Charging device, charging system, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a charging device, a charging system, a control method, and a control program capable of efficiently charging a vehicle even when an operation of some units is stopped.SOLUTION: A charging device 1 comprises an AC / DC converter 3, a power storage unit 4, a first DC / DC converter 5, a second DC / DC converter 6, a first charger 7, a second charger 8, a first communication unit 9, a second communication unit 10, and a control unit 11. When an operation of any one unit of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, and the second communication unit 10 is stopped, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the concerned unit so that a vehicle V is charged by units other than the unit whose operation is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device, a charging system, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a charging device is the device described in Patent Document 1. The charging device described in Patent Document 1 includes a rapid charging authentication unit that authenticates use authority, a rapid charging control unit that controls rapid charging of the electric vehicle using power supplied from a power source, a normal charging authentication unit that communicates with the rapid charging authentication unit and authenticates use authority, and a normal charging control unit that controls normal charging of the electric vehicle, which has a lower charging voltage and a smaller charging current than rapid charging, using power supplied from the power source. In the charging device described in Patent Document 1, the normal charging authentication unit communicates with the rapid charging authentication unit, and if it determines that a rapid charging is not possible in a rapid charging disabled state, it authenticates the user and then permits the normal charging control unit to perform normal charging of the electric vehicle, and the normal charging control unit performs normal charging of the electric vehicle via the normal charging cable and normal charging connector in response to the permission for normal charging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-144385 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a charging device, if the operation of some of the devices is stopped due to maintenance or the like, the vehicle cannot be charged. In conventional charging devices, if the quick charger is unavailable due to maintenance or the like, normal charging is performed, making it possible to charge the vehicle even if the quick charger is stopped due to maintenance or the like. However, charging a vehicle using normal charging as with conventional charging devices takes time and is not efficient.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a charging device, a charging system, a control method, and a control program that can efficiently charge a vehicle even when operation of some devices has stopped. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A charging device according to the present invention is a charging device for charging a vehicle, and includes: an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from a power grid into DC power; a power storage unit that outputs DC power; a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the power storage unit; a plurality of chargers provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, that charge the vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converters; a plurality of communication units provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, that communicate between the DC / DC converters and the chargers; and a control unit that is capable of communicating with the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units; and when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, the control unit controls operation of the device so that charging of the vehicle is performed by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

[0007] In the charging device according to the present invention, when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the multiple DC / DC converters, the multiple chargers, or the multiple communication units stops, the control unit controls operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped. As a result, even when operation of one DC / DC converter stops, the charging device controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle is charged using another DC / DC converter. Furthermore, when the AC / DC converter stops, the charging device controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle is charged using the power storage unit. In this way, the charging device can perform rapid charging even when operation of some of the devices has stopped. Therefore, the charging device can efficiently charge the vehicle even when operation of some of the devices has stopped.

[0008] (2) The charging device according to (1), wherein the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units output status information indicating the status of the respective devices to the control unit, and the control unit determines whether the operation of each device has stopped based on the status information. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the operation of each device has stopped.

[0009] (3) The charging device according to (2), wherein the control unit determines that the operation of the device has stopped when the status information includes information indicating that the operation of the device has stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether the operation of each device has stopped.

[0010] (4) The charging device according to (2) or (3), wherein the control unit determines that the operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units has stopped when no status information is output from the corresponding device for a certain period of time or longer. With this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether the operation of each device has stopped.

[0011] (5) The charging device according to (1), wherein the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units output status information indicating their own status to the control unit, and when the status information includes information indicating that the operation of a device has stopped, the control unit controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped. With this configuration, the operation of the device can be controlled so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

[0012] (6) The charging device according to any one of claims (1) to (5), wherein the control unit acquires the supply status of AC power supplied from the power grid, and if the supply status is abnormal, controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged using DC power from the power storage unit. In this configuration, if a power outage or the like occurs in the power grid and the supply status of AC power supplied to the AC / DC converter is abnormal (if an abnormality occurs), the vehicle is charged using DC power from the power storage unit. Therefore, the vehicle can be charged even if the operation of the AC / DC converter stops due to an abnormality in the power grid.

