Information processing device, charging device, information processing method, program, and storage medium

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires an observation amount correlated with an operation amount of an electric power device provided with an electrical operation unit stored in a casing and an air-flow generation unit that assists flowing of air inside / outside the casing and / or with the environmental state of the electric power device; a comparison unit that compares the observation amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a reference amount; and a determination unit that determines the abnormality of the electric power device on the basis of the result of comparison of the observation amount with the reference amount by the comparison unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a charging device, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-192781, filed on November 19, 2020, Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-135665, filed on August 23, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-142576, filed on September 1, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been progress in the development of electric vehicles, such as EVs (Electric Vehicles) and HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), in which the electric motor for running is driven by power supplied from a battery (power storage device). Furthermore, a battery rental system that rents out batteries to such electric vehicles has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] However, the battery rental device described above stores multiple batteries inside, so temperature control is necessary. For such battery storage devices, there is a demand for technology to appropriately control the temperature of the device.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a charging device, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium that can appropriately manage the temperature of a device that stores a battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device, charging device, information processing method, program, and storage medium according to the present invention employ the following configurations. (1): One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an observation quantity that correlates with at least one of the operating amount of an electric power device that has an electrical operating unit housed in a housing and a wind-generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing or the environmental state of the electric power device; a comparison unit that compares the observation quantity acquired by the acquisition unit with a reference quantity; and a judgment unit that judges an abnormality in the electric power device based on the comparison result between the observation quantity compared by the comparison unit and the reference quantity.

[0007] (2): In the above aspect (1), the abnormality is a flow abnormality caused by an abnormality in the airflow path through which air flows in the air-generating section or the housing, or a deterioration of the airflow section or the airflow path beyond a specified level.

[0008] (3): In the above aspect (2), the acquisition unit acquires a first observation quantity that correlates with at least one of the power consumption of the power device or the temperature of the power device as the observation quantity, the comparison unit compares the first observation quantity acquired by the acquisition unit with the reference quantity, and the judgment unit judges whether there is an abnormality in the flow of the power device based on the comparison result made by the comparison unit.

[0009] (4) In the above aspect (2) or (3), the reference quantity includes a value of the observable quantity previously acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0010] (5): In any one of the above aspects (3) to (4), the reference quantity includes a value of the observed quantity during use of the power device that is determined in advance when no abnormality occurs in the power device.

[0011] (6): In the above aspect (4) or (5), the judgment unit judges an abnormality in the power device based on the input result of inputting the observation quantity into a learned model that has learned and modeled the reference quantity.

[0012] (7): In the above aspect (2), the acquisition unit acquires as the observation quantities a first observation quantity that correlates with at least one of the power consumption amount of the power device or the temperature of the power device and a second observation quantity that correlates with the operating amount of the wind generating unit, the comparison unit compares the first observation quantity and the second observation quantity acquired by the acquisition unit with the reference quantity, and the judgment unit judges whether there is an abnormality in the flow of the power device based on the comparison result made by the comparison unit.

[0013] (8) In the above aspect (7), the reference quantity includes a value of the observable quantity previously acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0014] (9): In the above aspect (7) or (8), the reference quantity includes a value of the observed quantity during use of the power device that is determined in advance when no abnormality occurs in the power device.

[0015] (10): In any one of the above aspects (7) to (9), the judgment unit judges whether an abnormality has occurred in the power device based on the input result of inputting the observation quantity into a learned model that has learned and modeled the reference quantity.

[0016] (11): In any one of the above aspects (1) to (10), the abnormality includes an abnormality in the electrical operating unit, or an electrical operating unit abnormality that is a deterioration of the electrical operating unit beyond a predetermined level.

[0017] (12) In the aspect (11) above, the reference quantity includes a value of the observable quantity previously acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0018] (13): In the above aspect (11) or (12), the reference quantity includes a value of the observed quantity during use of the power device that is determined in advance when no abnormality occurs in the power device.

[0019] (14): In any one of the above aspects (11) to (13), the judgment unit judges whether an abnormality has occurred in the power device based on the input result of inputting the observation quantity into a learned model that has learned and modeled the reference quantity.

[0020] (15): In any one of the above aspects (1) to (14), the abnormality includes an abnormality in the airflow path through which air flows in the air-generating part or the housing, or a flow abnormality which is a predetermined level or more of deterioration of the airflow part or the flow path, and an abnormality in the electrical operating part, or an electrical operating part abnormality which is a predetermined level or more of deterioration of the electrical operating part.

[0021] (16): In the above aspect (15), the judgment unit judges the abnormality in the electrical operating unit when the power device is operating, and judges the abnormality in the flow when the power device is not operating.

[0022] (17): In the above aspect (15), the judgment unit judges that an abnormality has occurred in the electrical operating unit when the temperature of the power device is rising, and judges that an abnormality has occurred in the flow when the temperature of the power device is falling.

[0023] (18): In any one of the above aspects (1) to (17), the power supply device further includes a countermeasure unit that prohibits operation of the power supply device or reduces the operating amount of the power supply device when the judgment unit judges that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply device.

[0024] (19): In the above-mentioned embodiment (2) or (15), the flow path has a purifying device that purifies the air flowing into the housing, and the deterioration of the flow path beyond a predetermined level includes the clogging of the purifying device beyond a predetermined level.

[0025] (20) In any one of the above aspects (1) to (17), the power device is a charging device having a power storage unit that stores power.

[0026] (21) In the above aspect (20), the electrically operated unit includes a power converter electrically connected to the power storage unit.

[0027] (22) In the above aspect (20) or (21), the power device further includes a holding unit that detachably holds a power storage unit that stores power.

[0028] (23): In any one of the above aspects (1) to (19), the electric power device is a storage device that stores an object to be stored.

[0029] (24) In the above aspect (23), the storage object is a power storage device including the power storage unit.

[0030] (25) In the above aspect (24), the electricity storage device is detachably mounted on a vehicle that runs on electric power.

[0031] (26): Another aspect of the present invention is a charging device comprising a storage unit housed in a housing, a power conversion unit electrically connected to the storage unit, and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing, the charging device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires an observation quantity that correlates with at least one of the operating amount of the charging device or the environmental state of the charging device; a comparison unit that compares the observation quantity acquired by the acquisition unit with a reference quantity; and a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the charging device based on the comparison result between the observation quantity compared by the comparison unit and the reference quantity.

[0032] (27): Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method including the steps of acquiring an observation quantity that correlates with at least one of the operating volume of an electric power device having an electrical operating unit housed in a housing and a wind-generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing or the environmental state of the electric power device, comparing the observation quantity with a reference quantity, and determining whether there is an abnormality in the electric power device based on the comparison result between the observation quantity and the reference quantity.

[0033] (28): Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method of aspect (27).

[0034] (29): Another aspect of the present invention is a storage medium storing the program of aspect (28). [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the above aspects (1) to (29), it is possible to appropriately manage the temperature of a device that stores a battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a battery sharing service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a detachable battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a battery exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the interior of a battery exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the battery exchange device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is an electric circuit diagram showing a part of the configuration of an AC / DC converter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a battery exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a battery exchange station according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a management server device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of temperature transition of the removable battery according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of relationship information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a first flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a station control device. [Figure 14] 10 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the station control device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a battery exchange device 230 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a management server device 400 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the management server device 400 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second relationship. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a battery exchange device 230 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a management server device 500 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the management server device 500 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a map showing an example of a reference correlation. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a battery exchange device 220 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a battery exchange station 200 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 25]FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a management server device 300 according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining determination by a degradation determining unit 730 in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of relationship information I72. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of relationship information I72A. [Figure 29] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow relating to deterioration determination in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a management server device 700A according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of deterioration degree determination information I75. [Figure 32] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a management server device 700B according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of component temperature reference information I82. [Figure 34] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a management server device 700C according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining determination by an anomaly determination unit 730C of the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a temperature estimation device, a temperature estimation method, an information processing device, an information processing method, a program, and a storage medium of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0038] In the following description, an information processing device according to an embodiment is applied to a battery sharing service system (battery sharing service system) that shares batteries (hereinafter referred to as "detachable batteries"), which are power storage devices that are detachably mounted (attached freely to electric vehicles). More specifically, the information processing device according to an embodiment is applied to a management server device that manages a battery exchange station that receives detachable batteries and provides replacement detachable batteries in the battery sharing service system. However, part or all of the information processing device according to an embodiment may be provided as part of the battery exchange station, instead of the management server device.

[0039] In the following description, the electric vehicle may include various vehicles that run using power from a removable battery, such as a saddle-type electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as an "electric two-wheeled vehicle") and a four-wheeled electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as an "electric automobile"). For example, it includes not only two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel), and even assisted bicycles, and other vehicle-type moving bodies that run using an electric motor driven by power supplied from a removable battery. However, instead of these vehicle-type moving bodies, moving bodies to which the information processing device of the embodiment can be applied may be moving bodies such as mobile robots, autonomously traveling devices, autonomously traveling cars, other electric vehicles, drones, or other electric moving bodies (electric mobility).

[0040] (First embodiment) [1. Overall structure] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a battery sharing service system 1 according to a first embodiment. The battery sharing service system 1 includes one or more (for example, a plurality of) battery exchange stations 200 (four battery exchange stations 200-1 to 200-4 are shown in Fig. 1) and a management server device 300. The battery sharing service system 1 is an example of an "information processing system" or a "power storage device management system."

[0041] The battery exchange station 200 includes, for example, a station control device 210 and one or more battery exchange devices 220 (two battery exchange devices 220-a and 220-b are shown in FIG. 1). The station control device 210 and the battery exchange devices 220 can communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly. The station control device 210 and the battery exchange device 220 may be integrated into one device rather than being separate devices. The battery exchange device 220 is an example of a "power device" and an example of a "charging device."

[0042] The station control device 210 manages the charging and discharging of the removable battery 100 in the battery exchange device 220, and the receipt and provision of the removable battery 100 (hereinafter referred to as "replacement of the removable battery 100"). When a user of an electric vehicle 10 uses the battery exchange station 200, the station control device 210 provides the user with information for replacing the removable battery 100. For example, the station control device 210 provides the user with information indicating a battery slot 221 that will receive a removable battery 100 that has been used in the electric vehicle 10 and has low remaining capacity, or information indicating a battery slot 221 that contains another removable battery 100 to be provided in place of the received removable battery 100. The battery slot 221 contains at least a portion of the removable battery 100. The battery slot 221 is an example of a "container."

[0043] The battery exchange device 220 stores the removable battery 100 by accommodating the removable battery 100 in the battery slot 221. The removable battery 100 is an example of an object to be stored. The object to be stored may be something other than the removable battery 100, depending on the type of power device.

[0044] The battery exchange device 220 is a device that charges, discharges, and replaces the removable battery 100. The battery exchange device 220 has one or more (e.g., a plurality of) battery slots 221. The battery slot 221 is a storage section that can store and charge / discharge the removable battery 100. The battery slot 221 detachably holds the power storage section 120 of the removable battery 100. The battery slot 221 is an example of a "holding section." In the example shown in FIG. 1, one battery exchange device 220 has eight battery slots 221 and can store eight removable batteries 100 simultaneously.

[0045] The battery exchange device 220 can simultaneously charge multiple removable batteries 100 (up to eight removable batteries 100 in the example shown in FIG. 1) housed in multiple battery slots 221. In this specification, "charging simultaneously" or "simultaneous charging" is not limited to cases where charging of multiple removable batteries 100 starts at the same time, but also includes cases where part of the charging time of one removable battery 100 and part of the charging time of another removable battery 100 are simultaneous.

[0046] The battery exchange station 220 is supplied with power from an external power source PS. The external power source PS is, for example, a 100V AC commercial power source. The battery exchange station 220 charges the removable battery 100 received from the user of the electric vehicle 10 in accordance with control by the station control device 210. When charging of the removable battery 100 is complete, the battery exchange station 220 transmits a notification indicating that charging has been completed to the station control device 210. This allows the station control device 210 to recognize the removable battery 100 that is available to the user of the electric vehicle 10. The battery exchange station 220 may also discharge any remaining power in the removable battery 100. Details of the battery exchange station 200 will be described later.

[0047] The management server device 300 is connected to a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, one or more of the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), etc. In the first embodiment, the management server device 300 communicates with a plurality of battery exchange stations 200 via the network NW and manages the plurality of battery exchange stations 200. For example, the management server device 300 receives information indicating the state of each battery exchange station 200 (hereinafter referred to as "state information") from each battery exchange station 200, and determines the state of each battery exchange station 200 based on the state information. The management server device 300 is an example of an "information processing device."

[0048] The management server device 300 communicates, directly or via the network NW, with a terminal device T1 used by an administrator P1 who manages the battery sharing service system 1, and outputs to the terminal device T1 a predetermined notification regarding the status of the battery exchange station 200. The terminal device T1 is a desktop or notebook personal computer or the like.

[0049] The management server device 300 communicates via the network NW with a terminal device T2 used by a security personnel P2 in charge of maintaining the battery exchange station, and outputs to the terminal device T2 a predetermined notification regarding the status of the battery exchange station 200. The terminal device T2 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Details of the management server device 300 will be described later.

[0050] [2. Electric vehicle configuration] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electric vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment. The electric vehicle 10 runs on the driving force of an electric motor driven by power supplied from a removable battery 100. However, the electric vehicle 10 may also be a hybrid electric vehicle that runs on the driving force of a combination of the removable battery 100 and an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. The electric vehicle 10 includes, for example, a battery connection unit 12, a vehicle control unit 14, a traveling driving force output device 16, vehicle sensors 18, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 20, and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 22.

[0051] The battery connector 12 is electrically connected to the removable battery 100 when the removable battery 100 is attached to the electric vehicle 10. The battery connector 12 includes a connection terminal for a power line that receives power from the removable battery 100, a connection terminal for a communication line that performs data communication between the removable battery 100 and the vehicle control unit 14, and the like.

[0052] The vehicle control unit 14 acquires measurement results from the vehicle sensors 18, acquires a value indicating the state of charge (SOC) of the power storage unit 120 from a BMU (Battery Management Unit) 110 included in the removable battery 100, and acquires the position of the electric vehicle 10 from the GNSS receiver 22. The vehicle control unit 14 controls the traveling driving force output device 16 based on the acquired data. The vehicle control unit 14 may transmit the position information of the electric vehicle 10 acquired from the GNSS receiver 22 to the removable battery 100 via the battery connector 12.

[0053] The driving force output device 16 includes, for example, an electric motor, an inverter, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the inverter. The ECU controls the power supplied from the removable battery 100 to the electric motor, for example, by controlling the inverter. The vehicle sensors 18 include various sensors mounted on the electric vehicle 10, such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotational speed sensor, an odometer, and the like. The vehicle sensors 18 output the measurement results to the vehicle control unit 14.

[0054] The HMI 20 outputs various information to the user of the electric vehicle 10 and accepts input operations by the user. The HMI 20 includes, for example, various display devices (which may be touch panels) such as a HUD (Head Up Display) and a meter display unit, a speaker, etc. The GNSS receiver 22 locates the position of the electric vehicle 10 based on radio waves received from GNSS satellites such as GPS satellites, for example.

[0055] [3. Removable battery] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detachable battery 100 of the first embodiment. The detachable battery 100 includes, for example, a power storage unit 120, a BMU 110, and a connection unit 150. The BMU 110 includes, for example, a measurement sensor 130 and a storage unit 140.

[0056] The power storage unit 120 is, for example, a battery pack in which a plurality of cells are connected in series. The power storage unit 120 stores electric power. The cells constituting the power storage unit 120 are secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), nickel-metal hydride batteries, and all-solid-state batteries. The secondary batteries constituting the power storage unit 120 may be, for example, lead-acid batteries, sodium-ion batteries, capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors, or combined batteries that combine secondary batteries and capacitors. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the secondary batteries constituting the power storage unit 120.

[0057] The BMU 110 controls charging and discharging of the power storage unit 120, performs cell balancing, detects abnormalities in the power storage unit 120, derives the cell temperature of the power storage unit 120, derives the charge / discharge current of the power storage unit 120, and estimates the SOC of the power storage unit 120. The BMU 110 stores abnormalities and failures of the power storage unit 120 detected based on the measurement results of the measurement sensor 130 in the memory unit 140 as battery state information. The measurement sensor 130 is a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. for measuring the state of charge of the power storage unit 120. The measurement sensor 130 outputs the measured voltage, current, temperature, etc. to the BMU 110. More specifically, the measurement sensor 130 includes at least a temperature sensor 131. The temperature sensor 131 measures the temperature of the electrically operating removable battery 100 and outputs the temperature value to the BMU 110. The temperature sensor 131 is an example of a "temperature detection unit." Note that a removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating may be defined as a removable battery 100 that has ceased operation. Any removable battery 100 other than that defined above may be defined as an electrically operating removable battery 100. As an example, an electrically operating state may be defined as either a state in which the removable battery 100 is being charged or a state in which the removable battery 100 is being discharged.

[0058] The storage unit 140 includes a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory. The storage unit 140 stores the battery state information described above. The storage unit 140 may also store identification information (battery ID) assigned to the removable battery 100. When the removable battery 100 is attached to the electric vehicle 10, the connection unit 150 is electrically connected to the battery connection unit 12 of the electric vehicle 10. In this state, the removable battery 100 supplies the power stored in the power storage unit 120 to the electric motor provided in the electric vehicle 10.

[0059] [4. Battery Exchange Station] [4.1 Physical configuration of the battery exchange device] Next, the battery exchange station 200 will be described in detail. First, the physical configuration of the battery exchange device 220 will be described.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a battery exchange apparatus 220 according to the first embodiment. The battery exchange apparatus 220 includes a housing 251. The housing 251 is formed, for example, in the shape of a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped. More specifically, the housing 251 includes a bottom wall 251a, a front wall (front panel) 251b, a rear wall 251c, a left side wall 251d, a right side wall 251e, and a top wall 251f. The bottom wall 251a is installed on the floor. The front wall 251b, the rear wall 251c, the left side wall 251d, and the right side wall 251e rise from the front end, the rear end, the left end, and the right end of the bottom wall 251a, respectively, and extend vertically. The top wall 251f connects the top ends of the front wall 251b, the rear wall 251c, the left side wall 251d, and the right side wall 251e.

[0061] The front wall 251b is provided with an opening (battery replacement opening) 221a that exposes the battery slots 221 provided inside the housing 251 to the outside of the housing 251. In the first embodiment, eight battery slots 221 are arranged in a matrix of two horizontal rows and four vertical rows. The removable battery 100 is placed inside the housing 251 by being inserted into the battery slot 221 through the opening 221a. The removable battery 100 inserted into the battery slot 221 generates heat when charged by the battery replacement device 220. At least a portion of the heat generated by the removable battery 100 is transferred to the air inside the housing 251.

