Data output device, energy storage element monitoring system, and data output method

Abstract

To provide a data output device, a power storage element monitoring system, and a data output method by which state data on the power storage element can be converted to an analog value and be outputted.SOLUTION: A data output device includes a managing unit for a power storage element and an analog output unit that selectively converts state data or a representative value thereof on the power storage element transmitted in a form of a digital signal from the managing unit to an analog value with a D / A converter and outputs the analog value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a data output device, a power storage element monitoring system, and a data output method.

Background Art

[0002] In the remote monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a control board provided in a power storage element and / or a power supply related device outputs state data as digital values, transmits the data to a server device via a communication device, and the server device stores the digital values.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A system for monitoring the operating state of equipment, particularly the power state of existing equipment, may be constructed on the premise that instruments for measuring current, voltage, etc. output analog values. For example, in a railway system, measurement data (analog values) of electrical equipment is aggregated at a command center, and the status monitoring and daily management of equipment are carried out centrally. When applying a power storage element and / or a power supply related device equipped with a control board that outputs digital values to such an existing monitoring system, the digital values cannot be directly incorporated into the monitoring system.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a data output device, a power storage element monitoring system, and a data output method that can convert the state data of a power storage element into an analog value and output it.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A data output device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a management unit for energy storage elements and an analog output unit that selectively converts state data or a representative value thereof of the energy storage elements transmitted from the management unit as a digital signal into an analog value using a D / A converter and outputs it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above embodiment, the status data or representative value of the energy storage element transmitted from the management unit as a digital signal is selectively converted to an analog value by the analog output unit and output. This makes it possible to monitor the status of the energy storage element and perform daily management using existing equipment that does not have a digital signal interface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] An overview of the energy storage element monitoring system of the first embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery panel. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the analog output unit. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for outputting status data using a data output device. [Figure 5] An overview of the energy storage element monitoring system of the second embodiment is shown. [Figure 6] An overview of the energy storage element monitoring system of the third embodiment is shown. [Figure 7] This shows the screen for setting (confirming) configuration data on a terminal device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A data output device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a management unit for energy storage elements and an analog output unit that selectively converts state data or a representative value thereof of the energy storage elements transmitted from the management unit as a digital signal into an analog value using a D / A converter and outputs it.

[0010] Here, the energy storage element may be an energy storage cell, or an energy storage module (hereinafter also referred to as a battery pack) in which multiple energy storage cells are connected in series and / or in parallel. The energy storage element may also be an energy storage unit (hereinafter also referred to as a "bank") in which multiple energy storage modules are connected in series. The energy storage element may also be an energy storage unit in which multiple energy storage modules or banks are connected in parallel.

[0011] The energy storage element may be a lithium-ion battery (non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery) or a battery pack thereof. Lithium-ion batteries and their battery packs have various states (current, voltage, temperature, state of charge (SOC), etc.) measured or calculated at short intervals and acquired as state data by the management unit. The energy storage element may also be other secondary batteries, primary batteries, or capacitors, as long as the management unit can acquire state data from them.

[0012] "Selectively converting the state data or representative value of the energy storage element into an analog value using a D / A converter and outputting it" may also mean converting specific (some) state data or representative values ​​from the digital signal transmitted from the management unit into an analog value and outputting it. The digital signal may conform to communication standards such as RS-232C or RS-485, or it may conform to CAN (Controller Area Network), or it may conform to Ethernet (registered trademark), Modbus communication, USB communication, etc. The digital signal is not limited to wired communication signals, but may also be wireless communication signals. Representative values ​​may be obtained through statistical processing to calculate the mean, median, maximum value, minimum value, etc., or they may be obtained through addition and subtraction operations such as sums and differences, or through logical operations such as whether or not a value is above a threshold.

[0013] In order to absorb surplus power and compensate for insufficient power, energy storage elements are increasingly being applied to existing equipment. Typically used lithium-ion batteries require monitoring of all battery cells, and the types and amounts of status data measured and acquired by the management unit are very large. On the other hand, the number of analog signal interfaces provided by existing equipment for power management is limited. In the data output device with the above configuration, the status data of the energy storage element or its representative value transmitted by a digital signal from the management unit is selectively converted into an analog value by the analog output unit and output. As a result, it becomes possible to perform status monitoring and daily management of the energy storage element while using existing equipment without a digital signal interface. In each existing equipment, the status data of the energy storage element or its representative value that is optimal for status monitoring and daily management or that meets customer needs can be set as the monitoring target, so the data output device has high versatility.

