Energy supply station

Abstract

Provided is an energy supply station capable of more effectively utilizing a battery. The present invention comprises: a plurality of electric vehicle batteries 14; a charging part 16 that is capable of charging the electric vehicle batteries 14; an energy supply part 18 that supplies energy to the charging part 16 by using energy of sunlight; an electric power transmission grid connection part 20 that can be connected to an external electric power transmission grid 29; an equipment function part 22 functioning as equipment that can be used by a user; and an electric power transmission control unit 24 that, during normal times, controls electric power transmission so that transmission of electric power to an external unit via the electric power transmission grid 29, supply of electric power to the equipment function unit 22, and charging of the electric vehicle batteries 14 can be performed, and, during emergencies, controls electric power transmission so that at least one of supply of electric power to the equipment function unit 22 and charging of the electric vehicle batteries 14 is performed in a state of being electrically isolated from the electric power transmission grid 29.

Description

Energy Supply Station

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a battery-powered energy supply station.

[0002] In recent years, growing interest in environmental issues such as global warming has led to increased research, development, and practical application of renewable energy. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, power supplies may become tight in some areas, creating a demand for methods and equipment for effectively supplying power to areas where it is needed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (paragraphs 0010, 0011, etc.) listed below discloses the following: Under normal circumstances, solar power can be generated by the solar power generation panels, and the EV charging device can charge the storage batteries of electric vehicles parked in the parking spaces, allowing disaster supplies to be stockpiled in the disaster prevention supply warehouse. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, a shielding means stored in the building can be extended to partition off a portion of the parking space, creating an evacuation space that is not visible from the outside. Evacuees can sleep and use the disaster prevention supplies in the disaster prevention supply warehouse, making it usable as a shelter. Furthermore, paragraph 0034 of Patent Document 1 discloses that "the electricity generated by the solar power generation panels and the electricity stored in the storage batteries can be used in the same way as commercial power via a power conditioner, allowing evacuees to use home appliances they brought with them."

[0004] JP 2016-044515 A

[0005] In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, parking spaces are partitioned and the carport is used both during normal times (normal times) and in the event of a disaster. However, with regard to the storage battery, only the storage battery of an electric vehicle is used, and the manner in which the storage battery is used is limited.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an energy supply station that can make more effective use of batteries.

[0007] An energy supply station according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of electric vehicle batteries; a charging unit capable of charging the electric vehicle batteries; an energy supply unit that supplies energy to the charging unit using at least one type of renewable energy; a power transmission grid connection unit that can be connected to an external power transmission grid; a facility function unit that functions as a facility that can be used by users; and a power transmission control unit that is normally capable of transmitting power to the outside via the power transmission grid, supplying power to the facility function unit, and charging the electric vehicle batteries, and in an emergency, controls power transmission so that at least one of supplying power to the facility function unit and charging the electric vehicle batteries is performed while electrically disconnected from the power transmission grid.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an energy supply station that can make more effective use of batteries.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an energy supply station according to an embodiment; Fig. 1(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the function of the energy supply station in normal operation, and Fig. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the function of the energy supply station in an emergency; Fig. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram showing that an electric vehicle battery is installed in an electric vehicle; Fig. 1(c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display mode in a take-out possibility notification unit; Fig. 1(d) is an explanatory diagram showing that an electric vehicle battery is installed in a charging unit; Fig. 1(e) is a flowchart showing the processing of a battery discrimination unit.

[0010] <Basic Configuration of Energy Supply Station 10> Specific embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an energy supply station 10 according to an embodiment. The energy supply station 10 includes a housing unit 12, an electric vehicle battery 14, a charging unit 16, an energy supply unit 18, a power transmission grid connection unit 20, a facility function unit 22, a power transmission control unit 24, and an attachment unit 26. The energy supply station 10 further includes a fixed battery 28, a battery discrimination unit 30, a carry-out notification unit 32, and the like.

[0011] <Housing 12> The housing 12 has a size, shape, and strength sufficient for people to live and work inside, and can be installed outdoors. In this embodiment, the housing 12 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is portable.

[0012] 2A, an energy supply unit 18 is provided outside the housing unit 12. A charging unit 16, a facility function unit 22, a power transmission grid connection unit 20, and the like are provided inside the housing unit 12. Each of these units will be described later.