[0062] In the first embodiment, a plurality of air intake ports 252 are opened in the front wall 251b. The air intake ports 252 are provided above the battery slot 221. The air intake ports 252 communicate between the inside and outside of the housing 251. On the other hand, a plurality of air exhaust ports 253 are opened in the rear wall 251c (see FIG. 8). The air exhaust ports 253 are arranged in positions on the rear wall 251c corresponding to the air intake ports 252 (for example, at the same height as the air intake ports 252). The air exhaust ports 253 communicate between the inside and outside of the housing 251. A fan 254 (see FIG. 8) is arranged inside the housing 251 near the air exhaust ports 253. When the fan 254 is driven, air inside the housing 251 is exhausted to the outside of the housing 251 through the air exhaust ports 253, and new air outside the housing 251 enters the inside of the housing 251 through the air intake ports 252.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the inside of the battery exchange apparatus 220 of the first embodiment. For ease of explanation, FIG. 5 shows only the removable battery 100 accommodated in the battery slot 221. The battery exchange apparatus 220 has an AC / DC converter 260. The AC / DC converter 260 is a power converter that converts AC power supplied from an external power supply PS into DC power. The AC / DC converter 260 is electrically connected to the power storage unit 120 of the removable battery 100. The AC / DC converter 260 is an example of a "power converter," an example of an "electrical component," and an example of an "electrically operated unit." The electrically operated unit includes power components in addition to power conversion such as the AC / DC converter 260. Details of the AC / DC converter 260 will be described later.

[0064] In the first embodiment, a shelf 255 is provided inside the housing 251. The shelf 255 is arranged higher than the plurality of battery slots 221 (the plurality of removable batteries 100). The AC / DC converter 260 is placed on the shelf 255 and arranged higher than the plurality of battery slots 221 (the plurality of removable batteries 100). In other words, the AC / DC converter 260 is arranged closer to the intake port 252 and the exhaust port 253 than the plurality of battery slots 221 (the plurality of removable batteries 100). In the first embodiment, at least a portion of the AC / DC converter 260 is arranged at a height that is aligned horizontally with the intake port 252 and the exhaust port 253.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the internal electrical configuration of the battery exchange apparatus 220 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, solid lines indicate power lines (such as power cables). Broken lines in Fig. 6 indicate signal lines (such as communication cables). In addition to the AC / DC converter 260, the battery exchange apparatus 220 has multiple DC / DC converters 271, multiple interface boards (I / F boards) 272, and a control board 273.

[0066] The AC / DC converter 260 receives AC power from the external power supply PS. The AC / DC converter 260 converts the AC power received from the external power supply PS into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to multiple DC / DC converters 271. One AC / DC converter 260 is provided for multiple battery slots 221 (multiple removable batteries 100). The AC / DC converter 260 is arranged so that it can simultaneously supply charging power to multiple removable batteries 100 housed in the multiple battery slots 221. In other words, multiple battery slots 221 are connected to one AC / DC converter 260. When multiple removable batteries 100 are simultaneously charged, the AC / DC converter 260 generates heat due to the sum of the charging currents flowing through the multiple removable batteries 100. The amount of heat generated by the AC / DC converter 260 increases as the number of removable batteries 100 simultaneously charged increases.

[0067] The multiple DC / DC converters 271 are provided in a one-to-one relationship with the multiple battery slots 221. The multiple DC / DC converters 271 are electrically connected in parallel to the AC / DC converter 260. The removable battery 100 electrically connected to the DC / DC converter 271 discharges power from the DC / DC converter 271 and is charged by the DC / DC converter 271. The DC / DC converter 271 is an example of an "operating unit." The DC / DC converter 271 is connected to the removable battery 100 housed in the battery slot 221 via the connection portion 221b of the battery slot 221 (see FIG. 8). The DC / DC converter 271 converts DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 260 into DC power having a voltage suitable for charging the removable battery 100, and supplies the converted DC power to the removable battery 100. The DC / DC converter 271 converts the DC power supplied from the AC / DC converter 260 into DC power having a voltage suitable for charging the fan 254, and supplies the converted DC power to the fan 254 via the I / F board 272. A power detector 258 is connected to the wiring between the I / F board 272 and the fan 254.

[0068] The multiple IF boards 272 are provided in a one-to-one relationship with the multiple battery slots 221. The IF boards 272 are connected to the removable batteries 100 housed in the battery slots 221 via the connection parts 221b of the battery slots 221 (see FIG. 8). The IF boards 272 communicate with the removable batteries 100 and acquire information (for example, battery status information and a battery ID) stored in the memory part 140 of the removable battery 100 from the removable battery 100. The IF board 272 outputs the information acquired from the removable battery 100 to the control board 273.

[0069] The control board (control unit) 273 controls the AC / DC converter 260, the multiple DC / DC converters 271, and the multiple IF boards 272. For example, the control board 273 controls the magnitude of the power converted by the AC / DC converter 260 by controlling the field effect transistors (FETs) 261 (see FIG. 8) included in the AC / DC converter 260 according to the number of removable batteries 100 to be charged simultaneously.

[0070] 7 is an electric circuit diagram showing a portion of the configuration of the AC / DC converter 260. The AC / DC converter 260 has a plurality of thyristors 262a, 262b, 262c, 262d, 262e, and 262f, a plurality of feedback diodes 263a, 263b, 263c, 263d, 263e, and 263f, and one or more capacitors (smoothing capacitors) 264. Hereinafter, when the plurality of thyristors 262a to 262f are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as thyristors 262. When the feedback diodes 263a to 263f are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as feedback diodes 263.

[0071] The two thyristors 262a and 262b are connected in series between the positive electrode line L1 and the negative electrode line L2. An intermediate node between the two thyristors 262a and 262b is connected to a U-phase line to which AC power is input. Similarly, the two thyristors 262c and 262d are connected in series between the positive electrode line L1 and the negative electrode line L2. An intermediate node between the two thyristors 262c and 262d is connected to a V-phase line to which AC power is input. The two thyristors 262e and 262f are connected in series between the positive electrode line L1 and the negative electrode line L2. An intermediate node between the two thyristors 262e and 262f is connected to a W-phase line to which AC power is input.

[0072] The plurality of feedback diodes 263a-263f are connected in anti-parallel to the plurality of thyristors 262a-262f, respectively. The capacitor 264 is connected between the positive electrode line L1 and the negative electrode line L2. The capacitor 264 is, for example, an electrolytic capacitor. In the first embodiment, the capacitor 264 is a component with a lower heat resistance temperature than the above-described FET 261, thyristor 262, and feedback diode 263. On the other hand, the FET 261, thyristor 262, and feedback diode 263 are components that become hotter than the capacitor 264 when the AC / DC converter 260 is operating. Each of the FET 261, thyristor 262, and feedback diode 263 is an example of a "first component." The capacitor 264 is an example of a "second component."

[0073] In addition to the above-described configuration, the AC / DC converter 260 has a substrate 265 (see FIG. 8). The FET 261, the thyristor 262, the feedback diode 263, and the capacitor 264 are mounted on the substrate 265. The "substrate" here means a base on which components are mounted, and is not limited to a printed wiring board, but may also be a metal plate or the like.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the battery exchange device 220. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the battery exchange apparatus 220 can store multiple removable batteries 100. The removable battery 100 is placed inside the housing 251 by being inserted into the battery slot 221 through the opening 221a. The removable battery 100 is equipped with a temperature sensor 131 in advance. For example, the temperature sensor 131 is placed inside the battery slot 221 so as to be located inside the outer edge of the housing 251 when the removable battery 100 is housed in the battery slot 221. As an example, the temperature sensor 131 measures the surface temperature of the removable battery 100. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 131 may measure the internal temperature of the removable battery 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the "internal temperature"). The multiple removable batteries 100 placed in the battery exchange apparatus 220 are divided into removable batteries 100 that are electrically in operation (operating) and removable batteries 100 that are not electrically in operation (not operating). The temperature sensor 131 detects the temperature values ​​of the detachable battery 100 that is not electrically in operation and the detachable battery 100 that is electrically in operation under the control of the BMU 110 or the like.

[0075] A filter 266 is provided at the opening of the air intake 252 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 according to the first embodiment. The filter 266 is a type of cleaning device. The filter 266 adsorbs foreign matter, such as dust, contained in the air outside the housing 251 as it flows into the interior through the air intake 252. If the filter 266 becomes clogged due to an increase in the amount of foreign matter adsorbed thereto, sufficient outside air may not be supplied to the interior of the housing 251, reducing the cooling effect and causing the temperature inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 to rise. In such a case, the administrator can replace the filter 266. In the first embodiment, the management server device 300 estimates an abnormality caused by an increase in the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 due to the influence of clogging of the filter 266 or the like, based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 131 provided inside the removable battery 100. The management server device 300 determines an abnormality in the filter 266 based on the increase in the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220. Determining that an abnormality has occurred in filter 266 is one aspect of an abnormality occurring in the communication passage. An abnormality in filter 266 is one aspect of an abnormality occurring in filter 266. An abnormality occurring in filter 266 refers to an abnormality occurring in filter 266 as well as a state that is different from normal or usual, such as a modulation, and includes, for example, clogging of filter 266. An abnormality occurring in filter 266 is, for example, a predetermined level of clogging in filter 266 or damage such as tearing or detachment of filter 266, and also includes repair. Clogging in filter 266 can often be resolved by, for example, removing the dust that has clogged it.

[0076] In addition to an abnormality in the filter 266, the temperature inside the battery exchange device 220 may also rise due to an abnormal stop or a decrease in rotation speed of the fan 254. Even if there is no abnormality in the filter 266, the administrator may determine whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the fan 254, and replace the fan 254 if there is an abnormality. The fan 254 also has the function of circulating air inside the housing to keep the air inside clean, so it may be positioned as a cleaning device.

[0077] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, a filter 267 may be provided at the exhaust port 253. The filter 267 adsorbs foreign matter such as dust contained in the air inside the housing 251 when the air is released from the exhaust port 253. In the first embodiment, the management server device 300 may estimate an abnormality caused by a rise in the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 due to the influence of clogging of the filter 267, based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 131 provided inside the removable battery 100. The management server device 300 determines an abnormality in the filter 267 based on the rise in the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220. Determining that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 267 is one aspect of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the communication path.

[0078] 8 illustrates an embodiment in which filter 266 is provided on the inside of housing 251 at the opening position of intake port 252, and filter 267 is provided on the inside of housing 251 at the opening position of exhaust port 253, but they may also be provided on the outside of each opening position of housing 251. Furthermore, at least one of filter 266 and filter 267 may be provided.

[0079] [4.2 Battery exchange station system configuration] Next, the system configuration of the battery exchange station 200 will be described. 9 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the battery exchange station 200. In the first embodiment, the station control device 210 includes, for example, a battery management unit 211, a charge / discharge control unit 212, a battery temperature detection unit 213, an information output unit 214, and a storage unit 216.

[0080] The battery management unit 211, the charge / discharge control unit 212, the battery temperature detection unit 213, and the information output unit 214 are each realized by a hardware processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry), such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory provided in the station control device 210, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the HDD or flash memory provided in the station control device 210 by inserting the storage medium into a drive device provided in the station control device 210. The storage unit 216 is realized by one or a combination of storage devices such as a HDD, a flash memory, and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0081] The battery management unit 211 manages the multiple removable batteries 100 housed in the multiple battery slots 221. For example, the battery management unit 211 manages receipt of the removable battery 100 from the user of the electric vehicle 10, determination of whether or not charging or discharging of the removable battery 100 is necessary, and provision of the fully charged removable battery 100 to the user of the electric vehicle 10.

[0082] The charge / discharge control unit 212 controls the charging and discharging of the removable battery 100 determined by the battery management unit 211 to require charging. For example, the charge / discharge control unit 212 charges and discharges the removable battery 100 by controlling the AC / DC converter 260 and the DC / DC converter 271 included in the battery exchange device 220. The charge / discharge control unit 212 stores the control history related to the charging and discharging of the removable battery 100 as control history information I12 in the storage unit 216. The control history related to the charging and discharging of the removable battery 100 is an example of information on the operating state of the removable battery 100. The control history information I12 includes, for example, the charging start time and charging end time of each removable battery 100, and information associating the number of removable batteries 100 being simultaneously charged with date and time information. The control history information I12 may also include the discharging start time and discharging end time of the removable battery 100.

[0083] The battery temperature detection unit 213 detects the temperature of each removable battery 100 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 131. The battery temperature detection unit 213 detects the temperatures of removable batteries 100 that are electrically in operation (operating) and removable batteries 100 that are not electrically in operation (not operating). For example, based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 131, the surface temperature or internal temperature of the battery may be estimated based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 131 and a relational expression or calculation table that has been determined in advance. The battery temperature detection unit 213 associates the detected battery temperature with date and time information and stores it in the storage unit 216 as battery state information I13. The temperature detected by the battery temperature detection unit 213 is an example of the "temperature of the power storage device."

[0084] The information output unit 214 transmits status information of the battery exchange station 200, including the control history information I12 and battery status information I13 stored in the memory unit 216, to the management server device 300 at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle is, for example, every 10 minutes, but is not limited to the above example. The status information is linked to the station ID I11 stored in the memory unit 216 and transmitted to the management server device 300. The station ID I11 is identification information that can identify the battery exchange station 200.

[0085] [5. Management server device] Next, the management server device 300 will be described in detail. 10 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of management server device 300. Management server device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a station management unit 320, a temperature estimation unit 330, a comparison unit 335, an abnormality determination unit 340, a notification information output unit 350, a control command output unit 360, and a storage unit 370.

[0086] The information acquisition unit 310, station management unit 320, temperature estimation unit 330, abnormality determination unit 340, notification information output unit 350, and control command output unit 360 are each realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or by a combination of software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device with a non-transitory storage medium) such as a HDD or flash memory included in the management server device 300, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM and installed in the HDD or flash memory included in the management server device 300 by inserting the storage medium into a drive device included in the management server device 300. The storage unit 370 is realized by one or a combination of storage devices such as a HDD, flash memory, and RAM.

[0087] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires status information transmitted from each battery exchange station 200. For example, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires control history information I12 and battery status information I13 transmitted from each battery exchange station 200. In this specification, "acquire" includes not only acquisition by receiving from an external source, but also internal generation (e.g., generation by performing a predetermined calculation on information received from an external source). The information acquisition unit 310 accumulates the status information acquired from each battery exchange station 200 in the storage unit 370 as status history information I21. The information acquisition unit 310 is an example of an "acquisition unit."

[0088] The station management unit 320 manages each battery exchange station 200 based on the status information acquired from each battery exchange station 200. For example, the station management unit 320 manages the operating status of each battery exchange station 200, the number of removable batteries 100 received by each battery exchange station 200, the number of removable batteries 100 provided from each battery exchange station 200, etc.

[0089] The temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 to which the removable battery 100 is attached, based on the status information acquired from each battery exchange station 200. This temperature is the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220. The internal temperature is the temperature of the air inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220. This will be explained in detail below. The temperature estimation unit 330 is an example of an "estimation unit."

[0090] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of temperature transition of the detachable battery 100. In FIG. 11, the graphs connected by "♦" marks show the change in temperature of the removable battery 100 measured by the temperature sensor 131 when six removable batteries 100 are attached to the battery exchange apparatus 220 and the exhaust port 253 is closed 50%. Also, the graphs connected by "●" marks show the change in temperature of the removable battery 100 measured by the temperature sensor 131 when six removable batteries 100 are attached to the battery exchange apparatus 220 and the exhaust port 253 is opened 100%. Also, the graphs connected by "▲" marks show the change in temperature of the removable battery 100 measured by the temperature sensor 131 when two removable batteries 100 are attached to the battery exchange apparatus 220 and the exhaust port 253 is opened 100%.

[0091] According to these three graphs, for example, when charging is completed and the opening degree of the exhaust port 253 is 100%, the temperature of the removable battery 100 gradually decreases from time t1 onward. In contrast, when the opening degree of the exhaust port 253 is 50%, the temperature of the removable battery 100 increases from time t1 onward. Furthermore, the temperatures indicated by the graphs connected with a "♦" symbol diverge from the temperatures indicated by the other graphs connected with a "♦" symbol over time, and the temperatures indicated by the graphs connected with a "♦" symbol become higher. This indicates that when the exhaust condition at the exhaust port 253 deteriorates, the temperature of the removable battery 100 measured by the temperature sensor 131 increases. The temperature estimation unit 330 according to the first embodiment estimates the temperature inside the battery exchange device 220 based on the temperature of the removable battery 100 measured by the temperature sensor 131 to determine whether the condition of the exhaust port 253 has deteriorated. One of the reasons for the deterioration of the condition of the exhaust port 253 is clogging of the filter provided in the exhaust port 253. The temperature of a battery such as the detachable battery 100 changes depending on the charging current, internal electrical resistance, and ambient temperature.

[0092] The temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 based on the state history information I21 pre-stored in the storage unit 370 and the relationship information I22 pre-stored in the storage unit 370. For example, when there are multiple electrically operating removable batteries 100, the temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 based on the largest temperature among multiple temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 131 provided on these removable batteries 100. Alternatively, for example, when there are multiple electrically operating removable batteries 100, the temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 based on multiple temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 131 provided on these removable batteries 100.

[0093] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship information I22. The relationship information I22 indicates the correspondence between the number of batteries (detachable batteries 100) in a simultaneous operation state, the simultaneous operation time, the statistical value of the temperature of the detachable batteries 100, and the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220. The correspondence indicated by the relationship information I22 may be a value obtained in advance by measurement such as an experiment. For example, when the number of detachable batteries 100 in a simultaneous operation state is two, the administrator of the battery sharing service system 1 calculates the statistical value of the temperature of the detachable batteries 100 corresponding to the time during which the detachable batteries 100 are in a simultaneous operation state (simultaneous operation time) based on the value obtained from the temperature sensor 131 provided in each detachable battery 100. The statistical value of the temperature of the detachable batteries 100 may be the average value of the temperature of each detachable battery 100 during the corresponding simultaneous operation time. In this case, the temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 based on the average value of the multiple temperatures detected by the battery temperature detection unit 213. The administrator also measures the measured and statistical values ​​of the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 according to the time during which the removable batteries 100 are in simultaneous operation (simultaneous operation time) when the number of removable batteries 100 in simultaneous operation is two. The administrator calculates or measures the statistical values ​​of the temperatures of the removable batteries 100 and the measured and statistical values ​​of the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 according to the time during which the removable batteries 100 are in simultaneous operation (simultaneous operation time) when the number of removable batteries 100 in simultaneous operation is n (n≧1). The administrator creates relationship information I22 that links the statistical values ​​of the temperatures of the removable batteries 100 and the measured and statistical values ​​of the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 according to the time during which the removable batteries 100 are in simultaneous operation (simultaneous operation time) when the number of removable batteries 100 in simultaneous operation is n (n≧1), and records the relationship information I22 in the storage unit 370 of the management server device 300.

[0094] The temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 using the relationship information I22 shown in FIG. 12 as follows. Specifically, the temperature estimation unit 330 identifies the number of removable batteries 100 currently in a simultaneous operation state, the identifiers of the removable batteries 100 in that operation state, and the simultaneous operation times of the removable batteries 100 with those identifiers from the control history information I12. The temperature estimation unit 330 calculates statistical values ​​of the temperatures of each removable battery 100 with the identified identifiers. The temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the current internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 by interpolation calculation based on the relationship between the combination of the current number of removable batteries 100 attached to the battery exchange apparatus 220, their simultaneous operation times, and statistical values ​​of temperatures, and the combination of the simultaneous operation times, statistical values ​​of the temperatures of the removable batteries 100, and the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220, which are recorded in the relationship information I22 in association with the same number of removable batteries 100.

