Method, system, and program for delivering battery from delivery base to work site

Abstract

A method according to the present disclosure is executed by a computer for delivering a battery from a plurality of delivery bases to one or more work sites where a work machine is installed. A method according to the present disclosure comprises: acquiring machine data indicating the position of a work machine at each of one or more work sites; acquiring required power data indicating an amount of required power at each of the one or more work sites; acquiring battery data indicating the position of batteries stocked in each of the plurality of delivery bases; and determining, on the basis of the machine data, the required power data, and the battery data, allocation of the delivery bases for supplying a battery to each of the one or more work sites.

Description

Method, system, and program for delivering batteries from a distribution depot to a work site

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method, system, and program for delivering batteries from a distribution depot to a work site.

[0002] Conventionally, systems for delivering batteries to work machines are known. For example, in the power supply system disclosed in Patent Document 1, batteries are arranged at a charging facility. The charging facility is equipped with charging equipment, and the batteries are charged by the charging equipment. At the charging facility, the batteries charged by the charging equipment are transported by a transport vehicle to the work machine at the work site. The power supply system is equipped with a management system, and the management system controls the power supply system so that batteries are supplied to the work machine in accordance with a predetermined supply plan. The management system formulates a supply plan so that batteries are transported to the work machine in a timely manner and so that the battery required for performing work is always connected.

[0003] JP 2018-145750 A

[0004] In the above-described power supply system, the transportation of batteries is controlled according to a supply plan. However, if the number of batteries stocked at the charging facility is insufficient, batteries cannot be supplied to work machines at the appropriate time according to the supply plan. Alternatively, if the amount of stored power in the batteries at the charging facility is insufficient, batteries cannot be supplied to work machines at the appropriate time according to the supply plan. An object of the present disclosure is to appropriately select a delivery base from among multiple delivery bases that will deliver batteries to each work site.

[0005] A method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-implemented method for delivering batteries from a plurality of distribution depots to one or more work sites where work machines are located. The method according to this aspect includes acquiring machine data indicating the location of each of the work machines at the one or more work sites, acquiring power requirement data indicating an amount of power required at each of the one or more work sites, acquiring battery data indicating the location of batteries stocked at each of the plurality of distribution depots, and determining an allocation of distribution depots to supply batteries to each of the one or more work sites based on the machine data, power requirement data, and battery data.

[0006] A system according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a system for delivering batteries from multiple delivery depots to one or more work sites where work machines are located. The system according to this aspect includes multiple site computers, multiple base computers, and a management computer. The multiple site computers manage one or more work sites, respectively. The multiple base computers manage multiple delivery depots, respectively. The management computer communicates with the multiple site computers and the multiple base computers. The management computer acquires machine data indicating the location of each of the work machines at the one or more work sites. The management computer acquires required power data indicating the amount of power required at each of the one or more work sites. The management computer acquires battery data indicating the location of batteries stocked at each of the multiple delivery depots. The management computer determines the allocation of delivery depots to supply batteries to each of the one or more work sites based on the machine data, required power data, and battery data.

[0007] A program according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a program for delivering batteries from multiple delivery bases to one or more work sites where work machines are located. The program according to this aspect causes a computer to execute the following actions: acquire machine data indicating the position of each of the work machines at the one or more work sites, acquire required power data indicating the amount of power required at each of the one or more work sites, acquire battery data indicating the location of batteries stocked at each of the multiple delivery bases, and determine an allocation of delivery bases to supply batteries to each of the one or more work sites based on the machine data, required power data, and battery data.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a delivery base from which batteries are transported to each work site is appropriately selected from among a plurality of delivery bases.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to an embodiment; 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the system; 3 is a block diagram illustrating processing executed by a field computer; 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the field computer; 5 is a block diagram illustrating processing executed by a field computer and a management computer; and 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by a field computer and a management computer.

[0010] A system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for delivering batteries from a plurality of delivery bases DB1 and DB2 to a plurality of work sites WS1 and WS2.

