Battery supply method, computer system, and server

Abstract

To improve the convenience for a user in providing a battery.SOLUTION: A battery providing method for providing a provision battery which has been charged to a predetermined battery level or more includes: predicting demands of batteries (S22); determining, when a request for a reservation on a battery provision time is received, whether a battery station can prepare provision batteries as many as those satisfying the demands at the battery provision time, using the battery levels remaining in a plurality of batteries stored in the battery station (S23); and making, when a determination is made that the battery station cannot prepare the provision batteries as many as those satisfying the demands at the battery provision time, a request notification to request a reserver to cancel the reservation or change the battery provision time (S31).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery supply method, a computer system, and a server.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2019 / 159475 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery supply method for providing a detachable battery to an electric vehicle. In this battery supply method, a control device acquires the position and battery remaining amount of each electric vehicle at a first time (current time) and the position of each electric vehicle at a future second time. Then, the control device determines whether a battery station can supply a battery to each electric vehicle existing in a predetermined area with a battery remaining amount (remaining charge amount) below a predetermined value, and performs movement intervention by transmitting an instruction signal to each electric vehicle determined that the battery station cannot supply a battery. The movement intervention is to set the operation mode of the electric vehicle to a power saving mode or to guide the electric vehicle to a battery station in another area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the battery supply method described in Patent Document 1, when the battery remaining amount of an electric vehicle decreases, the electric vehicle may receive movement intervention according to the determination result by the control device. Such movement intervention may impair the convenience of the user. Also, in Patent Document 1, it is not assumed that the user makes a reservation to receive battery supply according to his / her own will. Therefore, the battery supply method described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of user convenience.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to improve user convenience in battery provision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery supply method is provided for supplying batteries that have been charged to a predetermined amount or more, the method comprising: predicting the demand for batteries; determining, when a reservation for a battery supply time is requested, whether the battery station can prepare a number of supplying batteries to meet the demand at the battery supply time using the remaining charge of each of the batteries stored at the battery station; and, if it is determined that the battery station cannot prepare a number of supplying batteries to meet the demand at the battery supply time, issuing a request notification to the person who made the reservation requesting the cancellation of the reservation or a change in the battery supply time.

[0007] The above method makes it possible to improve user convenience in battery provision. The above battery provision method may also be used to provide batteries to electric vehicles (xEVs) that use electricity as all or part of their power source. Examples of xEVs include BEVs (battery electric vehicles), PHEVs (plug-in hybrid vehicles), HEVs (hybrid vehicles), and FCEVs (fuel cell vehicles).

[0008] In other forms of this disclosure, a computer system is provided, comprising one or more processors and one or more storage devices that store a program causing one or more processors to perform the aforementioned battery supply method.

[0009] According to the computer system described above, the battery supply method described above can be suitably implemented. The computer system may include multiple processors installed in separate computers and multiple storage devices installed in separate computers. For example, the computer system may include a first computer (including a processor and storage device) installed in a battery station and a second computer (including a processor and storage device) installed outside the battery station. The computer system may be implemented on the cloud. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure will make it possible to improve user convenience in battery provision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates an overview of the management system for an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This diagram explains the battery demand history for each area managed by the server (management center) shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for the battery supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a flowchart detailing the process involved in determining the battery station. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the processes involved in battery replacement, inspection, and storage. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the battery supply system according to this embodiment. This system includes a plurality of battery stations (hereinafter referred to as "BSTs") 200 and a management center 500.

[0014] The management center 500 is a server that manages information for a service that provides vehicle batteries and performs various processes to provide the battery supply service. The management center 500 may also provide a leasing service for lending vehicle batteries. The management center 500 has a built-in computer. Specifically, the management center 500 comprises a processor 510, a storage device 520, and a communication module 530. The communication module 530 is connected to a communication network NW, for example, by a wired connection. The communication network NW is a wide-area network constructed by, for example, the internet and wireless base stations.