[0095] The removable battery 100 may be in a state (hereinafter referred to as a "charge / discharge state") in which the DC / DC converter 271 is being charged or the removable battery 100 is being charged by the DC / DC converter 271. For example, when the removable battery 100 is in a charge / discharge state, the temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the temperature of the battery exchange device 220 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131.

[0096] In the above description, an example has been described in which the temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 based on table information such as the relationship information I22, but the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, the temperature estimation unit 330 may estimate the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 using a calculation formula obtained by regression analysis, or may estimate the temperature using a trained model (e.g., a neural network) obtained by machine learning.

[0097] The comparison unit 335 compares the internal temperature of the battery exchange device 220 estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330 with a predetermined temperature or a reference temperature stored in the memory unit 370 in order to determine whether there is an abnormality in the battery exchange device 220.

[0098] The abnormality determination unit 340 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the exhaust port 253 when the temperature inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (above a predetermined temperature) or when the difference between the internal temperature and a reference temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The abnormality determination unit 340 is an example of a "determination unit" and an example of a "response unit." The internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 at this time is an example of an "observation quantity," and the predetermined temperature and reference temperature stored in the storage unit 370 are examples of "reference quantities." The predetermined temperature stored in the storage unit 370 is, for example, a past predetermined temperature, and the reference temperature is, for example, a previously determined observation quantity during use of the battery exchange apparatus 220. The exhaust port 253 is an example of a communication path that connects the inside and outside of the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220.

[0099] The notification information output unit 350 generates predetermined monitoring information based on the status information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 and the station management information I23 stored in the storage unit 370, and transmits the generated monitoring information to the terminal device T1 used by the manager P1 of the battery sharing service system 1. The monitoring information is information used for monitoring each battery exchange station 200, and includes, for example, the station ID and location (installation location) of each battery exchange station 200, and the temperature transition of the removable battery 100 measured at each battery exchange station 200. This allows the manager P1 to remotely monitor the temperature transition of the removable battery 100 measured at each battery exchange station 200.

[0100] Furthermore, the notification information output unit 350 generates notification information including the internal temperature of each battery exchange apparatus 220 estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330. The notification information output unit 350 then transmits the generated notification information to the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2 used by the safety personnel P2 in charge of each battery exchange station 200, thereby dealing with an abnormality in the battery exchange apparatus 220. Furthermore, the notification information output unit 350 may generate notification information including the presence or absence of an abnormality in the exhaust port 253 determined by the abnormality determination unit 340. The notification information output unit 350 then transmits the generated notification information to the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2 used by the safety personnel P2 in charge of each battery exchange station 200. As a result, the terminal devices T1 and T2 notify the notification information by screen output or audio output. The notification information output unit 350 is another example of a "response unit" and also an example of an "output unit."

[0101] The notification information is information used for the maintenance or servicing of the battery exchange station 200, and may include information such as the station ID and location (installation location) of the battery exchange station 200, the time when security personnel P2 or maintenance personnel should visit the battery exchange station 200, the number of maintenance personnel required when repairing or replacing the battery exchange station 200, and the type and number of electrical components that should be carried.

[0102] When the abnormality determination unit 340 determines that there is an abnormality in the exhaust port 253, the control command output unit 360 issues a notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the exhaust port 253 or suppresses the operating state of the battery exchange device. The control command output unit 360 is another example of the "handling unit" and also an example of the "output unit".

[0103] The storage unit 370 stores state history information 121, relationship information 122, station management information 123, and control information 124. The control information 124 may be information for controlling the management server device 300, the station control device 210, and the battery exchange device 220.

[0104] [6. Processing flow] Next, the processing flow relating to temperature estimation will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the station control device 210. When the temperature estimation unit 330 detects from the state history information I21 that the removable battery 100 is attached to the battery exchange apparatus 220, it starts the following processing flow.

[0105] First, the temperature estimation unit 330 identifies the number of removable batteries 100 that will be in a simultaneous operating state based on the control history information I12 acquired from the battery exchange station 200 (S101). For example, the temperature estimation unit 330 reads from the control history information I12 the identifiers of removable batteries 100 that are associated and recorded with information on the charging start time or discharging start time but not associated and recorded with information on the charging end time or discharging end time, and the operation start times (charging start times or discharging start times) of those removable batteries 100. The identifiers of those removable batteries 100 indicate removable batteries 100 that are in an operating state. The temperature estimation unit 330 identifies the number of identifiers of the removable batteries 100 that it has read as the number of removable batteries 100 that will be in a simultaneous operating state.

[0106] The temperature estimation unit 330 calculates the simultaneous operation time based on the operation start time of each removable battery 100 in the simultaneous operation state (S102). For example, if there are two removable batteries 100 in the simultaneous operation state, the simultaneous operation time can be calculated as the difference between a first operation time from the operation start time of the first removable battery 100 to the current time and a second operation time from the operation start time of the second removable battery 100 to the current time.

[0107] The temperature estimation unit 330 acquires the temperatures associated with the identifiers of each removable battery 100 currently in a simultaneous operation state based on the battery status information I13 acquired from the battery exchange station 200 (S103). The temperature estimation unit 330 calculates the average value of the temperatures associated with the identifiers of each removable battery 100 currently in a simultaneous operation state as a statistical value of the temperatures of the removable batteries 100 (S104). For example, the temperature estimation unit 330 may calculate the statistical value of the temperatures associated with the identifiers of each removable battery 100 currently in a simultaneous operation state based on the temperatures associated with the identifiers of each removable battery 100 currently in a simultaneous operation state at multiple past times relative to the current time.

[0108] The temperature estimation unit 330 identifies a first combination calculated by the above-described process, which is made up of the number of removable batteries 100 currently in a simultaneous operation state, the simultaneous operation time, and the current statistical value of the temperature of the removable batteries 100. The temperature estimation unit 330 also identifies a second combination made up of the simultaneous operation time, the statistical value of the temperature of the removable batteries 100, and the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220, which are recorded in the relationship information I22 in association with the same number of removable batteries 100 in a simultaneous operation state as the number indicated by the first combination. The temperature estimation unit 330 then calculates the current internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 by interpolation, based on the relationship between the simultaneous operation time and the current statistical value of the temperature of the removable batteries 100 included in the first combination, and the relationship between the simultaneous operation time and the statistical value of the temperature of the removable batteries 100 included in the second combination, and the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (S105).

[0109] The temperature estimation unit 330 may input the simultaneous operation time corresponding to an arbitrary number of removable batteries 100 and the statistical value of the temperature of the removable batteries 100, and output the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 at that input value, and may perform machine learning on the relationship between the input and output to generate a prediction model that predicts an estimated value of the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220. The temperature estimation unit 330 may then input the simultaneous operation time and the statistical value of the temperature of the removable batteries 100 into the prediction model corresponding to the number of removable batteries 100 in the simultaneous operation state, and calculate the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 20 as a result. The notification information output unit 350 may output the calculated internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 20 as notification information to a predetermined output destination. The output destination may be the terminal devices T1 and T2.

[0110] The abnormality determination unit 340 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254 based on the calculation result of the temperature estimation unit 330 (S106). Specifically, the abnormality determination unit 340 compares the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 with a threshold value, and determines that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254 when the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value. Alternatively, the abnormality determination unit 340 calculates the difference between the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 and a reference temperature, and determines that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254 when the difference is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. These determinations that an abnormality has occurred are one aspect of the process of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the communication path.

[0111] The abnormality determination unit 340 of the management server device 300 may determine the reference temperature based on the temperature outside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (hereinafter also referred to as the "external temperature"). In this case, the information acquisition unit 310 of the management server device 300 receives a temperature value measured by a temperature sensor provided outside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 from the battery exchange apparatus 220 via the station control device 210. The temperature estimation unit 330 estimates the temperature outside the housing 251 based on the temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310. The abnormality determination unit 300 may calculate the reference temperature using the temperature value outside the housing 251 estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330. The reference temperature may be the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor provided outside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 itself, or may be calculated by multiplying the temperature value by some coefficient or inputting it into a predetermined reference temperature calculation formula.

[0112] The temperature outside the battery exchange apparatus 220 used to calculate the reference temperature may be the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 131 provided inside a removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating and for which a predetermined time has passed since the end of its previous operation. In this case, the information acquisition unit 310 of the management server device 300 may receive, from the battery exchange apparatus 220 via the station control device 210, the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 131 provided inside a removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating and for which a predetermined time has passed since the end of its previous operation, and use that temperature value to calculate the reference temperature. The reference temperature may be the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 131 provided inside the removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating, or may be calculated by multiplying that temperature value by some coefficient, or by inputting it into a predetermined reference temperature calculation formula. In this case, the temperature estimation unit 330 may estimate the temperature outside the housing 251 based on, for example, the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 131 provided on a removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating among the removable batteries 100 housed in the multiple battery slots 221.

[0113] In calculating the reference temperature, if there is no removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating, the reference temperature may be calculated based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 provided inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 with the shortest total operating time within a predetermined period of time in the past. In this case, the abnormality determination unit 340 of the management server device 300 acquires the operation start time and operation end time of each battery exchange apparatus 220 included in the control history information I12 and calculates the total operating time within a predetermined period of time in the past for each battery exchange apparatus 220. The abnormality determination unit 340 identifies the battery exchange apparatus 220 with the shortest total operating time and calculates the reference temperature in the same manner as described above using the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 131 provided inside that battery exchange apparatus 220.

[0114] In this case, the temperature estimation unit 330 may estimate the temperature outside the housing 251 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 provided in a removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating and for which a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of its previous operation, among the removable batteries 100 that are not electrically operating. Alternatively, if there is no removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating, the temperature estimation unit 330 may estimate the temperature outside the housing 251 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 provided in the removable battery 100 that is electrically operating and has the smallest total amount of operation within a predetermined period of time in the past. The total amount of operation is an example of the total operating time. The total amount of operation may be something other than the total operating time, for example, the amount of input power generated.

[0115] When the abnormality determination unit 340 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254, it instructs the notification information output unit 350 and the control command output unit 360 to take action in the event of an abnormality.

[0116] When the notification information output unit 350 receives an instruction for processing in the event of an abnormality from the abnormality determination unit 340, it outputs information indicating the abnormality as notification information to a predetermined output destination (S107). The output destination may be the terminal devices T1 and T2. The information indicating the abnormality may include information such as the estimated internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220, the difference between that temperature and a threshold value, the difference between the estimated internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 and a reference temperature, an identifier of the battery exchange apparatus 220, an identifier of the station control device 210 connected to the battery exchange apparatus 220, and the date and time when the abnormality was determined. The information included in the notification information, such as the identifier of the battery exchange apparatus 220, the identifier of the station control device 210 connected to the battery exchange apparatus 220, and the date and time when the abnormality was determined, is an example of information used for maintenance or servicing of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus). In other words, the notification information output unit 350 is one form of output unit that outputs information used for maintenance or servicing of the battery exchange device 220 (power device) when the internal temperature of the battery exchange device 220 is above a predetermined value, or when the difference between the internal temperature of the battery exchange device 220 and the reference temperature is above a predetermined value.

[0117] When the control command output unit 360 receives an instruction for processing in the event of an abnormality from the abnormality determination unit 340, it generates a predetermined control command (S108). The control command output unit 360 may generate, as the control command, information for suppressing the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220. The information for suppressing the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220 may, for example, be information instructing the battery exchange apparatus 220 to stop charging or discharging the removable battery 100. Alternatively, the information for suppressing the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220 may, for example, be information instructing the battery exchange apparatus 220 to reduce the amount of charge per unit time or the amount of discharge per unit time of the removable battery 100. The control command output unit 360 transmits the generated control command to the station control apparatus 210 connected to the battery exchange apparatus 220 determined to be abnormal (S109).

[0118] The station control device 210 receives the control command. Based on the control command, the charge / discharge control unit 212 of the station control device 210 performs control to suppress the operating state of the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal. Specifically, the charge / discharge control unit 212 instructs the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal to stop charging or discharging the removable battery 100 attached to the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal. Alternatively, the charge / discharge control unit 212 reduces the charge amount per unit time or the discharge amount per unit time of the removable battery 100 attached to the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal. This completes the series of processes.

[0119] 7. Advantages In the first embodiment, the management server device 300 (temperature estimation device) estimates the temperature inside a housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) to which a removable battery 100 (power storage device) is attached, based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided inside a removable battery 100 (power storage device) that is detachably held in the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus). With this configuration, the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) can be estimated using the temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided inside the removable battery 100 (power storage device) without providing a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus). Therefore, there is no need to provide a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) to estimate the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus), and therefore the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus), it is possible to estimate the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) without increasing the cost of the battery exchange apparatus 220.

[0120] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the internal temperature of the removable battery 100 (power storage device) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or when the difference between the internal temperature and a reference temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the management server device 300 (temperature estimation device) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254 (communication path), and issues a notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254, or suppresses the operating state of the battery exchange device 220 (power device). With this configuration, an abnormality related to the communication path of the filter 266 or the fan 254, or an abnormality related to the cleaning device, can be determined using the temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided inside the removable battery 100 (power storage device), without providing a sensor in the internal space of the housing 251 of the battery exchange device 220 (power device). Since there is no need to provide a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) to determine an abnormality in the communication path of the filter 266 or the fan 254, or an abnormality in the cleaning device, the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus), it is possible to determine an abnormality in the communication path of the filter 266 or the fan 254, or an abnormality in the cleaning device, without increasing the cost of the battery exchange apparatus 220. Furthermore, with such a configuration, if an abnormality in the communication path of the filter 266 or the fan 254, or an abnormality in the cleaning device, it is possible to notify the administrator of the abnormality, or to suppress the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus), thereby suppressing the occurrence of a failure in the removable battery 100 attached inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus).

[0121] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, by continuously monitoring the internal temperature of the battery exchange device 220 contained in the notification information received by the terminal devices T1 and T2, the manager can estimate when maintenance of the communication passage, such as replacing the filter 266, will be necessary, thereby reducing excess inventory of parts such as filters required for maintenance. Furthermore, since the manager can perform maintenance in a planned manner, there is no unexpected work and it is easier to plan worker work schedules.

[0122] In the present embodiment described above, it is possible to appropriately manage the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) that stores the removable battery 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately manage the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 that stores the removable battery 100, even without providing a temperature sensor inside the housing 251.

[0123] Next, some modified examples will be described. (First Modification) All or some of the functional units among the temperature estimation unit 330, abnormality determination unit 340, notification information output unit 350, control command output unit 360, and storage unit 370 may be provided inside the battery exchange station 200 instead of the management server device 300. Even with this configuration, as in the first embodiment described above, the battery exchange station 200 can appropriately manage the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange device (power device) that stores the removable battery 100, without providing a temperature sensor inside the housing 251.

[0124] (Second Modification) All or some of the functional units among the temperature estimation unit 330, abnormality determination unit 340, notification information output unit 350, control command output unit 360, and storage unit 370 may be provided inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 instead of the management server device 300. Even with this configuration, similar to the first embodiment described above, the battery exchange apparatus 220 can appropriately manage the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus (power device) that stores the removable battery 100, without providing a temperature sensor inside the housing 251.

[0125] Any of the above-described management server device 300, battery exchange station 200, and battery exchange device 220 may be defined as a temperature estimation device having the above-described configuration. The temperature control device includes an estimation unit. The estimation unit estimates the temperature of the battery exchange device 220 to which the removable battery 100 is attached based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 131 provided in the removable battery 100 that is detachably held in the battery exchange device 220. When the temperature inside the housing 251 of the battery exchange device 220 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or when the difference between the temperature inside the housing 251 and a reference temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the temperature control device determines that an abnormality has occurred in the communication path, and issues a notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the communication path or suppresses the operating state of the battery exchange device 220.

[0126] Any of the management server device 300, the battery exchange station 200, and the battery exchange device 220 described above may be defined as an abnormality response device having the configuration described above. The abnormality response device includes an estimation unit. The estimation unit estimates the temperature of the battery exchange device 220 to which the removable battery 100 is attached based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 131 provided in the removable battery 100 detachably held in the battery exchange device 220. The abnormality response device then determines that an abnormality has occurred in the battery exchange device 220 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 provided in an electrically operating battery exchange device 220 among the multiple battery exchange devices 220 stored in the battery exchange device 220, issues a notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the battery exchange device 220, or suppresses the operating state of the battery exchange device 220. The abnormality response device performs response control based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 and other temperatures detected by the temperature sensor 131 provided on a removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating among the multiple removable batteries 100.

[0127] (Other embodiments) In the first embodiment described above, the management server device 300 estimates the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided in the removable battery 100 (power storage device). In the first embodiment described above, when the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, or when the difference between the internal temperature and a reference temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the management server device 300 determines that an abnormality has occurred in a communication path such as the exhaust port 253, issues a notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the communication path, or suppresses the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus). However, the management server device 300 may determine that an abnormality has occurred in a communication passage such as the exhaust port 253 based on the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided in the operating removable battery 100 (power storage device) and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided in the non-operating removable battery 100 (power storage device), issue a notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the communication passage, or suppress the operating state of the battery exchange device 220 (power device). An example of this case will be described below.

[0128] [Processing flow] Next, a process flow relating to temperature estimation in another embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the station control device 210. When the temperature estimation unit 330 detects from the state history information I21 that the removable battery 100 is attached to the battery exchange apparatus 220, it starts the following processing flow.

[0129] The temperature estimation unit 330 identifies removable batteries 100 that are electrically in operation and removable batteries 100 that are not electrically in operation based on the control history information I12 acquired from the battery exchange station 200 (S201). For example, the temperature estimation unit 330 identifies identifiers of removable batteries 100 that are linked and recorded in the control history information I12 with information on the charge start time or discharge start time, but not linked and recorded with information on the charge end time or discharge end time, and identifies these removable batteries 100 as removable batteries 100 that are electrically in operation. The temperature estimation unit 330 identifies removable batteries 100 that are not identified as removable batteries 100 as removable batteries 100 that are not electrically in operation. The temperature estimation unit 330 may identify the identifiers of the removable batteries 100 that are recorded in the control history information I12 in association with the charging end time or discharging end time, and identify those removable batteries 100 as removable batteries 100 that are not electrically in operation.

[0130] The temperature estimation unit 330 detects the temperature of each removable battery 100 that is electrically in operation based on the battery state information I13 acquired from the station control device 210. When there are multiple removable batteries 100 that are electrically in operation, the temperature estimation unit 330 identifies the highest temperature among those batteries as the representative battery temperature (S202). When there are multiple removable batteries 100 that are electrically in operation, the temperature estimation unit 330 may calculate the average of those temperatures and identify it as the representative battery temperature. When there is only one removable battery 100 that is electrically in operation, the temperature estimation unit 330 may identify that temperature as the representative battery temperature.

[0131] The temperature estimation unit 330 detects the temperature of each removable battery 100 that is not electrically in operation based on the battery status information I13 acquired from the station control device 210. When there are multiple removable batteries 100 that are not electrically in operation, the temperature estimation unit 330 identifies the lowest temperature among those temperatures as the estimated external temperature (S203). The estimated external temperature may be the temperature outside the housing 251 of the battery exchange device 220. When there are multiple removable batteries 100 that are not electrically in operation, the temperature estimation unit 330 may calculate the average of those temperatures and identify it as the estimated external temperature. When there is only one removable battery 100 that is electrically in operation, the temperature estimation unit 330 may identify that temperature as the estimated external temperature. The notification information output unit 350 may output at least one of the calculated representative battery temperature and the estimated external temperature to a predetermined output destination as notification information. The output destination may be the terminal devices T1 and T2.