[0014] The data output device may accept from the outside the setting of the status data or the representative value to be output.

[0015] With the above configuration, the status data or representative value to be output as an analog value can be set from the outside, which facilitates operations such as changing settings and increases the degree of freedom in monitoring.

[0016] The analog output unit has channels for outputting analog values, and outputs the status data or the representative value from the set channels.

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily set which status data or representative value is to be output without changing the program itself or the circuit.

[0018] The analog output unit may be configured using a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0019] According to the above configuration, by virtue of the rich input / output functions of the PLC, it is possible to highly flexibly monitor the state data or representative values of the energy storage elements, which are optimal for state monitoring and daily management or according to customer needs. It is also easily possible to remotely select and change the state data or representative values to be output.

[0020] The data output device may receive, from the outside, a setting of the input / output range (relationship between input and output, scale) of the state data or the representative value.

[0021] With the above configuration, customization and setting changes become easy. As an example, consider a case where the voltage value transmitted from the management unit is 0 to 300 volts [V] and a case where it is 0 to 500 V according to the number of energy storage elements connected in series. By setting the input / output range, a digital value of 0 to 300 V can be expressed as an analog value of 4 to 20 milliamperes [mA], or a digital value of 0 to 500 V can be expressed as an analog value of 4 to 20 mA.

[0022] The data output device further includes a communication device (hub) provided between the analog output unit and the plurality of management units, and the analog output unit may receive digital signals from the plurality of management units.

[0023] With the above configuration, since digital signals transmitted from a plurality of management units are received by a common analog output unit and a predetermined analog value is output, the cost required for system construction can be suppressed.

[0024] The data output device may further include an information collection device capable of communicating with the analog output unit via the communication device. The information collection device may collect, in parallel, the state data of a converter connected to an electric train line that supplies power to an electric train. Not limited to such a converter, the information collection device may collect the state data of power supply related devices (power conditioners, rectifiers, chargers, charge / discharge devices, etc., power supply related devices to which a power line is connected to the energy storage element and that operate in cooperation with the energy storage element) of a system including the energy storage element. The communication connection between the analog output unit and the information acquisition device may be performed on a daily basis or occasionally.

[0025] With the above configuration, the analog values ​​output from the analog output unit can be monitored via an information acquisition device. For example, it is possible to verify whether the correct analog values ​​are being output to existing equipment via an information acquisition device used for monitoring power supply-related equipment (without installing dedicated equipment for analog value monitoring).

[0026] The management unit includes multiple management units that acquire status data of multiple grouped energy storage elements, and an integrated management unit provided for each group to collect status data of each of the energy storage elements from the multiple management units, and the analog output unit selectively converts the status data of the multiple energy storage elements or their representative values ​​transmitted by the integrated management unit as digital signals into analog values ​​and outputs them.

[0027] The above configuration makes it possible to monitor the status of each group of energy storage elements and perform daily management while using existing equipment that does not have a digital signal interface.

[0028] Each of the integrated management units for each group is connected by a network topology to which each is assigned an address, and the analog output unit may identify the transmitted status data by the address of the source of the digital signal.

[0029] In the above configuration, it is possible to transmit and receive status data with the source clearly identified using digital signals. The status data or representative value is transmitted to the analog output unit in a way that allows identification of which group and which energy storage element the status data belongs to. The analog output unit can identify which status data to output on which channel and output an analog value.

[0030] An energy storage element monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the above-described data output device and a terminal device that can communicate with the analog output unit and performs at least one of setting the status data or a representative value thereof output from the analog output unit and remote monitoring.

[0031] With the above configuration, the selection of state data to be converted to analog values ​​by the analog output unit, or the selection of representative values ​​for the state data, can be performed via a terminal device. Changing the settings does not require modifying the program itself or the circuitry. It becomes easy to customize or change the settings for which state data or representative values ​​to select for each power supply system. The selection of output state data and representative values ​​can be performed remotely.