[0015] In this embodiment, multiple BST200s are installed to cover the entire area under the jurisdiction of the management center 500. The BST200s are configured to store vehicle batteries and provide vehicle batteries upon request. In this embodiment, the BST200s are configured to perform battery replacement fully automatically. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and the BST200s only need to be configured to provide batteries. The system may be structured so that the user performs at least part of the battery replacement work. The BST200s include a server 250. The management center 500 and the servers 250 of each BST are configured to communicate with each other via a communication network NW. The servers 250 of each BST sequentially transmit information about the battery inventory (i.e., each battery stored by the BST) to the management center 500.

[0016] The BST200 can, for example, provide a battery to a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle body 11 and a battery 12 mounted on the vehicle body 11. The battery 12 is a replaceable battery configured to be removable from the vehicle body 11. The vehicle 10 may be a BEV without an internal combustion engine, or a HEV or PHEV with an internal combustion engine. As the battery 12, a known vehicle energy storage device (e.g., a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery) can be used. Multiple secondary batteries may form a battery pack.

[0017] The mobile terminal 30 is carried and operated by the user (vehicle manager) of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, a smartphone equipped with a touch panel display is used as the mobile terminal 30. The smartphone has a built-in computer and speaker function. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, a laptop, tablet, portable game console, wearable device (smartwatch, smart glasses, etc.), and electronic key can also be used as the mobile terminal 30.

[0018] The mobile terminal 30 has application software (hereinafter referred to as "mobile app") installed for using services provided by the management center 500. The identification information (terminal ID) of the mobile terminal 30 is linked to the identification information (vehicle ID) of the corresponding vehicle 10 and registered with the management center 500. The mobile terminal 30 can exchange information with the management center 500 through the mobile app. The mobile terminal 30 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the vehicle 10. The mobile terminal 30 may also transmit vehicle information received from the vehicle 10 to the management center 500.

[0019] The storage device 520 of the management center 500 stores information regarding each BST within the jurisdiction area (e.g., the location information of the BST and the remaining battery charge of each battery stored in the BST) differentiated by the identification information of the BST (station ID). Also, the storage device 520 stores information regarding each vehicle registered in the management center 500 (vehicle information) differentiated by the vehicle ID. The vehicle information within the storage device 520 includes the specifications of the vehicle (e.g., the type of battery). Further, the storage device 520 stores user registration information, charge information, and incentive information differentiated by the user ID. The aforementioned terminal ID may be adopted as the user ID.

[0020] User registration information is personal information registered by the user. User registration information includes the identification information of the vehicle (vehicle ID) belonging to the user, the location information of the user's home, and the location information of the user's workplace. However, user registration information is not limited to these and can be set arbitrarily.

[0021] Charge information indicates the charges that service users (e.g., vehicle users) pay to service providers (e.g., leasing companies). Charge information may indicate the outstanding amount of the battery lease fee. When the service user purchases a battery from the service provider, the charge information may indicate the outstanding amount of the battery purchase price.

[0022] Incentive information corresponds to information regarding incentives (e.g., points) paid by the service provider to service users (e.g., vehicle users). Incentive information may indicate the point savings amount for each user. Points may be convertible into money, goods, or rights.

[0023] The management center 500 is configured to predict the battery demand for each BST using the battery demand history. The management center 500 acquires information regarding battery demand from each of the plurality of BSTs 2*0 within the jurisdiction area and stores it in the storage device 520. Each time the management management center 500 predicts the battery demand based on new information, it adds it to the storage device 520.

[0024] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the battery demand history for areas A to D under the jurisdiction of the management center 500. Referring to Figure 2, there are three BST200A units in area A, one BST200B unit in area B, one BST200C unit in area C, and two BST200D units in area D. Lines L1, L2, L3, and L4 show the battery demand in areas A, B, C, and D, respectively. The "t" on the horizontal axis of the graph represents timing. Lines L1 to L4 show the trend in battery demand for the operating time period (t1 to t7) of the BST200 unit over a day. The management center 500 may manage the trend in battery demand separately for each day of the week.