[0013] (7) The charging device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit limits operation of the multiple chargers when operation of the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit stops. When operation of the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit stops, DC power is output to the multiple DC / DC converters from only one of the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit. In this configuration, if a charging request that exceeds the rated output of the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit is received from the vehicle, the AC / DC converter may enter an overload state or the power storage unit may enter an over-discharge state. Therefore, by limiting operation of the multiple chargers, it is possible to prevent the AC / DC converter from entering an overload state or the power storage unit from entering an over-discharge state.

[0014] (8) The charging device according to (7), wherein the control unit controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged using only one of the multiple chargers. In this configuration, the number of chargers used is limited, making it possible to prevent the AC / DC converter from being overloaded or the power storage unit from being over-discharged.

[0015] (9) The charging device according to (7), wherein the control unit controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged within a range of DC power output from the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit. In this configuration, the DC power output from the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit is limited to the range, so that the AC / DC converter can be prevented from being overloaded or the power storage unit can be prevented from being overdischarged.

[0016] (10) A charging system according to the present invention is a charging system for charging a vehicle, comprising: an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from a power grid into DC power; a power storage unit that outputs DC power; a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the power storage unit; a plurality of chargers provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, that charge the vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converters; a plurality of communication units provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, that communicate between the DC / DC converters and the chargers; and a control unit that is capable of communicating with the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units; and when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, the control unit controls operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

[0017] In the charging system according to the present invention, when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the multiple DC / DC converters, the multiple chargers, or the multiple communication units stops, the control unit controls operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped. As a result, in the charging system, even when operation of one DC / DC converter stops, for example, the control unit controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle is charged using another DC / DC converter. Furthermore, in the charging system, for example, when the AC / DC converter stops, the control unit controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle is charged using the power storage unit. In this way, the charging system can perform rapid charging even when operation of some of the devices stops. Therefore, the charging system can efficiently charge the vehicle even when operation of some of the devices stops.

[0018] (11) A control method according to the present invention is a control method for a charging device including an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from a power grid into DC power, a storage unit that outputs DC power, a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the storage unit, a plurality of chargers provided corresponding to each of the DC / DC converters and that charge a vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converter, and a plurality of communication units provided corresponding to each of the DC / DC converters and that communicate between the DC / DC converter and the chargers, wherein when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, operation of the device is controlled so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

[0019] In the control method according to the present invention, when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the multiple DC / DC converters, the multiple chargers, or the multiple communication units stops, the operation of the device is controlled so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped. Thus, even when operation of one DC / DC converter stops, the control method controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle is charged using another DC / DC converter. Furthermore, for example, when the AC / DC converter stops, the control method controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle is charged using the power storage unit. In this way, the control method enables rapid charging even when operation of some of the devices has stopped. Therefore, the control method enables efficient charging of the vehicle even when operation of some of the devices has stopped.

[0020] (12) A control program according to the present invention controls a charging device that includes an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from a power grid into DC power, a storage unit that outputs DC power, a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the storage unit, a plurality of chargers that are provided corresponding to each of the DC / DC converters and charge the vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converter, and a plurality of communication units that are provided corresponding to each of the DC / DC converters and communicate between the DC / DC converter and the charger, and when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, causes a computer to execute a step of controlling operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

[0021] The control program according to the present invention controls the operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the multiple DC / DC converters, the multiple chargers, or the multiple communication units so that the vehicle is charged by a unit other than the unit whose operation has stopped. Thus, even if, for example, one DC / DC converter stops operating, the control program controls the operation of the units so that the vehicle is charged using another DC / DC converter. Furthermore, for example, if the AC / DC converter stops operating, the control program controls the operation of the units so that the vehicle is charged using the power storage unit. In this way, the control program enables rapid charging even when some of the units have stopped operating. Therefore, the control program enables efficient charging of the vehicle even when some of the units have stopped operating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, even if some of the devices stop operating, the vehicle can be efficiently charged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a charging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the charging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a charging device according to one embodiment. The charging device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that charges a storage battery (not shown) of a vehicle V (hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle V") such as an EV (Electric Vehicle) or a PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle). The charging device 1 is a rapid charging device that rapidly charges the vehicle V. The charging device 1 charges one or more vehicles V. In this embodiment, the charging device 1 can charge two vehicles V. The charging device 1 can simultaneously charge multiple vehicles V.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the charging device 1 includes an AC / DC converter 3, a power storage unit 4, a first DC / DC converter 5, a second DC / DC converter 6, a first charger 7, a second charger 8, a first communication unit 9, a second communication unit 10, and a control unit 11.

