Storage battery system and control method

Abstract

This storage battery system is provided with: a battery rack that is disposed in a space surrounded by a wall surface and accommodates a plurality of storage battery modules; and a first air conditioner that blows out cooling air. The battery rack has a cooling surface that is at least one of a side surface in which an intake hole for taking in the cooling air is formed inside the battery rack, and a side surface that has the largest area among the plurality of side surfaces of the battery rack. The first air conditioner is provided on the wall surface facing the cooling surface.

Description

Battery storage system and control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage battery system and a control method.

[0002] A conventional storage battery system includes a container having an interior space and a battery rack that houses a plurality of storage battery modules (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The battery rack is disposed in the interior space of the container.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-192828

[0004] In the above-described battery storage system, it is required to efficiently cool the battery modules.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a storage battery system and a control method that can efficiently cool storage battery modules.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the storage battery system of aspect 1 of the present disclosure comprises a battery rack arranged in a space surrounded by walls and accommodating multiple storage battery modules, and a first air conditioner that blows out cooling air, wherein the battery rack has a cooling surface that is at least one of a side with an intake hole formed to take the cooling air into the battery rack and the side with the largest area among the multiple sides of the battery rack, and the first air conditioner is provided on the wall surface opposite the cooling surface.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a control method according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling an air conditioner in a storage battery system including a battery rack that houses multiple storage battery modules and an air conditioner that blows out cooling air, the control method identifying a hottest module, which is the storage battery module with the highest temperature among the multiple storage battery modules, and controlling the air conditioner based on the identification of the hottest module.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the storage battery system according to aspect 13 of the present disclosure includes a battery rack that houses multiple storage battery modules, an air conditioner that blows out cooling air, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the multiple storage battery modules, a module identification unit that identifies a hottest module, which is the storage battery module with the highest temperature among the multiple storage battery modules, based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor, and a control unit that controls the air conditioner based on the identification result of the hottest module.

[0009] According to the above aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a storage battery system and a control method that can efficiently cool storage battery modules.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing a battery system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery rack according to embodiment 1 as seen from the front. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery rack according to embodiment 1 as seen from the rear. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a battery rack according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a battery module according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an air conditioner and a battery rack according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a battery system according to embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between an air conditioner and a battery rack according to embodiment 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a battery system according to embodiment 3. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of a battery system according to embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a battery rack and a battery module according to embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a highest temperature module and a nearest air conditioner according to embodiment 3. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the positions of the air conditioner and the highest temperature module and the blowing angle. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the positions of the air conditioner and the highest temperature module and the blowing angle. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the air speed at the highest temperature module and the blowing angle of the nearest air conditioner. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the air speed at the highest temperature module and the blowing angle of the nearest air conditioner. 10 is a diagram showing a change over time in the temperature of a storage battery module; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed in a storage battery system according to embodiment 3; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change over time in the capacity of a storage battery module when control according to embodiment 3 is not performed; and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a change over time in the capacity of a storage battery module when control according to embodiment 3 is performed.

[0011] First Embodiment A battery system according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1, the storage battery system 100 according to this embodiment includes an air conditioner 10 (first air conditioner 11), two battery racks 20, and a plurality of converters 30. However, the number of air conditioners 10, the number of battery racks 20, and the number of converters 30 can be changed as appropriate.

[0013] The storage battery system 100 according to this embodiment (i.e., the air conditioner 10, the battery rack 20, and the converter 30) is disposed in an internal space S of a container 60. The internal space S of the container 60 may have a volume large enough for a person to enter. In the illustrated example, the container 60 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, the container 60 has a bottom surface 61, a plurality of wall surfaces 62a to 62d (four in the illustrated example), and a ceiling surface 63. The internal space S of the container 60 is a space surrounded by the bottom surface 61, the plurality of wall surfaces 62a to 62d, and the ceiling surface 63. However, the shapes of the container 60 and the internal space S can be changed as appropriate. Each battery rack 20 and each converter 30 is installed (placed or fixed) on the bottom surface 61.

[0014] (Directional Definitions) In this specification, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are defined as follows: The Z-axis direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the surface on which the battery rack 20 is installed (in the illustrated example, the bottom surface 61 of the container 60). The Z-axis direction may be the direction of gravity, which is parallel to gravity. The X-axis direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is a direction that intersects (e.g., is perpendicular to) both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions may be directions that are parallel to the surface on which the battery rack 20 is installed (in the illustrated example, the bottom surface 61 of the container 60). The X-axis and Y-axis directions may be horizontal directions that are perpendicular to gravity. Hereinafter, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the first direction X, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the second direction Y, and the Z-axis direction may be referred to as the third direction Z. Furthermore, the direction in which the surface on which the battery rack 20 is installed (the bottom surface 61) faces is referred to as the +Z direction or upward. The +Z direction may be upward in the direction of gravity. The direction opposite to the +Z direction is referred to as the -Z direction or downward. One direction parallel to the first direction X is referred to as the +X direction or rightward. The direction opposite to the +X direction is referred to as the -X direction or leftward. One direction parallel to the second direction Y is referred to as the +Y direction or forward. The direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction or backward. Wall surfaces 62a and 62c face the second direction Y. Wall surfaces 62b and 62d face the first direction X.

[0015] The air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to blow out cooled air. The air conditioner 10 has, for example, a housing with an air outlet opening on its surface. The cooled air may be blown out from this air outlet. The air conditioner 10 may be configured to be able to control at least one of the air direction, air volume, air speed, and blowout temperature.

[0016] The converter 30 is electrically connected to the storage battery modules 21, which will be described later. The converter 30 has a function of converting power. The converter 30 may be, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts direct current to alternating current. Alternatively, the converter 30 may be a DC / DC converter that converts the voltage output by the battery rack 20 (storage battery modules 21) to a voltage of any magnitude. The converter 30 may be configured to electrically connect the battery rack 20 (storage battery modules 21) to a power system (not shown) provided outside the storage battery system 100 and convert power between the battery rack 20 (storage battery modules 21).