[0011] A work machine 2A, 2B, 3A is located at each of the multiple work sites WS1, WS2. The work machines 2A, 2B, 3A are, for example, construction machines such as excavators. The work machines 2A, 2B, 3A may also be other machines such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, graders, or dump trucks. The multiple work sites WS1, WS2 include a first work site WS1 and a second work site WS2. The first work site WS1 and the second work site WS2 are located in different locations. The multiple work sites may include three or more work sites. There may also be only one work site.

[0012] In detail, a first work machine 2A and a second work machine 2B are located at the first work site WS1. The first work machine 2A and the second work machine 2B perform work at the first work site WS1. The first work machine 2A is equipped with an internal battery 4A and operates on the power of the internal battery 4A. The second work machine 2B is equipped with an internal battery 4B and operates on the power of the internal battery 4B. It should be noted that three or more work machines may be located at the first work site WS1.

[0013] A third work machine 3A is located at the second work site WS2. The third work machine 3A performs work at the second work site WS2. The third work machine 3A is equipped with an internal battery 5A and operates using power from the internal battery 5A. Note that two or more work machines may be located at the second work site WS2.

[0014] For example, the first work machine 2A and the second work machine 2B are the same type of work machine. The third work machine 3A is a different type of work machine from the first work machine 2A and the second work machine 2B. The electricity consumption of a work machine varies depending on the type of work machine. Therefore, the electricity consumption of the third work machine 3A is different from the electricity consumption of the first work machine 2A and the second work machine 2B. For example, the first work machine 2A and the second work machine 2B are larger work machines than the third work machine 3A. Therefore, the electricity consumption of the first work machine 2A and the second work machine 2B is larger than the electricity consumption of the third work machine 3A.

[0015] A first site computer 6 is located at the first work site WS1. The first site computer 6 is used by the manager of the first work site WS1. The first site computer 6 manages construction work by the first work machine 2A and the second work machine 2B at the first work site WS1. A second site computer 7 is located at the second work site WS2. The second site computer 7 is used by the manager of the second work site WS2. The second site computer 7 manages construction work by the third work machine 3A at the second work site WS2.

[0016] The multiple delivery bases DB1, DB2 stock multiple batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B. Each of the multiple batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B is transportable. Each of the multiple delivery bases DB1, DB2 delivers a specified battery to a specified work site among the multiple work sites WS1, WS2. The delivered battery is connected to the work machines 2A, 2B, 3A via a cable at the work site WS1, WS2. The delivered battery supplies the work machines 2A, 2B, 3A with power for charging the built-in batteries 4A, 4B, 5A of the work machines 2A, 2B, 3A.

[0017] The multiple delivery base DB1, DB2 include a first delivery base DB1 and a second delivery base DB2. The first delivery base DB1 and the second delivery base DB2 are located in different locations. The multiple delivery bases may include three or more delivery bases. Specifically, the first delivery base DB1 is stocked with a first battery 8A and a second battery 8B. The second delivery base DB2 is stocked with a third battery 9A and a fourth battery 9B.

[0018] The first battery 8A, the second battery 8B, and the third battery 9A are different types of batteries. The fourth battery 9B is the same type of battery as the third battery 9A. The capacity of the batteries varies depending on the type of battery. For example, the capacity of the first battery 8A is greater than the capacity of the second battery 8B. The capacity of the second battery 8B is greater than the capacity of the third battery 9A. The capacity of the fourth battery 9B is the same as the capacity of the third battery 9A. However, the capacity of the batteries deteriorates over time.

[0019] A first charger 11 is located at the first delivery base DB1. The first charger 11 is connected to a commercial power source. The first delivery base DB1 charges batteries 8A and 8B stocked at the first delivery base DB1 using the first charger 11. A second charger 12 is located at the second delivery base DB2. The second charger 12 is connected to a commercial power source. The second delivery base DB2 charges batteries 9A and 9B stocked at the second delivery base DB2 using the second charger 12. The charging capacities of the first charger 11 and the second charger 12 are different from each other. For example, the charging capacity of the first charger 11 is higher than the charging capacity of the second charger 12. In other words, the first charger 11 can charge more power per unit time than the second charger 12.