[0013] A building having the appearance of a shipping container (a so-called container house), a trailer house with wheels, a prefabricated building, or the like can be used as the housing unit 12. Also, for example, a shipping container can be used in a form that can be moved at any time and as desired.

[0014] The size of the housing 12 may be set to a size that allows it to be loaded onto a truck or the like. The housing 12 can be lifted by a crane or a forklift truck in order to load it onto a truck or the like. To enable lifting by a crane, the housing 12 may be provided with locking portions (corner castings) in accordance with the same standards as shipping containers, and shackles, hooks, or the like may be locked onto these locking portions.

[0015] To accommodate multiple lifting methods (hanging methods) using a crane, the locking portions are preferably provided at the four upper and lower corners of the rectangular parallelepiped housing 12. The locking portions at the top of the housing 12 can be used, for example, when lifting the housing 12 using a forklift truck with a top lifter. It is also possible to lift the housing 12 by clamping the top of it using a forklift truck with a reach stacker.

[0016] Furthermore, holes for inserting forks of a forklift may be provided in the bottom of the housing 12 so that the housing can be lifted by inserting the forks. Also, if the housing 12 has the form of a trailer house equipped with wheels, the housing 12 can be towed by a trailer.

[0017] Furthermore, when a prefabricated building is used as the housing unit 12, the housing unit 12 can be suspended by attaching eyebolts to steel frames and passing a wire through the holes in the eyebolts, or by passing a wire through holes pre-formed in the steel frames. It is possible to provide windows and doors in the housing unit 12. The shape of the housing unit 12 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and may be, for example, a trapezoid or an oblong spheroid, as long as sufficient strength, self-supporting ability, portability, and the like are obtained.

[0018] <Electric vehicle battery 14 and electric vehicle 36> The electric vehicle battery 14 is a battery used as a drive source for an electric vehicle 36 (Fig. 3). The electric vehicle 36 is a vehicle that uses electricity as at least a part of its power source. Typical electric vehicles 36 include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

[0019] In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 36 is preferably an electric vehicle in which the battery is in the form of a cartridge and can be removed by the user for charging. An example of this type of electric vehicle is a relatively small battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV). Furthermore, in addition to a four-wheeled vehicle such as that shown in FIG. 3, other electric vehicles include two-wheeled vehicles (so-called motorcycles) and bicycles (electrically assisted bicycles), although these are not shown.

[0020] Furthermore, electric vehicles can also be used for "green slow mobility," such as electric carts. "Green slow mobility" is a term that comprehensively describes vehicles that can be driven on public roads at speeds of less than 20 km / h, as well as the usage patterns and mobility of such vehicles.

[0021] There are various types of electric vehicles that can be used for "green slow mobility." For example, there are types such as light cars, compact cars, and standard cars. Other types that are classified differently include cart types and bus types. Of these, cart types include single-person carts and carts for multiple people (2 to 7 people). Other cart types include golf carts and agricultural carts. Furthermore, among cart types, electric carts are also used, for example, by elderly people to drive themselves and to guide tourists while providing sightseeing information at tourist spots.

[0022] The energy supply station 10 of this embodiment handles a plurality of electric vehicle batteries 14 of different types (or the same type). These electric vehicle batteries 14 can be charged using a charging unit 16 housed in the housing 12.

[0023] <Charging unit 16> As shown in Fig. 5, a predetermined attachment unit 26 is used in the charging unit 16. The electric vehicle battery 14 is attached to the charging unit 16 via this attachment unit 26. In the example of Fig. 5, two different types of electric vehicle batteries 14a, 14b are shown as the electric vehicle batteries 14. One electric vehicle battery 14a is shown by a solid line, and the other electric vehicle battery 14b is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0024] The charging section 16 has three slots 17. The electric vehicle battery 14 (electric vehicle batteries 14a and 14b in the example of FIG. 5) is inserted into the slots 17 as shown by the arrows in FIG. 5 with the attachment section 26 attached.