[0027] The AC / DC converter 3 converts AC power supplied from the power grid into DC power. The power grid supplies three-phase 200V AC power. The AC / DC converter 3 receives AC power from the power grid and converts it into DC power.

[0028] The AC / DC converter 3 is connected to the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, and the second DC / DC converter 6. The AC / DC converter 3 and the power storage unit 4 are connected by a charging bus CB. The AC / DC converter 3 is connected to the first DC / DC converter 5 and the second DC / DC converter 6, respectively, by a power supply bus B1. The AC / DC converter 3 outputs DC power to the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, and the second DC / DC converter 6. The rated output of the AC / DC converter 3 is, for example, 50 kW.

[0029] The AC / DC converter 3 is communicably connected to the control unit 11. The AC / DC converter 3 outputs status information (status signal) indicating its own status to the control unit 11. The status of the AC / DC converter 3 may include the operating status of the AC / DC converter 3, the status of power supply from the power grid (normal, low voltage, power outage), etc. The AC / DC converter 3 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals (for example, 0.1 to 1.0 seconds).

[0030] The AC / DC converter 3 outputs DC power to the storage battery 40 (described later) in response to a charging instruction output from the control unit 11. That is, the AC / DC converter 3 charges the storage battery 40 in response to a request from the control unit 11. The AC / DC converter 3 charges the storage battery 40 when charging is not being performed in the first charger 7 and the second charger 8.

[0031] The power storage unit 4 outputs DC power to the first DC / DC converter 5 and / or the second DC / DC converter 6. The power storage unit 4 has a storage battery 40 and a storage battery control unit 41. The storage battery 40 may be, for example, a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery. The storage battery 40 may be configured to include a plurality of battery modules.

[0032] The storage battery 40 is connected to the first DC / DC converter 5 and the second DC / DC converter 6. The storage battery 40 is connected to the first DC / DC converter 5 and the second DC / DC converter 6 via a power supply bus B2. The storage battery 40 outputs DC power to the first DC / DC converter 5 and the second DC / DC converter 6. The rated output of the storage battery 40 is, for example, 50 kW. The storage battery 40 is charged by receiving DC power from the AC / DC converter 3.

[0033] The storage battery 40 outputs DC power independently to the first DC / DC converter 5 and / or the second DC / DC converter 6. The storage battery 40 also outputs DC power together with (collaborating with) the AC / DC converter 3 to the first DC / DC converter 5 and / or the second DC / DC converter 6. This allows the charging device 1 to receive power from both the AC / DC converter 3 and the storage battery 40 in response to a charging request from the vehicle V connected to the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8.

[0034] The battery control unit 41 controls the charging and discharging of the storage battery 40. The battery control unit 41 is a battery management system (BMS). The battery control unit 41 is a computer system or processor implemented in an integrated circuit. The battery control unit 41 is composed of a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), an input / output interface, etc. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM.

[0035] The battery control unit 41 outputs status information indicating the status of the storage battery 40 to the control unit 11. The status of the storage battery 40 may include the operating status of the storage battery 40 and the SOC (State Of Charge) which is the remaining capacity (charging rate) of the storage battery 40. The status information includes SOC information indicating the SOC. The battery control unit 41 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals.

[0036] The battery control unit 41 outputs a charge instruction to the control unit 11 based on the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40. The battery control unit 41 outputs a charge instruction to the control unit 11 when the vehicle V is not being charged in the first charger 7 or the second charger 8. Note that, in the present embodiment, an example is described in which the power storage unit 4 includes the storage battery 40 and the storage battery control unit 41, but the storage battery 40 and the storage battery control unit 41 may be provided separately.

[0037] The first DC / DC converter 5 converts DC power. The first DC / DC converter 5 boosts the voltage of the DC power output from the AC / DC converter 3. The rated output of the first DC / DC converter 5 is, for example, 100 kW. The first DC / DC converter 5 is connected to a first charger 7. The first DC / DC converter 5 and the first charger 7 are connected by a power line L1. The first DC / DC converter 5 outputs DC power to the first charger 7.

[0038] The first DC / DC converter 5 is connected to the first communication unit 9 and the control unit 11 so as to be able to communicate with them. The first DC / DC converter 5 controls the voltage and current of the power output to the first charger 7 based on a charging instruction output from the control unit 11. The first DC / DC converter 5 outputs status information indicating its own status to the control unit 11. The status of the first DC / DC converter 5 may include the operating status of the first DC / DC converter 5. The first DC / DC converter 5 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals.