[0020] It should be noted that three or more batteries may be stocked at the first delivery base DB1. Three or more batteries may be stocked at the second delivery base DB2. Two or more chargers may be arranged at the first delivery base DB1. Two or more chargers may be arranged at the second delivery base DB2.

[0021] A first base computer 13 is located in the first delivery base DB1. The first base computer 13 is used by the manager of the first delivery base DB1. The first base computer 13 manages the battery of the first delivery base DB1. A second base computer 14 is located in the second delivery base DB2. The second base computer 14 is used by the manager of the second delivery base DB2. The second base computer 14 manages the battery of the second delivery base DB2.

[0022] The system 1 includes a management computer 15. The management computer 15 is located in a management center 10 that is separate from the work sites WS1 and WS2 and the delivery bases DB1 and DB2. The management computer 15 communicates with the site computers 6 and 7 and the base computers 13 and 14. The management computer 15 communicates with the site computers 6 and 7 and the base computers 13 and 14 via a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the first work machine 2A at the first work site WS1 includes a position sensor 21A, an SOH sensor 22A, an SOC sensor 23A, and a communication module 24A. The position sensor 21A detects the position of the first work machine 2A. The position sensor 21A is, for example, a sensor using a positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0024] The SOH sensor 22A detects the SOH (State of Health) of the internal battery 4A of the first work machine 2A. That is, the SOH sensor 22A detects the capacity of the internal battery 4A. The battery capacity indicates the current amount of power that can be stored. The SOC sensor 23A detects the SOC (State of Charge) of the internal battery 4A. That is, the SOC sensor 23A detects the amount of power stored in the internal battery 4A.

[0025] The communications module 24A communicates with the management computer 15. The communications module 24A communicates with the management computer 15 via a mobile communications network such as 3G, 4G, or 5G. The communications module 24A transmits to the management computer 15 machine data indicating the position of the first work machine 2A, the type of the first work machine 2A, and the capacity and amount of stored power of the built-in battery 4A.

[0026] The second work machine 2B includes a position sensor 21B, an SOH sensor 22B, an SOC sensor 23B, and a communication module 24B. The position sensor 21B, SOH sensor 22B, SOC sensor 23B, and communication module 24B of the second work machine 2B are similar to the position sensor 21A, SOH sensor 22A, SOC sensor 23A, and communication module 24A of the first work machine 2A, respectively.

[0027] The communications module 24B of the second work machine 2B transmits machine data indicating the position of the second work machine 2B, the type of the second work machine 2B, and the capacity and stored power amount of the built-in battery 4B to the management computer 15. Although not shown in the figures, the third work machine 3A at the second work site WS2 also has a configuration similar to the work machines 2A, 2B at the first work site WS1. The management computer 15 receives the machine data of the third work machine 3A from the third work machine 3A at the second work site WS2.

[0028] The first battery 8A of the first delivery base DB1 includes a position sensor 25A, an SOH sensor 26A, an SOC sensor 27A, and a communication module 28A. The position sensor 25A detects the position of the first battery 8A. The position sensor 25A is, for example, a sensor using a positioning system such as GPS. The SOH sensor 26A detects the SOH of the first battery 8A. That is, the SOH sensor 26A detects the capacity of the first battery 8A. The SOC sensor 27A detects the SOC of the first battery 8A. That is, the SOC sensor 27A detects the amount of electricity stored in the first battery 8A.

[0029] The communication module 28A communicates with the management computer 15. The communication module 28A communicates with the management computer 15 via a mobile communication network such as 3G, 4G, or 5G. The communication module 28A transmits battery data indicating the location, capacity, and amount of stored power of the first battery 8A to the management computer 15.