[0025] Although not shown in detail, the attachment portion 26 has a connection structure (specific connection structure) that is specific to each type of electric vehicle battery 14, and a connection structure (common connection structure) that is common to all types of electric vehicle batteries 14. The side of the attachment portion 26 with the specific connection structure (specific structure portions 26a, 26b) is formed to match the structure and dimensions of the electrode portions of the corresponding type of electric vehicle batteries 14a, 14b. In contrast, the side of the attachment portion 26 with the common connection structure (common structure portion 27) is common to all types of electric vehicle batteries 14a, 14b.

[0026] The unique structural portions 26a, 26b of the attachment portion 26 are connected to the electrodes of the corresponding type of electric vehicle battery 14a, 14b. When the electric vehicle battery 14a, 14b with the attachment portion 26 attached is inserted into the slot portion 17, the common structural portion 27 of the attachment portion 26 is connected to the electrodes of the slot portion 17. The opening dimensions and internal structure of the three slot portions 17 are formed to match the common structural portion 27 of the attachment portion 26 and are all the same. Therefore, regardless of which slot portion 17 the electric vehicle battery 14a, 14b is inserted into, it can be connected to the electrodes of the charging portion 16 and charged.

[0027] Here, in the example of Fig. 5, only two electric vehicle batteries 14 (only electric vehicle batteries 14a and 14b) are shown, but the same applies to three or more types and three or more electric vehicle batteries 14. Also, in the example of Fig. 5, only three slots 17 are shown, but this is not limiting. For example, the slots 17 may be arranged in a matrix of two rows and two columns or more to allow a greater number and types of electric vehicle batteries 14 to be charged simultaneously. Furthermore, it is also possible to insert electric vehicle batteries 14 of the same type into some or all of the slots 17.

[0028] The charged electric vehicle battery 14 is taken out of the charging station 16 as shown by arrow A in Figure 3 and used in a corresponding electric vehicle 36. A stationary battery 28 is also shown in Figure 3.

[0029] <Energy Supply Unit 18> The energy supply unit 18 supplies energy to the charging unit 16 by utilizing at least one type of renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy that can be used permanently from among non-fossil energy sources such as sunlight, wind power, and the like. Specifically, renewable energy includes sunlight, wind power, hydropower, various types of heat (geothermal, solar heat, atmospheric heat, etc.), biomass, etc. In the example of FIG. 2( a), a solar panel is used as the energy supply unit 18, and sunlight is used as the renewable energy.

[0030] The power generated by the solar panels of the energy supply unit 18 is supplied to the charging unit 16, a facility function unit 22 (described later), a fixed battery 28, etc. via a power conditioner, an indoor distribution board, a grid connection board, etc. (not shown). The fixed battery 28 is a battery different from the electric vehicle battery 14, and the power generated by the energy supply unit 18 is stored in the fixed battery 28.

[0031] <Power transmission grid connection unit 20> The power transmission grid connection unit 20 is connected to an external power transmission grid 29 (outside the energy supply station 10). The power transmission grid connection unit 20 is equipped with a commercial power supply unit. Electric power supplied to the energy supply station 10 via the power transmission grid 29 can be used by the charging unit 16, a facility function unit 22 (described later), and the like.

[0032] <Facility function unit 22> The facility function unit 22 is a part that functions as a facility and is provided within the housing unit 12. The facility function unit 22 is configured to include rooms where facility users live their daily lives. Various forms of daily life are conceivable, and examples include workcations and local community activities.

[0033] "Workation" is a coined word that combines "work" and "vacation." "Workation" refers to the use of teleworking and other methods to carry out work in a location other than the workplace or home, while also spending time outside of work. "Workation" can be either work-focused or leisure-focused. "Local community activities" can include, for example, activities organized by local residents or by local governments.

[0034] Although not shown, the facility function unit 22 includes a space (room) suitable for the above-described uses, electrical equipment (including lighting equipment and other fixtures) associated with the room, etc. The electrical equipment in the facility function unit 22 can use power from the power transmission grid 29 via the power transmission grid connection unit 20. The facility function unit 22 may also include water supply equipment. In this case, a water supply tank, a water supply pump, water piping, etc. may be installed on the outside or inside of the housing unit 12.

[0035] <Power transmission control unit 24> The power transmission control unit 24 can be configured using a transformer, a relay, a switch, etc. The power transmission control unit 24 may also include an electric circuit or an electronic circuit having a switching element. Furthermore, the power transmission control unit 24 may also use a computer device.