[0025] The management center 500 records battery demand history for each area, showing the trend in battery demand. The management center 500 can determine the battery demand of each BST present in an area by dividing the battery demand in that area (the number of batteries provided by the BST200) by the number of BST200s present in that area. The management center 500 may also convert the battery demand history in area A (the total number of batteries provided by the three BST200A) into the battery demand for each BST200A by dividing it by "3" (the number of BST200A). The management center 500 can predict the future battery demand of BST200s from the battery demand history of past BST200s. The management center 500 may also predict the battery demand of a BST200A at a certain point in time from the battery demand history of the BST200A at a corresponding point in time (for example, the same day of the week and the same time). However, the method for predicting the battery demand for each BST is not limited to these methods. The management center 500 may manage battery demand history by BST (Battery Service Time) rather than by area.

[0026] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the battery supply method according to this embodiment. In the flowchart, "S" represents a step.

[0027] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, screen Sc1 includes a display unit M11 that shows the battery replacement time, an operation unit P12 (e.g., a checkbox or radio button) for inputting the position of the vehicle 10 at the battery replacement time shown by the display unit M11, a display unit M12 that shows explanatory text regarding the operation unit P12, operation units B131 and B132 (e.g., operation buttons) for deciding whether or not to request a reservation for the battery replacement time shown by the display unit M11, and a display unit M13 that shows explanatory text regarding the operation units B131 and B132.

[0028] When the aforementioned mobile app is launched, the touch panel display of the mobile terminal 30 displays screen Sc1. The user can input the battery replacement time into the mobile terminal 30 by touch panel operation (e.g., touch keyboard operation) or voice input. However, if the battery replacement time reservation is canceled on screen Sc2 (Figure 4), which will be described later, the canceled date cannot be entered as the battery replacement time. Display unit M11 shows the battery replacement time (e.g., year, month, day, hour, minute) entered by the user. Operation unit P12 accepts input information regarding the location of the vehicle 10 at the battery replacement time. In this embodiment, the user can select one of the following using the operation unit P12: "near current location", "near home", "near work", or "other". By operating the operation unit B131, the user requests the management center 500 from the mobile terminal 30 to reserve a battery replacement under the conditions specified by the display unit M11 and operation unit P12. Specifically, the mobile terminal 30 sends a reservation request signal to the management center 500, which includes a user ID (e.g., terminal ID), the battery replacement time indicated by the display unit M11, and vehicle location information entered by the operation unit P12. On the other hand, if the user operates the operation unit B132, the mobile application terminates without a reservation request being made. The screen Sc1 may also accept further user preferences regarding BST selection (such as BST specifications and the type of battery to be provided). The management center 500 may select a battery station in S21 and S24, described later, taking into account the preferences entered by the user.

[0029] The management center 500 receives battery replacement reservation requests from each of the registered users. Each user requests a battery replacement reservation using the mobile terminal 30. When the management center 500 receives the above reservation request signal from the mobile terminal 30, it executes the series of processes S11 to S13 described below for that reservation request. Each time the management center 500 receives a reservation request, it starts the series of processes S11 to S13 for that reservation request.

[0030] In S11, the management center 500 predicts the location of vehicle 10 at the time of battery replacement based on the vehicle location information indicated by the reservation request signal. For example, if the reservation request signal indicates "near current location," the management center 500 obtains information indicating the current location of vehicle 10 from the mobile terminal 30. In a system where the management center 500 and vehicle 10 can communicate wirelessly directly, the management center 500 may obtain location information directly from vehicle 10. If the reservation request signal indicates "near home" or "near work," the management center 500 obtains information indicating the user's home or work location, respectively, from the storage device 520 (user registration information). If the reservation request signal indicates "other," the management center 500 requests location information from the mobile terminal 30 (user terminal). Once the user inputs location information into the mobile terminal 30, that location information is sent back from the mobile terminal 30 to the management center 500.

[0031] The management center 500 estimates the position acquired as described above as the position of the vehicle 10 at the time of battery replacement. The battery replacement time indicated by the reservation request signal corresponds to the execution time of the battery replacement (battery provision) requested by the user. The "battery replacement time" in this embodiment corresponds to an example of the "battery provision time" in this disclosure.