[0039] The second DC / DC converter 6 converts the DC power. The second DC / DC converter 6 boosts the voltage of the DC power output from the AC / DC converter 3. The rated output of the second DC / DC converter 6 is, for example, 100 kW. The second DC / DC converter 6 is connected to the second charger 8. The second DC / DC converter 6 and the second charger 8 are connected by a power line L2. The second DC / DC converter 6 outputs the DC power to the second charger 8.

[0040] The second DC / DC converter 6 is connected to the second communication unit 10 and the control unit 11 so as to be able to communicate with them. The second DC / DC converter 6 controls the voltage and current of the power output to the second charger 8 based on a charging instruction output from the control unit 11. The second DC / DC converter 6 outputs status information indicating its own status to the control unit 11. The status of the second DC / DC converter 6 may include the operating status of the second DC / DC converter 6. The second DC / DC converter 6 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals.

[0041] The first charger 7 charges the vehicle V. The first charger 7 is, for example, a charging station. The first charger 7 charges the vehicle V with power output from the first DC / DC converter 5. The first charger 7 has a charging cable C with a charging gun (not shown). The first charger 7 and the vehicle V are connected by the charging cable C.

[0042] The first charger 7 is communicably connected to the control unit 11. The first charger 7 outputs status information indicating its own status to the control unit 11. The status of the first charger 7 may include the operating status of the first charger 7. The first charger 7 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals.

[0043] The second charger 8 charges the vehicle V. The second charger 8 is, for example, a charging station. The second charger 8 charges the vehicle V with power output from the second DC / DC converter 6. The second charger 8 has a charging cable C with a charging gun (not shown). The second charger 8 and the vehicle V are connected by the charging cable C.

[0044] The second charger 8 is communicably connected to the control unit 11. The second charger 8 outputs status information indicating its own status to the control unit 11. The status of the own device may include the operating status of the second charger 8. The second charger 8 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals.

[0045] The first communication unit 9 communicates between the first DC / DC converter 5 and the first charger 7. The first communication unit 9 may be a CHAdeMO controller. The first communication unit 9 is connected to the first DC / DC converter 5 and the first charger 7 so as to be able to communicate with them. The first communication unit 9 acquires the state of the storage battery of the vehicle V and a charging instruction value via the first charger 7. The first communication unit 9 outputs the state of the storage battery of the vehicle V and the charging instruction value to the control unit 11.

[0046] The first communication unit 9 is communicatively connected to the control unit 11. The first communication unit 9 outputs status information indicating the status of the first communication unit 9 to the control unit 11. The status of the first communication unit 9 may include the operating status of the first communication unit 9. The first communication unit 9 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals.

[0047] The second communication unit 10 communicates between the second DC / DC converter 6 and the second charger 8. The second communication unit 10 may be a CHAdeMO controller. The second communication unit 10 is connected to be able to communicate with the second DC / DC converter 6 and the second charger 8. The second communication unit 10 acquires the state and charging instruction value of the storage battery of the vehicle V via the second charger 8. The second communication unit 10 outputs the state and charging instruction value of the storage battery of the vehicle V to the control unit 11.

[0048] The second communication unit 10 is communicably connected to the control unit 11. The second communication unit 10 outputs status information indicating the status of the second communication unit 10 to the control unit 11. The status of the second communication unit 10 may include the operating status of the second communication unit 10. The second communication unit 10 outputs the status information to the control unit 11 at regular intervals.

[0049] The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the charging device 1. The control unit 11 is a computer system or processor implemented in an integrated circuit. The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface, etc. Various programs and data are stored in the ROM.

[0050] The control unit 11 controls charging of the storage battery 40 by the AC / DC converter 3. The control unit 11 outputs a charging instruction output from the storage battery control unit 41 of the power storage unit 4 to the AC / DC converter 3. The control unit 11 outputs a charging instruction to the AC / DC converter 3 when power is not being output from the AC / DC converter 3 to the first DC / DC converter 5 and / or the second DC / DC converter 6. In other words, the control unit 11 causes the AC / DC converter 3 to charge the storage battery 40 when the vehicle V is not being charged by the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8.