[0036] When the power transmission control unit 24 uses a computer device, the computer device may be one that includes a central processing unit such as a CPU, a memory unit which is a variety of memory means, and a communication unit which enables communication inside and outside the housing unit 12, although this is not shown in the figure.

[0037] Of these, the central processing unit performs various calculations in accordance with a control program under the management of an OS (operating system). The central processing unit may be configured with multiple cores (CPU cores). Hereinafter, the control program may be referred to as an "app" (meaning an application program).

[0038] The storage unit is configured by one or a combination of various storage means such as a register, memory, and storage (such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive)). The storage unit includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores an OS, various control programs, and various setting information, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a temporary storage area.

[0039] The power transmission control unit 24 controls the interconnection (interconnection control) depending on whether the situation is normal or an emergency. In this embodiment, "normal" refers to a situation in which no disaster or the like that makes it difficult to maintain or continue daily life has occurred. This "normal" can also be referred to as "normal," "ordinary," "non-abnormal," or "non-disaster." In contrast, "emergency" refers to a situation in which a disaster or the like has occurred, making it difficult to maintain or continue daily life. Furthermore, "emergency" is not limited to disasters or the like, but also includes seasonal situations (seasonal situations) such as rice planting and rice harvesting.

[0040] The power transmission control unit 24 is normally capable of controlling power transmission to the outside (outside the energy supply station 10) via the power transmission grid 29, power supply to the facility function unit 22, and power supply to the charging unit 16, as shown in the schematic configuration of Figure 2 (a).

[0041] More specifically, when there is a surplus of power generated in the energy supply unit 18, the power transmission control unit 24 can normally control the interconnection so that power is transmitted to the outside via the power transmission grid 29. Furthermore, when there is electrical equipment (including standby electrical equipment) used by the facility function unit 22, the power transmission control unit 24 supplies power to the facility function unit 22. Furthermore, when the charging unit 16 is in a power-on state, the power transmission control unit 24 can control the interconnection so that power is supplied to the charging unit 16.

[0042] In contrast, in an emergency, the energy supply station 10 may be electrically disconnected from the power transmission grid 29, as shown schematically in Fig. 2(b). This is indicated in Fig. 2(b) by two "x" marks between the energy supply station 10 and the power transmission grid 29. In this situation, power transmission between the power transmission grid connection unit 20 and the power transmission grid 29 becomes impossible. The power transmission control unit 24 then controls power transmission so that power is supplied to at least one of the facility function unit 22 and the charging unit 16.

[0043] More specifically, when the supply of power from the power transmission grid 29 is cut off in an emergency, the power transmission control unit 24 controls the interconnection so that power is supplied to the facility function unit 22 as necessary. Furthermore, the power transmission control unit 24 can control the interconnection so that power is supplied to the charging unit 16 in an emergency. In an emergency, it is sufficient that at least one of the facility function unit 22 and the charging unit 16 is supplied with power. Therefore, for example, it is possible to supply power only to the facility function unit 22 without supplying power to the charging unit 16. It is also possible to supply power only to the charging unit 16 without supplying power to the facility function unit 22.

[0044] The power used by the facility function unit 22 can be the power of the fixed battery 28 or the power of the electric vehicle battery 14 currently installed in the charging unit 16. In this case, the power transmission control unit 24 performs grid connection control so that power is supplied from the charging unit 16 to the facility function unit 22. Furthermore, when the charging unit 16 charges the electric vehicle battery 14, the power used by the charging unit 16 can be the power of the fixed battery 28.

[0045] In an emergency, power can be supplied to the facility function unit 22 and the charging unit 16 according to, for example, a predetermined ratio. Also, it is possible to set a priority order, for example, to supply power to the facility function unit 22, and then supply any surplus power to the charging unit 16. Also, it is possible, for example, to determine in advance the minimum amount of power (minimum amount of power) required by the facility function unit 22 in an emergency, and supply any surplus power that occurs after ensuring this minimum amount of power to the charging unit 16.

[0046] Furthermore, the power transmission control unit 24 collects power from the electric vehicle battery 14 installed in the charging unit 16 and can output the power of the electric vehicle battery 14 to the outside, for example, via the power transmission grid connection unit 20. In an emergency, the power transmission control unit 24 can make the power stored in the electric vehicle battery 14 available by directly connecting, for example, a power cable of an electrical appliance to the power transmission grid connection unit 20 or indirectly connecting it via a power drum or the like. Note that a power supply connection unit (not shown) can also be installed separately from the power transmission grid connection unit 20.