[0030] The second battery 8B of the first delivery base DB1 includes a position sensor 25B, an SOH sensor 26B, an SOC sensor 27B, and a communication module 28B. The position sensor 25B, the SOH sensor 26B, the SOC sensor 27B, and the communication module 28B of the second battery 8B are similar to the position sensor 25A, the SOH sensor 26A, the SOC sensor 27A, and the communication module 28A of the first battery 8A, respectively.

[0031] The communication module 24B of the second battery 8B transmits battery data indicating the location, capacity, and amount of stored power of the second battery 8B to the management computer 15. The third battery 9A and the fourth battery 9B in the second delivery base DB2 have the same configuration as the batteries 8A and 8B in the first delivery base DB1. The management computer 15 receives the battery data of the third battery 9A from the third battery 9A. The management computer 15 receives the battery data of the fourth battery 9B from the fourth battery 9B.

[0032] A program for delivering batteries from delivery bases DB1, DB2 to work sites WS1, WS2 is installed in management computer 15, on-site computers 6, 7, and base computers 13, 14. In accordance with the program, on-site computers 6, 7 and base computers 13, 14 execute processing for delivering batteries from delivery bases DB1, DB2 to work sites WS1, WS2.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the processing executed by the first on-site computer 6. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the first on-site computer 6. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the first on-site computer 6 acquires machine data MD1 of the first work machine 2A and machine data MD2 of the second work machine 2B (S101). For example, the first on-site computer 6 acquires the machine data MD1 and MD2 from the management computer 15. The first on-site computer 6 calculates total machine data MD3 at the first work site WS1 based on the machine data MD1 and MD2 (S102). The total machine data MD3 includes the total amount of electricity stored and the total capacity of the work machines 2A and 2B at the first work site WS1.

[0034] The first on-site computer 6 acquires the construction plan CP1 (S103). The construction plan CP1 includes the construction period at the first work site WS1 and the expected operation amount of each work machine 2A, 2B. The expected operation amount is, for example, expected operation time. The first on-site computer 6 acquires required power data CP2 from the construction plan CP1 (S104). The required power data CP2 includes the construction period and the required amount of power. The first on-site computer 6 acquires the construction period from the construction plan CP1. The first on-site computer 6 calculates the required amount of power from the construction plan CP1.

[0035] The required amount of power corresponds to the predicted amount of power that the work machines 2A, 2B will consume when executing the construction plan CP1. The first on-site computer 6 calculates the required amount of power based on the predicted operation amount of each work machine 2A, 2B and the specifications of each work machine 2A, 2B. The specifications of the work machines 2A, 2B include the electricity consumption of the work machines 2A, 2B. The first on-site computer 6 stores the specifications of each work machine 2A, 2B. Alternatively, the first on-site computer 6 may obtain the specifications of each work machine 2A, 2B from the management computer 15. The required power data CP2 may be input directly to the first on-site computer 6.

[0036] The first on-site computer 6 determines battery requirement data RD1 for the first work site WS1 based on the total machine data MD3 and the required power data CP2 (S105). The battery requirement data RD1 includes the required amount of power for the battery and a delivery schedule. The first on-site computer 6 determines the required amount of power for the battery at the first work site WS1 based on the total amount of stored power, the total capacity, and the required amount of power. The required amount of power corresponds to the amount of power required to charge the internal batteries 4A, 4B of the work machines 2A, 2B to execute the construction plan CP1. The first on-site computer 6 also determines a battery delivery schedule based on the construction period. The delivery schedule includes the date and time for delivering the battery to the first work site WS1.

[0037] 5 is a diagram showing the processing executed by the management computer 15 and the on-site computers 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 5, the first on-site computer 6 transmits battery requirement data RD1 for the first work site WS1 to the management computer 15. The second on-site computer 7, like the first on-site computer 6, determines the amount of power required and a delivery schedule for the second work site WS2. The second on-site computer 7 transmits the amount of power required and the delivery schedule for the second work site WS2 to the management computer 15 as battery requirement data RD2 for the second work site WS2.