[0032] One embodiment of the present invention provides a data output method in which a data output unit selectively converts state data or a representative value thereof of a power storage element, transmitted by a digital signal from a power storage element management unit, into an analog value and outputs it.

[0033] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating its embodiments.

[0034] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an overview of the monitoring system 100. The monitoring system 100 monitors the power supply unit 1. The power supply unit 1 supplies power to a load, for example, in a railway system. The power supply unit 1 also functions as a data output device for monitoring. The power supply unit 1 includes a battery panel 2 and an analog output unit 3. A distribution panel 7 is provided near the power supply unit 1. The analog output unit 3 is communicatively connected to a management unit built into the battery panel 2 via a communication line 40. The communication line 40 is, for example, a LAN cable. The analog output unit 3 is connected to the distribution panel 7 by a cable 60 containing multiple transmission lines. The distribution panel 7 is connected to a number of systems, including the power supply unit 1, and to a control panel 5 in a monitoring room that monitors the status of the devices. The power status of the power supply unit 1 is displayed on the control panel 5.

[0035] The control panel 5 incorporates analog meters 51, lamps 52, a digital display 53, and the like. The analog meters 51 display current, voltage, temperature, etc., by the movement of a pointer corresponding to the current output or voltage output transmitted via the power distribution panel 7. The lamps 52 light up or turn off according to the current output or voltage output. The digital display 53 has an A / D converter inside and displays a numerical value corresponding to the current output or voltage output. Thus, the control panel 5 is an existing facility that can use various meters when analog values ​​are input.

[0036] The battery panel 2 includes a plurality of energy storage modules 20 (energy storage elements). The plurality of energy storage modules 20 housed in the battery panel 2 may be electrically connected to the overhead line supplying power to the train via a step-up / step-down converter (not shown). Alternatively, the energy storage modules 20 may be integrated with or connected to a power conditioner, or may constitute a DC power supply (backup power supply) together with a charger (not shown).

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the battery panel 2 houses multiple energy storage modules 20 within a metal enclosure (panel) and is placed inside the building. Alternatively, the multiple energy storage modules 20 may be placed on shelves (racks).

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the battery panel 2. In the first embodiment, the energy storage module 20 includes a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells (not shown) connected in series. The energy storage module 20 (energy storage element) may alternatively be a lead-acid battery or a capacitor.

[0039] Multiple energy storage modules 20 are divided into multiple groups within the battery panel 2 by wiring (not shown), and each group is connected in series. Here, a group of multiple energy storage modules 20 connected in series corresponds to a bank. The banks within the battery panel 2 are connected in parallel and constitute a higher-level group.

[0040] The battery panel 2 is equipped with a management unit 21 for each bank. The management unit 21 communicates via serial communication with a control board (CMU: Cell Management Unit) with communication functions located on the energy storage module 20.

[0041] The control board acquires status data from the energy storage module 20 and periodically transmits it to the management unit 21 via communication such as RS-232C or RS-485. The control board transmits the status data, for example, at intervals of one second. If the energy storage module 20 is a lead-acid battery, the control board may transmit the status data at intervals of about once a day.

[0042] The status data includes the State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH) of each energy storage module 20. SOH may, but is not limited to, the capacity retention rate or the full charge capacity (the value at that time, not the rated value). The status data may also include the voltage of the energy storage module 20 and / or the voltage of each energy storage cell. The status data also includes the temperature measured in the energy storage module 20.

[0043] Each management unit 21 includes a microcontroller that contains a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Each management unit 21 communicates with other management units 21, for example, via a CAN controller. Each management unit 21 may also communicate with other management units 21 via a serial connection using an RS-232C or RS-485 cable.