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 to 2B, the battery rack 20 according to this embodiment has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, the battery rack 20 has an upper surface, a lower surface, and four side surfaces. In the battery rack 20, the four side surfaces connect the outer periphery of the upper surface to the outer periphery of the lower surface. Specifically, the battery rack 20 has a side surface (front surface) facing in the +Y direction, a side surface (rear surface) facing in the -Y direction, a side surface (right surface) facing in the +X direction, and a side surface (left surface) facing in the -X direction.

[0018] 1 to 2B, the battery rack 20 is formed with an intake hole 20a and an exhaust hole 20b. The intake hole 20a is a hole for taking in air (e.g., cooling air from the air conditioner 10) into the battery rack 20. The exhaust hole 20b is a hole for discharging air from the battery rack 20. The intake hole 20a may also function as the exhaust hole 20b. Similarly, the exhaust hole 20b may also function as the intake hole 20a.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2A , the air intake holes 20 a are formed on the front surface of the battery rack 20. As shown in FIG. 2B , the exhaust holes 20 b are formed on the rear surface of the battery rack 20. Hereinafter, the side surface of the battery rack 20 on which the air intake holes 20 a are formed may be referred to as the cooling surface 20 s. In the illustrated example, the front surface of the battery rack 20 corresponds to the cooling surface 20 s. However, the air intake holes 20 a may also be formed on the rear surface, right surface, left surface, top surface, or bottom surface of the battery rack 20. Alternatively, the air intake holes 20 a may be formed on two or more surfaces of the battery rack 20. The air intake holes 20 a may also be formed on the side surface with the largest area among the multiple side surfaces of the battery rack 20.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3 , the battery rack 20 accommodates a plurality of storage battery modules 21. Specifically, the battery rack 20 has an accommodation space for accommodating the storage battery modules 21, and the plurality of storage battery modules 21 are arranged in the accommodation space. As shown in FIG. 3 , the plurality of storage battery modules 21 may be arranged two-dimensionally in the first direction X and the third direction Z inside the battery rack 20 (accommodation space). The plurality of storage battery modules 21 may be electrically connected to each other. The plurality of storage battery modules 21 may be connected in series or in parallel. The number and arrangement of the storage battery modules 21 accommodated in the battery rack 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0021] 3 , each storage battery module 21 may be provided with a wind speed sensor 24. The wind speed sensor 24 is configured to be able to measure the wind speed in the storage battery module 21. For example, the wind speed sensor 24 may measure the speed of wind blowing toward the storage battery module 21. Alternatively, the wind speed sensor 24 may measure the speed of wind passing near the storage battery module 21.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4 , each storage battery module 21 includes a plurality of storage battery cells 22 and a battery management unit (BMU) 23 .

[0023] The storage battery cells 22 are, for example, chargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries. For example, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or lead-acid batteries may be used as the storage battery cells 22. The plurality of storage battery cells 22 may be electrically connected to each other. The plurality of storage battery cells 22 may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0024] The BMU 23 monitors (manages) the state of the storage battery cells 22. For example, the BMU 23 may function as a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the storage battery cells 22 (storage battery modules 21). Furthermore, a maximum cell temperature may be set in the BMU 23, and the BMU 23 may prevent abnormal temperatures in the storage battery cells 22 (storage battery modules 21).

[0025] The BMU 23 may have a protection function for protecting the storage battery cells 22, a voltage measurement function for measuring the voltage of the storage battery cells 22, a current measurement function for measuring the current of the storage battery cells 22, a power measurement function for measuring the power of the storage battery cells 22, a full charge management function for managing full charging of the storage battery cells 22, and a remaining capacity management function for managing the remaining capacity of the storage battery cells 22. Furthermore, upper and lower voltage limits, maximum charge and discharge current, etc. may be set in the BMU 23, and the BMU 23 may prevent overcharging, overdischarging, overvoltage, overcurrent, etc. of the storage battery cells 22 (storage battery modules 21).

[0026] Here, the positional relationship between the battery rack 20 and the air conditioner 10 (first air conditioner 11) in the storage battery system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5 , in the storage battery system 100 according to this embodiment, the air conditioner 10 (first air conditioner 11) is provided on a wall surface 62a facing the cooling surface 20s of the battery rack 20. More specifically, the housing of the air conditioner 10 is provided on the wall surface 62a facing the cooling surface 20s. This allows the cooling air blown out from the air conditioner 10 to be efficiently taken into the battery rack 20 through the air intake holes 20a formed in the cooling surface 20s. More specifically, the cooling air flows linearly (directly) from the air conditioner 10 toward the air intake holes 20a. This allows the storage battery modules 21 housed in the battery rack 20 to be efficiently cooled.

[0028] The battery rack 20 does not necessarily have to have an air intake vent 20a. In this case, the side surface with the largest area among the multiple side surfaces of the battery rack 20 may correspond to the cooling surface 20s. An air conditioner 10 (first air conditioner 11) may be provided on the wall surface 62a facing the cooling surface 20s with the large area. In this case, cooling air blown out from the air conditioner 10 is blown onto the cooling surface 20s with the large area. This allows the storage battery modules 21 housed in the battery rack 20 to be efficiently cooled.

[0029] As described above, the storage battery system 100 of this embodiment is arranged in a space (internal space S) surrounded by wall surfaces 62a to 62d and comprises a battery rack 20 that houses multiple storage battery modules 21, and a first air conditioner 11 that blows out cooling air, and the battery rack 20 has a cooling surface 20s that is at least one of a side surface on which an air intake 20a for taking cooling air into the battery rack 20 is formed and the side surface that has the largest area among the multiple side surfaces of the battery rack 20, and the first air conditioner 11 is provided on the wall surface 62a that faces the cooling surface 20s.

[0030] This configuration allows the storage battery modules 21 housed in the battery rack 20 to be cooled efficiently.