[0132] The abnormality determination unit 340 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254 based on the calculation results of the representative battery temperature and the estimated external temperature by the temperature estimation unit 330. Specifically, the abnormality determination unit 340 calculates the difference between the representative battery temperature and the estimated external temperature (S204). Note that the representative battery temperature is the temperature of the electrically operating removable battery 100, so the representative battery temperature is greater than the estimated external temperature. The abnormality determination unit 340 determines whether the difference between the representative battery temperature and the estimated external temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (S205). If the difference between the representative battery temperature and the estimated external temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the abnormality determination unit 340 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254. Note that the abnormality determination unit 340 may also determine that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254 if the representative battery temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This determination of an abnormality is one aspect of the process of determining that an abnormality has occurred in the communication path.

[0133] The abnormality determination unit 340 of the management server device 300 may determine the estimated external temperature based on the temperature outside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220. In this case, the information acquisition unit 310 of the management server device 300 may receive a temperature value measured by a temperature sensor provided outside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 from the battery exchange apparatus 220 via the station control device 210, and may use the temperature value to calculate the estimated external temperature. The estimated external temperature may be the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor provided outside the housing 251 of the battery exchange apparatus 220 itself, or may be calculated by multiplying the temperature value by some coefficient, or may be calculated by inputting the temperature value into a predetermined estimated external temperature calculation formula.

[0134] In calculating the estimated external temperature, if there is no battery exchange apparatus 220 that is not electrically operating, the estimated external temperature may be calculated based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 provided inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 that has the shortest total operating time within a predetermined period of time in the past. In this case, the abnormality determination unit 340 of the management server device 300 acquires the operation start time and operation end time of each battery exchange apparatus 220 included in the control history information I12, and calculates the total operating time within a predetermined period of time in the past of each battery exchange apparatus 220. The abnormality determination unit 340 identifies the battery exchange apparatus 220 with the shortest total operating time, and calculates the estimated external temperature in the same manner as described above using the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 131 provided inside that battery exchange apparatus 220.

[0135] When the abnormality determination unit 340 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266 or the fan 254, it instructs the notification information output unit 350 and the control command output unit 360 to take action in the event of an abnormality.

[0136] When the notification information output unit 350 receives an instruction for processing in the event of an abnormality from the abnormality determination unit 340, it outputs information indicating the abnormality as notification information to a predetermined output destination (S206). The output destination may be the terminal devices T1 and T2. The information indicating the abnormality may include information such as a representative battery temperature, an estimated external temperature, a difference between the representative battery temperature and the estimated external temperature, an identifier of the battery exchange apparatus 220 that stores the removable battery 100 that estimated these temperatures, an identifier of the station control device 210 connected to the battery exchange apparatus 220, and the date and time when the abnormality was determined. The information included in the notification information, such as the identifier of the battery exchange apparatus 220, the identifier of the station control device 210 connected to the battery exchange apparatus 220, and the date and time when the abnormality was determined, is an example of information used for maintenance or servicing of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device). In other words, the notification information output unit 350 is one form of output unit that outputs information used for maintenance or servicing of the battery exchange device 220 (power device) when the difference between the temperature of the removable battery 100 that is electrically operating and the temperature of the removable battery 100 that is not electrically operating is greater than a predetermined value.

[0137] When the control command output unit 360 receives an instruction for processing in the event of an abnormality from the abnormality determination unit 340, it generates a predetermined control command (S207). The control command output unit 360 may generate, as the control command, information for suppressing the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220. The information for suppressing the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220 may, for example, be information instructing the battery exchange apparatus 220 to stop charging or discharging the removable battery 100. Alternatively, the information for suppressing the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220 may, for example, be information instructing the battery exchange apparatus 220 to reduce the amount of charge per unit time or the amount of discharge per unit time of the removable battery 100. The control command output unit 360 transmits the generated control command to the station control apparatus 210 connected to the battery exchange apparatus 220 determined to be abnormal (S208).

[0138] The station control device 210 receives the control command. Based on the control command, the charge / discharge control unit 212 of the station control device 210 performs control to suppress the operating state of the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal. Specifically, the charge / discharge control unit 212 instructs the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal to stop charging or discharging the removable battery 100 attached to the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal. Alternatively, the charge / discharge control unit 212 reduces the charge amount per unit time or the discharge amount per unit time of the removable battery 100 attached to the battery exchange device 220 determined to be abnormal. This completes the series of processes.

[0139] [advantage] In this embodiment, the management server device 300 (temperature estimation device) estimates (determines) the temperature of the removable battery 100 (power storage device) based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided inside the removable battery 100 (power storage device) that is detachably held in the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device). With this configuration, the temperature of the removable battery 100 (power storage device) can be estimated (determined) without providing a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device). Therefore, since there is no need to provide a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device) to estimate the temperature of the removable battery 100 (power storage device), the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device) can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device), the temperature of the removable battery 100 (power storage device) can be estimated without incurring additional costs for the battery exchange apparatus 220.

[0140] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the difference between the representative temperature of removable battery 100 (power storage device) and the estimated external temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the representative temperature of removable battery 100 (power storage device) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, management server device 300 (temperature estimation device) determines that an abnormality has occurred in filter 266 or fan 254 (communication path), and issues a notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in filter 266 or fan 254, or suppresses the operating state of battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device). With this configuration, an abnormality in the communication path of filter 266 or fan 254, or an abnormality in the cleaning device, can be determined using temperature sensor 131 (temperature detection unit) provided inside removable battery 100 (power storage device), without providing a sensor in the internal space of housing 251 of battery exchange apparatus 220 (power device). Since there is no need to provide a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) to determine an abnormality in the communication path of the filter 266 or the fan 254, or an abnormality in the cleaning device, the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus) can be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the configuration (number of parts) of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus), it is possible to determine an abnormality in the communication path of the filter 266 or the fan 254, or an abnormality in the cleaning device, without increasing the cost of the battery exchange apparatus 220. Furthermore, with such a configuration, if an abnormality in the communication path of the filter 266 or the fan 254, or an abnormality in the cleaning device, it is possible to notify the administrator of the abnormality, or to suppress the operating state of the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus), thereby suppressing the occurrence of a failure in the removable battery 100 attached inside the battery exchange apparatus 220 (power apparatus).

[0141] In this embodiment, the manager can continuously monitor the representative battery temperature included in the notification information received by the terminal devices T1 and T2, and the difference between the representative battery temperature and the estimated external temperature, thereby predicting when maintenance of the communication passage, such as replacing the filter 266, will be necessary, thereby reducing excess inventory of filters and other parts required for maintenance. Furthermore, because the manager can perform maintenance in a planned manner, there is no need for unexpected work, making it easier to plan worker work schedules.

[0142] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The battery sharing service system of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the battery exchange device 230 (FIG. 15) and the management server device 400 (FIG. 16). The battery sharing service of the second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the following description, components and functions that are common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same numbers, and their description may be omitted.

[0143] A battery exchange apparatus 230 according to a second embodiment will now be described. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the battery exchange apparatus 230 according to the second embodiment. The battery exchange apparatus 230 according to the second embodiment differs from the battery exchange apparatus 220 according to the first embodiment mainly in that it includes an external temperature sensor 231 and a fan control board 256.

[0144] External temperature sensor 231 is provided, for example, on the upper part of front wall 251b on the outside of housing 251, above filter 266. External temperature sensor 231 detects the air temperature outside housing 251 (hereinafter referred to as external temperature). External temperature sensor 231 is disposed at a position closer to intake port 252 than to exhaust port 253. External temperature sensor 231 is an example of an "air temperature detection unit" and an "external temperature detection unit."

[0145] On the intake side of housing 251, there is no relatively hot air being discharged from housing 251, so the temperature of the outside air can be detected with high accuracy. External temperature sensor 231 is provided outside housing 251, but may be provided in other positions. External temperature sensor 231 may also be provided inside housing 251. External temperature sensor 231 may be provided below filter 266, or may be provided on rear wall 251c.

[0146] The external temperature sensor 231 outputs information about the detected external temperature to the station control device 210. The station control device 210 transmits the information about the external temperature output by the external temperature sensor 231 to the management server device 400 via the information output unit 214. The battery exchange device 230 is an example of a "power device." The information output unit 214 is an example of a "transmitter."

[0147] Similar to the first embodiment, the battery exchange apparatus 230 includes a removable battery 100 attached to the battery exchange apparatus 230. The removable battery 100 includes a power storage unit 120. The battery exchange apparatus 230 includes a battery slot 221 that detachably houses the removable battery 100. The removable battery 100 is an example of an "electricity storage apparatus." The removable battery 100 of the second embodiment is detachable from the battery exchange apparatus 230, but may be attached to the battery exchange apparatus 230 so as not to be detachable. The battery slot 221 houses the removable battery, and thus the housing 251 houses the power storage unit 120.

[0148] The battery exchange device 230 includes a fan 254 similar to that of the first embodiment, as well as a fan control board 256 that controls the fan 254. The fan 254 assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing 251. The fan 254 includes a motor and blades. The fan 254 is driven according to the control of the fan control board 256. The fan 254 is an example of an "air generating section" and a "cooling fan."

[0149] The fan control board 256 drives the motor of the fan 254 to rotate the blades and operate the fan 254 while the battery exchange apparatus 230 is in use. The fan control board 256 controls the driving of the fan 254 based on, for example, the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 231 and the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 230 (hereinafter referred to as internal temperature) estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330 of the management server device 400. The fan control board 256 is provided independently of the control board 273, but may also be provided as a part of the control board 273.

[0150] The internal temperature may be a temperature other than the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330, and may be, for example, a temperature detected by an internal temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the battery exchange apparatus 230. The internal temperature sensor may be one that detects the air temperature inside the battery exchange apparatus 230, or one that detects the temperature of a component provided inside the battery exchange apparatus 230, or may be a temperature calculated based on these temperatures.

[0151] The fan control board 256 sets the operation time of the fan 254 per unit time based on, for example, the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 231. While the fan 254 is operating, the fan control board 256 adjusts the operation time of the fan 254 (hereinafter referred to as the fan operation time) based on the internal temperature estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330. For example, by rotating the fan 254, the internal temperature drops and approaches the external temperature. As the internal temperature drops, the fan control board 256 gradually reduces the operation time of the fan 254. If the degree of drop in the internal temperature is low, the reduction in the operation time of the fan 254 becomes smaller.

[0152] The fan control board 256 operates the fan 254 intermittently. The fan operation time here means the operation time of the fan 254 per unit time. Therefore, for example, when the fan 254 is operated with a constant power, the cooling capacity of the battery exchange device 230 due to the operation of the fan 254 increases as the fan operation time increases.

[0153] The fan control board 256 ends control of the rotation of the fan 254 when the internal temperature drops to a predetermined cooling completion temperature. The cooling completion temperature may be a constant temperature or may be a temperature adjusted according to the external temperature, etc. The fan control board 256 measures and detects the time that the fan 254 is operating. The information output unit 214 transmits information about the fan operation time detected by the fan control board 256 to the management server device 300.

[0154] The fan control board 256 may transmit operation information indicating that the fan 254 is operating to the management server device 300 as information related to operation, and measure the fan operation time based on the time during which the management server device 300 receives the operation information. The fan operation time is an example of an "operation amount." The fan control board 256 is an example of an operation amount detection unit.

[0155] As in the first embodiment, an intake port 252 for drawing air into the housing 251 is opened in a front wall 251b of the housing 251 in the battery exchange device 230, and an exhaust port 253 for exhausting air from the housing 251 is opened in a rear wall 251c. A flow path for air flows between the intake port 252 and the exhaust port 253 inside the housing 251. A filter 266 is provided in the intake port 252 of the housing 251. The filter 266 purifies the air flowing into the housing 251. The filter 266 is an example of a "purifying device."

[0156] In the second embodiment, the fan 254 is provided as a cooling device for cooling the battery exchange apparatus 230, but a cooling device for cooling the battery exchange apparatus 230 may be provided instead of or in addition to the fan 254. As the cooling device, for example, another air-cooled device or a heat exchanger such as a water-cooled radiator may be used. Alternatively, in consideration of the case where the battery exchange apparatus 230 is installed in a cold region, the battery exchange apparatus 230 may be provided with a heating device such as a heater for heating the battery exchange apparatus 230.

[0157] Next, a management server device 400 according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of the management server device 400 according to the second embodiment. The management server device 400 according to the second embodiment includes, for example, a second information acquisition unit 410, a station management unit 320, a temperature estimation unit 330, a comparison unit 430, a fault determination unit 440, a notification information output unit 450, a control command output unit 360, and a storage unit 470. The management server device 400 is an example of an "information processing device."

[0158] The storage unit 470 stores, for example, second state history information I31, second relationship information I32, station management information I23, control information I24, and a learned model I35. The second state history information I31 includes information on the outside temperature and fan operation time (hereinafter, determination target information). The second relationship information I32 includes the relationship between the outside temperature and the operation amount while the battery exchange apparatus 230 is in use (hereinafter, second relationship).

[0159] The second relationship is, for example, a correlation obtained by machine learning the relationship between the outside air temperature of the casing 251 and the operation amount of the fan 254 while the battery exchange device 230 is in use. The second relationship is obtained in advance and stored in the memory unit 470. The second relationship is an example of a "predetermined relationship." The memory unit 470 is an example of a "correlation memory unit." The memory unit 470 is an example of a "model memory unit." The station management information I23 and the control information I24 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0160] Machine learning is unsupervised learning that uses, for example, second relations as input data. Unsupervised learning generates a trained model that learns and models patterns and features contained in multiple pieces of input data. Unsupervised learning includes techniques such as clustering, association analysis, probability distribution estimation, principal component analysis, correspondence analysis, canonical correlation analysis, and independent component analysis.

[0161] When unsupervised learning is used for anomaly detection, a method is required to link the obtained results to a conclusion as to whether or not the result is abnormal. For this reason, for example, if the probability of occurrence of data is known, a simple judgment criterion such as "if the probability is low, it is abnormal" can be adopted, and therefore probability distribution estimation is suitably used for anomaly detection. Anomaly detection using probability distribution is performed by, for example, estimating the probability distribution of input data, deriving the probability of occurrence of new input using the probability distribution, and if the occurrence probability is below a certain level, regarding the data as "abnormal data that significantly deviates from typical behavior."

[0162] In unsupervised learning, there is no need to prepare data with correct examples as in supervised learning. Therefore, by using unsupervised learning for machine learning, it is possible to save the time and cost required to create correct examples. Instead of unsupervised learning, the machine learning may be supervised learning, in which the external temperature and fan operation time acquired by the second information acquisition unit 410 and stored in the memory unit 470 are used as training data.

[0163] The second information acquisition unit 410 acquires the external temperature and fan operation time transmitted from each battery exchange station 200. The second information acquisition unit 410 stores the acquired information as determination target information in the storage unit 470, including it in the second state history information I31. The second information acquisition unit 410 is an example of a "temperature acquisition unit" and an "operation amount acquisition unit." The second information acquisition unit 410 may notify the failure determination unit 440 of the determination target information directly, without storing it in the storage unit 470.

[0164] The comparison unit 430 calculates the relationship between the external temperature and the fan operating time in the determination target information included in the second state history information (hereinafter referred to as the determination target relationship). The comparison unit 430 stores the calculated determination target relationship in the storage unit 370. The comparison unit 430 compares the calculated determination target relationship with multiple determination target relationships calculated earlier than the calculation of the determination target relationship. The calculated determination target relationship is an example of an "observation quantity." The multiple determination target relationships calculated earlier than the calculation of the determination target relationship are an example of a "reference quantity."

[0165] Based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 430, the malfunction determination unit 440 then executes a deviation determination process to determine whether or not there is a deviation in the determination target relationship. The deviation in the determination target relationship includes, for example, a deviation of the determination target relationship from the second relationship included in the second relationship information I32 stored in the storage unit 470. The malfunction determination unit 440 is an example of a "determination unit."

[0166] Instead of or in addition to detecting an abnormality in the battery exchange device 230 based on the second relationship included in the second relationship information, the failure judgment unit 440 may input the external temperature information and state history information included in the second state history information I31 into the learned model I35 stored in the memory unit 470 to judge whether or not there is a deviation in the relationship to be judged.

[0167] When the trained model I35 is used, the fault determination unit 440 determines whether or not there is a deviation in the determination target relationship based on the input result of inputting the determination target relationship included in the second state history information I31 into the trained model I35. The trained model I35 is a model that uses, for example, the external temperature of the housing 251 and the operating amount of the fan 254 as input data.

[0168] The failure determination unit 440 determines whether a failure has occurred in the fan 254 based on the result of the deviation determination process. A failure that has occurred in the fan 254 is an example of an abnormality that has occurred in the fan 254 (an abnormality in the fan 254). When a failure occurs in the fan 254, the cooling capacity of the fan 254 decreases. The failure of the fan 254 is an example of an "abnormality that reduces the cooling capacity."

[0169] For example, when the deviation determination process results in the determination target relationship deviating from the second relationship and the fan operating time for the external temperature in the determination target relationship is longer than that in the second relationship, the failure determination unit 440 determines that a failure has occurred in the fan 254. Examples of failures in the fan 254 include failures that reduce the cooling capacity due to loss of blades or deterioration of the motor.

[0170] In addition to the processing described in the first embodiment, when it is determined that the fan 254 has failed as a processing result (determination result) of the failure determination unit 440, the notification information output unit 450 generates second notification information that notifies that the fan 254 has failed and requests that a response be made to the failure of the fan 254. The second notification information is, for example, information that requests maintenance, ordering of parts, or the like in response to the failure of the fan 254.

[0171] The notification information output unit 450 transmits the generated second notification information to a terminal device T1 used by an administrator P1 who manages the battery sharing service system 1 and a terminal device T2 used by a security personnel P2 in charge of each battery exchange station. By transmitting the second notification information, the notification information output unit 450 requests the terminal devices T1 and T2 to perform maintenance, order parts, etc. The terminal devices T1 and T2 that receive the request notify the second notification information by screen output or audio output. The notification information output unit 450 is an example of a "response execution unit." The station management unit 320, temperature estimation unit 330, and control command output unit 360 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0172] Next, the processing flow of the management server device 400 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the management server device 400 according to the second embodiment. When the management server device 400 receives the determination target information transmitted by the station control device 210 of the battery exchange station 200, the management server device 400 starts the following flow.

[0173] The second information acquisition unit 410 acquires the determination target information by receiving it transmitted by the station control device 210 (S301). The second information acquisition unit 410 stores the acquired determination target information in the storage unit 470 as second state history information I31.

[0174] The fault determination unit 440 compares the determination target relationship indicated by the determination target information included in the second state history information I31 accumulated in the storage unit 470 with the second relationship included in the second relationship information I32 stored in the storage unit 470 (S302). The fault determination unit 440 determines whether the determination target relationship deviates from the second relationship (S303). Here, the second relationship included in the second relationship information I32 will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the second relationship.