[0051] The control unit 11 acquires the connection status between the first charger 7 and the vehicle V via the first charger 7. The control unit 11 acquires the connection status between the second charger 8 and the vehicle V via the second charger 8. The control unit 11 controls charging in the first charger 7 and the second charger 8. The control unit 11 generates a charging instruction based on the state of the storage battery of the vehicle V and the charging instruction value output from the first communication unit 9 and the second communication unit 10. The control unit 11 outputs the charging instruction to the first charger 7 and the second charger 8.

[0052] When operation of any of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, and the second communication unit 10 stops, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the devices so that the vehicle V is charged by the devices other than the device whose operation has stopped. In response to a charging request from the vehicle V, the control unit 11 sets the maximum output power based on the devices other than the device whose operation has stopped.

[0053] A control program is stored in the control unit 11. The control program is a program for operating the charging device 1 and causes a computer or the like to operate so that control by the control unit 11 is performed. The control program causes the computer to execute a step of controlling the operation of the devices when operation of any of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, and the second communication unit 10 stops, so that the vehicle V is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped. The control program may be provided by being fixedly recorded on a tangible recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be provided via a communication network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0054] The control unit 11 determines whether the operation of each device has stopped based on the status information output from the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, and the second communication unit 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "each device"). If the status information includes information indicating that the operation of the device has stopped, the control unit 11 determines that the operation of the device has stopped. Furthermore, if no status information is output from any of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, or the second communication unit 10 for a certain period of time or longer, the control unit 11 determines that the operation of the device has stopped.

[0055] When the operation of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, or the second communication unit 10 stops, the control unit 11 constructs a configuration for charging the vehicle V using equipment other than the equipment whose operation has stopped, i.e., equipment that is operating normally. The control unit 11 sets a charging path that allows charging of the vehicle V using the equipment that is operating normally.

[0056] For example, when the operation of the AC / DC converter 3 stops, the control unit 11 sets a charging path that can charge the vehicle V using the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, and the second communication unit 10. For example, when the operation of the first DC / DC converter 5 stops, the control unit 11 sets a charging path that can charge the vehicle V using the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8, and the second communication unit 10.

[0057] The control unit 11 acquires the supply status of AC power supplied from the power grid, and if the supply status is not normal, controls the operation of the equipment so that the vehicle V is charged with DC power from the power storage unit 4. If the supply status of power from the power grid, which is included in the status information output from the AC / DC converter 3, indicates a power outage, low voltage, or the like, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the equipment so that the vehicle V is charged with DC power from the power storage unit 4.

[0058] When the operation of the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4 stops, the control unit 11 restricts the operation of the first charger 7 and the second charger 8. As a first mode of restricting the operation, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the equipment so that the vehicle V is charged using only one of the first charger 7 and the second charger 8. As a second mode of restricting the operation, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the equipment so that the vehicle V is charged within the range of the DC power output from the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4.

[0059] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation (control method) of the charging device 1. The following describes a case where the operation of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, or the second communication unit 10 has stopped due to maintenance or the like.

[0060] First, the operation when the AC / DC converter 3 stops will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 11 determines whether the AC / DC converter 3 has stopped (step S01).

[0061] If the control unit 11 does not output status information from the AC / DC converter 3 for a certain period of time or longer (if the control unit 11 does not receive status information for a certain period of time or longer), the control unit 11 determines that the AC / DC converter 3 has stopped. Furthermore, if the status information output from the AC / DC converter 3 includes information indicating that the AC / DC converter 3 is not operating normally, the control unit 11 determines that the AC / DC converter 3 has stopped. If the status information output from the AC / DC converter 3 indicates that the supply state of AC power is not normal, the control unit 11 determines that the AC / DC converter 3 has stopped. If the control unit 11 determines that the AC / DC converter 3 has stopped (step S01: YES), it sets the mode in which charging is performed by the storage battery 40 (storage battery charging mode) (step S02). If the control unit 11 does not determine that the AC / DC converter 3 has stopped (step S01: NO), it ends the process.

[0062] In step S01, the control unit 11 determines whether the AC / DC converter 3 has stopped. However, if the status information output from the AC / DC converter 3 includes information indicating that the AC / DC converter 3 is not operating normally, the control unit 11 may proceed to step S02 without making the above determination.

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the remaining capacity (SOC) of the storage battery 40 is greater than a threshold (SOC>threshold) based on the SOC information output from the power storage unit 4 (storage battery control unit 41) (step S03). If the control unit 11 determines that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S03: YES), the process proceeds to step S04. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S03: NO), the process proceeds to step S05.