[0031] Embodiment 2 Next, embodiment 2 will be described, but the basic configuration is the same as embodiment 1. For this reason, the same components are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0032] 6 and 7 , the battery storage system 200 according to this embodiment includes two air conditioners 10, including a first air conditioner 11 and a second air conditioner 12. The first air conditioner 11 is the air conditioner 10 described in embodiment 1. That is, the first air conditioner 11 is provided on the wall surface 62a facing the cooling surface 20s of the battery rack 20.

[0033] The second air conditioner 12 is an air conditioner 10 separate from the first air conditioner 11. The second air conditioner 12 may be provided on a wall surface 62b to 62d different from the wall surface 62a on which the first air conditioner 11 is provided. For example, the second air conditioner 12 may be provided on the wall surface 62c opposite the wall surface 62a on which the first air conditioner 11 is provided.

[0034] As described above, the storage battery system 200 according to this embodiment further includes a second air conditioner 12 that blows out cooling air. This configuration allows the storage battery modules 21 to be cooled more efficiently than when only one air conditioner 10 is provided. It also facilitates temperature regulation of the entire space in which the battery racks 20 are arranged (e.g., the internal space S of the container 60). It also facilitates cooling of the converter 30.

[0035] The second air conditioner 12 may also be provided on a wall surface 62b to 62d different from the wall surface 62a on which the first air conditioner 11 is provided. In this case, it becomes easier to regulate the temperature of the entire space in which the battery racks 20 are arranged (for example, the internal space S of the container 60) and to cool the converter 30.

[0036] The second air conditioner 12 may also be provided on the wall surface 62c that faces the wall surface 62a on which the first air conditioner 11 is provided. In this case, it becomes even easier to regulate the temperature of the entire space in which the battery racks 20 are arranged (for example, the internal space S of the container 60) and to cool the converter 30.

[0037] Embodiment 3 Next, embodiment 3 will be described, but the basic configuration is the same as embodiment 1. For this reason, the same components are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8 , the storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment includes multiple air conditioners 10, including a first air conditioner 11 and a second air conditioner 12. In the illustrated example, multiple air conditioners 10 are provided on each of the wall surfaces 62a and 62c. The number and arrangement of the air conditioners 10 can be changed as appropriate. For example, all of the air conditioners 10 may be arranged on a single wall surface. The storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment also includes multiple (four in the illustrated example) battery racks 20. The multiple battery racks 20 are arranged two-dimensionally in the first direction X and the second direction Y on the bottom surface 61. The number and arrangement of the battery racks 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0039] 8 and 9 , the storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment includes a computer 40. The computer 40 may be disposed in the internal space S or outside the internal space S. The computer 40 is an information processing device such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a notebook personal computer, or a desktop personal computer.

[0040] 9, the computer 40 has an acquisition unit 41, a command unit 42, and a storage unit 43. The acquisition unit 41, the command unit 42, and the storage unit 43 are connected to each other via a bus 45. Furthermore, each air conditioner 10 has an operation unit 44.

[0041] The computer 40, each storage battery module 21 (BMU 23 and wind speed sensor 24), and each air conditioner 10 (operation unit 44) are connected to one another via a network 50. The network 50 may be a network using wireless communication or a network using wired communication. The network 50 may be configured using, for example, the Internet or a local area network (LAN). The network 50 may also be configured by combining multiple networks.

[0042] The acquisition unit 41 acquires information output from the storage battery module 21. Specifically, the acquisition unit 41 according to this embodiment has functions as a temperature acquisition unit 41a and a wind speed acquisition unit 41b. The BMU 23 measures the temperature of the storage battery module 21 and outputs the measured temperature to the temperature acquisition unit 41a. The temperature acquisition unit 41a acquires the output temperature of the storage battery module 21. The wind speed sensor 24 measures the wind speed in the storage battery module 21 and outputs the measured wind speed to the wind speed acquisition unit 41b. The wind speed acquisition unit 41b acquires the output wind speed in the storage battery module 21.

[0043] The storage unit 43 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 43 stores data used by the computer 40 (e.g., the command unit 42). The storage unit 43 stores data required when the computer 40 (e.g., the command unit 42) performs processing. The storage unit 43 may store, for example, the positions of each battery rack 20, each storage battery module 21, and each air conditioner 10.

[0044] The command unit 42 transmits command information to the air conditioners 10 (operation unit 44) based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 41 and the information stored in the storage unit 43. The command information may include information relating to at least one of the air direction, air volume, air speed, and blowout temperature of each air conditioner 10.

[0045] The operation unit 44 operates (controls) the air conditioner 10 based on command information transmitted from the computer 40 (command unit 42). In this way, the computer 40 (command unit 42) and the memory unit 43 function as a control unit for controlling the air conditioner 10.

[0046] The command unit 42 according to this embodiment has the functions of a module specifying unit 42a and an air conditioner specifying unit 42b.

[0047] The module identification unit 42a identifies the highest temperature module 21A from among the plurality (all) of storage battery modules 21 included in the storage battery system 300. The highest temperature module 21A is the storage battery module 21 with the highest temperature among the plurality (all) of storage battery modules 21 included in the storage battery system 300. The module identification unit 42a identifies the highest temperature module 21A based on, for example, the temperature of the storage battery module 21 acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 41a.

[0048] The module identification unit 42a may identify the highest temperature module 21A, for example, as follows.

[0049] First, as shown in FIG. 10 , an identification code is assigned to each of the multiple storage battery modules 21. In the illustrated example, the storage battery modules 21 are identified using a four-digit identification code (subscript). For example, the first two digits correspond to the position of the battery rack 20, and the last two digits correspond to the position of the storage battery module 21 within the battery rack 20. An identification code (subscript) of "xy-nm" means "the storage battery module 21 located in the nth row and mth column within the battery rack 20 installed in the xth row and yth column." As an example, the x-axis and n-axis may be parallel to the first direction X, the y-axis may be parallel to the second direction Y, and the m-axis may be parallel to the third direction Z.

[0050] When the temperature of each storage battery module 21 is Txy-nm, the maximum temperature Tmax of the storage battery module 21 is defined by the following equation (1): The module identification unit 42a can identify the storage battery module 21 having this maximum temperature Tmax as the hottest module 21A.