[0175] The second relationship included in the second relationship information I32 includes a learned value group LC consisting of a large number of learned values ​​L of fan operation times relative to external temperatures while the battery exchange apparatus 230 is in use. The failure determination unit 440 compares the learned value group LC with the fan operation time Q of the determination target relationship indicated by the determination target information included in the second state history information I31. In the example of FIG. 18 , the fan operation time Q relative to the external temperature indicated by the determination target relationship is longer than the fan operation time relative to the external temperature included in the learned value group LC, and the fan operation time Q of the determination target relationship deviates from the learned value group LC. In this case, it is determined that the determination target relationship deviates from the second relationship.

[0176] If it is determined in step S303 that the determination target relationship deviates from the second relationship, the malfunction determination unit 440 determines that a malfunction has occurred in the fan 254 (S304). When the cooling capacity of the fan 254 decreases, the operating time of the fan 254 becomes relatively longer, and therefore the operating time of the fan for the external temperature in the determination target relationship becomes longer than that in the second relationship. Therefore, the malfunction determination unit 440 determines that an abnormality has occurred in which the cooling capacity of the fan 254 decreases when the operating time of the fan for the external temperature in the determination target relationship becomes longer than that in the second relationship.

[0177] The notification information output unit 450 generates second notification information requesting maintenance of the failure of the fan 254 determined by the failure determination unit 440, and transmits the second notification information to the terminal devices T1 and T2 (S305). If it is determined that the determination target relationship does not deviate from the second relationship, the failure determination unit 440 determines that no failure has occurred in the fan 254, and the management server device 400 ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0178] In the second embodiment, the management server device 400 (information processing device) determines whether or not there is a deviation in the determination target relationship based on the previously determined determination target relationship and the second relationship during use of the battery exchange device 230 (power device). With this configuration, it is possible to inspect various devices in the power device and detect abnormalities with a simple configuration.

[0179] (Variation) In the second embodiment, the relationship between the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 231 and the fan operating time was used as the relationship to be determined, but the internal temperature may be used instead of or in addition to the external temperature. In this case, the internal temperature may be obtained by measuring the internal temperature of the housing 251 using an internal temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of the housing 251, or, as described in the first embodiment, may be obtained by estimating the internal temperature using the measurement result of the temperature sensor 131 that measures the temperature of the removable battery 100 in the temperature estimation unit 330. The temperature sensor 131 is an example of a "temperature detection unit."

[0180] In the second embodiment, the failure determination unit 440 performs deviation determination processing to determine whether or not there is a deviation in the determination target relationship and determines a failure of the fan 254 based on the deviation determination processing, but instead of or in addition to these processing, the failure determination unit 440 may determine an abnormality (abnormal flow) in the flow path of the casing 251. The failure determination unit 440 may also execute processing to determine the occurrence of other abnormalities in the fan 254 or the flow path of the casing 251.

[0181] The failure determination unit 440 may determine, as another abnormality in the fan 254 or the airflow path of the housing 251, for example, deterioration of an electrical component housed in the housing 251 and arranged in the airflow path, such as an electrical circuit or the DC / DC converter 271. For example, when a component such as the DC / DC converter 271 deteriorates, the temperature rise becomes larger compared to an electrical component that has not deteriorated, even if the air temperature inside the housing 251 is the same. For this reason, an abnormality in an electrical component is an abnormality that is accompanied by heat generation.

[0182] When an abnormality occurs in these electrical components, the fan operation time relative to the external temperature in the determination target relationship becomes longer than the second relationship. Therefore, for example, when the fan operation time relative to the external temperature in the determination target relationship becomes longer than the second relationship, the failure determination unit 440 determines that an abnormality causing deterioration of the electrical components has occurred. The degree of deterioration of the electrical components may be determined according to the length of the fan operation time relative to the external temperature in the determination target relationship.

[0183] The failure determination unit 440 may determine a predetermined level of deterioration (abnormal flow) of the flow path of the fan 254 or the housing 251 as another abnormality of the flow path of the fan 254 or the housing 251. The abnormality that has occurred in the flow path of the fan 254 or the housing 251 may be, for example, deterioration over time of the flow path of the fan 254 or the housing 251 or an abnormality such as clogging of the filter 266 provided in the intake port 252 of the flow path.

[0184] For example, if the filter 266 becomes clogged, the amount of external air flowing into the housing 251 decreases, and the cooling efficiency relative to the operating time of the fan 254 decreases, so the fan operating time relative to the external temperature in the relationship to be determined becomes longer than the second relationship. For this reason, the failure determination unit 440 determines that the filter 266 is clogged, for example, when the fan operating time relative to the external temperature in the relationship to be determined becomes longer than the second relationship. The clogging of the filter 266 is an example of "deterioration of the flow path to a predetermined level or more." The degree of clogging of the filter 266 may be determined according to the length of the fan operating time relative to the external temperature in the relationship to be determined.

[0185] The management server device 400 may include a necessity determination unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to suppress the operation of the battery replacement device 230, instead of or in addition to the failure determination unit 440 that determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the fan 254 or the flow path of the housing 251. The necessity determination unit may, for example, determine whether or not the relationship to be determined deviates from the second relationship, and determine to suppress the operation of the battery replacement device 230 when the relationship to be determined deviates from the second relationship. Suppression of the operation of the battery replacement device 230 may, for example, be prohibition of operation of the battery replacement device 230 or reduction in the amount of operation of the battery replacement device 230.

[0186] Prohibition of operation of the battery exchange device 230 may be, for example, prohibition of charging or discharging the removable battery 100 via the battery slot 221. Suppression of operation of the battery exchange device 230 may be, for example, reduction in the number of battery slots 221 that allow charging or discharging of the removable battery 100 or reduction in the time during which charging or discharging is possible.

[0187] When transmitting the second notification information, the notification information output unit 450 may also transmit the station ID of the battery exchange station 200 in which the battery exchange apparatus 230 with the failed fan 254 is installed, information on the geographical location, and information for performing maintenance work (maintenance information). For example, the notification information output unit 450 may generate an image representing each piece of information, particularly the geographical location information, and transmit it together with the second notification information.

[0188] When the failure determination unit 440 determines that the filter 266 is clogged, the notification information output unit 450 may generate notification information requesting processing to unclog the filter 266, such as cleaning the filter 266 or replacing the filter 266, and transmit the notification information to the terminal devices T1, T2. When the failure determination unit 440 determines that an electronic component has deteriorated, the notification information output unit 450 may generate notification information requesting processing in accordance with the deterioration of the electronic component, such as maintenance of the electronic component or ordering a new electronic component, and transmit the notification information to the terminal devices T1, T2.

[0189] When the failure determination unit 440 determines whether or not it is necessary to suppress the operation of the battery replacement apparatus 230, the notification information output unit 450 transmits a control command to the battery replacement apparatus 230 according to the determination result of the failure determination unit 440. Upon receiving the control command, the battery replacement apparatus 230 executes control according to the control command using the control board 273 and the fan control board 256.

[0190] In the above embodiment, some or all of the functions of the second information acquisition unit 410, the failure determination unit 440, and the notification information output unit 450 in the management server device 400 may be provided in the station control device 210 or the battery exchange device 230 in the battery exchange station 200. These functions may be distributed and provided in some or all of the management server device 400, the station control device 210, and the battery exchange device 230, for example.

[0191] The above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows. a storage device storing a program; a hardware processor; The hardware processor executes the program stored in the storage device, acquiring an air temperature of an electric power device including a power storage unit housed in a housing and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing; Acquire the operating amount of the wind generating unit; Execute at least one of the following determination processes: an abnormality determination process for determining an abnormality that has occurred in the air flow path in the air generating section or the housing based on the previously determined relationship between the air temperature and the operating amount during use of the electric power device, the acquired air temperature, and the acquired operating amount; a deviation determination process for determining whether or not there is a deviation in the relationship between the air temperature and the operating amount; or a suppression determination process for determining whether or not suppression of operation of the electric power device is necessary. The information processing device is configured as follows.

[0192] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The battery sharing service system of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the battery exchange device 230 (FIG. 19) and the management server device 500 (FIG. 20). The battery sharing service of the third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the following description, components and functions that are common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same numbers, and their description may be omitted.

[0193] A battery exchange apparatus 230 according to a third embodiment will now be described. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the battery exchange apparatus 230 according to the third embodiment. The battery exchange apparatus 230 according to the third embodiment differs from the battery exchange apparatus 220 according to the first embodiment mainly in that it includes an external temperature sensor 231, a fan control board 256, a power detector 258, a charging power detector 280, and an exchange number counter 282.

[0194] The external temperature sensor 231 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the front wall 251b on the outside of the housing 251, above the filter 266. The external temperature sensor 231 detects the air temperature outside the housing 251 (hereinafter referred to as the external temperature). The external temperature sensor 231 is disposed at a position closer to the intake port 252 than to the exhaust port 253. The air temperature (external temperature) of the housing (electric power device) is an example of a "second correlation quantity correlated with the operation amount of the electric power device."

[0195] On the intake side of the housing 251, there is no relatively hot air being discharged from the housing 251, so the temperature of the outside air can be detected with high accuracy. The external temperature sensor 231 is provided outside the housing 251, but may be provided in other positions. The external temperature sensor 231 may also be provided inside the housing 251. The external temperature sensor 231 may be provided below the filter 266 or on the rear wall 251c. The external temperature sensor 231 outputs information about the detected external temperature to the station control device 210.

[0196] Similar to the first embodiment, the battery exchange apparatus 230 includes a removable battery 100 attached to the battery exchange apparatus 230. The removable battery 100 includes a power storage unit 120. The battery exchange apparatus 230 includes a battery slot 221 that detachably houses the removable battery 100. The removable battery 100 is an example of an "electricity storage apparatus." The removable battery 100 of the third embodiment is detachable from the battery exchange apparatus 230, but may also be attached to the battery exchange apparatus 230 so as not to be detachable. The battery slot 221 houses the removable battery, and the housing 251 houses the power storage unit 120.

[0197] The battery exchange device 230 includes a fan 254 similar to that of the first embodiment, as well as a fan control board 256 that controls the fan 254. The fan 254 assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing 251. The fan 254 includes a motor and blades. The fan 254 is driven according to the control of the fan control board 256. The fan 254 is an example of an "air generating section" and a "cooling fan."

[0198] The fan control board 256 drives the motor of the fan 254 to rotate the blades and operate the fan 254 while the battery exchange apparatus 230 is in use. The fan control board 256 controls the driving of the fan 254 based on, for example, the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 231 and the internal temperature of the battery exchange apparatus 230 (hereinafter referred to as internal temperature) estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330 of the management server device 500. The fan control board 256 is provided independently of the control board 273, but may also be provided as a part of the control board 273.

[0199] The internal temperature may be a temperature other than the temperature estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330, and may be, for example, a temperature detected by an internal temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the battery exchange apparatus 230. The internal temperature sensor may be one that detects the air temperature inside the battery exchange apparatus 230, or one that detects the temperature of a component provided inside the battery exchange apparatus 230, or may be a temperature calculated based on these temperatures.

[0200] The power detector 258 is attached to the fan 254 (the wiring between the IF board 272 (FIG. 6) and the fan 254). The power detector 258 includes, for example, a current sensor and a voltage sensor. The current sensor of the power detector 258 measures the current of the fan 254, and the voltage sensor detects the voltage of the fan 254. The power detector 258 detects the power consumption of the fan 254 based on the measured current and voltage of the fan 254. The power consumption detected by the power detector 258 is the power consumed by driving (operating) the fan 254 (hereinafter referred to as fan operating power). The power detector 258 outputs information on the detected power consumption of the fan 254 to the station control device 210. The power consumption of the fan 254 is an example of a "first correlation amount correlated with the operation amount of the air-generating section." The fan 254 is an example of a "power device," and the power consumption is an example of an "operation amount." The operation amount may be something other than power consumption, depending on the type of power device, etc. For example, the operation amount may be the charge / discharge amount (charge / discharge time, charge / discharge power) or replacement frequency when the power device is a removable battery 100, or the fan operation amount (operating time, operating power) when the power device is a fan 254. Power detector 258 is an example of a "first correlation amount detection unit." The power consumption amount indicating the power consumption of fan 254 detected by power detector 258 is an example of an "observation amount" and an example of a "first observable amount." When the power device is fan 254, the fan operation amount is an example of a "second observable amount." The observable amount is obtained by observation (detection) of the operation amount of the power device and environmental information of the power device.

[0201] The charging power detector 280 detects charging power for the multiple removable batteries 100 housed in the battery slots 221. The charging power detector 280 outputs information on the detected charging power to the station control device 210. The charging power detector 280 may detect charging power in any unit. For example, the charging power detector 280 may detect charging power for all removable batteries 100 housed in the battery slots 221 all at once, or may detect charging power for each battery slot 221 in which the battery is housed. The charging power is an example of a "second correlation amount correlated with the operating amount of the power device."

[0202] The replacement counter 282 counts the number of times (replacement count) that the removable battery 100 housed in the battery slot 221 has been replaced. The replacement counter 282 outputs information on the counted number of replacements to the fan control board 256. The replacement counter 282 may count the number of replacements of the removable battery 100 in any unit. For example, the replacement counter 282 may count the number of replacements of the removable battery 100 in all battery slots 221 collectively, or may count the number of replacements of the removable battery 100 for each battery slot 221.

[0203] The fan control board 256 calculates the number of times the removable battery 100 is replaced per unit time (hereinafter referred to as the replacement frequency) based on the output information on the number of replacements. The fan control board 256 outputs the calculated information on the replacement frequency of the removable battery 100 to the station control device 210. The replacement frequency of the removable battery 100 is an example of a "second correlation amount correlated with the operation amount of the power device."

[0204] The station control device 210 transmits information on the external temperature, power consumption, charging power, and replacement frequency output by the external temperature sensor 231, power detector 258, charging power detector 280, and fan control board 256 to the management server device 500 via the information output unit 214. The battery exchange device 230 is an example of a "power device." The information output unit 214 is an example of a "transmitter."

[0205] As in the first embodiment, an intake port 252 for drawing air into the housing 251 is opened in a front wall 251b of the housing 251 in the battery exchange device 230, and an exhaust port 253 for exhausting air from the housing 251 is opened in a rear wall 251c. A flow path for air flows between the intake port 252 and the exhaust port 253 inside the housing 251. A filter 266 is provided in the intake port 252 of the housing 251. The filter 266 purifies the air flowing into the housing 251. The filter 266 is an example of a "purifying device."

[0206] In this embodiment, the fan 254 is provided as a cooling device for cooling the battery exchange apparatus 230, but a cooling device for cooling the battery exchange apparatus 230 may be provided instead of or in addition to the fan 254. As the cooling device, for example, another air-cooled device or a heat exchanger such as a water-cooled radiator may be used. Alternatively, in consideration of cases where the battery exchange apparatus 230 is installed in a cold region, the battery exchange apparatus 230 may be provided with a heating device such as a heater for heating the battery exchange apparatus 230.

[0207] Next, a management server device 500 according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of the management server device 500 according to the third embodiment. The management server device 500 according to the third embodiment includes, for example, an acquisition unit 510, a station management unit 320, a temperature estimation unit 330, a comparison unit 530, a deterioration determination unit 540, a notification information output unit 550, a control command output unit 360, and a storage unit 570. The management server device 500 is an example of an "information processing device."

[0208] The management server device 500 is connected to a weather server (not shown) via a network NW (FIG. 1). The management server device 500 receives information, for example, weather information, transmitted by the weather server. The weather information transmitted by the weather server may be transmitted to the management server device 500 via the battery exchange station 200. The weather information is an example of a "second correlation quantity correlated with the environmental state of the power device" and is an example of an "observation quantity." The environmental state is a state related to the environment around the battery exchange station 200, and includes, for example, not only the weather information but also the internal temperature, external temperature, and component temperature. The observation quantity includes not only the weather information but also the state related to the environment around the battery exchange station 200.

[0209] The storage unit 570 stores, for example, third state history information I41, reference correlation information I42, station management information I23, control information I24, and learned model I45. The third state history information I41 includes first correlation information I51 and second correlation information I52. The first correlation information I51 includes, for example, information (hereinafter, first correlation information) on power consumption (hereinafter, first correlation amount) transmitted by the station control device 210.

[0210] The second correlation information I52 includes information (hereinafter, second correlation information) on a plurality of elements (hereinafter, second correlation quantities) such as the external temperature, the amount of charging power, the frequency of battery exchange, and weather information transmitted by a weather server (not shown), transmitted by the station control device 210. Instead of or in addition to the external temperature of the battery exchange device 230, the internal temperature of the battery exchange device 230 may be used.

[0211] The reference correlation information I42 includes the relationship between the first correlation amount and the second correlation amount during use of the battery exchange apparatus 230 (hereinafter referred to as the reference correlation). The reference correlation is, for example, a correlation obtained by machine learning the relationship between the first correlation amount and the second correlation amount during use of the battery exchange apparatus 230. The reference correlation is determined in advance and stored in the memory unit 570. The reference correlation is an example of a "predetermined relationship." The memory unit 570 is an example of a "correlation memory unit." The memory unit 570 is an example of a "model memory unit." The station management information I23 and the control information I24 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The machine learning is, for example, unsupervised learning, as in the second embodiment. The machine learning may be supervised learning instead of unsupervised learning.

[0212] The acquisition unit 510 includes, for example, a first acquisition unit 511 and a second acquisition unit 512. The first acquisition unit 511 acquires first correlation information (observation amount) including information on power consumption transmitted from each battery exchange station 200. The first acquisition unit 511 stores the acquired first correlation information in the storage unit 570, including it in third state history information I41.

[0213] The second acquisition unit 512 acquires the external temperature, the amount of charged energy, the fan replacement frequency transmitted from each battery exchange station 200, and the weather information transmitted by the weather server as second correlation information. The second acquisition unit 512 stores the acquired second correlation information in the storage unit 570, including it in the third state history information I41. The acquisition unit 510 may notify the acquired information on the second correlation amount directly to the deterioration determination unit 540 without storing it in the storage unit 570. The second correlation information stored in the storage unit 570 is an example of a reference amount. The reference amount is an object to be compared with the observed amount. The reference amount may be, for example, a set of values ​​of past observed amounts or a value of a first correlation amount calculated in advance.

[0214] The comparison unit 530 compares the first correlation amount and the second correlation amount included in the third state history information I41. The deterioration determination unit 540 executes a deviation determination process to determine whether or not there is a deviation in the relationship between the first correlation amount and the second correlation amount included in the third state history information I41 (hereinafter referred to as the determination correlation) based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 530. The deviation in the determination correlation includes, for example, a deviation of the determination correlation from the reference correlation included in the reference correlation information I42 stored in the storage unit 570. The deterioration determination unit 540 is an example of a "determination unit."

[0215] Instead of or in addition to detecting whether or not there is a deviation in the judgment correlation based on the reference correlation included in the reference correlation information I42, the deterioration judgment unit 540 may determine whether or not there is a deviation in the judgment correlation by inputting the first correlation information and the second correlation information included in the third state history information I41 into the learned model I45 stored in the memory unit 570.

[0216] When the learned model I45 is used, the deterioration determination unit 540 determines whether or not there is a deviation in the determination correlation based on the input result of inputting the determination correlation included in the third state history information I41 into the learned model I45. The learned model I45 is a model that uses, for example, the first correlation information and the second correlation information as input data.