[0044] The bank management unit 21 acquires status data from the control boards within the bank and performs management processing such as detecting voltage abnormalities in the energy storage cells. The bank management unit 21 collects the State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH) of multiple energy storage modules 20 within the bank as status data. The bank management unit 21 may calculate statistical values ​​such as the highest, average, and lowest values ​​of the SOC collected from the control boards of each energy storage module 20 and use them as representative values ​​for the status data. The bank management unit 21 may calculate the total voltage for the bank as a statistical value and use it as a representative value for the status data. The bank management unit 21 may calculate at least one of the highest voltage, average voltage, and lowest values ​​of the energy storage cells included in the multiple energy storage modules 20 within the bank as a representative value. The bank management unit 21 may acquire the current value in the bank as status data. The bank management unit 21 may use the highest temperature, average temperature, and lowest temperature within the bank as representative values ​​from the temperature obtained in the energy storage modules 20.

[0045] The bank management unit 21 transmits the collected status data or its representative value to an integrated management unit 22 provided for each battery panel 2 (group) via digital communication. The battery panel 2 in the first embodiment is equipped with one integrated management unit 22.

[0046] The integrated management unit 22 is a device controlled by a microcontroller, similar to the management unit 21. The integrated management unit 22 communicates with the management unit 21 via a CAN controller.

[0047] The integrated management unit 22 acquires status data or representative values ​​for each bank, such as SOC, SOH, total voltage, current, and temperature. The integrated management unit 22 transmits essentially all acquired status data and representative values ​​to the analog output unit 3. Depending on the settings, the integrated management unit 22 may also transmit the average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature, which are calculated as representative values ​​from this status data, to the analog output unit 3 via digital communication. The integrated management unit 22 sequentially transmits the digital data via digital communication, adding identification data to identify whether it is the average SOC, total voltage, or maximum temperature.

[0048] A communication device 23 that converts the communication standard for digital communication is connected to the integrated management unit 22. The integrated management unit 22 transmits status data or a representative value thereof to the analog output unit 3 (see Figure 1) via digital communication through the communication device 23.

[0049] The communication device 23 receives status data or representative values ​​transmitted by the integrated management unit 22 using a digital communication standard as a digital communication signal, and transmits them to the analog output unit 3 as a digital communication signal using a digital communication standard for the analog output unit 3. The communication device 23 is not mandatory; the integrated management unit 22 and the analog output unit 3 may be directly connected via communication if they are capable of sending and receiving data to each other using the same digital communication standard.

[0050] In the first embodiment, for example, the digital communication standard from the integrated management unit 22 to the communication device 23 is, for example, the RS232C or RS485 communication standard. The digital communication standard from the communication device 23 to the analog output unit 3 is the Ethernet® communication standard, which communicates via a LAN cable. Other digital communication standards may include CAN communication, USB (Universal Serial Bus), wireless communication standards, etc.

[0051] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the analog output unit 3. The analog output unit 3 comprises a control unit 30, a communication unit 31, a D / A converter 32, an analog output unit 33, and a non-temporary storage medium 34. The analog output unit 3 may also receive operating power from a power line connected to the battery panel 2, so that it can continue to operate using power from the energy storage module 20 even in the event of a power outage (backup).

[0052] The control unit 30 includes a CPU and memory such as ROM and RAM. The control unit 30 performs specific processing as an analog output unit 3 based on a control program stored in the ROM. The control unit 30 is, for example, a microcontroller.

[0053] The communication unit 31 is capable of receiving digital communication signals from the communication device 23. The communication unit 31 may be located inside the control unit 30. The communication unit 31 is, for example, a LAN interface. The control unit 30 can acquire status data from the digital communication signals received by the communication unit 31. Since identification data is attached to the status data, the control unit 30 can distinguish and acquire representative values ​​of three types of status data (average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature) based on the identification data.

[0054] The analog output unit 33 has multiple analog signal interfaces (channels). The D / A converter 32 also performs D / A conversion on multiple digital data in parallel. The control unit 30 converts the acquired average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature into analog signals (analog values) using the D / A converter 32, and outputs each data from the channel of the analog output unit 33 that is pre-configured for that data.