[0051]

[0052] The air conditioner identifying unit 42b identifies the closest air conditioner 10A from among the multiple (all) air conditioners 10 included in the storage battery system 300. The closest air conditioner 10A is the air conditioner 10 that is closest (nearest) to the highest temperature module 21A from among the multiple (all) air conditioners 10 included in the storage battery system 300. The air conditioner identifying unit 42b identifies the position of the highest temperature module 21A, for example, based on information about the highest temperature module 21A identified by the module identifying unit 42a and the positions of the storage battery modules 21 stored in the memory unit 43. Then, the air conditioner identifying unit 42b identifies the closest air conditioner 10A based on the identified position of the highest temperature module 21A and the positions of the air conditioners 10 stored in the memory unit 43. Note that by identifying the closest air conditioner 10A, the air conditioner identifying unit 42b may essentially identify an air conditioner 10B other than the closest air conditioner 10A.

[0053] The air conditioner identifying unit 42b may identify the closest air conditioner 10A, for example, as follows. Below, the case where "Tmax = Tab - cd" will be described with reference to FIG. 11. That is, the case where "the storage battery module 21 in row c and column d in the battery rack 20 installed in row a and column b" is the highest temperature module 21A will be described. Note that, for ease of explanation, only two of the multiple air conditioners 10 are shown in the example of FIG. 11.

[0054] First, the air conditioner identification unit 42b determines the distance between the highest temperature module 21A and each air conditioner 10. For example, the air conditioner identification unit 42b calculates the distance d1 between one air conditioner 10A and the highest temperature module 21A and the distance d2 between the other air conditioner 10B and the highest temperature module 21A based on the following equations (2) and (3) (see also Figures 12 and 13). Note that dx1 is the distance between the center of the air conditioner 10A and the highest temperature module 21A in the first direction X. dy1 is the distance between the center of the air conditioner 10A and the highest temperature module 21A in the second direction Y. dz1 is the distance between the center of the air conditioner 10A and the highest temperature module 21A in the third direction Z. dx2 is the distance between the center of the air conditioner 10B and the highest temperature module 21A in the first direction X. dy2 is the distance between the center of the air conditioner 10B and the highest temperature module 21A in the second direction Y. dz2 is the distance between the center of the air conditioner 10B and the highest temperature module 21A in the third direction Z. The distances dx1 to dz1 and dx2 to dz2 can be calculated, for example, based on the positions of the air conditioner 10 and the storage battery module 21 stored in the memory unit 43. Note that the "center of the air conditioner" may be, for example, the center of an air outlet of the air conditioner. However, the definitions of the distances dx1 to dz1 and dx2 to dz2 can be changed as appropriate.

[0055]

[0056] The air conditioner identifying unit 42b then determines which of the distances d1 and d2 is greater based on the results of the above calculations. For example, if the air conditioner identifying unit 42b determines that d1 < d2, the air conditioner identifying unit 42b identifies the air conditioner 10A as the closest air conditioner 10A. Note that if the air conditioner 10 is capable of measuring the distance to the highest temperature module 21A, the distance measured by the air conditioner 10 may be stored in the memory unit 43 or the like. In this case, the air conditioner identifying unit 42b does not need to perform the above calculations.

[0057] The command unit 42 and the operation unit 44 (control unit) may control the air conditioner 10 based on the information about the highest temperature module 21A and the closest air conditioner 10A (and other air conditioners 10B) identified by the module identification unit 42a and the air conditioner identification unit 42b. In other words, the command unit 42 may send command information based on the information about the identified highest temperature module 21A and the closest air conditioner 10A (and other air conditioners 10B) to the operation unit 44. The operation unit 44 may then operate the air conditioner 10 based on the command information sent in this manner.

[0058] The control unit may also control the closest air conditioner 10A to cool the warmest module 21A. Specifically, the control unit may control at least one of the air volume, air direction, air speed, and blowout temperature of the closest air conditioner 10A so that the closest air conditioner 10A cools the warmest module 21A.

[0059] For example, the controller may control an air conditioner 10B other than the closest air conditioner 10A to circulate air within the space (internal space S) where the battery racks 20 are arranged. Specifically, the controller may control at least one of the air direction and air speed of the air conditioner 10B so that the air conditioner 10B circulates air throughout the entire internal space S. More specifically, the controller may control the air conditioner 10B based on the positions of the air conditioner 10B and the battery racks 20 so that the cooling air blown out from the air conditioner 10B does not hit the battery racks 20. In other words, the controller may control the air direction of the air conditioner 10B so that the cooling air blows out in a direction away from the battery racks 20 as viewed from the air conditioner 10B. In the illustrated example, the controller may control the air direction of the air conditioner 10B so that the cooling air blows out in a direction inclined upward from the horizontal.

[0060] Below, a specific example of controlling the airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 (e.g., the closest air conditioner 10A) to efficiently cool the highest temperature module 21A will be described. In this control, the control unit may refer to the airflow speed in the highest temperature module 21A via the airflow speed sensor 24 and the airflow speed acquisition unit 41b.

[0061] The angle θ1 shown in Figure 12 indicates the airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 in the first direction X. Note that θ1 = 0° at the front of the air conditioner 10. The control unit may control the airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 (for example, the closest air conditioner 10A) so that this angle θ1 satisfies the following equation (4). Note that the definitions of distances d1 and dx1 are the same as in equation (2). Although detailed illustration is omitted, the control unit may also control the airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 in the second direction Y using a similar method.

[0062]

[0063] The angle θ2 shown in Figure 13 indicates the airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 in the third direction Z. Note that θ2 = 0° at the front of the air conditioner 10. The control unit may control the airflow direction of the air conditioner 10 (for example, the closest air conditioner 10A) so that this angle θ2 satisfies the following equation (5). Note that the definitions of distances d1 and dy1 are the same as in equation (2).

[0064]

[0065] By controlling the airflow directions θ1 and θ2 of the air conditioner 10 as described above, the cooling air blown out from the air conditioner 10 reaches the highest temperature module 21A in a linear manner. Therefore, the highest temperature module 21A can be cooled efficiently.