[0217] The deterioration determination unit 540 determines whether clogging has occurred in the filter 266 based on the result of the deviation determination process. Clogging of the filter 266 is an example of "deterioration of the flow path beyond a predetermined level." When clogging occurs in the filter 266, ventilation between the inside of the housing 251 and the outside decreases, and the cooling capacity of the fan 254 decreases. Therefore, the deterioration determination unit 540 determines that clogging has occurred in the filter 266, for example, when, as a result of the deviation determination process, the determination correlation deviates from the reference correlation and the first correlation amount (power consumption) relative to the second correlation amount in the determination correlation is greater than the reference correlation. The degree of clogging of the filter 266 may be determined according to the magnitude of the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount in the determination correlation.

[0218] In addition to the processing described in the first embodiment, when clogging of the filter 266 occurs as a processing result (determination result) of the deterioration determination unit 540, the notification information output unit 550 generates second notification information that notifies that the filter 266 is clogged and requests that measures be taken to address the clogging of the filter 266. The second notification information is, for example, information that requests maintenance, ordering of parts, or the like in response to the clogging of the filter 266.

[0219] The notification information output unit 550 transmits the generated second notification information to a terminal device T1 used by an administrator P1 who manages the battery sharing service system 1 and a terminal device T2 used by a security personnel P2 in charge of each battery exchange station. By transmitting the second notification information, the notification information output unit 550 requests the terminal devices T1 and T2 to perform maintenance, order parts, etc. The terminal devices T1 and T2 that receive the request notify the second notification information by screen output or audio output. The notification information output unit 550 is an example of a "response execution unit." The station management unit 320, temperature estimation unit 330, and control command output unit 360 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0220] When the deterioration determination unit 540 determines that the filter 266 is clogged, the notification information output unit 550 may generate notification information requesting processing to unclog the filter 266, for example, cleaning the filter 266 or replacing the filter 266, and transmit the notification information to the terminal devices T1, T2. When the deterioration determination unit 540 determines that an electronic component has deteriorated, the notification information output unit 550 may generate notification information requesting processing in accordance with the deterioration of the electronic component, for example, maintenance of the electronic component or ordering a new electronic component, and transmit the notification information to the terminal devices T1, T2.

[0221] Next, the processing flow of the management server device 500 in the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the management server device 500 according to the third embodiment. When the management server device 500 receives the first correlation information transmitted by the battery exchange station 200, the management server device 500 starts the following flow.

[0222] The acquisition unit 510 acquires the first correlation information by receiving the first correlation information transmitted by the station control device 210 of the battery exchange station 200 in the first acquisition unit 511 (S401). The first acquisition unit 511 stores the acquired first correlation information in the storage unit 570, including it in the third state history information I41.

[0223] The acquisition unit 510 receives the external temperature, the charged power amount, and the battery replacement frequency transmitted by the station control device 210, and the weather information transmitted by the weather server, and acquires them as second correlation information (S402). The second acquisition unit 512 stores the acquired second correlation information in the storage unit 570, including it in the third state history information I41.

[0224] The acquisition unit 510 acquires the first correlation information acquired by the first acquisition unit 511 and the second correlation information acquired by the second acquisition unit 512 at a plurality of different timings with a time interval. The first acquisition unit 511 and the second acquisition unit 512 may acquire the first correlation information and the second correlation information at any timing. For example, the first acquisition unit 511 and the second acquisition unit 512 may acquire the first correlation information and the second correlation information that are transmitted at appropriate times at different timings, or the second acquisition unit 512 may acquire the second correlation information at a timing after a certain time has elapsed since the first acquisition unit 511 acquired the first correlation information.

[0225] The deterioration determination unit 540 compares the determination correlation, which is the relationship between the first correlation information and the second correlation information included in the third state history information I41 accumulated in the storage unit 570, with the reference correlation included in the reference correlation information I42 stored in the storage unit 570 (S403). The deterioration determination unit 540 determines whether the determination correlation deviates from the reference correlation (S404). Here, the reference correlation included in the reference correlation information I42 will be described. FIG. 22 is a map showing an example of the reference correlation. In the example shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 22, the first correlation amount is power consumption, and the second correlation amount is charging power, replacement frequency, etc. The reference correlation may be set as appropriate. For example, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 22, the reference correlation may be such that the first correlation amount is fan operating power, and the second correlation amount is charging power, replacement frequency, environmental conditions, etc.

[0226] The reference correlation included in the reference correlation information I42 includes a learned value group LC1 consisting of multiple learned values ​​LV of the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount during use of the battery exchange apparatus 230. The degradation determination unit 540 compares the learned value group LC1 with the first correlation amount Q1 of the first correlation information indicated by the determination correlation information included in the third state history information I41. In the example of FIG. 22, the first correlation amount Q1 of the determination correlation information is greater than the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount included in the learned value group LC1, and the first correlation amount Q1 of the determination correlation information deviates from the learned value group LC1. In this case, it is determined that the determination correlation deviates from the reference correlation.

[0227] If it is determined in step S404 that the determination correlation deviates from the reference correlation, the deterioration determination unit 540 determines that the filter 266 is clogged (S405). When the cooling capacity of the fan 254 decreases, the operating time of the fan 254 becomes relatively longer, and therefore the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount in the determination correlation becomes larger than the reference correlation. Therefore, when the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount becomes larger than the reference correlation, the deterioration determination unit 540 determines that an abnormality has occurred in which the cooling capacity of the fan 254 is reduced.

[0228] The notification information output unit 550 generates second notification information requesting maintenance or the like for the clogged filter 266 determined by the deterioration determination unit 540, and transmits the second notification information to the terminal devices T1 and T2 (S406). When it is determined that the determined correlation does not deviate from the reference correlation, the deterioration determination unit 540 determines that the filter 266 is not clogged, and the management server device 500 ends the processing shown in FIG.

[0229] In the third embodiment, the management server device 500 (information processing device) determines whether or not there is a deviation in the determination correlation based on the previously obtained determination correlation during use of the battery exchange device 230 (power device) and the reference correlation. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the possibility of predicting abnormalities in the device.

[0230] (Variation) In the third embodiment, the power consumption of the fan 254 detected by the power detector 258 is used as the first correlation amount, and the relationship with the second correlation amount is used as the determination correlation, but the first correlation amount may use the operation time of the fan 254 (hereinafter, fan operation time) instead of or in addition to the power consumption of the fan 254 as another element correlated with the operation amount of the fan 254. The operation time of the fan 254 may be the total amount of operation time or the operation time per unit time.

[0231] In the third embodiment, the power consumption of the fan 254 is exemplified as the first correlation amount, but the first correlation amount may be another element correlated with the operation amount of the fan 254, for example, the operation time of the fan 254 (hereinafter referred to as fan operation time). The operation time of the fan 254 may be the total operation time or the operation time per unit time. The charging power, replacement frequency, external temperature of the casing (power device), and weather information are exemplified as the second correlation amount, but the second correlation amount may be some of these, or may be another element correlated with the operation amount of the power device or the environmental state of the power device.

[0232] In this case, the fan control board 256 sets the operation time of the fan 254 per unit time based on, for example, the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 231. While the fan 254 is operating, the fan control board 256 adjusts the fan operation time based on the internal temperature estimated by the temperature estimation unit 330. For example, by rotating the fan 254, the internal temperature drops and approaches the external temperature. As the internal temperature drops, the fan control board 256 gradually reduces the operation time of the fan 254. If the degree of drop in the internal temperature is low, the reduction in the operation time of the fan 254 decreases.

[0233] The fan control board 256 operates the fan 254 intermittently. The fan operation time here means the operation time of the fan 254 per unit time. Therefore, for example, when the fan 254 is operated with a constant power, the cooling capacity of the battery exchange device 230 due to the operation of the fan 254 increases as the fan operation time increases.

[0234] The fan control board 256 ends control of the rotation of the fan 254 when the internal temperature drops to a predetermined cooling completion temperature. The cooling completion temperature may be a constant temperature or may be a temperature adjusted according to the external temperature, etc. The fan control board 256 measures and detects the time that the fan 254 is operating. The information output unit 214 outputs information about the fan operation time detected by the fan control board 256 to the station control device 210.

[0235] The fan control board 256 may transmit operation information indicating that the fan 254 is operating to the management server device 300 as information relating to operation, and measure the fan operation time according to the time during which the management server device 300 receives the operation information. The fan operation time is an example of an "operation amount."

[0236] In the third embodiment, the deterioration determination unit 540 performs a deviation determination process for determining whether or not there is a deviation in the determination target relationship and determines whether the filter 266 is clogged based on the deviation determination process, but instead of or in addition to these processes, the deterioration determination unit 540 may determine an abnormality that has occurred in the flow path of the casing 251. The deterioration determination unit 540 may also execute a process for determining the occurrence of other abnormalities in the fan 254 or the flow path of the casing 251.

[0237] The deterioration determination unit 540 may determine, for example, an abnormality in the fan 254 as an abnormality in the fan 254 or the flow path of the housing 251. In this case, a malfunction of the fan 254 may be, for example, a malfunction in which the cooling capacity decreases due to loss of blades of the fan 254 or deterioration of the motor.

[0238] The deterioration determination unit 540 may determine, as another abnormality in the fan 254 or the flow path of the housing 251, for example, deterioration of an electrical component housed in the housing 251 and arranged in the flow path, such as an electrical circuit or a DC / DC converter 271. For example, when a component such as the DC / DC converter 271 deteriorates, the temperature rise becomes larger compared to an electrical component that has not deteriorated, even if the air temperature inside the housing 251 is the same. For this reason, an abnormality in an electrical component is an abnormality that is accompanied by heat generation.

[0239] When an abnormality occurs in one of these electrical components, the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount in the determination correlation becomes longer than the reference correlation. Therefore, the degradation determination unit 540 determines that an abnormality resulting in degradation of an electrical component has occurred, for example, when the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount in the determination correlation becomes longer than the reference correlation. The degree of degradation of the electrical component may be determined based on the magnitude of the first correlation amount relative to the second correlation amount in the determination correlation.

[0240] The management server device 500 may include a necessity determination unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to suppress the operation of the battery replacement device 230, instead of or in addition to the deterioration determination unit 540 that determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the fan 254 or the flow path of the housing 251. The necessity determination unit may, for example, determine whether or not the relationship to be determined deviates from the second relationship, and determine to suppress the operation of the battery replacement device 230 when the relationship to be determined deviates from the second relationship. Suppression of the operation of the battery replacement device 230 may, for example, be prohibition of operation of the battery replacement device 230 or reduction in the amount of operation of the battery replacement device 230.

[0241] Prohibition of operation of the battery exchange device 230 may be, for example, prohibition of charging or discharging the removable battery 100 via the battery slot 221. Suppression of operation of the battery exchange device 230 may be, for example, reduction in the number of battery slots 221 that allow charging or discharging of the removable battery 100 or reduction in the time during which charging or discharging is possible.

[0242] When transmitting the second notification information, the notification information output unit 550 may also transmit the station ID of the battery exchange station 200 in which the battery exchange apparatus 230 with the failed fan 254 is installed, information on the geographical location, and information for performing maintenance work (maintenance information). For example, the notification information output unit 550 may generate an image representing each piece of information, particularly the geographical location information, and transmit it together with the second notification information.

[0243] When the deterioration determination unit 540 determines whether or not it is necessary to suppress the operation of the battery replacement apparatus 230, the notification information output unit 550 transmits a control command to the battery replacement apparatus 230 according to the determination result of the deterioration determination unit 540. Upon receiving the control command, the battery replacement apparatus 230 executes control according to the control command using the control board 273 and the fan control board 256.

[0244] In the above embodiment, some or all of the functions of the acquisition unit 510, the degradation determination unit 540, and the notification information output unit 550 in the management server device 500 may be provided in the station control device 210 or the battery exchange device 230 in the battery exchange station 200. These functions may be distributed and provided in some or all of the management server device 500, the station control device 210, and the battery exchange device 230, for example.

[0245] The above-described embodiment can be expressed as follows. a storage device storing a program; a hardware processor; The hardware processor executes the program stored in the storage device, acquire first correlation information of a first correlation amount that correlates with an operation amount of a wind generating unit in an electric power device including a power storage unit housed in a housing and a wind generating unit that assists air flow inside and outside the housing, acquiring second correlation information of a second correlation amount that correlates with at least one of an operating amount of the power device or an environmental state of the power device; Execute at least one of the following determination processes based on correlation information including the relationship between the first correlation amount and the second correlation amount during use of the electric power device, the first correlation information, and the second correlation information: an anomaly determination process for determining whether an anomaly has occurred in the airflow path in the air-generating section or the housing; a deviation determination process for determining whether there is a deviation in the relationship between the first correlation amount and the second correlation amount; or a suppression determination process for determining whether suppression of operation of the electric power device is necessary. The information processing device is configured as follows.

[0246] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The battery sharing service system of the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the battery exchange device 240 (FIGS. 23 and 24) and the management server device 700 (FIG. 25). The battery sharing service of the fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the following description, components and functions that are common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same numbers, and their description may be omitted.

[0247] 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a battery exchange apparatus 240 of the fourth embodiment. The battery exchange apparatus 240 has an air temperature sensor S1 and a component temperature sensor S2. The air temperature sensor S1 and the component temperature sensor S2 are provided inside a housing 251, for example.

[0248] The air temperature sensor S1 is a temperature sensor that measures the air temperature (hereinafter simply referred to as "air temperature"), which is the temperature related to the air inside the housing 251. The "temperature related to the air inside the housing 251" is not limited to the air temperature inside the housing 251 itself, but may also be a temperature related to the air temperature inside the housing 251 (such as a temperature that can be used to estimate the air temperature inside the housing 251 or a temperature that is proportional to the air temperature inside the housing 251). Examples of such temperatures include the air temperature outside the housing 251 (for example, the air temperature outside the housing 251 measured near the air intake 252 or the air exhaust 253) and the temperature of the housing 251 itself. From one perspective, the "air temperature" is a temperature (for example, a temperature that is proportional to the outside temperature) that is affected by the temperature outside the housing 251 (such as the room temperature or outside air temperature of the space in which the battery exchange station 200 is installed, or the environmental temperature).

[0249] In this embodiment, the air temperature sensor S1 is disposed inside the housing 251 closer to the exhaust port 253 than to the intake port 252 (see position A in FIG. 23). More specifically, the air temperature sensor S1 is disposed closer to the exhaust port 253 than to the heat-generating components (such as the AC / DC converter 260, the DC / DC converter 271, and the removable battery 100) housed inside the housing 251. From another perspective, the "air temperature" is the temperature of the air to which some of the heat generated by the heat-generating components (such as the AC / DC converter 260, the DC / DC converter 271, and the removable battery 100) housed inside the housing 251 is transferred (for example, a temperature proportional to the heat generation state). The measurement result of the air temperature sensor S1 is output to the control board 273.

[0250] However, the position of the air temperature sensor S1 is not limited to the above example. The air temperature sensor S1 may be disposed inside the housing 251 near the air intake 252 (see position B in FIG. 23), or may be disposed outside the housing 251 near the air intake 252 or the air exhaust 253 as described above (see positions C and D in FIG. 23). Two or more air temperature sensors S1 may be provided. In this case, the air temperature may be the average value of the temperatures measured by the two or more air temperature sensors S1, or the highest temperature among the temperatures measured by the two or more air temperature sensors S1 may be used.

[0251] On the other hand, the component temperature sensor S2 is a temperature sensor that measures the component temperature (power converter temperature, hereinafter simply referred to as "component temperature"), which is the temperature related to the AC / DC converter 260 (electrical component). The "temperature related to the electrical component" is not limited to the temperature of the electrical component itself, but may also be a temperature related to the temperature of the electrical component (such as a temperature that can be used to estimate the temperature of the electrical component or a temperature that is proportional to the temperature of the electrical component). Examples of such temperatures include the air temperature near the electrical component or the temperature of a heat-dissipating component to which the electrical component is attached.

[0252] In this embodiment, component temperature sensor S2 is attached to capacitor 264 of AC / DC converter 260 and measures the temperature of capacitor 264 (see position A in FIG. 23). Alternatively, component temperature sensor S2 may be attached to components such as FET 261, thyristor 262, and feedback diode 263, or may be attached to substrate 265 (see positions B and C in FIG. 23). If substrate 265 is a metal plate or the like, measuring the temperature of substrate 265 allows the temperatures of components included in AC / DC converter 260 to be measured with high accuracy. The measurement result of component temperature sensor S2 is output to control substrate 273.

[0253] However, the position of the component temperature sensor S2 is not limited to the above example. Instead of being directly attached to the AC / DC converter 260, the component temperature sensor S2 may be disposed at a distance from the AC / DC converter 260 so as to measure the air temperature near the AC / DC converter 260 as described above, or may be attached to a heat dissipation component attached to the AC / DC converter 260. Two or more component temperature sensors S2 may be provided. In this case, the component temperature sensors S2 may be attached to the capacitor 264 and another component (e.g., the FET 261) that has a higher heat resistance temperature than the capacitor 264 but becomes hot. In this case, the component temperature may be the average value of the temperatures measured by the two or more component temperature sensors S2, or may be a temperature derived from another perspective. Alternatively, the degradation determination described below may be performed for each of two or more component temperatures measured by the two or more component temperature sensors S2.

[0254] [4.2 Battery exchange station system configuration] Next, the system configuration of the battery exchange station 200 will be described. 24 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a battery exchange station 200 according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the station control device 610 includes, for example, a battery management unit 211, a charge / discharge control unit 212, an air temperature detection unit 613, a component temperature detection unit 614, an information output unit 214, and a storage unit 216.

[0255] The battery management unit 211, the charge / discharge control unit 212, the air temperature detection unit 613, the component temperature detection unit 614, and the information output unit 214 are each realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device with a non-transitory storage medium) such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory provided in the station control device 610, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the HDD or flash memory provided in the station control device 610 by inserting the storage medium into a drive device provided in the station control device 610. The storage unit 216 is realized by one or a combination of storage devices such as a HDD, flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0256] The battery management unit 211 manages the multiple removable batteries 100 housed in the multiple battery slots 221. For example, the battery management unit 211 manages receipt of the removable battery 100 from the user of the electric vehicle 10, determination of whether or not charging or discharging of the removable battery 100 is necessary, and provision of the fully charged removable battery 100 to the user of the electric vehicle 10.

[0257] The charge / discharge control unit 212 controls the charging and discharging of removable batteries 100 that are determined by the battery management unit 211 to require charging. For example, the charge / discharge control unit 212 charges and discharges the removable batteries 100 by controlling the AC / DC converter 260 and the DC / DC converter 271 included in the battery exchange device 240. The charge / discharge control unit 212 stores the control history related to the charging and discharging of the removable batteries 100 as control history information I62 in the storage unit 216. The control history information I62 includes, for example, the charging start time and charging end time of each removable battery 100, and information associating the number of removable batteries 100 being simultaneously charged with date and time information.

[0258] Air temperature detection unit 613 detects the air temperature based on the measurement results of air temperature sensor S1. For example, if the measurement results of air temperature sensor S1 do not directly include the air temperature inside housing 251, air temperature detection unit 613 may estimate the air temperature inside housing 251 based on the measurement results of air temperature sensor S1 and a predetermined relational expression or calculation table. Air temperature detection unit 613 associates the detected air temperature with date and time information and stores it in storage unit 216 as air temperature information I63. However, as described above, the air temperature outside housing 251 may be used directly without performing the calculation described above.