[0038] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the management computer 15. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the management computer 15 acquires battery requirement data RD1 and RD2 for each work site WS1 and WS2 (S201). The management computer 15 determines delivery requirement data DA1 for each work site WS1 and WS2 based on the required power amounts in the battery requirement data RD1 and RD2 for each work site WS1 and WS2 and the delivery schedule (S202). The delivery requirement data DA1 includes the required number and capacity of batteries for each work site WS1 and WS2 and the delivery schedule.

[0039] The management computer 15 determines the required number and capacity of batteries at each work site WS1, WS2 based on the required amount of power in the battery requirement data RD1, RD2 for each work site WS1, WS2 and the delivery schedule. For example, the management computer 15 determines the required number and capacity of batteries at the first work site WS1 so as to satisfy the required amount of power at the first work site WS1. The management computer 15 determines the required number and capacity of batteries at the second work site WS2 so as to satisfy the required amount of power at the second work site WS2.

[0040] The management computer 15 acquires battery data BD1-BD4 for the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B stocked at each of the delivery bases DB1 and DB2 (S203). The management computer 15 determines total battery data DA2 for each of the delivery bases DB1 and DB2 from the battery data BD1-BD4 for the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each of the delivery bases DB1 and DB2 (S204). The total battery data DA2 includes the locations, total capacities, and total amounts of stored electricity of the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each of the delivery bases DB1 and DB2. The management computer 15 acquires the locations of the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each of the delivery bases DB1 and DB2 from the battery data BD1-BD4. The management computer 15 also calculates the total capacity and total amount of stored electricity from the battery data BD1-BD4.

[0041] The management computer 15 determines delivery plan data DA3 from the delivery request data DA1 for each work site WS1, WS2 and the total battery data DA2 for each delivery base DB1, DB2 (S205). The delivery plan data DA3 includes delivery base assignments, a battery distribution plan, and a battery charging schedule. The delivery base assignments indicate the identifiers of the delivery bases that will deliver batteries to each work site WS1, WS2, and the number and capacity of batteries to be delivered to each work site WS1, WS2. For example, the management computer 15 assigns the closest delivery base to the first work site WS1 among the delivery bases that satisfy the request in the delivery request data DA1 for the first work site WS1. The management computer 15 also determines the number and capacity of batteries to be delivered to the first work site WS1 so as to satisfy the request in the delivery request data DA1 for the first work site WS1.

[0042] The battery distribution plan indicates the batteries to be allocated to each delivery base DB1, DB2. The distribution plan includes the number and capacity of batteries to be allocated to each delivery base DB1, DB2. For example, the management computer 15 predicts whether the number and capacity of batteries stocked at each delivery base DB1, DB2 will be insufficient based on the delivery request data DA1 of each work site WS1, WS2 and the total battery data DA2 of each delivery base DB1, DB2. The management computer 15 also predicts whether the number and capacity of batteries stocked at each delivery base DB1, DB2 will be excessive based on the delivery request data DA1 of each work site WS1, WS2 and the total battery data DA2 of each delivery base DB1, DB2. The management computer 15 determines the distribution plan so as to minimize the excess or deficiency in the number and capacity of batteries stocked at each delivery base DB1, DB2.

[0043] The battery charging schedule indicates the timing for charging batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B stocked at each delivery base DB1 and DB2. The battery charging schedule includes the date and time for starting charging batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B. For example, management computer 15 determines the charging schedule for batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B in accordance with the delivery schedule so that the stored power of batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B does not become insufficient.

[0044] The management computer 15 may determine a battery charging schedule based on the electricity rates required to charge the batteries at each delivery base DB1, DB2. For example, the management computer 15 stores electricity rate plans at each delivery base DB1, DB2. The management computer 15 may determine a charging schedule at each delivery base DB1, DB2 so that batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B are charged during times when electricity rates are cheap.