[0066] The control unit may also control at least one of the multiple air conditioners 10 (for example, the closest air conditioner 10A) so that the air speed in the highest temperature module 21A is maximized. Specifically, the control unit may control at least one of the air direction and air speed of the air conditioner 10 (for example, the closest air conditioner 10A) so that the air speed in the highest temperature module 21A is maximized. In this control, the control unit may refer to the air speed in the highest temperature module 21A via the air speed sensor 24 and the air speed acquisition unit 41b.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the change in wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A when the wind directions θ1 and θ2 of the air conditioner 10 are changed. As shown in FIG. 14 , the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A can change depending on the wind directions θ1 and θ2 of the air conditioner 10. In particular, the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A does not necessarily become maximum when the wind directions θ1 and θ2 satisfy the relationship between the above-mentioned equations (4) and (5). For example, the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A may become maximum when the wind direction θ2 is slightly increased from the value of the above-mentioned equation (5) (i.e., when the wind direction is slightly downward). Therefore, the control unit may be configured to search for wind directions θ1 and θ2 that maximize the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A. In other words, the control unit may be configured to adjust the wind directions θ1 and θ2 of the air conditioner 10 so that the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A is maximized.

[0068] Specifically, the control unit may update the airflow direction θ1 of the air conditioner 10 (for example, the closest air conditioner 10A) based on the following conditions (6) and (7). In conditions (6) and (7), θ1n indicates the airflow direction θ1 in the nth search step (corresponding to steps S304 to S306 described below). Similarly, Wn indicates the air speed W in the highest temperature module 21A in the nth search step.

[0069]

[0070] In other words, if the wind speed W at the hottest module 21A increases when the wind direction θ1 is changed by ±Δθ, the control unit updates the value of the wind direction θ1. On the other hand, if the wind speed W at the hottest module 21A decreases (or does not change) when the wind direction θ1 is changed by ±Δθ, the control unit does not update the value of the wind direction θ1 and maintains the current value. The initial value of θ1 may be the value expressed by the above-mentioned equation (4).

[0071] Similarly, the control unit may update the airflow direction θ2 of the air conditioner 10 (for example, the closest air conditioner 10A) based on the following conditions (8) and (9). In conditions (8) and (9), θ2n indicates the airflow direction θ2 in the nth search step. Similarly, Wn indicates the air speed W in the highest temperature module 21A in the nth search step.

[0072]

[0073] In other words, if the wind speed W at the hottest module 21A increases when the wind direction θ2 is changed by ±Δθ, the control unit updates the value of the wind direction θ2. On the other hand, if the wind speed W at the hottest module 21A decreases (or does not change) when the wind direction θ2 is changed by ±Δθ, the control unit does not update the value of the wind direction θ2, but maintains the current value. The initial value of θ2 may be the value expressed by the above-mentioned equation (5).

[0074] The magnitude of Δθ for fine-tuning the airflow directions θ1 and θ2 based on the above conditions (6) to (9) is not particularly limited. For example, the minimum angle width (control width) that can be achieved by the air conditioner 10 may be used as Δθ.

[0075] 15 is a diagram showing changes in the air speed W in the hottest module 21A when the air speed Wa of the nearest air conditioner 10A and the air speed Wb of the other air conditioner 10B are changed. As shown in FIG. 14 , the air speed W in the hottest module 21A can change depending on the air speeds Wa and Wb of the air conditioners 10A and 10B. Therefore, the control unit may be configured to search for air speeds Wa and Wb that maximize the air speed W in the hottest module 21A. In other words, the control unit may be configured to adjust the air speeds Wa and Wb of the air conditioner 10 so that the air speed W in the hottest module 21A is maximized.

[0076] Specifically, the control unit may update the air speed Wa of the closest air conditioner 10A based on the following conditions (10) and (11): In conditions (10) and (11), Wan indicates the air speed Wa in the nth search step. Similarly, Wn indicates the air speed W in the highest temperature module 21A in the nth search step.

[0077]

[0078] That is, if the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A increases when the wind speed Wa is changed by ±ΔW, the control unit updates the value of the wind speed Wa. On the other hand, if the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A decreases (or does not change) when the wind speed Wa is changed by ±ΔW, the control unit does not update the value of the wind speed Wa, but maintains the current value.

[0079] Similarly, the control unit may update the air speed Wb of an air conditioner 10B other than the closest air conditioner 10A based on the following conditions (12) and (13): In conditions (12) and (13), Wbn indicates the air speed Wb in the nth search step. Similarly, Wn indicates the air speed W in the highest temperature module 21A in the nth search step.

[0080]

[0081] That is, if the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A increases when the wind speed Wb is changed by ±ΔW, the control unit updates the value of the wind speed Wb. On the other hand, if the wind speed W in the highest temperature module 21A decreases (or does not change) when the wind speed Wb is changed by ±ΔW, the control unit does not update the value of the wind speed Wb, but maintains the current value.

[0082] As described above, by controlling the airflow directions θ1 and θ2 and the airflow speeds Wa and Wb of the air conditioner 10, it is possible to maximize the airflow speed in the highest temperature module 21A. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently cool the highest temperature module 21A.

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit may control the discharge temperature of each air conditioner 10 so that the temperature of the hottest module 21A or the average temperature of all the storage battery modules 21 is controlled to a target temperature (or within a target temperature range). Specifically, the temperature of the hottest module 21A may be controlled to a target temperature (or within a target temperature range), or the average temperature of all the storage battery modules 21 may be controlled to a target temperature (or within a target temperature range). Alternatively, both the temperature of the hottest module 21A and the average temperature of all the storage battery modules 21 may be controlled to a target temperature (or within a target temperature range). Note that the calculation of the average temperature of all the storage battery modules 21 may be performed by the control unit.