[0032] In S12, the management center 500 performs a process to determine which BST200 should perform the requested battery replacement. Figure 4 is a flowchart detailing S12.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, as well as Figure 4, in S21, the management center 500 selects a predetermined number of BST200s from among multiple BST200s within its jurisdiction based on the location information of the vehicle 10 at the time of battery replacement (see S11 in Figure 3). The management center 500 may preferentially select BST200s that are close to the location of the vehicle 10 at the time of battery replacement (hereinafter referred to as the "predicted vehicle location"). The predetermined number may be one or two or more, but in this embodiment, the predetermined number is three. In S21, the BST200 closest to the predicted vehicle location, the second closest BST200, and the third closest BST200 are selected.

[0034] In the subsequent S22, the management center 500 predicts the battery demand at the battery replacement time indicated by the reservation request signal for each BST selected in S21. The management center 500 may predict the battery demand at the battery replacement time for each selected BST using, for example, the demand forecasting method described above (see Figure 2). That is, the management center 500 may predict the battery demand for the BST 200 of the battery replacement time from the battery demand history of the BST 200 at the corresponding timing.

[0035] In the subsequent S23, the management center 500 determines whether the selected BST200 can prepare the number of supply batteries (replacement batteries) that will meet the battery demand predicted in S22 at the battery replacement time indicated by the reservation request signal. The supply batteries are batteries that have been charged to a predetermined amount of charge (hereinafter referred to as "Pc") or more. The management center 500 makes the determination in S23 using the remaining charge of each battery stored by the BST200. For example, the management center 500 determines whether the BST200 can prepare the supply batteries at the battery replacement time based on whether the BST200 has completed charging to the point where the amount of charge of the number of batteries that will meet the battery demand will be equal to or greater than Pc by the time of battery replacement. Pc may be expressed as SOC (State of Charge). Pc may be a value indicating full charge, or it may be a charge amount less than full charge (for example, 80% SOC value). When the charge of one battery exceeds PC through charging, it means that one supply battery is ready.

[0036] When each BST selected in S21 charges until the number of batteries available to supply reaches the number that meets the demand, if charging is completed in any BST in time for the battery replacement time, the decision in S23 is YES, and the process proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if charging is not completed in any of the BSTs selected in S21 in time for the battery replacement time, the decision in S23 is NO, and the process proceeds to S31.

[0037] In S24, the management center 500 determines the BST (hereinafter referred to as "reserved BST") for which the requested battery replacement (battery provision) will be carried out. Specifically, the management center 500 determines the reserved BST from among the BST200 (BST candidates) for which it is determined that it can prepare a number of batteries to meet the battery demand at the time of battery replacement. If the BST candidates include multiple BST200, the management center 500 selects one reserved BST according to predetermined criteria. The management center 500 may also determine the BST200 closest to the predicted vehicle location among the BST candidates as the reserved BST. The process then proceeds to S13 in Figure 3.

[0038] In S31, the management center 500 issues a request notification to the user of vehicle 10 requesting either the cancellation of the reservation or the change of the battery replacement time. Specifically, the management center 500 issues a request notification to the mobile terminal 30 (the user terminal of vehicle 10) identified by the user ID indicated by the reservation request signal. The touch panel display of the mobile terminal 30 that receives the request notification displays screen Sc2. Screen Sc2 includes a display unit M21 requesting cooperation in adjusting the battery replacement schedule, a display unit M22 prompting a change of the battery replacement time, a display unit M23 indicating the charging completion time when the number of batteries available reaches the number that meets the battery demand in any of the BSTs selected in S21, an operation unit B23 (e.g., an operation button) for changing the battery replacement time as requested, a display unit M24 prompting cancellation of the reservation, an operation unit B24 (e.g., an operation button) for canceling the battery replacement time reservation as requested, and an operation unit B25 (e.g., an operation button) for deciding not to cancel the reservation or change the battery replacement time.

[0039] Display unit M21 displays a message requesting adjustment to the battery replacement schedule (cancellation of the reservation or change of the battery replacement time). Display unit M22 displays an incentive given to users who change the battery replacement time to the charging completion time shown on display unit M23. Display unit M24 displays an incentive given to users who cancel their battery replacement reservation. Display unit M24 also notifies users that they will not be able to make another battery replacement reservation on the same day.