[0055] The non-temporary storage medium 34 stores the output range settings from the analog output unit 33 for each state data or representative value identification data. The control unit 30 adjusts the current amount of the current output or the voltage value of the voltage output in the analog output unit 33 based on the acquired state data or representative value and the output range of the identification data for that value. For example, suppose the analog output unit 33 is a current output with a range of 4mA to 20mA. If the non-temporary storage medium 34 is set to a total voltage range of 0 to 1000V, then the control unit 30 acquires the value "586.5" via digital communication. In this case, the analog output unit 33 outputs a current of 13.38mA {= 4mA + (20-4)mA × (586.5 / 1000)}.

[0056] The output range may be added to the digital communication signal of the status data from the integrated management unit 22. For example, the integrated management unit 22 may agree with the analog output unit 3 to add range data in addition to identification data and data as a format for sending and receiving status data on the Ethernet communication standard, and send and receive it each time. In this case, each time the analog output unit 3 receives status data or a representative value, it will output an analog value from the analog output unit 33 based on the output range indicated by the range data included in the format.

[0057] The procedure for processing the analog output of status data from the power supply unit 1 configured in this way will now be explained. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the status data output procedure by the power supply unit 1. In the monitoring system 100, the integrated management unit 22 of the battery panel 2 receives status data (including representative values) from the management unit 21 of the energy storage modules 20 belonging to the bank in the battery panel 2 (step S1). The integrated management unit 22 transmits the pre-set status data from the received status data to the analog output unit 3 via digital communication (step S2).

[0058] The communication device 23 receives status data for the analog output unit 3 (step S3) and transmits it via digital communication for the analog output unit 3 (step S4).

[0059] Each time the analog output unit 3 receives status data via digital communication from the communication unit 31 (step S5), it selectively converts the status data or representative value into analog and outputs it from the analog output unit 33 (step S6).

[0060] In the first embodiment, the power supply unit 1 sends the output from the battery panel 2, which transmits and receives status data via digital communication, to the monitoring room as an analog value, enabling monitoring by the control panel 5 in the monitoring room.

[0061] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the power supply unit 1 comprises a plurality of battery panels 2. That is, in the second embodiment, the power supply unit 1 has energy storage elements (energy storage modules 20) distinguished into a plurality of groups. Figure 5 shows an overview of the monitoring system 100 of the second embodiment. The two battery panels 2 are both connected to the analog output unit 3 via a communication device (hub) 41 through a communication line 40, enabling communication via the network (communication line 40). The battery panels 2 comprise a plurality of energy storage modules 20, a management unit 21, an integrated management unit 22, and a communication device 23, as in the first embodiment.

[0062] In the second embodiment, a digital communication standard is selected to enable communication between the analog output unit 3 and the integrated management unit 22. This standard allows three or more communication devices 23 to communicate with each other via a network (communication line 40) and identify each other by address. Digital communication signals sent from the communication devices 23 can be received by the analog output unit 3 via the communication device 41. The analog output unit 3 receives the digital communication signals intended for itself via the communication unit 31, and sequentially extracts status data for analog output.

[0063] In the second embodiment, Modbus communication via a communication line 40, which is an Ethernet® cable, is used as the digital communication standard, but it is not limited to this. CAN communication via a CAN bus may also be used. The network topology between the analog output unit 3 and the integrated management unit 22 may be any of star, ring, or bus types, as long as they enable communication in a way that allows them to identify the data source of each other.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the communication devices 23 (see Figure 2) of the two battery panels 2 and the analog output unit 3 are mutually assigned identifiable addresses for Modbus communication. Each of the two battery panel 2's communication devices 23 transmits status data or representative values, which have identification data attached and are output from the integrated management unit 22 within the same battery panel 2, to the address of the analog output unit 3. The transmitted status data is accompanied by the address of the transmitting communication device 23 and / or data identifying the battery panel 2 to which the transmitting integrated management unit 22 belongs.

[0065] In the second embodiment as well, the integrated management unit 22 (see Figure 2) of the battery panel 2 may, depending on the settings, sequentially transmit representative values ​​such as average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature from the status data to the analog output unit 3.

[0066] The analog output unit 3 outputs the received average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature as analog signals from a channel pre-configured for the identification data of the battery unit 2, depending on which battery unit 2's integrated management unit 2 the status data is received from.