[0084] For ease of explanation, the following describes a case in which the controller controls the discharge temperature Ta of the air conditioner 10A and the discharge temperature Tb of the air conditioner 10B so that the temperature of the hottest module 21A is controlled to the target temperature (or within the target temperature range). However, in the following description, the "temperature of the hottest module 21A" can be interpreted as the "average temperature of all the storage battery modules 21" or the "temperature of the hottest module 21A and the average temperature of all the storage battery modules 21."

[0085] 16 is a diagram showing an example of temperature changes in the hottest module 21A. The control unit increases or decreases the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb of the air conditioners 10A and 10B in response to the temperature change in the hottest module 21A. In this control, the control unit may refer to the temperature of the hottest module 21A via the BMU 23 and the temperature acquisition unit 41a.

[0086] For example, if the temperature of the hottest module 21A is lower than the target temperature (or the lower end of the target temperature range) and the temperature of the hottest module 21A increases over time (see upper left in Figure 16), the control unit does not change the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb and maintains their current values. Similarly, if the temperature of the hottest module 21A is higher than the target temperature (or the upper end of the target temperature range) and the temperature of the hottest module 21A decreases over time (see upper right in Figure 16), the control unit does not change the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb and maintains their current values. On the other hand, if the temperature of the hottest module 21A is lower than the target temperature (or the lower end of the target temperature range) and the temperature of the hottest module 21A decreases over time, the control unit increases the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb (see lower right in Figure 16). If the temperature of the hottest module 21A is higher than the target temperature (or the upper end of the target temperature range) and the temperature of the hottest module 21A increases over time, the control unit decreases the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb (see lower left in Figure 16). If the temperature of the highest temperature module 21A matches the target temperature (or is within the target temperature range), the control unit ends control of the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb and maintains the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb at constant values.

[0087] Note that because the storage battery cells 22 (storage battery modules 21) have a large heat capacity, the temperature of the storage battery modules 21 is unlikely to change suddenly. Therefore, after changing the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb of the air conditioners 10A and 10B, the changed discharge temperatures Ta and Tb may be maintained until the temperature of the storage battery modules 21 becomes constant. Furthermore, if the temperature of the storage battery modules 21 can be predicted in advance, the initial values ​​of the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb may be set according to the prediction results.

[0088] By controlling the discharge temperatures Ta and Tb of the air conditioner 10 in this manner, it is possible to reliably cool the highest temperature module 21A.

[0089] As described above, in the storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment, the air volume, air direction, air speed, and outlet temperature of the air conditioner 10 (e.g., the closest air conditioner 10A) are controlled to efficiently cool the hottest module 21A. It is also determined whether the temperature of the storage battery module 21 is being appropriately controlled and whether the air speed at the storage battery module 21 is increasing. When the temperature of the storage battery module 21 reaches a predetermined control range and the maximum air speed is reached, the control of the air conditioner 10 is terminated.

[0090] Note that while the drawings from FIG. 11 onward show a case where two air conditioners 10 are installed on the same wall, the number and arrangement of the air conditioners 10 can be changed as appropriate. Even in this case, the same control as described above can be performed. Furthermore, the above-described control methods for the airflow direction, airflow volume, airflow speed, and blowout temperature are examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, as long as the temperature can be controlled to a target temperature (or within a target temperature range), the temperature control method by the control unit can be changed as appropriate. For example, the control unit may control the temperature using ON-OFF control, PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control, or the like.

[0091] An example of the processing (control method) performed in the storage battery system 300 configured as described above will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0092] (Step S301) First, the process of step S301 is performed. In step S301, the temperature of the storage battery module 21 is measured. In step S301, for example, each BMU 23 measures the temperature of the storage battery module 21. As a result, the temperatures of all storage battery modules 21 included in the storage battery system 300 are measured. The BMU 23 outputs the measured temperature to the temperature acquisition unit 41a. The temperature acquisition unit 41a acquires the output temperature.

[0093] (Step S302) After the process of step S301 is performed, the process of step S302 is performed. In step S302, the highest temperature module 21A is identified. In step S302, for example, the module identification unit 42a identifies the highest temperature module 21A by the above-described method based on the temperature of the storage battery module 21 acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 41a.

[0094] (Step S303) After the processing of step S302 is performed, the processing of step S303 is performed. In step S303, the air conditioner 10 to be controlled (the target of control) in the subsequent steps is identified. In step S303, for example, the air conditioner identifying unit 42b identifies the closest air conditioner 10A as the target of control. Specifically, the air conditioner identifying unit 42b identifies the position of the highest temperature module 21A based on the information of the highest temperature module 21A identified in step S302 and the position of the storage battery module 21 stored in the memory unit 43. Then, the air conditioner identifying unit 42b identifies the closest air conditioner 10A based on the identified position of the highest temperature module 21A and the position of the air conditioner 10 stored in the memory unit 43. A more specific method for the air conditioner identifying unit 42b to identify the closest air conditioner 10A is as described above. Note that in step S303, an air conditioner 10B other than the closest air conditioner 10A may be identified as the target of control.

[0095] (Step S304) After the processing of step S303 is performed, the processing of step S304 is performed. In step S304, the airflow direction and airflow volume of the air conditioner 10 that was selected as the control target in step S303 (for example, the closest air conditioner 10A) are controlled. In step S304, for example, the control unit (command unit 42 and operation unit 44) controls (updates) the airflow direction and airflow volume of the closest air conditioner 10A using the method described above.

[0096] (Step S305) After the process of step S304 is performed, the process of step S305 is performed. In step S305, the wind speed in the highest temperature module 21A is measured. In step S305, for example, the wind speed sensor 24 measures the wind speed in the highest temperature module 21A. The wind speed sensor 24 outputs the measured wind speed to the wind speed acquisition unit 41b. The wind speed acquisition unit 41b acquires the output wind speed.

[0097] (Step S306) After the process of step S305, the process of step S306 is performed. In step S306, it is determined whether the airflow speed in the highest temperature module 21A is the same or has decreased compared to the previous value. This determination is made by, for example, the command unit 42 (control unit).