[0047] The power transmission control unit 24 can also control the interconnection so that the power of the fixed battery 28 can be supplied to the outside. The power of the electric vehicle battery 14 and the fixed battery 28 may be supplied via the power transmission grid connection unit 20, or may be supplied by installing a connection unit (not shown) separate from the power transmission grid connection unit 20.

[0048] As described above, the housing 12 is portable. Therefore, in an emergency, the energy supply station 10 can be moved to a disaster area or the like where there is a high demand for electricity, and can be sent to the site to supply power from the electric vehicle battery 14 and the stationary battery 28, as described above. Furthermore, in the disaster area or the like, the electric vehicle battery 14 can be removed (carried out) from the charging unit 16 as shown in FIG. 3 and used as a power source for the corresponding electric vehicle 36 in the disaster area or the like (site) to which it is moved.

[0049] Furthermore, after use in the disaster area, etc. has finished, the device can be returned to its original installation location and used for regular purposes. It can also be used for regular purposes in a location other than the original installation location (including the disaster area, etc.).

[0050] The charging unit 16 is capable of charging multiple types of electric vehicle batteries 14, which increases the possibility of applying the electric vehicle battery 14. In other words, if the charging unit 16 can only charge a single type of electric vehicle battery 14, it is likely that a situation will occur where an electric vehicle of a type that can be used with the electric vehicle battery 14 is not in use even when the vehicle arrives at the site.

[0051] However, according to the energy supply station 10 of this embodiment, since many types of electric vehicle batteries 14 can be prepared, the possibility that the electric vehicle batteries 14 can be applied to electric vehicles used locally increases. This further improves the usefulness of the energy supply station 10.

[0052] The power transmission control unit 24 can distinguish between normal operation and emergency operation by, for example, providing a disconnection detection unit (not shown) that can detect disconnection from the power transmission grid 29. In this case, the power transmission control unit 24 can determine the state as "normal operation" when no disconnection from the power transmission grid 29 is detected, and can determine the state as "emergency operation" when disconnection is detected.

[0053] Furthermore, in order to distinguish between normal operation and emergency operation, for example, a manually operated input unit (such as a switch device) may be installed in the facility function unit 22, and an information signal for distinguishing between normal operation and emergency operation may be input by manually operating the switch. Alternatively, for example, an information signal indicating an emergency (not normal operation) may be input from outside the energy supply station 10, and the power transmission control unit 24 may determine that an emergency is occurring based on the information signal.

[0054] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide an acceleration sensor in the energy supply station 10 (for example, the housing unit 12), monitor the output signal of the acceleration sensor, and if acceleration or seismic waveforms exceeding a predetermined magnitude are detected, the power transmission control unit 24 determines that an emergency has occurred.

[0055] <Battery discrimination unit 30 and carry-out availability notification unit 32> In either normal operation or an emergency, when an electric vehicle battery 14 being charged in the charging unit 16 is to be carried out, the user can check the discrimination result of the battery discrimination unit 30 on the carry-out availability notification unit 32 and select an electric vehicle battery 14 with sufficient remaining battery power.

[0056] The battery determination unit 30 is connected to the charging unit 16 and determines whether the electric vehicle battery 14 being charged by the charging unit 16 satisfies a predetermined determination criterion. The battery determination unit 30 is configured by a computer device. As the computer device, a computer device with a similar configuration to the computer device that constitutes the power transmission control unit 24 can be used. The battery determination unit 30 and the power transmission control unit 24 may be configured by a single computer device.

[0057] An example of the predetermined criterion for the battery determination unit 30 is whether or not the remaining battery capacity of the electric vehicle battery 14 being charged in the charging unit 16 is equal to or greater than a reference value (or a reference rate that is a rate that serves as a reference). As shown in Fig. 6, for example, the battery determination unit 30 monitors the remaining battery capacity of the electric vehicle battery 14 (S11), and notifies the electric vehicle battery 14 that has been determined to have a remaining battery capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S12: YES determination) via the carry-out possible notification unit 32 (S13).

