring, 232 pallet connection terminal, 240 power converter, 242 input / output terminal, 250 instrumentation wiring, 260 controller, 262 operation panel, 270 communication device, 312 battery connection terminal, 314 battery connection terminal, 322 positive terminal, 324 negative terminal, 332 wiring, 334 wiring, 336 bypass wiring, 344 switch, 346 switch, 354 signal input terminal, 356 Signal input terminal, 360, attachment / detachment detection sensor, 362, signal output terminal, 370, voltage sensor, 372, signal output terminal, 412, wiring, 414, wiring, 420, connection terminal, 422, positive terminal, 424, negative terminal, 432, terminal, 434, terminal, 436, terminal, 438, terminal, 440, connection terminal, 442, positive terminal, 444, negative terminal, 452, wiring, 454, wiring, 456, wiring, 458, wiring, 460, switch, 512, wiring, 514, wiring, 516, wiring, 518, wiring, 520, connection jig, 620, terminal, 712, DC / DC converter, 714, inverter, 722, DC input terminal, 724, DC output terminal, 742, AC input / output terminal, 822, communication control unit, 824, data collection unit, 826 Data storage unit, 832 intermittent control unit, 834 charge / discharge control unit, 836 power conversion control unit, 942 pallet, 1020 block, 1040 block connection wiring, 1042 pallet, 1110 station control unit, 1120 battery control unit, 1122 data collection unit, 1124 command unit, 1130 data storage unit, 1132 station information storage unit, 1134 battery information storage unit, 1200 power storage system, 1220 container housing, 1232 distribution board, 1234 distribution board, 1240 stand, 1242 maintenance space, 3000 computer, 3001 DVD-ROM, 3010 host controller, 3012 CPU, 3014 RAM, 3016 GPU, 3018 display device, 3020 input / output controller, 3022Communication interface, 3024 hard disk drive, 3026 DVD-ROM drive, 3030 ROM, 3040 input / output chip, 3042 keyboard

Claims

1. A base configured to be able to mount a plurality of power storage devices, a plurality of mounting portions on which the plurality of power storage devices are respectively mounted, each of the plurality of mounting portions has a first electrical terminal electrically connected to a respective electrical terminal of the plurality of power storage devices; The base is power wiring for connecting the plurality of power storage devices in series or in parallel; a second electrical terminal for electrically connecting the power wiring provided on the base to a power wiring provided on another base; Further provided with pedestal.

2. The second electrical terminal is a first terminal electrically connected to one end of the power wiring provided on the base; a second terminal electrically connected to the other end of the power wiring provided on the base; having The base according to claim 1 .

3. The first terminal is arranged on a first side surface of the base, and the second terminal is arranged on a second side surface of the base, or the first terminal is disposed at one end of the upper surface or the lower surface of the base, and the second terminal is disposed at the other end of the upper surface or the lower surface of the base; The base according to claim 2 .

4. and a disconnecting device that switches between an electrically disconnected state and an electrically connected state of the first electrical terminal of at least one of the mounting portions and an electrical circuit disposed on the base. The base according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the electrical circuitry of the first electrical terminals of the respective mounting portions and the base is electrically connected to a plurality of interrupting devices that switch between an electrically disconnected state and an electrically connected state, The base according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. Each of the plurality of interrupting devices is disposed near each of the plurality of mounting portions. The base according to claim 5 .

7. Further, the third electrical terminal is electrically connected to an external power device. The base according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Further, a control device is provided to control charging and discharging of the plurality of power storage devices. The base according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Further comprising a communication device capable of communicating with an external information processing device.

9. The base according to claim 1.

10. the base or a remote device configured to communicate with the base includes a computing device; 10. The base according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the computing device acquires a total amount of power, which is the sum of the amounts of power of the power storage devices placed on the base. The base according to claim 10.

12. The calculation device calculates the input / output power amount of the base based on the total power amount. The base according to claim 11.

13. the calculation device calculates the input / output amount of power of each of the plurality of power storage devices based on the input / output amount of power; The base according to claim 12.

14. the computing device sets the input / output power amount of the base to a predetermined value when the removal of the power storage device placed on the base is detected. The base according to claim 10.

15. Each of the plurality of power storage devices has a control circuit or a computer that manages the number of times each power storage device is charged and discharged, The computing device acquiring the number of times each of the plurality of power storage devices has been charged and discharged from the control circuit or the computer; controlling the charging and discharging of each of the plurality of power storage devices so that a power storage device that has been charged and discharged less frequently is charged and discharged preferentially over a power storage device that has been charged and discharged more frequently; 15. The base according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. Each of the plurality of power storage devices is a portable power storage device.

16. A base according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. At least one of the plurality of power storage devices is a power storage device that has been used as a power source for a mobile body until its degree of deterioration exceeds a predetermined standard.

17. A base according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The base is used in a stationary power storage facility.

18. The base of claim 17.

19. A base as described in claim 18 which cites claim 14.

20. A base according to any one of claims 1 to 19; A plurality of the power storage devices; 1. An electrical storage device assembly comprising:

21. A base according to any one of claims 1 to 19; a housing that houses the base; An electricity storage device accommodation system comprising:

22. An electric energy acquisition unit that acquires, from the base described in any one of claims 1 to 18 via a communication network, (i) the electric energy of each of the plurality of electric energy storage devices placed on the base, or (ii) a total electric energy that is the sum of the electric energy of the plurality of electric energy storage devices; The power storage device management system includes:

23. The power amount acquisition unit acquires, via a communication network, (i) the power amounts of the respective power storage devices mounted on the plurality of bases, or (ii) a total power amount which is the sum of the power amounts of the plurality of power storage devices. The power storage device management system according to claim 22.

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