[0098] If it is determined that the air speed in the hottest module 21A is not decreased compared to the previous value and is not the same (i.e., increased) (step S306; NO), the processing of steps S304 to S306 (hereinafter referred to as the search sequence) is repeated. Note that the "previous value" refers to the air speed measured in the immediately preceding search sequence. By repeating the search sequence, the air speed in the hottest module 21A is maximized. Note that if the processing of step S306 is being performed for the first time (i.e., if there is no "previous value"), the processing may proceed to step S304 after step S306.

[0099] (Step S307) If it is determined that the air speed in the hottest module 21A is decreased or the same as the previous value (step S306; YES), the process of step S307 is performed. In step S307, the temperature of the storage battery module 21 (e.g., the temperature of the hottest module 21A) is measured. In step S307, for example, the BMU 23 measures the temperature of the storage battery module 21. The BMU 23 outputs the measured temperature to the temperature acquisition unit 41a. The temperature acquisition unit 41a acquires the output temperature.

[0100] (Step S308) After the process of step S307, the process of step S308 is performed. In step S308, it is determined whether the temperature of the hottest module 21A is within the target temperature range. This determination is made, for example, by the command unit 42 (control unit).

[0101] (Step S309) If it is determined that the temperature of the highest temperature module 21A is not within the target temperature range (step S308; NO), the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 10 is controlled. In step S309, for example, the control unit controls (raises or lowers) the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 10 using the method described above. After the processing of step S309 is performed, the processing of steps S307 to S308 is repeated.

[0102] If it is determined that the temperature of the highest temperature module 21A is within the target temperature range (step S308; YES), the process ends. The processes of steps S301 to S309 described above may be repeated multiple times at predetermined time intervals.

[0103] When attempting to identify the closest air conditioner 10A, there may be multiple air conditioners 10 closest to the highest temperature module 21A. For example, this is the case when d1 = d2 holds in FIG. 11 . In this case, the air conditioner 10 that was controlled to cool the highest temperature module 21A in the immediately preceding process may be identified as the closest air conditioner 10A. If the air conditioner 10 that was controlled to circulate air in the interior space S in the immediately preceding process were identified as the closest air conditioner 10A, it is likely that the control changes in the discharge temperature, air direction, and air speed would be large, resulting in increased power consumption. By identifying the air conditioner 10 that was controlled to cool the highest temperature module 21A in the immediately preceding process as the closest air conditioner 10A, such power consumption can be reduced. If it is determined in the initial control that d1 = d2, any air conditioner 10 may be selected as the closest air conditioner 10A.

[0104] Next, the operation of the storage battery system 300 configured as above and the control method will be described.

[0105] Due to the increasing demand for renewable energy, the spread of solar power generation, wind power generation, and the like is expected. The power generated by renewable energy fluctuates depending on factors such as weather. For this reason, in order to stabilize the power grid, renewable energy power generation facilities are often installed alongside large-scale storage battery systems. Furthermore, as renewable energy facilities have become larger in recent years, the need for large-capacity (large) storage battery systems has increased, and storage battery systems designed for long-term operation have become widespread. The operating period of such large-capacity (large) storage battery systems is expected to be, for example, 10 to 20 years. Therefore, there is a growing need for technology that enables high-efficiency and stable operation of storage battery systems over the long term.

[0106] However, as the size of a storage battery system increases, the temperature distribution within the storage battery system tends to become uneven. Specifically, a problem occurs in which the temperature of the storage battery modules or storage battery cells differs depending on the position of the storage battery modules or storage battery cells that make up the storage battery system. In other words, there is a possibility that the temperature of the storage battery modules or storage battery cells will become position-dependent. In this case, there is a problem in which the lifespan of the storage battery modules or storage battery cells differs depending on the position of the storage battery modules or storage battery cells that make up the storage battery system. In other words, there is a possibility that the lifespan of the storage battery modules or storage battery cells will become position-dependent. When a storage battery module or storage battery cell reaches the end of its lifespan, that storage battery module or storage battery cell needs to be replaced. Alternatively, there may be cases in which it is determined that the entire storage battery system has reached the end of its lifespan, and the storage battery system needs to be replaced.

[0107] FIG. 18A illustrates the above problem. In FIG. 18A , reference numerals 21x and 21y denote battery modules included in a battery storage system. Due to uneven temperature distribution within the battery storage system, the battery modules 21x and 21y deteriorate at different rates. As a result, the capacity of the battery module 21x decreases to a predetermined capacity (lifetime capacity) before the capacity of the battery module 21y decreases to a predetermined capacity (lifetime capacity). In other words, the battery module 21x reaches its lifespan x before the lifespan y of the battery module 21y (top view of FIG. 18A ). In this case, even though the battery module 21y, which has not yet reached its lifespan y, remains in the battery storage system, the lifespan of the battery storage system is limited to the lifespan x of the battery module 21x (bottom view of FIG. 18A ). Therefore, technology that uniformly controls the temperature within the battery storage system and extends the lifespan of the entire battery storage system is important.

[0108] FIG. 18B shows the lifespan of the storage battery modules and the lifespan of the storage battery system 300 to which the control method according to this embodiment is applied. According to the control method and storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment, the module with the highest temperature (the hottest module 21A) among the multiple storage battery modules is efficiently cooled. This reduces the positional dependency of the temperature of the storage battery module 21. This reduces the difference between the lifespans x and y of the storage battery modules 21x and 21y (top of FIG. 18B ) and extends the lifespan of the entire storage battery system (bottom of FIG. 18B ). Furthermore, some of the air conditioners 10B circulate air in the interior space S, thereby efficiently cooling the interior space S. This also improves the efficiency of the air conditioners.

[0109] As described above, the storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment includes the battery rack 20 that houses the plurality of storage battery modules 21, the air conditioner 10 that blows out cooling air, temperature sensors (BMUs 23) that measure the temperatures of the plurality of storage battery modules 21, and a module identification unit 42a that identifies the highest temperature module 21A, which is the storage battery module 21 with the highest temperature among the plurality of storage battery modules 21, based on the measurement results of the BMU 23. The control method according to this embodiment is a control method for controlling the air conditioner 10 in the storage battery system 300, and includes identifying the highest temperature module 21A, which is the storage battery module 21 with the highest temperature among the plurality of storage battery modules 21, and controlling the air conditioner 10 based on the identification result of the highest temperature module 21A.