[0067] In the monitoring room, representative values ​​such as the average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature for each battery panel 2 are received as analog values ​​and output to the control panel 5 as analog values. With the configuration described in the second embodiment, even when the power supply unit 1 is equipped with multiple battery panels 2, it can output status data or representative values ​​thereof as analog values ​​so that each can be identified.

[0068] Multiple status data or representative analog values ​​may be multiplexed and transmitted to the distribution panel 7 or control panel 5.

[0069] (Third embodiment) Figure 6 shows an overview of the monitoring system 100 of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the power supply unit 1 to be monitored by the monitoring system 100 includes two battery panels 2, a communication device (hub) 41, and an information gathering device 8. Since the configuration of each battery panel 2 is the same as that of the battery panel 2 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for common components and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0070] The information gathering device 8 can communicate with the analog output unit 3 connected to the communication line 40. The information gathering device 8 can communicate with the network N via wireless communication. The network N includes the so-called internet and carrier networks, and mediates communication between the analog output unit 3 and the terminal device 9 via access points AP and base stations BS.

[0071] Terminal device 9 is a device used by maintenance workers, administrators, etc., of the battery panel 2. Terminal device 9 is a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone, etc. Terminal device 9 can securely communicate with information gathering device 8 via network N. Terminal device 9 may also securely communicate directly with analog output unit 3 via network N.

[0072] The information gathering device 8 of the third embodiment outputs the setting data set via the terminal device 9 to the analog output unit 3, and enables changes to any of the status data or representative value type, output range, and output channel transmitted from the analog output unit 3.

[0073] Figure 7 shows the setting (confirmation) screen 94 of the terminal device 9. The setting screen 94 is a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 9. The setting screen 94 may be displayed in response to access from the terminal device 9 via a web browser using the function of the analog output unit 3's web server, or it may be displayed via a web page provided by a management server (not shown) on the battery panel 2. The setting screen 94 may also be a screen displayed based on a specific setting program stored in the terminal device 9.

[0074] The settings screen 94 includes selection controls for identification data and status data for each channel in the analog output section 33 of the analog output unit 3 of the power supply unit 1 being monitored. In the example in Figure 7, it can be confirmed that the settings are configured to output average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature from two battery panels 2 for up to eight channels.

[0075] Once the settings are confirmed on the settings screen 94 in Figure 7, the terminal device 9 stores the identification information of the battery panel 2 that transmits the status data, the identification data of the status data or representative value, and the setting data of the output range in the non-temporary storage medium 34 for each output channel of the analog output section 33 of the analog output unit 3. The setting data includes the type of status data or representative value to be output as an analog value from the status data or representative value transmitted from the integrated management unit 22 of the two battery panels 2, its output range, and the output channel.

[0076] The integrated management unit 22 basically transmits all status data received from the management unit 21 to the analog output unit 3. The integrated management unit 22 may also calculate representative values ​​from the status data through various calculations and transmit them to the analog output unit 3. The analog output unit 3 receives various status data or representative values ​​transmitted from the integrated management unit 22 via the communication device 23. Based on the setting data set via the terminal device 9 and the information collection device 8, the analog output unit 3 outputs analog values ​​within the set output range from the channel corresponding to the identification data attached to the received status data or representative values.

[0077] In the third embodiment, the power supply unit 1, with the above configuration, allows the type and output range of the status data or representative value to be output as an analog value to be set by an external terminal device 9 of the power supply unit 1.

[0078] For example, the administrator of battery panel 2 can use terminal device 9 to configure analog output unit 3 to transmit four status data from the first battery panel 2, instead of three: average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature. Similarly, the administrator can use terminal device 9 to configure analog output unit 3 to transmit four status data from the second battery panel 2, instead of three: average SOC, total voltage, and maximum temperature.

[0079] The external communication connection function of the analog output unit 3 in the third embodiment may be realized by a direct communication connection with a terminal device 9 via the network N. The communication device 23 may also enable communication connection with the terminal device 9 via the network N, and status data or representative values ​​output from the communication device 23 may be selected.

[0080] According to the above embodiment, the status data or representative value of the energy storage module 20 (energy storage element) transmitted from the integrated management unit (management unit 21) 22 is converted into an analog value by the analog output unit 3. This makes it possible for the control panel 5 to receive information from the battery panel 2, which transmits status data via digital communication, as an analog value and output it in the monitoring room.