[0058] 5, a display device installed in the charging unit 16 can be used as the portable notification unit 32. Alternatively, the portable notification unit 32 may be, for example, a flat panel display or digital signage that is separate from the charging unit 16 and installed near the charging unit 16.

[0059] In the example of Fig. 4, marks (icons) 34a to 34c of three electric vehicle batteries 14 are displayed side by side in the left-right direction on the carry-out possibility notification unit 32. This indicates that a plurality of electric vehicle batteries 14 (three electric vehicle batteries 14 in this case) are being charged in the charging unit 16. Furthermore, in the example of Fig. 4, the central mark 34b is highlighted. Examples of highlighting modes include displaying the mark 34b in a color different from the other marks 34a and 34c, highlighting, inverting the display, and combinations of these.

[0060] The display mode in the example of Figure 4 indicates that the remaining battery charge of the electric vehicle battery 14 corresponding to the highlighted center mark 34b has reached a reference value. This display by the carry-out availability notification unit 32 allows the user to recognize that the center electric vehicle battery 14 is in a state where it can be carried out. The electric vehicle battery 14 carried out by the user is installed in the corresponding electric vehicle 36 (Figure 3), and the electric vehicle 36 is used.

[0061] <Various uses of the electric vehicle battery 14> With the configuration described above, the electric vehicle battery 14 of the energy supply station 10 can be used in various ways. For example, the electric vehicle battery 14 can be always installed (kept resident) in the charging unit 16 whenever possible, so that it can be used more reliably as an emergency battery in the event of an emergency.

[0062] Furthermore, electric vehicle batteries 14 that meet predetermined criteria are always used as the drive source for the electric vehicle 36 (FIG. 3), while those that do not meet the predetermined criteria are kept resident in the charging unit 16 whenever possible. This allows for more effective use of the electric vehicle batteries 14. Examples of the "predetermined criteria" include the degree of deterioration, charge amount, user usage history, and remaining battery capacity. Of these, the degree of deterioration and charge amount can be determined from the remaining capacity of the charged electric vehicle battery 14. User usage history information such as the number of times the battery has been charged and the number of years it has been used is stored in the storage means of the electric vehicle battery 14, and can be determined by reading this information.

[0063] Furthermore, it is also possible to use batteries whose remaining charge is equal to or greater than a reference value as the drive source for the electric vehicle 36, and to keep batteries whose remaining charge is equal to or less than the reference value, whenever possible, in the charging unit 16. In this case as well, it is possible to selectively and effectively utilize the electric vehicle battery 14.

[0064] By installing a plurality of electric vehicle batteries 14 in the charging unit 16, as in the energy supply station 10 of this embodiment, it becomes possible to utilize a larger number of electric vehicle batteries 14 in an emergency. Furthermore, by allowing installation of a plurality of types of electric vehicle batteries 14 in the charging unit 16, it becomes possible to increase the likelihood that some type of electric vehicle battery 14 is attached to the charging unit 16. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably utilize the electric vehicle batteries 14 in an emergency.

[0065] According to calculations by the inventors, by using five to eight cartridge-type (detachable) batteries, which are generally used in golf carts, as the electric vehicle batteries 14 in a fully charged state, it is possible to secure the power equivalent to that required to power a four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV).

[0066] Specifically, the performance value of a battery (vehicle battery) used in a golf cart is, for example, about 8 kWh. In contrast, the performance value of a battery used in a four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) is, for example, about 40 to 60 kWh. Although there is a difference in weight between a golf cart and a four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV), a simple calculation shows that using five to eight golf cart batteries would provide the amount of power needed to power a four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV).

[0067] In fact, it is possible to use the battery used in a golf cart to charge the battery used in a four-wheeled electric vehicle (EV), but it is also possible that the power from the battery used in the golf cart could be used as power for lighting at night in the facility function section 22 in an emergency, or as power to charge mobile information terminals such as smartphones.

[0068] The performance value of the battery used in an electrically assisted bicycle is, for example, about 0.3 kWh. Furthermore, the performance value of the battery used in a two-wheeled vehicle (so-called motorcycle) that uses a cartridge-type (detachable) battery is, for example, about 1 to 1.5 kWh. These batteries can be collected and used as a power source for the facility function section 22 in an emergency.