[0110] This configuration makes it possible to acquire information on the hottest module 21A. The information on the hottest module 21A can be used to, for example, reduce the position dependency of the temperature of the storage battery module 21. This can aim to extend the life of the entire storage battery system.

[0111] The storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment further includes a control unit (command unit 42, operation unit 44) that controls the multiple air conditioners 10, and the control unit may control the closest air conditioner 10A, which is the air conditioner 10 closest to the highest temperature module 21A among the multiple air conditioners 10, to cool the highest temperature module 21A. This configuration reduces the position dependency of the temperature of the storage battery module 21, and can extend the life of the entire storage battery system.

[0112] The control unit may also control an air conditioner 10B other than the closest air conditioner 10A among the multiple air conditioners 10 to circulate air in the space where the battery rack 20 is located (internal space S of the container 60). With this configuration, the space where the air conditioner is located (for example, internal space S of the container 60) can be efficiently cooled, thereby improving the efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0113] The storage battery system 300 according to this embodiment may further include a wind speed sensor 24 that measures wind speed in the multiple storage battery modules 21, and the control unit may control at least one air conditioner 10 to maximize the wind speed in the hottest module 21A. This configuration further reduces the position dependency of the temperature of the storage battery modules 21, thereby extending the life of the entire storage battery system.

[0114] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0115] For example, the air conditioner 10 may be embedded in the wall surfaces 62a to 62d. In this case, the air outlets of the air conditioner 10 may be located on the wall surfaces 62a to 62d.

[0116] Furthermore, the space in which the storage battery system 100 (air conditioner 10, battery rack 20, converter 30) is placed is not limited to the internal space S of the container 60. As long as the storage battery system 100 can be placed therein, the type of space is not particularly limited. For example, the space in which the storage battery system 100 is placed may be a specially prepared space such as a box, enclosure, box, or container. Alternatively, the space in which the storage battery system 100 is placed may be a room, utility zone, or the like in a building.

[0117] In addition, in the first or second embodiment, the storage battery system 100, 200 does not need to include the temperature sensor or wind speed sensor 24.

[0118] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the storage battery system 300 does not need to include the air conditioner 10 (i.e., the first air conditioner 11) provided on the wall surface 62a that faces the cooling surface 20s of the battery rack 20.

[0119] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate.

[0120] The functions of the above-described functional units (acquisition unit 41, command unit 42, operation unit 44, and control unit; the same applies below) are realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a program memory. Some or all of these functions may be realized by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0121] The program for realizing the functions of each of the above-described functional units is recorded, for example, on a computer-readable recording medium. The program recorded on this recording medium may then be read into a computer and executed to perform the processing of each of the above-described functional units. Here, "reading the program recorded on a recording medium into a computer and executing it" includes installing the program on a computer. The term "computer" here includes the OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

[0122] Furthermore, the term "computer" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet or communication lines such as WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computers. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0123] The recording medium also includes an internal or external recording medium accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each downloaded at a different time, and then combined in each functional unit. Each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server.

[0124] The term "computer-readable recording medium" includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program). A differential program realizes the functions described above in combination with a program already stored on the computer.

[0125] 100, 200, 300... Battery system 10... Air conditioner 10A... Closest air conditioner 11... First air conditioner 12... Second air conditioner 20... Battery rack 20a... Air intake vent 20s... Cooling surface 21... Battery module 21A... Highest temperature module 23... BMU (temperature sensor) 24... Wind speed sensor 42... Command unit (control unit) 42a... Module identification unit 44... Operation unit (control unit) 62a to 62d... Wall surface

Claims

1. a battery rack that is arranged in a space surrounded by walls and that houses a plurality of storage battery modules; a first air conditioner that blows out cooling air; the battery rack has a cooling surface that is at least one of a side surface on which an air intake hole for taking the cooling air into the battery rack is formed and a side surface that has the largest area among a plurality of side surfaces of the battery rack; The first air conditioner is provided on the wall surface facing the cooling surface. Battery storage system.

2. Further provided is a second air conditioner that blows out cooling air. The battery system according to claim 1 .

3. The second air conditioner is provided on a wall surface different from the wall surface on which the first air conditioner is provided. The battery system according to claim 2 .

4. The second air conditioner is provided on a wall surface opposite to the wall surface on which the first air conditioner is provided. The battery system according to claim 3 .

5. a temperature sensor that measures temperatures of the plurality of storage battery modules; a module identification unit that identifies a highest temperature module that is a storage battery module with the highest temperature among the plurality of storage battery modules based on a measurement result of the temperature sensor. The battery system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a plurality of air conditioners including the first air conditioner; A control unit that controls the plurality of air conditioners, the control unit controls a nearest air conditioner, which is an air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners closest to the highest temperature module, to cool the highest temperature module. The battery system according to claim 5 .

7. The control unit controls air conditioners other than the closest air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners to circulate air inside the space. The battery system according to claim 6.

8. At least one air conditioner including the first air conditioner; a control unit that controls the air conditioner; a wind speed sensor that measures wind speed in the plurality of storage battery modules, The control unit controls at least one of the air conditioners to maximize the air velocity in the highest temperature module. The battery system according to claim 5 .

9. A control method for controlling air conditioners in a storage battery system including a battery rack that houses a plurality of storage battery modules and a plurality of air conditioners that blow out cooling air, comprising: Identifying a highest temperature module that is a storage battery module with the highest temperature among the plurality of storage battery modules; Controlling the air conditioner based on the result of identifying the highest temperature module; controlling a nearest air conditioner, which is an air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners that is closest to the highest temperature module, to cool the highest temperature module; Control method.

10. controlling air conditioners other than the nearest air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners to circulate air within the space in which the battery rack is arranged; The control method according to claim 9.

11. controlling at least one of the air conditioners to maximize air velocity at the hottest module; The control method according to claim 9 or 10.