[0040] In the following step S32, the management center 500 determines whether the user has agreed to change the battery replacement time. Specifically, when the user operates the operation unit B23, a first consent signal is sent from the mobile terminal 30 to the management center 500. When the management center 500 receives the first consent signal, it determines YES in S32, and the process proceeds to S33. In S33, the management center 500 changes the battery replacement time to the charging completion time shown on the display unit M23, and also grants the user (reservation holder) the incentive shown on the display unit M22. After that, the process returns to S11 in Figure 3, and the processes from S11 onwards are executed for the changed battery replacement time.

[0041] If the management center 500 does not receive the first acceptance signal, it is determined to be NO in S32, and the process proceeds to S34. In S34, the management center 500 determines whether the user has accepted the cancellation of the reservation. Specifically, when the user operates the operation unit B24, a second acceptance signal is sent from the mobile terminal 30 to the management center 500. When the management center 500 receives the second acceptance signal, it is determined to be YES in S34, and the process proceeds to S35. In S35, the management center 500 cancels the battery replacement time reservation and provides the user (reservation holder) with the incentive shown on the display unit M24.

[0042] If the management center 500 does not receive the second acceptance signal, it is determined to be NO in S34, and the process returns to S24. The determination of NO in S34 means that the user has operated the operation unit B25. In S24, the management center 500 determines the reserved BST. For example, in S24, the management center 500 determines BST200, which has the smallest shortage relative to the predicted battery demand, as the reserved BST. The process then proceeds to S13 in Figure 3.

[0043] Referring again to Figure 3, in S13, the management center 500 reserves a battery replacement at the determined reserved BST (S24 in Figure 4). Specifically, the management center 500 sends a BST reservation signal to the reserved BST, which includes various information contained in the reservation request signal (such as user ID and battery replacement time) and the battery demand forecast result (S22 in Figure 4). The BST reservation signal may further include information about the vehicle 10 associated with the user ID. After processing in S13, the management center 500 may notify the mobile terminal 30 of the reservation approval. The management center 500 may also guide the vehicle 10 to the reserved BST in accordance with the battery replacement time.

[0044] When the reservation BST (BST200) server 250 receives the above BST reservation signal from the management center 500, it executes the series of processes S51 to S57 described below. In S51, the server 250 saves the information (various data) contained in the BST reservation signal. Subsequently, in S52, the reservation BST server 250 determines the charging schedule for each battery stored by the reservation BST based on the amount of charge stored in each battery and the battery demand forecast result. The management center 500 determines the charging schedule so as to meet the battery demand (or so as to minimize the deficit to meet the battery demand). In the following S53, the server 250 charges the number of batteries that meet the demand according to the determined charging schedule. Each battery is charged until its charge is equal to or greater than Pc.

[0045] In the following step S54, the server 250 determines whether the reserved vehicle 10 has arrived at the reserved BST. The server 250 may also receive a notification from the mobile terminal 30 (the user terminal of vehicle 10), which is identified by the BST reservation signal, indicating that vehicle 10 has arrived at the reserved BST. Alternatively, the reserved BST may detect the arrival of vehicle 10 using a camera.

[0046] When the reserved vehicle 10 arrives at the reserved BST (YES in S54), the server 250 determines in S55 whether the battery replacement time indicated by the BST reservation signal has arrived. If the current time is before the battery replacement time (NO in S55), the determination in S55 is repeated until the battery replacement time arrives. If the current time has already passed the battery replacement time, the determination in S55 is YES, and the processes in S56 and S57 are executed.

[0047] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the battery replacement process in S56 and the battery inspection and storage process in S57. Referring to Figure 5, the BST200 comprises a storage unit 210 and an inspection unit 220. The storage unit 210 includes, for example, a storage cabinet and a charger. The inspection unit 220 includes, for example, a charger / discharger, a measuring device and a sorting device. The BST200 also further comprises a transport device for transporting energy storage devices and an exchange device for replacing energy storage devices. The transport device and the exchange device are controlled by a server 250. The server 250 has a built-in computer equipped with a processor and a memory device. The memory device of the server 250 stores information about each battery stored by the BST200 (such as the amount of stored energy), distinguishing it by battery identification information (battery ID).