[0069] It is also possible to transport and install the housing unit 12 in a disaster area, etc., and then attach multiple types of vehicle batteries charged by the charging unit 16 to corresponding types of electric vehicles 36 in the disaster area for use. In this way, multiple types of electric vehicles 36 can be utilized starting from the location where the housing unit 12 is installed. This enables the electric vehicles 36 to be actively used in emergencies, and the use of the electric vehicles 36 can increase the mobility of people working in disaster areas, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, in seasonal situations such as rice planting, the housing 12 can be installed near the rice field where rice planting is to be performed, and the power of the electric vehicle battery 14 installed in the charging unit can be supplied to equipment used in agricultural work (including electric agricultural equipment, lighting equipment, etc.). Furthermore, by preparing a corresponding attachment unit 26 that includes a portable battery for electric agricultural equipment as the electric vehicle battery 14, it becomes possible to use the electric vehicle battery 14 charged in the charging unit 16 of the housing 12 for electric agricultural equipment on-site.

[0071] Furthermore, the energy supply station 10 using the electric vehicle battery 14 can provide a business model in which it is sold, leased, or rented (hereinafter referred to as "sales, etc.") as a set with, for example, electric construction machinery (e.g., a small power shovel) or agricultural equipment (e.g., a small cultivator). Furthermore, the electric vehicle battery 14 can also be sold, etc. as a power source for electrical equipment for various events held in public places.

[0072] In addition, since the energy supply station 10 is equipped with a fixed battery 28, the fixed battery 28 can be used as a spare battery in the event that the electric vehicle battery 14 runs out of power.

[0073] Furthermore, in the energy supply station 10, the charging unit 16 is provided inside the portable housing 12, and the housing 12 is provided with the energy supply unit 18 and the fixed battery 28, so it is possible to charge the electric vehicle battery 14 even while the housing 12 is being moved. Therefore, it is possible to use the electric vehicle battery 14 immediately after the housing 12 has been moved.

[0074] Furthermore, even if the housing unit 12 is moved from its normal installation location to a disaster area (herein referred to as "disaster area B") to supply power, and then moved to another disaster area (herein referred to as "disaster area C") to supply power, it is possible to charge the electric vehicle battery 14 from the energy supply unit 18 and the fixed battery 28 during the movement from disaster area B to disaster area C. Therefore, it is possible to quickly supply power to a large number of destinations.

[0075] The energy supply station 10 of this embodiment as described above can be said to transition in usage state (or to supply energy in this manner) from an on-grid state (a state in which the housing unit 12 receives power supply from the power transmission grid 29) before movement, to an off-grid state (a state in which the housing unit 12 does not receive power supply from the power transmission grid 29) while preparing to move and after the movement has begun.

[0076] Furthermore, the energy supply station 10 can be said to be capable of changing its usage state (or to supply energy in such a manner) to an on-grid mode, a mode in which electric vehicle batteries 14 are distributed to supply power, a mode in which the station itself is moved and electric vehicle batteries 14 are distributed at the destination to supply power, or the like.

[0077] Furthermore, in the energy supply station 10, it is also possible to configure the energy supply station 10 so that some of the devices are supplied with power in an on-grid manner, and some (or all) of the other devices are supplied with power from another power source in an off-grid manner (or energy is supplied in this manner). Specifically, for example, it is possible to perform control (for example, control by the power transmission control unit 24) such that the charging unit 16 is supplied with power in an on-grid manner, and the facility function unit 22 is supplied with power from the fixed battery 28 in an off-grid manner.

[0078] Furthermore, the energy supply station 10 can be said to be one that uses the attachment parts 26 to standardize the connection structure of the electric vehicle batteries 14, thereby making it possible to simultaneously charge (store) multiple types (or the same type) of electric vehicle batteries 14 for mobility purposes (use as a power source for the corresponding electric vehicle 36) and for purposes other than mobility (or to supply energy in this way).

[0079] For example, among electric vehicle batteries 14 of the same type, a relatively new one (e.g., one with a low degree of deterioration and relatively little deterioration) can be used to drive the electric vehicle 36, and a relatively old one (e.g., one with a high degree of deterioration and relatively much deterioration, or one that is worn out) can be used for another purpose (e.g., a power source for the facility function unit 22). For example, a relatively old electric vehicle battery 14 (a worn-out electric vehicle battery 14) may be used as the fixed battery 28.