[0259] The component temperature detection unit 614 detects the component temperature based on the measurement result of the component temperature sensor S2. For example, if the measurement result of the component temperature sensor S2 does not directly include the component temperature of the AC / DC converter 260, the component temperature detection unit 614 may estimate the component temperature of the AC / DC converter 260 based on the measurement result of the component temperature sensor S2 and a predetermined relational expression or calculation table. The component temperature detection unit 614 associates the detected component temperature with date and time information and stores it in the storage unit 216 as component temperature information I64. However, as described above, the component temperature may be determined by using the temperature near the AC / DC converter 260 as is, without performing the calculation described above.

[0260] The information output unit 214 transmits status information of the battery exchange station 200, including the control history information I62, air temperature information I63, and component temperature information I64 stored in the memory unit 216, to the management server device 700 at a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle is, for example, every 10 minutes, but is not limited to the above example. The status information is linked to the station ID I61 stored in the memory unit 216 and transmitted to the management server device 700. The station ID I61 is identification information that can identify the battery exchange station 200.

[0261] [5. Management server device] Next, the management server device 700 will be described in detail. 25 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a management server device 700 according to the fourth embodiment. The management server device 700 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a station management unit 320, a deterioration determination unit 730, a deterioration prediction unit 740, a notification information output unit 350, a control command output unit 360, and a storage unit 370.

[0262] The information acquisition unit 310, the station management unit 320, the comparison unit 720, the deterioration determination unit 730, the deterioration prediction unit 740, the notification information output unit 350, and the control command output unit 360 are each realized by, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). Some or all of these components may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or GPU, or by a combination of software and hardware. Some or all of the functions of these components may be realized by a dedicated LSI. The program may be stored in advance in a storage device (storage device having a non-transitory storage medium) such as a HDD or flash memory provided in the management server device 700, or may be stored in a removable storage medium (non-transitory storage medium) such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the HDD or flash memory provided in the management server device 700 by inserting the storage medium into a drive device provided in the management server device 700. The storage unit 370 is realized by one or a combination of storage devices such as a HDD, a flash memory, and a RAM.

[0263] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires status information transmitted from each battery exchange station 200. For example, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires control history information I62, air temperature information I63, and component temperature information I64 transmitted from each battery exchange station 200. In this specification, "acquire" includes not only acquisition by receiving from an external source, but also internal generation (e.g., generation by performing a predetermined calculation on information received from an external source). The information acquisition unit 310 stores the status information acquired from each battery exchange station 200 in the storage unit 370 as status history information I71. The information acquisition unit 310 is an example of an "acquisition unit."

[0264] The station management unit 320 manages each battery exchange station 200 based on the status information acquired from each battery exchange station 200. For example, the station management unit 320 manages the operating status of each battery exchange station 200, the number of removable batteries 100 received by each battery exchange station 200, the number of removable batteries 100 provided from each battery exchange station 200, etc.

[0265] In this embodiment, the comparison unit 720 compares information including a predetermined relationship between the air temperature and the component temperature during operation of the AC / DC converter 260 with the air temperature and the component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310. The deterioration determination unit 730 determines deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 720. In this embodiment, the deterioration determination unit 730 determines whether or not the AC / DC converter 260 has deteriorated to a predetermined level or more. This will be described in detail below. The deterioration determination unit 730 is an example of a "determination unit" and an example of a "processing unit." Deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 to a predetermined level or more is an example of an "abnormality in an electrical operating unit."

[0266] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the determination by the deterioration determination unit 730 of the fourth embodiment. In the figure, "♦" indicates the change in component temperature when six removable batteries 100 are charged simultaneously in the battery exchange apparatus 240, and indicates the change in component temperature when there is no deterioration in the AC / DC converter 260. In the figure, "×" indicates the change in component temperature when two removable batteries 100 are charged simultaneously in the battery exchange apparatus 240, and indicates the change in component temperature when there is no deterioration in the AC / DC converter 260. In FIG. 26, "△" indicates the change in component temperature when six removable batteries 100 are charged simultaneously in the battery exchange apparatus 240, and indicates the change in component temperature when there is a predetermined level of deterioration in the AC / DC converter 260. In the figure, "□" indicates the change in air temperature. The above-mentioned "♦", "×", and "△" indicate the component temperatures when the same air temperature is measured.

[0267] 26 , for example, when charging is terminated, if AC / DC converter 260 does not suffer from a predetermined level of degradation, the component temperature gradually decreases from time t2 onward, provided that the measured air temperature remains constant. In contrast, if AC / DC converter 260 suffers from a predetermined level of degradation, the temperature of AC / DC converter 260 increases even after time t2, providing that the measured air temperature remains constant. For this reason, degradation determination unit 730 can compare, for example, the maximum component temperature in a normal state (non-degraded state) when the same air temperature is measured with the maximum component temperature acquired by information acquisition unit 310, and determine that AC / DC converter 260 has suffered a predetermined level of degradation if the difference between these maximum component temperatures is a predetermined level or greater.

[0268] 26, the maximum measured component temperature varies depending on the number of detachable batteries 100 being charged simultaneously. Therefore, the degradation determination unit 730 can make a determination regarding degradation with higher accuracy by making a determination taking into account the number of detachable batteries 100 being charged simultaneously.

[0269] The following describes an example of specific processing by deterioration determination unit 730. Based on relationship information I72 stored in advance in storage unit 370 and the air temperature and component temperature acquired by information acquisition unit 310, deterioration determination unit 730 determines whether or not a predetermined level of deterioration has occurred in AC / DC converter 260 (e.g., capacitor 264).

[0270] 27 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship information I72. The relationship information I72 is information including a relationship (e.g., a correlation) between the air temperature and the component temperature when the AC / DC converter 260 (electrical component) is operating that has been determined in advance. The relationship information I72 according to this embodiment includes a relationship (e.g., a correlation) between the air temperature and the maximum component temperature when the AC / DC converter 260 is operating in a non-degraded state. The relationship information I72 according to this embodiment includes a relationship (e.g., a correlation) between the air temperature and the component temperature for each number of removable batteries 100 to which the AC / DC converter 260 is simultaneously supplying charging power.

[0271] In the example shown in FIG. 27, the maximum component temperature under normal conditions and a threshold value for determining degradation (a difference value from the maximum component temperature under normal conditions) are registered for each number of removable batteries 100 being charged simultaneously. For example, "Tc11max" in the figure indicates the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded conditions) when there is one removable battery 100 being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta1 [°C]." Similarly, "Tc12max" in the figure indicates the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded conditions) when there is one removable battery 100 being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta2 [°C]." "Tc13max" in the figure indicates the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded conditions) when there is one removable battery 100 being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta3 [°C]." Ta1, Ta2, and Ta3 are temperatures different from one another, for example, Ta3>Ta2>Ta1. In this case, the relationship Tc13max>Tc12max>Tc11max holds.

[0272] "Tth1" in the figure is a threshold value for determining deterioration when one removable battery 100 is being charged simultaneously. Tth1 is used in combination with each of Tc11max, Tc12max, and Tc13max, which are the maximum component temperatures under normal conditions. For example, when the air temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is "Ta1 [°C]," the deterioration determination unit 730 determines that a predetermined level of deterioration has occurred in the AC / DC converter 260 if the maximum component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is equal to or greater than the sum of Tc11max and Tth1 (Tc11max+Tth1).

[0273] On the other hand, when the air temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is "Ta1 [°C]", the deterioration determination unit 730 determines that the AC / DC converter 260 has not deteriorated to a predetermined level, based on the fact that the maximum value of the component temperatures acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is less than the sum of Tc11max and Tth1 (Tc11max+Tth1). In this embodiment, Tth1 is set in common for Tc11max, Tc12max, and Tc13max, but different values ​​may be set for Tc11max, Tc12max, and Tc13max. The same applies to the other thresholds (Tth2, Tth3, ...).

[0274] Similarly, "Tc21max" in the figure indicates the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded) when two removable batteries 100 are being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta1 [°C]." "Tc22max" in the figure indicates the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded) when two removable batteries 100 are being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta2 [°C]." These definitions apply similarly to other component temperatures. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the relationship Tc21max > Tc11max holds, and the relationship Tc22max > Tc12max holds. These relationships also apply to other component temperatures.

[0275] "Tth2" in the figure is a threshold value for determining deterioration when two removable batteries 100 are being charged simultaneously. Tth2 is used in combination with Tc21max, Tc22max, and Tc23max, which are the maximum component temperatures under normal conditions. These definitions also apply to the other threshold values. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the relationship Tth3>Tth2>Tth1 holds. These relationships also apply to the other threshold values.

[0276] 28 is a diagram showing relationship information I72A, which is another example of relationship information I72. Relationship information I72A directly includes the relationship between the air temperature and the component temperature while AC / DC converter 260 (electrical component) is operating, as information including a previously determined relationship (e.g., correlation) between the air temperature and the component temperature while AC / DC converter 260 (electrical component) is operating, instead of the relationship between the air temperature and the maximum component temperature while AC / DC converter 260 is operating in a non-degraded state. Such information also falls under the category of "information including a previously determined relationship between the air temperature and the component temperature while an electrical component is operating" in this specification.

[0277] The example shown in FIG. 28 includes a relationship between air temperature and a degradation determination threshold value for each number of detachable batteries 100 being charged simultaneously. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the degradation determination threshold value is an absolute value of the component temperature, rather than a difference value from the maximum component temperature as shown in FIG. 27. For example, "Tth11" in the figure is the degradation determination threshold value when there is one detachable battery 100 being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta1 [°C]." When the air temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is "Ta1 [°C]," the degradation determination unit 730 determines that a predetermined level of degradation has occurred in the AC / DC converter 260 in response to the maximum component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 being equal to or greater than Tth11. On the other hand, when the air temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is "Ta1 [°C]", the deterioration determination unit 730 determines that the AC / DC converter 260 has not deteriorated to a predetermined level or more, since the maximum value of the component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is less than Tth11.

[0278] Similarly, "Tth12" in the figure is the threshold value for determining deterioration when one removable battery 100 is being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta2 [°C]." "Tth13" in the figure is the threshold value for determining deterioration when one removable battery 100 is being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta3 [°C]." Here, if Ta3>Ta2>Ta1, then the relationship Tth13>Tth12>Tth11 holds.

[0279] Similarly, "Tth21" in the figure is the threshold value for determining deterioration when two removable batteries 100 are being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta1 [°C]." "Tth22" in the figure is the threshold value for determining deterioration when two removable batteries 100 are being charged simultaneously and the measured air temperature is "Ta2 [°C]." These definitions are similar for other threshold values. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the relationship Tth21>Tth11 holds, and the relationship Tth22>Tth12 holds. These relationships also hold for other component temperatures.

[0280] As described above, the deterioration determination unit 730 of this embodiment determines deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 based on the temperature difference between the maximum value of the component temperature obtained from the relationship information I72 in accordance with the air temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 and the component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 (for example, the maximum value of the component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310).

[0281] In the above description, an example has been described in which the deterioration determination unit 730 makes a determination based on table information such as relationship information I72 (or relationship information I72A), but the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, the deterioration determination unit 730 may make a determination using a calculation formula obtained by regression analysis, or may make a determination using a trained model (e.g., a neural network) obtained by machine learning. A trained model obtained by machine learning is an example of "information including a relationship between air temperature and component temperature during operation of an electrical component that has been determined in advance."

[0282] In this embodiment, the degradation determination unit 730 makes the above determination when the AC / DC converter 260 supplies charging power to two or more removable batteries 100. With this configuration, the temperature change of the AC / DC converter 260 becomes large, and the possibility of erroneous determination can be reduced.

[0283] In this embodiment, the degradation determination unit 730 makes the above determination when the AC / DC converter 260 supplies charging power to all of the removable batteries 100 that can be charged simultaneously among the multiple removable batteries 100 housed in the battery exchange apparatus 240. With this configuration, the temperature change of the AC / DC converter 260 is maximized, further reducing the possibility of erroneous determination.

[0284] When the deterioration determination unit 730 determines that a predetermined level of deterioration or more has occurred, the deterioration prediction unit 740 predicts the rate of subsequent deterioration progression. For example, the deterioration prediction unit 740 may calculate the rate of deterioration progression based on a time series of changes in maximum component temperatures (e.g., changes in maximum component temperatures at the same air temperature) obtained from the state history information I71, and then, based on the calculated rate of deterioration progression, calculate the time when the AC / DC converter 260 will reach a more serious level of deterioration (i.e., the time when the degree of deterioration will exceed a predetermined threshold, e.g., the time when a failure may actually occur). Alternatively, when the deterioration determination unit 730 determines that a predetermined level of deterioration or more has not occurred, the deterioration prediction unit 740 may calculate the time when the AC / DC converter 260 will experience the predetermined level of deterioration or more (i.e., the time when the degree of deterioration will exceed a predetermined threshold) based on the rate of deterioration progression calculated in the same manner as above.

[0285] In addition, the deterioration prediction unit 740 may calculate the rate of deterioration progression based on the charging frequency (number of charges in a specified period) at each battery exchange station 200, etc., based on the control history information I62 of each battery exchange station 200, instead of / in addition to the time series of changes in the maximum component temperature.

[0286] The notification information output unit 350 generates predetermined monitoring information based on the status information acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 and the station management information I73 stored in the storage unit 370, and transmits the generated monitoring information to the terminal device T1 used by the manager P1 of the battery sharing service system 1. The monitoring information is information used for monitoring each battery exchange station 200, and includes, for example, the station ID and location (installation location) of each battery exchange station 200, and the trends in air temperature and component temperature measured at each battery exchange station 200. This allows the manager P1 to remotely monitor the trends in air temperature and component temperature measured at each battery exchange station 200.

[0287] Furthermore, when the deterioration determination unit 730 determines that a predetermined level of deterioration has occurred, the notification information output unit 350 generates predetermined notification information including a warning display based on the station management information I73. Then, the notification information output unit 350 transmits the generated notification information to the terminal device T1 and the terminal device T2 used by the security personnel P2 in charge of each battery exchange station 200. As a result, the terminal devices T1 and T2 notify the notification information by screen output or audio output. The notification information output unit 350 is another example of a "processing unit" and is also an example of an "output unit."

[0288] The notification information is information used for the maintenance or servicing of the battery exchange station 200, such as the station ID and location (installation location) of the battery exchange station 200, the time when the safety personnel P2 or maintenance personnel should visit the battery exchange station 200, the number of maintenance personnel required to repair or replace the battery exchange station 200, and the types and numbers of electrical components to be carried. Furthermore, the notification information may include information used for the manufacture, distribution, or storage of electrical components (e.g., AC / DC converters) (e.g., information indicating the required number of electrical components to be manufactured, the number to be delivered, the manufacturing date, the number of electrical components to be stored, the storage date, etc.). Information for generating this notification information is registered in advance in the storage unit 370 as part of the station management information I73. Furthermore, the notification information may include, as information indicating the degree of urgency, the remaining time until the AC / DC converter 260 reaches a more serious level of deterioration predicted by the deterioration prediction unit 740 (i.e., the remaining time until the degree of deterioration exceeds a predetermined threshold, e.g., the remaining time until a state in which a failure may actually occur).

[0289] When the degradation determination unit 730 determines that degradation of a predetermined level or more has occurred, the control command output unit 360 generates a control command to change the operating state of the battery exchange station 200 and transmits the generated control command to the target battery exchange station 200. The control command is a command to reduce the operating state of the AC / DC converter 260 determined to have degradation of a predetermined level or more. An example of a command to reduce the operating state of the AC / DC converter 260 is a command to reduce the amount of current flowing through the AC / DC converter 260, such as a command to impose a restriction on the number of removable batteries 100 that can be simultaneously charged (e.g., even if there are eight battery slots 221, simultaneous charging of only four removable batteries 100 is permitted). Such a control command can be generated based on control information I74 pre-stored in the storage unit 370. This can extend the time until a malfunction actually occurs in the battery exchange station 200. Note that the command to reduce the operating state of the AC / DC converter 260 may also be a command to prohibit the use of some or all of the battery exchange equipment 240. The control command output unit 360 is another example of a "processing unit."

[0290] Furthermore, control command output unit 360 may change the content of the control command in accordance with the remaining time until AC / DC converter 260 reaches a more serious degradation level (for example, the remaining time until a state in which a failure may actually occur) predicted by degradation prediction unit 740. For example, if the remaining time until AC / DC converter 260 reaches a more serious degradation level is shorter than a predetermined time, a control command may be generated to reduce the operating state of AC / DC converter 260 to a greater extent.

[0291] [6. Processing flow] Next, the process flow for determining deterioration will be described. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow for determining deterioration in Embodiment 4. When charging of the detachable battery 100 is started, the deterioration determining unit 730 starts the following process flow.

[0292] First, the degradation determination unit 730 identifies the number of removable batteries 100 to be charged simultaneously based on the control history information I62 acquired from the battery exchange station 200 (S501). Next, the degradation determination unit 730 determines whether the number identified in S501 is the maximum number (eight in this embodiment) that can be charged simultaneously by the battery exchange station 240 (S502). If the number identified in S501 is the maximum number that can be charged simultaneously by the battery exchange station 240 (S502: YES), processing proceeds to S504.

[0293] On the other hand, if the number identified in S501 is not the maximum number that can be simultaneously charged by the battery exchange apparatus 240 (S502: NO), the deterioration determination unit 730 determines whether or not a deterioration determination has been made within a predetermined period of time in the past (e.g., within one week) for a number of batteries greater than the number identified in S501 (S503). For example, if the number identified in S501 is four, the deterioration determination unit 730 determines whether or not a deterioration determination has been made within a predetermined period of time in the past for a state in which five or more removable batteries 100 were simultaneously charged. If S503 is YES, the deterioration determination unit 730 ends the processing flow without performing any special processing.

[0294] If S503 is NO, deterioration determination unit 730 performs the deterioration determination described above. That is, deterioration determination unit 730 determines whether or not a predetermined level of deterioration has occurred in AC / DC converter 260, based on relationship information I72 (or relationship information I72A) stored in storage unit 370 and the air temperature and component temperature acquired by information acquisition unit 310 (S504).

[0295] If the AC / DC converter 260 has not deteriorated to a level equal to or greater than the predetermined level (S504: NO), the notification information output unit 350 and the control command output unit 360 end the processing flow without performing any particular processing. On the other hand, if the AC / DC converter 260 has deteriorated to a level equal to or greater than the predetermined level (S504: YES), the notification information output unit 350 generates the above-mentioned notification information and transmits the generated notification information to the terminal devices T1 and T2 (S505). Furthermore, the control command output unit 360 outputs a control command to reduce the operating state of the AC / DC converter 260 (S106). This completes the series of processing steps.

[0296] 7. Advantages In this embodiment, an information processing device (e.g., management server device 700) includes an information acquisition unit 310 that acquires air temperature and component temperature, and a processing unit (e.g., degradation determination unit 730, notification information output unit 350, and control command output unit 360) that performs at least one of determining degradation of an electrical component (e.g., AC / DC converter 260) based on information including a predetermined relationship between the air temperature and the component temperature during operation of the electrical component (e.g., AC / DC converter 260) and the air temperature and the component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310, outputting a notification indicating that degradation has occurred in the electrical component, or outputting a command to reduce the operating state of the electrical component. This configuration makes it possible to detect degradation before a malfunction actually occurs, thereby suppressing the occurrence of malfunctions in power devices (e.g., battery exchange station 200).