[0064] In step S04, the control unit 11 restricts charging. There are two modes for restricting charging by the control unit 11. In the first restriction method, for example, when the first charger 7 is connected to the vehicle V, the control unit 11 makes the second charger 8 unable to charge. In this case, the control unit 11 causes the display unit (display, etc.) of the second charger 8 to display a message that charging is not possible (such as that charging is stopped).

[0065] In the second limitation method, when each of the first charger 7 and the second charger 8 is connected to the vehicle V, the control unit 11 limits the power output from each of the first charger 7 and the second charger 8 so that charging is performed within the range of the discharge power of the storage battery 40. For example, if the second charger 8 is connected to the vehicle V after the first charger 7 is connected to the vehicle V and charging has started, the control unit 11 prioritizes charging by the first charger 7 and limits the power output from the second charger 8. The priority is set in the order in which the ends of the charging cable C are connected to the vehicle V.

[0066] In step S05, the control unit 11 notifies that charging cannot be performed in the first charger 7 and the second charger 8 (step S05). For example, the control unit 11 causes the display units of the first charger 7 and the second charger 8 to display that charging is not possible.

[0067] The control unit 11 selects a vehicle V connected to the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8, and sets an upper limit of the charging power for that vehicle V (step S06). The control unit 11 sets the upper limit of the charging power in the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8 to a predetermined value that has been set in advance. As a result, even if the power required by the vehicle V is greater than the maximum output voltage (rated output) of the storage battery 40, power greater than the upper limit is not output. After setting the upper limit of the charging power, the control unit 11 starts charging in the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8 (step S07).

[0068] Next, an operation when the power storage unit 4 has stopped will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 11 determines whether the power storage unit 4 has stopped (step S11).

[0069] The control unit 11 determines that the power storage unit 4 has stopped when the battery control unit 41 does not output status information for a certain period of time or longer. The control unit 11 also determines that the power storage unit 4 has stopped when the status information output from the battery control unit 41 includes information indicating that the power storage unit 4 is not operating normally. The control unit 11 also determines that the power storage unit 4 has stopped when the SOC of the storage battery 40 is equal to or lower than a threshold based on the SOC information included in the status information output from the battery control unit 41.

[0070] If the control unit 11 determines that the power storage unit 4 has stopped (step S11: YES), the process proceeds to step S12. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the power storage unit 4 has stopped (step S11: NO), the process ends.

[0071] In step S12, the control unit 11 determines whether the power system is normal. The control unit 11 determines whether the power system is normal based on the status information output from the AC / DC converter 3. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the power system is normal based on information indicating the supply status of the power system (normal, low voltage, power outage, etc.) included in the status information. If the control unit 11 determines that the power system is normal (step S12: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S13. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the power system is normal (step S12: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S14.

[0072] In step S13, the control unit 11 restricts charging in the above-described manner. In step S14, the control unit 11 notifies that charging cannot be performed in the first charger 7 and the second charger 8.

[0073] The control unit 11 selects a vehicle V connected to the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8, and sets an upper limit of the charging power for the vehicle V (step S15). After setting the upper limit of the charging power, the control unit 11 starts charging in the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8 (step S16).

[0074] Next, the operation when the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 stops will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 11 determines whether the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 has stopped (step S21).

[0075] If status information is not output from the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 for a certain period of time or longer, the control unit 11 determines that the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 has stopped. Furthermore, if the status information output from the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 includes information indicating that the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 is not operating normally, the control unit 11 determines that the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 has stopped.

[0076] If the control unit 11 determines that the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 has stopped (step S21: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S22. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the first DC / DC converter 5, the first charger 7, or the first communication unit 9 has stopped (step S21: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0077] In step S22, the control unit 11 determines whether the power grid is normal. If the control unit 11 determines that the power grid is normal (step S22: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S23. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the power grid is normal (step S22: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S24.

[0078] In step S23, the control unit 11 determines whether the remaining capacity (SOC) of the storage battery 40 is greater than a threshold (SOC>threshold) based on the SOC information output from the power storage unit 4 (storage battery control unit 41). If the control unit 11 determines that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S23: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S25. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S23: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S27.