[0045] The management computer 15 may also determine a charging schedule for the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B based on the capacity of the chargers 11 and 12 at each delivery base DB1 and DB2. For example, the management computer 15 obtains the capacity of the chargers 11 and 12 at each delivery base DB1 and DB2 from the base computer 13 and 14 at each delivery base DB1 and DB2. The management computer 15 calculates the expected charging time for the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B at each delivery base DB1 and DB2 based on the capacity of the chargers 11 and 12 at each delivery base DB1 and DB2. The management computer 15 determines the charging schedule based on the expected charging time for the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B.

[0046] The management computer 15 generates instruction data DA4 for each delivery base DB1, DB2 based on the delivery plan data DA3 (S206). The instruction data DA4 includes battery delivery instructions, battery transport instructions, and battery charging instructions for each delivery base DB1, DB2. The management computer 15 determines battery delivery instructions from the delivery base DB1, DB2 to the work sites WS1, WS2 based on the delivery base assignment. The battery delivery instructions include an identifier indicating the work site to which the batteries are to be delivered, the number and capacity of the batteries to be delivered, and the date and time of delivery.

[0047] Based on the battery distribution plan, the management computer 15 determines instructions for transporting batteries between the delivery bases DB1 and DB2. The battery transport instructions include an identifier indicating the delivery base of the destination, the number and capacity of the batteries to be transported, and the date and time of transport.

[0048] The management computer 15 determines battery charging instructions based on the battery charging schedule. The battery charging instructions include the date and time when battery charging will begin at each delivery base DB1, DB2. The management computer 15 transmits battery delivery instructions, battery transport instructions, and battery charging instructions to the base computers 13, 14 of each delivery base DB1, DB2. The managers of each delivery base DB1, DB2 deliver the batteries to the work sites WS1, WS2 in accordance with the received delivery instructions. The managers of each delivery base DB1, DB2 transport the batteries to other delivery bases DB1, DB2 in accordance with the received transport instructions. The managers of each delivery base DB1, DB2 charge the batteries in accordance with the received charging instructions.

[0049] For example, the management computer 15 transmits a delivery instruction to the first base computer 13 to deliver the first battery 8A to the first work site WS1. As a result, the first battery 8A is delivered to the first work site WS1 as shown by the arrow A1 in Fig. 1. The management computer 15 transmits a delivery instruction to the second base computer 14 to deliver the third battery 9A to the second work site WS2. As a result, the third battery 9A is delivered to the second work site WS2 as shown by the arrow A2 in Fig. 1.

[0050] The management computer 15 transmits a transport instruction indicating that the second battery 8B is to be transported to the second distribution base DB2 to the first base computer 13. As a result, the second battery 8B is transported to the second distribution base DB2 as shown by the arrow A3 in FIG.

[0051] The management computer 15 sends charging instructions to the first site computer 13 indicating the timing for charging the first battery 8A and the second battery 8B. As a result, the first battery 8A and the second battery 8B are charged according to the charging schedule. The management computer 15 sends charging instructions to the second site computer 14 indicating the timing for charging the third battery 9A and the fourth battery 9B. As a result, the third battery 9A and the fourth battery 9B are charged according to the charging schedule.

[0052] In the system 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the allocation of delivery bases that deliver batteries to each of the work sites WS1, WS2 is determined based on the positions of the work machines 2A, 2B, 3A at each of the work sites WS1, WS2, the amount of power required at each of the work sites WS1, WS2, and the positions of the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B stocked at each of the delivery bases DB1, DB2. As a result, an appropriate delivery base is selected from the multiple delivery bases DB1, DB2 to transport batteries to each of the work sites WS1, WS2.