[0048] In S56 of Figure 3, the server 250 replaces the battery of vehicle 10 that has arrived at the reserved BST, for example, using the following procedure. The server 250 selects a supply battery B2 (see S53 in Figure 3) that has been charged to a charge level equal to or greater than Pc from among several batteries stored in the storage compartment of the storage unit 210. Next, the replacement device removes the used battery B1 from vehicle 10. Hereafter, the used battery removed from vehicle 10 will be referred to as "battery B4". Next, the transport device transports (supplies) the supply battery B2 from the storage unit 210 to the replacement device. Next, the replacement device installs the supplied supply battery B2 into vehicle 10. This completes the battery replacement of vehicle 10.

[0049] In S57 of Figure 3, the transport device transports (collects) the battery B4 to the inspection unit 220, which then performs an inspection of the collected battery B4. The inspection is performed by the charger / discharger and measuring device of the inspection unit 220. Once the inspection is complete, the sorting device of the inspection unit 220 sorts the battery B4 according to the inspection results to either reuse as a vehicle battery, use for other purposes (e.g., stationary use), or disposal.

[0050] Hereafter, battery B4, which has been selected for vehicle battery (reusable), will be referred to as "battery B3". After the above inspection, battery B3 may be discharged to a near-empty state (for example, a State of Charge of 20% or less). After the above inspection, the transport device transports battery B3 to the storage unit 210. The transported battery B3 is stored in the storage unit 210 with a charge level below Pc. In accordance with future battery replacement reservations, the charger in the storage unit 210 charges battery B3 at S53 in Figure 3, thereby converting battery B3 into a supply battery B2.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an example where the battery is removed and installed in different locations. The vehicle 10 may be transported from the removal location to the installation location by a transport device (not shown). However, it is not limited to this, and the battery may be removed and installed in the same location. The battery may be replaced (removed and installed) while the vehicle 10 is stationary (for example, parked).

[0052] As described above, the battery supply method according to this embodiment includes the processes shown in Figures 3 and 4. Each process is executed by one or more processors executing programs stored in one or more memories. However, these processes may be executed by dedicated hardware (electronic circuits) instead of software.

[0053] The battery provision method according to this embodiment includes predicting the demand for batteries (S22 in Figure 4), determining whether the battery station can prepare enough batteries to meet the demand at the time of provision using the remaining charge of each of the batteries stored at the battery station when a reservation for a battery provision time is requested (S23 in Figure 4), and, if it is determined that the battery station cannot prepare enough batteries to meet the demand at the time of provision, issuing a request notification to the person who made the reservation requesting them to cancel the reservation or change the time of provision (S31 in Figure 4). With this method, the user (reserver) can learn from the request notification that there is a possibility that they will not be able to receive batteries at the time of provision. The user (reserver) can then decide whether to cancel the reservation or change the time of provision at their own discretion. This makes it easier for users to make reservations to receive batteries at their own discretion. With this method, it is possible to improve the convenience of users in battery provision.

[0054] The above request notification informs the reservation holder of the incentive they will receive if they cancel their reservation or change the battery delivery time in response to the request (see screen Sc2 in Figure 4). This method makes it possible to encourage users (reservation holders) to cancel their reservations or change the battery delivery time through incentives.

[0055] The battery provision method according to this embodiment further includes charging the batteries to prepare them for provision according to the reservation (S53 in Figure 3), removing the used batteries from the vehicles that have arrived at the battery station and providing the batteries for provision to the vehicles (S56 in Figure 3), and storing the used batteries in a state below a predetermined charge level (S57 in Figure 3). This method makes it easier to store the used batteries removed from the vehicles in a state below a predetermined charge level. This suppresses the deterioration of the batteries during storage. When batteries are left with a large charge level, battery deterioration tends to be accelerated.