[0079] In step S24, the control unit 11 determines whether the remaining capacity (SOC) of the storage battery 40 is greater than a threshold (SOC>threshold) based on the SOC information output from the power storage unit 4 (storage battery control unit 41). If the control unit 11 determines that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S24: YES), the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the control unit 11 sets an upper limit on the charging power for the vehicle V, and then the process proceeds to step S25. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S24: NO), the control unit 11 notifies the user that charging cannot be performed in the first charger 7 or the second charger 8 (step S28).

[0080] In step S25, the control unit 11 sets the second charger 8 as a chargeable charger. After setting the second charger 8, the control unit 11 starts charging in the second charger 8 (step S26).

[0081] Next, the operation when the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8, or the second communication unit 10 stops will be described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 11 determines whether the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8, or the second communication unit 10 has stopped (step S31).

[0082] If status information is not output from the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8 or the second communication unit 10 for a certain period of time or longer, the control unit 11 determines that the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8 or the second communication unit 10 has stopped. Furthermore, if the status information output from the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8 or the second communication unit 10 includes information indicating that the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8 or the second communication unit 10 is not operating normally, the control unit 11 determines that the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8 or the second communication unit 10 has stopped.

[0083] If the control unit 11 determines that the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8, or the second communication unit 10 has stopped (step S31: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S32. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the second DC / DC converter 6, the second charger 8, or the second communication unit 10 has stopped (step S31: NO), the control unit 11 ends the process.

[0084] In step S32, the control unit 11 determines whether the power grid is normal. If the control unit 11 determines that the power grid is normal (step S32: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S33. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the power grid is normal (step S32: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S34.

[0085] In step S33, the control unit 11 determines whether the remaining capacity (SOC) of the storage battery 40 is greater than a threshold (SOC>threshold) based on the SOC information output from the power storage unit 4 (storage battery control unit 41). If the control unit 11 determines that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S33: YES), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S35. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S33: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S37.

[0086] In step S34, the control unit 11 determines whether the remaining capacity (SOC) of the storage battery 40 is greater than a threshold (SOC>threshold) based on the SOC information output from the power storage unit 4 (storage battery control unit 41). If the control unit 11 determines that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S34: YES), the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the control unit 11 sets an upper limit on the charging power for the vehicle V, and then the process proceeds to step S35. If the control unit 11 does not determine that the remaining capacity of the storage battery 40 is greater than the threshold (step S34: NO), the control unit 11 notifies the user that charging cannot be performed in the first charger 7 or the second charger 8 (step S38).

[0087] In step S35, the control unit 11 sets the first charger 7 as a chargeable charger. After setting the first charger 7, the control unit 11 starts charging in the first charger 7 (step S36).

[0088] As described above, in the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, when operation of any of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, or the second communication unit 10 stops, the control unit 11 controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped. As a result, in the charging device 1, even when operation of the first DC / DC converter 5 stops, for example, the control unit 11 controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle V is charged using the second DC / DC converter 6. Furthermore, in the charging device 1, when operation of the AC / DC converter 3 stops, for example, the control unit 11 controls operation of the devices so that the vehicle V is charged using the power storage unit 4. In this way, the charging device 1 can perform rapid charging even when operation of some of the devices stops. Therefore, the charging device 1 can efficiently charge the vehicle V even when operation of some of the devices stops.

[0089] In the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, and the second communication unit 10 output status information indicating their own status to the control unit. The control unit 11 determines whether or not the operation of each device has stopped based on the status information. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the operation of each device has stopped.

[0090] In the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines that the operation of a device has stopped when the status information includes information indicating that the operation of the device has stopped. The control unit 11 determines that the operation of the device has stopped when no status information is output for a certain period of time from any of the AC / DC converter 3, the power storage unit 4, the first DC / DC converter 5, the second DC / DC converter 6, the first charger 7, the second charger 8, the first communication unit 9, and the second communication unit 10. This configuration makes it possible to more appropriately determine whether the operation of each device has stopped.

[0091] In the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 acquires the supply status of AC power supplied from the power grid, and if the supply status is not normal, controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle V is charged using DC power from the power storage unit 4. In this configuration, if a power outage or the like occurs in the power grid and the supply status of AC power supplied to the AC / DC converter 3 is not normal (if an abnormality has occurred), the vehicle V is charged using the DC power from the power storage unit 4. Therefore, even if the operation of the AC / DC converter 3 stops due to an abnormality in the power grid, the vehicle V can be charged.