[0297] For example, in a battery sharing service system, when remotely monitoring the battery exchange device 240, a failure of the AC / DC converter 260 may necessitate the suspension or restriction of services, and the long lead time for parts may have a significant impact. Therefore, measures such as stocking parts in stock in case a failure is detected may be considered. However, parts are expensive, and performance may deteriorate due to long-term storage (excess inventory). On the other hand, with the above configuration, the difference between the air temperature and the part temperature increases as the electrical parts deteriorate, making it possible to detect deterioration before a failure occurs. This allows parts to be prepared quickly, minimizing restrictions on services.

[0298] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the degree of deterioration of an electrical component is calculated. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

[0299] 30 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a management server device 700A according to the fifth embodiment. Management server device 700A has, for example, a deterioration determination unit 730A and a deterioration prediction unit 740A instead of the deterioration determination unit 730 and the deterioration prediction unit 740 according to the fourth embodiment. The deterioration determination unit 730A is an example of a "processing unit." The memory unit 370 stores deterioration degree determination information I75.

[0300] In this embodiment, degradation determination unit 730A determines the degree of degradation (degree of progression of degradation) of AC / DC converter 260 based on information (e.g., relationship information I72) including a predetermined relationship between the air temperature and the component temperature during operation of AC / DC converter 260, and the air temperature and component temperature acquired by information acquisition unit 310. For example, degradation determination unit 730A constantly determines the degree of degradation of AC / DC converter 260 based on the temperature difference between the maximum component temperature in a normal state (non-degraded state) obtained from relationship information I72 in accordance with the air temperature acquired by information acquisition unit 310, and the maximum component temperature most recently acquired by information acquisition unit 310.

[0301] In one specific example, based on relationship information I72 (see FIG. 27) and the air temperature and component temperatures acquired by information acquisition unit 310, degradation determination unit 730A calculates a temperature difference ΔT between the maximum component temperature of AC / DC converter 260 in a normal state (non-degraded state) when the air temperature is the same and the maximum component temperature most recently acquired by information acquisition unit 310. Note that the temperature difference ΔT is calculated for each number of removable batteries 100 being charged simultaneously, for example. Then, degradation determination unit 730A determines the degree of degradation of AC / DC converter 260 based on the magnitude of temperature difference ΔT.

[0302] 31 is a diagram showing an example of the deterioration degree determination information I75. In the deterioration degree determination information I75, the magnitude of the temperature difference ΔT and the degree of deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 are registered in association with each other. For example, the temperature difference ΔT1 (for example, the temperature difference ΔT is 1°C) is associated with the deterioration degree "2." The temperature difference ΔT2 (for example, the temperature difference ΔT is 2°C) is associated with the deterioration degree "4." The deterioration degree "4" indicates a state in which deterioration is more advanced than the deterioration degree "2." The same applies to the temperature differences ΔT3, ΔT4, ... below.

[0303] The deterioration prediction unit 740A calculates the time when the deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 will reach a predetermined level or more (for example, deterioration of a deterioration level of "10") (i.e., the time when the degree of deterioration will exceed a predetermined threshold) based on the degree of deterioration determined by the deterioration determination unit 730A (for example, a time series of changes in the degree of deterioration determined from time to time by the deterioration determination unit 730A).

[0304] The deterioration prediction unit 740A may calculate the time when the deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 will reach the above-mentioned predetermined level based on the charging frequency (number of charges in a predetermined period) at each battery exchange station 200 obtained from the control history information I62 of each battery exchange station 200, in addition to the degree of deterioration determined by the deterioration determination unit 730A.

[0305] In the present embodiment described above, similarly to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to detect deterioration before a malfunction actually occurs, and to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions related to the power device.

[0306] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the deterioration of electrical components is determined based only on the component temperature, without using the air temperature. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

[0307] 32 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a management server device 700B according to the sixth embodiment. Management server device 700B includes, for example, a deterioration determination unit 730B instead of the deterioration determination unit 730 of the fourth embodiment. Deterioration determination unit 730B is an example of a "processing unit." Component temperature reference information I82 is stored in a storage unit 370.

[0308] In this embodiment, the degradation determination unit 730B determines degradation of the AC / DC converter 260 based on information including the maximum component temperature during past operation of the AC / DC converter 260 (for example, component temperature reference information I82, which will be described later) and the component temperature most recently acquired by the information acquisition unit 310.

[0309] 33 is a diagram showing an example of the component temperature reference information 182. The component temperature reference information 182 includes the maximum component temperatures during past operation of the AC / DC converter 260 (in a non-degraded state), for each number of removable batteries 100 to which the AC / DC converter 260 is simultaneously supplying charging power.

[0310] In the example shown in FIG. 33, the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded state) and a threshold value for determining degradation (a difference value from the maximum component temperature under normal conditions) are registered for each number of removable batteries 100 being charged simultaneously. For example, "Tc1max" in the figure indicates the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded state) when there is one removable battery 100 being charged simultaneously. Similarly, "Tc2max" in the figure indicates the maximum component temperature under normal conditions (non-degraded state) when there are two removable batteries 100 being charged simultaneously. These definitions also apply to other component temperatures. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the relationship Tc2max>Tc1max holds. This relationship also applies to other component temperatures.

[0311] "Tth1'" in the figure is a threshold value for determining deterioration when one removable battery 100 is being charged simultaneously. Tth1' is used in combination with Tc1max, which is the maximum component temperature in normal operation. For example, when one removable battery 100 is being charged simultaneously, the deterioration determination unit 730 determines that the AC / DC converter 260 has deteriorated to a predetermined level if the maximum component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310 is equal to or greater than the sum (Tc11max + Tth1') of Tc11max and Tth1'. "Tth2'" in the figure is a threshold value for determining deterioration when two removable batteries 100 are being charged simultaneously. Tth2' is used in combination with Tc2max, which is the maximum component temperature in normal operation. These definitions apply similarly to other thresholds. In the example shown in FIG. 33, the relationship Tth2' > Tth1' holds. This relationship also applies to other thresholds.

[0312] Instead of the above example, the deterioration determination unit 730B may determine the degree of deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 at any time based on the temperature difference between the maximum value of the component temperature included in the component temperature reference information I82 and the maximum value of the component temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 310, similar to the deterioration determination unit 730B of the fifth embodiment.

[0313] In the present embodiment described above, it is possible to detect deterioration before a malfunction actually occurs, and to prevent malfunctions related to the power device from occurring.

[0314] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that, along with the deterioration of the electrical components, a determination is made as to whether an abnormality has occurred in the filter 266, such as clogging of the filter 266. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the fourth embodiment.

[0315] 34 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a management server device 700C according to the seventh embodiment. The management server device 700C includes, for example, an abnormality determination unit 730C instead of the deterioration determination unit 730 of the fourth embodiment. The storage unit 370 stores component temperature reference information I82. The component temperature reference information I82 is similar to, for example, the component temperature reference information I82 of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.

[0316] In this embodiment, the abnormality determination unit 730C performs a determination regarding an abnormality that has occurred in the filter 266, in addition to a determination regarding deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 that is similar to the determination of deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 by the deterioration determination unit 730 in the fourth embodiment. As in the fourth embodiment, the abnormality determination unit 730C determines deterioration of the AC / DC converter 260 based on whether the component temperature of the AC / DC converter 260 increases when time t2 ( FIG. 26 ) is exceeded. Furthermore, the abnormality determination unit 730C determines an abnormality that has occurred in the filter 266 based on the degree of decrease when the component temperature of the AC / DC converter 260 decreases after time t2.

[0317] FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the determination by the anomaly determination unit 730C of the seventh embodiment. In the figure, "♦" indicates the change in component temperature when six removable batteries 100 are simultaneously charged in the battery exchange apparatus 240, and indicates the change in component temperature when there is no deterioration in the AC / DC converter 260. In the figure, "△" indicates the change in component temperature when six removable batteries 100 are simultaneously charged in the battery exchange apparatus 240, and indicates the change in component temperature when there is a predetermined level of deterioration in the AC / DC converter 260. In the figure, "◯" indicates the change in component temperature when six removable batteries 100 are simultaneously charged in the battery exchange apparatus 240, and indicates the change in component temperature when there is no predetermined level of deterioration in the AC / DC converter 260 and there is an abnormality such as clogging in the filter 266. In the figure, "□" indicates the change in air temperature. The above-mentioned "♦", "△", and "◯" indicate the component temperatures when the same air temperature is measured.

[0318] As shown in FIG. 35, for example, when charging ends at time t2, if AC / DC converter 260 has not deteriorated beyond a predetermined level, the component temperature gradually decreases from time t2 onward, provided that the measured air temperature remains constant. At this time, if filter 266 is clogged, cooling of the components does not progress, and the rate of decrease (degree of decrease) in the component temperature is lower than when an abnormality exists. Therefore, for example, after a certain time has elapsed from time t2, the abnormality determination unit 730C detects a difference in the degree to which an abnormality can be detected between when an abnormality exists in filter 266 and when an abnormality does not exist. Therefore, it is possible to determine that an abnormality has occurred in filter 266 based on the temperature change that occurs when the component temperature decreases, for example, after charging ends.

[0319] Next, some modified examples will be described. (First Modification) All or some of the functional units among the deterioration determination unit 730 (or deterioration determination units 730A, 730B), deterioration prediction unit 740 (or deterioration prediction unit 740A), notification information output unit 350, control command output unit 360, and memory unit 370 may be provided in the battery exchange station 200 instead of in the management server device 700 (management server devices 700A, 700B). With this configuration, as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to detect deterioration before a malfunction actually occurs, and to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions related to the battery exchange station 200.

[0320] (Second Modification) The above-described embodiment is an example in which the component temperature of the AC / DC converter 260, which is an electrical component, is acquired and degradation related to the AC / DC converter 260 is determined. Alternatively, the electrical component whose component temperature is acquired and whose degradation is determined may be a DC / DC converter (for example, DC / DC converter 271), a DC / AC converter, or an electrical component other than a power converter.

[0321] (Third Modification) In the first and second embodiments, the deterioration of an electrical component is determined based on the relationship between the air temperature and the component temperature. Here, the electrical components may include a first component (a component with a relatively high heat resistance temperature and a relatively small increase in component temperature due to aging) and a second component (a component with a relatively low heat resistance temperature and a relatively large increase in component temperature due to aging). The first component is, for example, an FET 261, a thyristor 262, or a feedback diode 263. The second component is a capacitor 264.

[0322] In this case, the information processing device may have the following configuration: That is, the information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires a first component temperature that is a temperature related to the first component and a second component temperature that is a temperature related to the second component, and a processing unit that executes at least one of determining degradation of the electrical component, outputting a notification indicating that degradation has occurred in the electrical component, or outputting a command to reduce the operating state of the electrical component, based on information including a predetermined relationship between the first component temperature and the second component temperature during operation of the electrical component and the first component temperature and the second component temperature acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0323] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using an embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0324] 10...Electric vehicles (mobile vehicles) 100...Detachable battery (energy storage device) 131...Temperature sensor 200…Battery exchange station 210...Station control device 211...Battery management unit 212...Charge / discharge control unit 213...Battery temperature detection unit 214...Information output unit 220...Battery exchange device (power device, charging device) 251…Case 252...Air intake 253...Exhaust port 260...AC / DC converter (electrical component, power converter) 264...Capacitor 265... Circuit board 266,267…Filter 300, 400, 500... Management server device 310…Information acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 320...Station Management Department 330...Temperature estimation section 340…Abnormality determination unit 350, 450, 550...Notification information output section 360...Control command output section 370,470,570…Storage section 410...Second information acquisition section 440...Failure determination section 510…Acquisition Department 511…First acquisition part 512…Second Acquisition Department 540...Deterioration determination section

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires an observation quantity that correlates with at least one of an operating amount of an electric power device that includes an electric operating unit housed in a housing and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing, or an environmental state of the electric power device; a comparison unit that compares the observation amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a reference amount; a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the power device based on a comparison result between the observation amount and the reference amount compared by the comparison unit, The abnormality may be an abnormality in the airflow path through which the air flows in the airflow generating section or the housing, or a flow abnormality that is a deterioration of the airflow generating section or the airflow path to a predetermined level or more. and, The electrical operation unit abnormality includes an abnormality in the electrical operation unit or a deterioration of the electrical operation unit to a predetermined level or more, The determination unit determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the electrical operating unit while the power device is operating; The flow abnormality is determined when the power device is not operating. Information processing device.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires an observation quantity that correlates with at least one of the operating amount of an electric power device that has an electric operating unit housed in a housing and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing, or the environmental state of the electric power device; a comparison unit that compares the observation amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a reference amount; a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the power device based on a comparison result between the observation amount and the reference amount compared by the comparison unit, The abnormality may be an abnormality in the airflow path through which the air flows in the airflow generating section or the housing, or a flow abnormality that is a deterioration of the airflow generating section or the airflow path to a predetermined level or more. and, The electrical operation unit abnormality includes an abnormality in the electrical operation unit or a deterioration of the electrical operation unit to a predetermined level or more, The determination unit determining that an abnormality has occurred in the electrical operating unit when the temperature of the power device is rising; The flow abnormality is determined when the temperature of the power device is decreasing. Information processing device.

3. the acquisition unit acquires, as the observable, a first observable correlated with at least one of an amount of power consumption of the power device and a temperature of the power device; the comparison unit compares the first observation amount acquired by the acquisition unit with the reference amount; The determining unit determines a flow abnormality in the power device based on a comparison result obtained by the comparing unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The reference quantity includes a value of the observation quantity previously acquired by the acquisition unit.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the reference quantity includes a value of the observation quantity during use of the electric power device that is obtained in advance when no abnormality occurs in the electric power device; The information processing device according to claim 2 .

6. The determination unit determines an abnormality in the power device based on an input result obtained by inputting the observation amount into a learned model that has learned and modeled the reference amount.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4.

7. the acquisition unit acquires, as the observation quantities, a first observation quantity that is correlated with at least one of an amount of power consumption of the power device or a temperature of the power device and a second observation quantity that is correlated with an operation amount of the wind generating unit; the comparison unit compares the first observation amount and the second observation amount acquired by the acquisition unit with the reference amount; The determining unit determines a flow abnormality in the power device based on a comparison result obtained by the comparing unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

8. The reference quantity includes a value of the observation quantity previously acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing device according to claim 7 .

9. The reference quantity includes a value of the observation quantity during use of the power device that is obtained in advance when no abnormality occurs in the power device.

9. The information processing device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The determination unit determines an abnormality in the power device based on an input result obtained by inputting the observation amount into a learned model that has learned and modeled the reference amount. The information processing device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The reference quantity includes a value of the observation quantity previously acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. The reference quantity includes a value of the observation quantity during use of the power device that is obtained in advance when no abnormality occurs in the power device. The information processing device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The determination unit determines an abnormality in the power device based on an input result obtained by inputting the observation amount into a learned model that has learned and modeled the reference amount. The information processing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. When the determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the power device, the operation of the power device is prohibited. Alternatively, the power supply may further include a countermeasure unit that reduces the amount of operation of the power device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

15. The flow path has a cleaning device that cleans the air flowing into the housing, The deterioration of the flow path beyond a predetermined level includes clogging of the cleaning device beyond a predetermined level. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

16. The power device is a charging device having a power storage unit that stores power. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The electrical operation unit includes a power converter electrically connected to the power storage unit. The information processing device according to claim 16.

18. The power device further includes a holding unit that detachably holds a power storage unit that stores power. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. The power device is a storage device for storing objects to be stored. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

20. The storage object is a power storage device having a power storage unit. The information processing device according to claim 19.

21. The power storage device is detachably mounted on a vehicle that runs on electric power. The information processing device according to claim 20.

22. A charging device including a power storage unit housed in a housing, a power conversion unit electrically connected to the power storage unit, and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air between inside and outside the housing, an acquisition unit that acquires an observation amount correlated with at least one of an operation amount of the charging device and an environmental state of the charging device; a comparison unit that compares the observation amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a reference amount; a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the charging device based on a comparison result between the observation amount and the reference amount compared by the comparison unit, The abnormality may be an abnormality in the airflow path through which the air flows in the airflow generating section or the housing, or a flow abnormality that is a deterioration of the airflow generating section or the airflow path to a predetermined level or more. and, The abnormality of the power conversion unit or the abnormality of the power conversion unit is a predetermined or more deterioration of the power conversion unit, The determination unit determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the power conversion unit while the power conversion unit is operating; The flow abnormality is determined when the power conversion unit is not operating. Charging device.

23. A charging device comprising: a power storage unit housed in a housing; a power conversion unit electrically connected to the power storage unit; and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing, an acquisition unit that acquires an observation amount correlated with at least one of an operation amount of the charging device and an environmental state of the charging device; a comparison unit that compares the observation amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a reference amount; a determination unit that determines an abnormality in the charging device based on a comparison result between the observation amount and the reference amount compared by the comparison unit, The abnormality may be an abnormality in the airflow path through which the air flows in the airflow generating section or the housing, or a flow abnormality that is a deterioration of the airflow generating section or the airflow path to a predetermined level or more. and, The abnormality of the power conversion unit or the abnormality of the power conversion unit is a predetermined or more deterioration of the power conversion unit, The determination unit determining that an abnormality has occurred in the power conversion unit when the temperature of the power conversion unit is rising; The flow abnormality is determined when the temperature of the power conversion unit is decreasing. Charging device.

24. a step of acquiring an observation quantity correlated with at least one of an operating amount of an electric power device including an electric operating unit housed in a housing and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing, and an environmental state of the electric power device; comparing the observed quantity with a reference quantity; determining whether there is an abnormality in the power device based on a comparison result between the observed quantity and the reference quantity; The abnormality may be an abnormality in the airflow path through which the air flows in the airflow generating section or the housing, or a flow abnormality that is a deterioration of the airflow generating section or the airflow path to a predetermined level or more. and, The electrical operation unit abnormality includes an abnormality in the electrical operation unit or a deterioration of the electrical operation unit to a predetermined level or more, determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the electrical operating unit while the power device is operating; The method further includes determining the flow abnormality when the power device is not operating. Information processing methods.

25. A step of acquiring an observation quantity correlated with at least one of the operating amount of an electric power device having an electric operating unit housed in a housing and a wind generating unit that assists the flow of air inside and outside the housing, or the environmental state of the electric power device; comparing the observed quantity with a reference quantity; determining whether there is an abnormality in the power device based on a comparison result between the observed quantity and the reference quantity; The abnormality may be an abnormality in the airflow path through which the air flows in the airflow generating section or the housing, or a flow abnormality that is a deterioration of the airflow generating section or the airflow path to a predetermined level or more. and, The electrical operation unit abnormality includes an abnormality in the electrical operation unit or a deterioration of the electrical operation unit to a predetermined level or more, determining that an abnormality has occurred in the electrical operating unit when the temperature of the power device is rising; The method further includes determining the flow abnormality when the temperature of the power device is decreasing. Information processing methods.

26. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 24 or 25.

27. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 26.

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