[0080] Here, a "used" electric vehicle battery is a battery that, when new in the past, had the same (or equivalent) specifications (specifications, performance, etc.) as the electric vehicle battery 14, or was compatible with the electric vehicle battery 14 and applicable to the same electric vehicle 36, but whose current (or comparative) state of deterioration compared to when new has progressed to a certain degree or more.

[0081] <Inventions Extractable from the Embodiments> (1) An energy supply station comprising: a plurality of electric vehicle batteries (electric vehicle batteries 14a, 14b, etc.); a charging unit (charging unit 16, etc.) capable of charging the electric vehicle batteries; an energy supply unit (energy supply unit 18, etc.) that supplies energy to the charging unit by using at least one type of renewable energy (such as solar energy); a power transmission grid connection unit (power transmission grid connection unit 20, etc.) that can be connected to an external power transmission grid (power transmission grid 29, etc.); a facility function unit (facility function unit 22, etc.) that functions as a facility that can be used by users; and a power transmission control unit (power transmission control unit 24, etc.) that is normally capable of transmitting power to the outside via the power transmission grid, supplying power to the facility function unit, and charging the electric vehicle batteries, and that in an emergency controls power transmission to perform at least one of supplying power to the facility function unit and charging the electric vehicle batteries while electrically disconnected from the power transmission grid. (2) The energy supply station according to (1) above, wherein the electric vehicle battery is portable. (3) The energy supply station according to (1) or (2) above, which is provided in a portable housing (such as the housing 12). (4) The energy supply station according to (1) or (2) above, which includes an attachment unit (such as the attachment unit 26) that enables attachment to the charging unit in accordance with the type of the electric vehicle battery. (5) The energy supply station according to (1) or (2) above, which includes a fixed battery (such as the fixed battery 28) that is different from the electric vehicle battery and is constantly charged by the power transmission control unit. (6) The energy supply station according to (2) above, which includes: a battery discrimination unit (such as the battery discrimination unit 30) that discriminates the electric vehicle battery as portable based on predetermined criteria (such as remaining battery capacity); and a portable notification unit (such as the portable notification unit 32) that notifies the electric vehicle battery that has been determined by the battery discrimination unit to be portable. (7) The energy supply station according to (5) above, wherein the fixed battery is a used battery for the electric vehicle.

[0082] <Others> The present invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above, and various modifications and combinations of the various embodiments are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0083] 10: Energy supply station 12: Housing section 14 (14a, 14b): Battery for electric vehicle 16: Charging section 17: Slot section 18: Energy supply section 20: Power transmission grid connection section 22: Facility function section 24: Power transmission control section 26: Attachment section 26a, 26b: Unique structure section 27: Common structure section 28: Fixed battery 29: Power transmission grid 30: Battery discrimination section 32: Portable notification section 36: Electric vehicle

Claims

1. A power supply station comprising: a plurality of batteries for electric vehicles; a charging unit capable of charging the batteries for electric vehicles; an energy supply unit that supplies energy to the charging unit using at least one type of renewable energy; a power grid connection unit connectable to an external power grid; a facility function unit that functions as a facility available to users; and a power supply control unit that is normally capable of transmitting power to the outside via the power grid, supplying power to the facility function unit, and charging the batteries for electric vehicles, and that performs power supply control to supply power to at least one of the facility function unit and the batteries for electric vehicles in a state electrically disconnected from the power grid in an emergency.

2. The power supply station according to claim 1, wherein the battery for the electric vehicle is removable.

3. The power supply station according to claim 1 or 2, provided in a portable housing unit.

4. The power supply station according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an attachment unit that enables attachment to the charging unit according to the type of the battery for the electric vehicle.

5. The power supply station according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a fixed battery that is different from the battery for the electric vehicle and is constantly charged by the power supply control unit.

6. The power supply station according to claim 2, comprising a battery discrimination unit that discriminates the removable battery for the electric vehicle based on a predetermined discrimination criterion, and a removable notification unit that notifies the battery for the electric vehicle discriminated as removable by the battery discrimination unit.

7. The power supply station according to claim 5, wherein the fixed battery is a used battery for the electric vehicle.

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