[0053] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0054] The configuration of the system 1 is not limited to that of the above embodiment and may be modified. For example, the management computer 15 may receive the machine data MD1 and MD2 of the work machines 2A and 2B via the site computers 6 and 7 of the work sites WS1 and WS2. The management computer 15 may receive the battery data BD1-BD4 of the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B via the site computers 13 and 14 of the delivery sites DB1 and DB2.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B stocked at each of the delivery bases DB1, DB2 supply power to charge the built-in batteries 4A, 4B, 5A of the work machines 2A, 2B. However, the batteries 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B stocked at each of the delivery bases DB1, DB2 may also be replaced with the built-in batteries 4A, 4B, 5A of the work machines 2A, 2B.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the machine data MD1, MD2, the battery data BD1-BD4, the allocation of delivery bases, and the battery distribution plan include battery capacity. However, the battery type may be used instead of the battery capacity. The battery capacity is determined according to the battery type. Therefore, the battery capacity may be determined from the battery type.

[0057] According to the present disclosure, a delivery base from which batteries are transported to each work site is appropriately selected from among a plurality of delivery bases.

[0058] 2A, 2B: Work machine 6, 7: On-site computer 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B: Battery 13, 14: Base computer 15: Management computer DB1, DB2: Delivery base WS1, WS2: Work site

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for delivering batteries from a plurality of distribution depots to one or more work sites where work machines are located, comprising: acquiring machine data indicating a position of the work machine at each of the one or more work sites; acquiring power requirement data indicating an amount of power required at each of the one or more work sites; acquiring battery data indicating the location of the batteries stocked at each of the plurality of distribution depots; and determining an allocation of the distribution depots to deliver the batteries to each of the one or more work sites based on the machine data, the power requirement data, and the battery data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the battery data includes a storage capacity of the batteries stocked at each of the plurality of distribution centers.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the battery data includes the number and capacity or type of the batteries stocked at each of the plurality of distribution bases.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising: determining a delivery schedule for the battery from a construction period at each of the one or more work sites; and determining an allocation of the delivery bases based on the delivery schedule for the battery.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the allocation of distribution depots includes an identifier of the distribution depot that delivers the batteries to each of the one or more work sites, and a number and a capacity or type of the batteries to be delivered to each of the one or more work sites.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the amount of power required at each of the one or more work sites based on a construction plan for each of the one or more work sites and a specification of the work machine for each of the one or more work sites.

7. A system for delivering batteries from a plurality of distribution bases to one or more work sites where work machines are located, comprising: a plurality of on-site computers for managing the one or more work sites, respectively; a plurality of base computers for managing the plurality of distribution bases, respectively; and a management computer that communicates with the plurality of on-site computers and the plurality of base computers, wherein the management computer: acquires machine data indicating the position of the work machine at each of the one or more work sites; acquires required power data indicating the amount of power required at each of the one or more work sites; acquires battery data indicating the position of the batteries stocked at each of the plurality of distribution bases; and determines an allocation of the distribution base from which to deliver the batteries to each of the one or more work sites based on the machine data, the required power data, and the battery data.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the battery data includes a stored amount of the batteries stocked at each of the plurality of distribution bases.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the battery data includes the number and capacity or type of the batteries stocked at each of the plurality of distribution bases.

10. The system according to claim 7, wherein the management computer determines a delivery schedule for the batteries based on a construction period at each of the one or more work sites, and determines an allocation of the delivery bases based on the delivery schedule.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the allocation of distribution depots includes an identifier of the distribution depot that delivers the batteries to each of the one or more work sites, and a number and a capacity or type of the batteries to be delivered to each of the one or more work sites.

12. The system of claim 7, further comprising determining the required amount of power at each of the one or more work sites based on a construction plan for each of the one or more work sites and specifications of the work machine for each of the one or more work sites.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the following steps in order to deliver batteries from multiple distribution bases to one or more work sites where work machines are located: acquiring machine data indicating the position of the work machine at each of the one or more work sites; acquiring required power data indicating the amount of power required at each of the one or more work sites; acquiring battery data indicating the position of the batteries stocked at each of the multiple distribution bases; and determining an allocation of the distribution base from which the batteries will be delivered to each of the one or more work sites based on the machine data, the required power data, and the battery data.

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