[0056] The server (management center 500) in this embodiment is configured to communicate with a plurality of battery stations (BST200) (see Figure 1). Each of the plurality of battery stations is configured to store a plurality of batteries and to provide batteries that have been charged to a predetermined amount or more from among the plurality of batteries (see Figure 5). When the server receives a request from a vehicle user to reserve a battery provision time, it is configured to select at least one battery station from among the plurality of battery stations using the vehicle's location information at the battery provision time (S21 in Figure 4), predict the battery demand at the battery provision time for the selected battery station (S22 in Figure 4), determine whether the selected battery station can prepare the number of batteries to meet the demand at the battery provision time using the remaining charge of each of the plurality of batteries stored by the selected battery station (S23 in Figure 4), and if it is determined that none of the selected battery stations can prepare the number of batteries to meet the demand at the battery provision time, send a request notification to the vehicle user requesting cancellation of the reservation or a change in the battery provision time (S31 in Figure 4). These servers select a battery station based on the vehicle's location at the requested time of battery delivery. This allows batteries to be delivered by the battery station corresponding to the vehicle's location. With such servers, it becomes easier to provide battery delivery services in response to user requests over a wide area by coordinating multiple battery stations.

[0057] The processing flows shown in Figures 3 and 4 can be modified as needed. For example, the order of processing may be changed, or unnecessary steps may be omitted depending on the purpose. Furthermore, the content of any of the processing steps may be changed.

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 10 vehicles, 11 vehicle bodies, 12 batteries, 30 mobile devices, 200 battery stations, 250 servers, 500 management centers, B1 used batteries, B2 batteries for distribution.

Claims

1. A battery supply method that provides a battery for supply that has been charged to a predetermined amount or more, The computer system predicts battery demand and When the computer system receives a request to reserve a battery supply time, it uses the remaining charge of each of the batteries stored at the battery station to determine whether the battery station can prepare the number of batteries to supply that meet the demand at the battery supply time. If the battery station determines that it cannot prepare the number of batteries to supply that meet the demand at the time of battery provision, the computer system will issue a request notification to the person who made the reservation, asking them to cancel the reservation or change the time of battery provision. A method of supplying batteries, including a battery supply method.

2. The battery provision method according to claim 1, wherein the request notification notifies the reservation holder of an incentive to be given to the reservation holder when the reservation holder cancels the reservation or changes the battery provision time in response to the request.

3. Each of the aforementioned batteries is a vehicle battery, The method of providing the battery is, The battery station performs charging to prepare the batteries for provision in accordance with the reservation, The battery station removes used batteries from vehicles arriving at the battery station and provides the vehicles with the batteries for supply. The battery station stores the used batteries in a state below the predetermined amount of stored energy, The battery provision method according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. A computer system comprising one or more processors and one or more storage devices that store a program causing the one or more processors to execute a battery supply method that provides a battery charged to a predetermined amount or more, The aforementioned battery supply method is Forecasting battery demand and When a request is made to reserve a battery supply time, the battery station determines, using the remaining charge of each of the batteries it stores, whether it can prepare the number of batteries to supply that meet the demand at the battery supply time, If the battery station determines that it cannot prepare the number of batteries to supply that meet the demand at the time of battery provision, it will issue a request notification to the person who made the reservation, asking them to cancel the reservation or change the time of battery provision. A computer system, including a computer system.

5. A server configured to communicate with multiple battery stations, Each of the aforementioned battery stations is configured to store multiple batteries and to provide batteries that have been charged to a predetermined amount or more from among the multiple batteries. The server in question is, When a vehicle user requests a reservation for a battery delivery time, the system selects at least one battery station from among the multiple battery stations using the vehicle's location information at the battery delivery time. To predict the battery demand at the time of battery provision for the selected battery station, Using the remaining charge of each of the multiple batteries stored at the selected battery station, it is determined whether the selected battery station can prepare the number of batteries to supply that meet the demand at the time of battery provision. If it is determined that all of the selected battery stations cannot prepare the number of batteries to supply that meet the demand at the battery supply time, a request notification will be sent to the vehicle user requesting the cancellation of the reservation or a change in the battery supply time. A server configured to run [the specified program].

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