[0092] In the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, when the operation of the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4 stops, the control unit 11 limits the operation of the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8. When the operation of the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4 stops, DC power is output from only one of the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4 to the first DC / DC converter 5 and / or the second DC / DC converter 6. In this configuration, when a charging request that exceeds the rated output of the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4 is received from the vehicle, the AC / DC converter 3 may enter an overload state or the power storage unit 4 may enter an over-discharge state. Therefore, by limiting the operation of the first charger 7 and / or the second charger 8, it is possible to prevent the AC / DC converter 3 from entering an overload state or the power storage unit 4 from entering an over-discharge state.

[0093] In the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may control the operation of the device so that the vehicle V is charged using only one of the first charger 7 and the second charger 8. In this configuration, the number of chargers that can be used is limited, and therefore it is possible to prevent the AC / DC converter 3 from being overloaded or the power storage unit 4 from being over-discharged.

[0094] In the charging device 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may control the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged within the range of DC power output from the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4. In this configuration, the DC power output is limited to the range of the AC / DC converter 3 or the power storage unit 4, so that it is possible to prevent the AC / DC converter 3 from becoming overloaded or the power storage unit 4 from becoming over-discharged.

[0095] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0096] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the DC / DC converters include the first DC / DC converter 5 and the second DC / DC converter 6. However, three or more DC / DC converters may be provided. Accordingly, three or more chargers and three or more charge control units may also be provided.

[0097] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the charging device 1 includes the control unit 11. However, in a charging system, the control unit may be provided externally (for example, on a server on the cloud). In a charging system, one control unit may be provided for multiple charging devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1...charging device, 3...AC / DC converter, 4...power storage unit, 5...first DC / DC converter, 6...second DC / DC converter, 7...first charger, 8...second charger, 9...first communication unit, 10...second communication unit, 11...control unit.

Claims

1. A charging device for charging a vehicle, an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from the power grid into DC power; a power storage unit that outputs DC power; a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the power storage unit; a plurality of chargers provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, for charging the vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converters; a plurality of communication units provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, for communicating between the DC / DC converters and the charger; a control unit provided to be able to communicate with the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units, When operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, the control unit controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

2. the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units output status information indicating their own statuses to the control unit; The charging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines whether or not the operation of each device has stopped based on the state information.

3. The charging device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit determines that the operation of the device has stopped when the state information includes information indicating that the operation of the device has stopped.

4. 4. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that operation of any one of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units has stopped when the status information is not output from the corresponding device for a certain period of time or longer.

5. the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units output status information indicating their own statuses to the control unit; 2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the status information includes information indicating that operation of an equipment has stopped, the control unit controls operation of the equipment so that charging of the vehicle is performed by an equipment other than the equipment whose operation has stopped.

6. 3. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires a supply state of the AC power supplied from the power grid, and when the supply state is not normal, controls operation of the equipment so that the vehicle is charged by the DC power of the power storage unit.

7. The charging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit limits operations of the plurality of chargers when the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit stops operating.

8. The charging device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged using only one of the plurality of chargers.

9. The charging device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged within a range of the DC power output from the AC / DC converter or the power storage unit.

10. A charging system for charging a vehicle, an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from the power grid into DC power; a power storage unit that outputs DC power; a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the power storage unit; a plurality of chargers provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, for charging the vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converters; a plurality of communication units provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, for communicating between the DC / DC converters and the charger; a control unit provided to be able to communicate with the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, and the plurality of communication units, When operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, the control unit controls the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

11. an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from the power grid into DC power; a power storage unit that outputs DC power; a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the power storage unit; a plurality of chargers provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, for charging a vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converters; a plurality of communication units provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, each of the communication units performing communication between the DC / DC converter and the charger, A control method for controlling, when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, the operation of the device so that the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

12. an AC / DC converter that converts AC power supplied from the power grid into DC power; a power storage unit that outputs DC power; a plurality of DC / DC converters that convert the DC power output from at least one of the AC / DC converter and the power storage unit; a plurality of chargers provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, respectively, for charging a vehicle with power output from the DC / DC converters; a control program for controlling a charging device including a plurality of communication units provided corresponding to the plurality of DC / DC converters, the communication units performing communication between the DC / DC converters and the charger, A control program that causes a computer to execute a step of controlling the operation of a device such that, when operation of any of the AC / DC converter, the power storage unit, the plurality of DC / DC converters, the plurality of chargers, or the plurality of communication units stops, the vehicle is charged by a device other than the device whose operation has stopped.

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