[0081] According to the above embodiment, the battery panel 2 transmits and receives status data via digital communication. By connecting multiple battery panels 2 to the communication device 41 and identifying the address indicating the source of each transmission, it is possible to identify which battery panel 2 the status data originates from. As a result, status data from the power supply device 1, including multiple battery panels 2, can be appropriately identified by the analog output unit 3, converted to analog values, and output.

[0082] According to the above embodiment, the terminal device 9 can set the type of analog value to be output from the analog output unit 3 among the status data of the energy storage module 20 (energy storage element) transmitted from the integrated management unit 22, and can also remotely change the output range of that analog value.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Power supply unit (data output device) 2 battery panel 21 Management Units 22. Integrated Management Unit (Management Unit) 23 Communication devices 3 Analog Output Units 30 Control Unit 33 Analog output section 34 Non-temporary storage media 100 Monitoring System (Energy Storage Element Monitoring System)

Claims

1. A management unit for energy storage elements, An analog output unit that selectively converts the state data or representative value thereof of the energy storage element transmitted by the management unit as a digital signal into an analog value using a D / A converter and outputs it. Equipped with, The input / output range settings for the status data or representative value output from the analog output unit are accepted from an external source. Data output device.

2. A plurality of energy storage element management units, An analog output unit that selectively converts the state data or representative value thereof of the energy storage element transmitted by the management unit as a digital signal into an analog value using a D / A converter and outputs it, The system further includes a communication device provided between the analog output unit and the plurality of management units, The analog output unit receives digital signals from multiple management units via the communication device. Data output device.

3. Multiple management units that acquire state data of multiple grouped energy storage elements, An integrated management unit is provided for each group to collect state data of each of the energy storage elements from the aforementioned multiple management units, An analog output unit that selectively converts the status data or representative values ​​thereof of the multiple energy storage elements transmitted by digital signals from the integrated management unit into analog values ​​using a D / A converter and outputs them. A data output device including a data output device.

4. Energy storage element management unit, and An analog output unit that selectively converts the status data or representative value thereof of the energy storage element transmitted by the management unit as a digital signal into an analog value using a D / A converter and outputs it. A data output device equipped with, A terminal device that can communicate with the analog output unit and performs at least one of the following: setting the status data or its representative value output from the analog output unit and remote monitoring. A monitoring system for energy storage elements equipped with the following features.

5. The data output device receives the setting of the status data or representative value to be output from an external source. The energy storage element monitoring system according to claim 4.

6. The analog output unit has channels for outputting analog values, and outputs the status data or representative value from the set channel. The energy storage element monitoring system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned analog output unit is configured using a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The energy storage element monitoring system according to claim 6.

8. The data output device receives the setting of the input / output range of the status data or the representative value from an external source. The energy storage element monitoring system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The data output device further comprises a communication device provided between the analog output unit and a plurality of management units, The analog output unit receives digital signals from multiple management units. The energy storage element monitoring system according to claim 8.

10. The system further comprises an information gathering device capable of communicating with the analog output unit via the aforementioned communication device. The energy storage element monitoring system according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned management unit is Multiple management units that acquire status data of multiple energy storage elements grouped together, The system includes an integrated management unit provided for each group to collect state data of each of the energy storage elements from the aforementioned multiple management units, The analog output unit selectively converts the state data or representative values ​​thereof of the multiple energy storage elements transmitted by the integrated management unit as digital signals into analog values ​​and outputs them. A storage element monitoring system according to any one of claims 4 to 10.

12. Each of the aforementioned integrated management units for each group is connected via the network so that it can be identified by its address. The analog output unit identifies the status data or the representative value based on the address of the source of the digital signal. The energy storage element monitoring system according to claim 11.

13. The analog output unit selectively converts the status data or representative value of the energy storage element transmitted by the energy storage element management unit as a digital signal into an analog value and outputs it. A terminal device that can communicate with the analog output unit performs at least one of the following: setting the status data or a representative value thereof output from the analog output unit, and remote monitoring. Data output method.

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