Charging management system, charging management method, and computer program

Abstract

This charging management system 1 according to an embodiment manages charging of batteries 50 mounted on a plurality of electric vehicles 10. The charging management system 1 includes a charging device 20 and processing devices 121, 131, 141. The processing devices 121, 131, 141 acquire battery deterioration information indicating a deterioration level of each of the batteries 50 of the plurality of electric vehicles 10, determine a priority order of charging of the batteries 50 among the plurality of electric vehicles 10 on the basis of the battery deterioration information, and control charging of the batteries 50 of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 using the charging device 20 on the basis of the determined priority order.

Description

Charging management system, charging management method, and computer program

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge management system, a charge management method, and a computer program.

[0002] An example of a mobile object is an electric vehicle that runs using an electric motor as a drive source. The electric motor is supplied with power from a battery installed in the vehicle, and the rotation of the electric motor is transmitted to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to run.

[0003] JP 2015-019465 A

[0004] When managing the operation of a plurality of electric vehicles, charging of the batteries of each of the plurality of electric vehicles is managed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Batteries installed in mobile objects such as electric vehicles gradually deteriorate as they are repeatedly charged and discharged. It is therefore necessary to manage the charging of batteries in multiple mobile objects taking into account the deterioration level of each battery.

[0006] This specification discloses a charge management system, a charge management method, and a computer program described in the following items.

[0007] [Item 1] A charge management system that manages the charging of batteries mounted on multiple mobile bodies, comprising one or more charging devices and one or more processing devices, wherein the one or more processing devices acquire battery degradation information indicating a degradation level of each battery of the multiple mobile bodies, determine a priority for charging the batteries among the multiple mobile bodies based on the battery degradation information, and control the charging of the batteries of the multiple mobile bodies using the one or more charging devices based on the determined priority.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery charging priority is determined among multiple mobile objects based on battery degradation information, and battery charging of the multiple mobile objects is controlled based on the determined priority. The mobile objects with charged batteries are used sequentially according to their purpose. This allows the battery degradation levels to be adjusted among the multiple mobile objects, facilitating the operation of the multiple mobile objects. For example, the operation of the multiple mobile objects can be facilitated by equalizing the battery degradation levels among the multiple mobile objects or by accelerating the battery degradation of a specific mobile object according to the purpose.

[0009] [Item 2] The one or more processing devices divide the plurality of mobile objects into a plurality of groups based on the battery degradation information, the plurality of groups including a first group to which the mobile objects having a relatively low level of battery degradation belong, and a second group to which the mobile objects having a relatively high level of battery degradation belong, and the one or more processing devices determine the priority such that charging of one of the batteries of the mobile objects belonging to the first group and the batteries of the mobile objects belonging to the second group is given priority over charging of the other battery.

[0010] This allows the battery degradation levels to be adjusted among multiple mobile objects. For example, by prioritizing battery charging for the first group and using the mobile objects belonging to the first group, the battery degradation of the mobile objects belonging to the first group will progress relatively. This allows the battery degradation levels to be equalized among the multiple mobile objects being managed.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, by prioritizing battery charging for the second group and using the mobile objects belonging to the second group, the deterioration of the batteries of the mobile objects belonging to the second group will progress relatively. This can shorten the replacement period of the mobile objects and / or batteries belonging to the second group. This makes it easy to replace the multiple mobile objects and / or batteries being managed one by one with new ones.

[0012] [Item 3] The charge management system according to Item 2, wherein the one or more processing devices determine the priority order such that charging of the battery of the mobile body belonging to the first group is given priority over charging of the battery of the mobile body belonging to the second group.

[0013] By prioritizing battery charging for the first group and using the mobile objects belonging to the first group, the battery deterioration of the mobile objects belonging to the first group will progress relatively, thereby making it possible to equalize the battery deterioration level among the multiple mobile objects under management.

[0014] [Item 4] In the charge management system according to Item 3, the one or more processing devices determine the priority such that, among the batteries of the mobile objects belonging to the first group, charging of a battery having a relatively low level of deterioration is given priority over charging of a battery having a relatively high level of deterioration.

[0015] By prioritizing charging of batteries with a relatively low level of deterioration and using the mobile body equipped with such batteries, the deterioration of the batteries will progress relatively, thereby making it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries of the mobile bodies belonging to the first group.

[0016] [Item 5] The charge management system according to Item 2, wherein the one or more processing devices determine the priority order such that charging of the battery of the mobile body belonging to the second group is given priority over charging of the battery of the mobile body belonging to the first group.

[0017] By prioritizing battery charging for the second group and using the mobile objects belonging to the second group, the deterioration of the batteries of the mobile objects belonging to the second group will progress relatively. This will allow the replacement time of the mobile objects and / or batteries belonging to the second group to be shortened. This will make it easier to replace the multiple mobile objects and / or batteries being managed one by one with new ones.

[0018] [Item 6] In the charge management system according to Item 5, the one or more processing devices determine the priority such that, among the batteries of the mobile objects belonging to the second group, charging of a battery having a relatively low level of deterioration is given priority over charging of a battery having a relatively high level of deterioration.

[0019] By prioritizing charging of batteries with a relatively low level of deterioration and using the mobile body equipped with such batteries, the deterioration of the batteries will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries of the mobile bodies belonging to the second group, and to synchronize the replacement times of the mobile bodies and / or batteries belonging to the second group.

[0020] [Item 7] The charge management system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the one or more processing devices acquire remaining battery capacity information indicating a remaining battery capacity of each of the batteries of the plurality of mobile bodies and usage schedule information indicating a usage schedule of the plurality of mobile bodies, and determine the priority order further based on the remaining battery capacity information and the usage schedule information.

[0021] This allows the charging of each battery to be paced to suit the schedule of when and how many vehicles are in use.

[0022] Also, for example, if there is not enough time before the scheduled date and time when the mobile object is to start being used, the battery with the largest remaining capacity can be charged preferentially, so that the mobile object can be prepared with its battery fully charged by the scheduled date and time.

[0023] Also, for example, by lowering the priority of a mobile body whose scheduled start date and time of use is still in the future, the start of charging the battery of that mobile body can be delayed, thereby suppressing battery deterioration.

[0024] [Item 8] The charge management system according to Item 7, wherein the one or more processing devices cause the mobile objects having the relatively high priority and the mobile objects having the relatively low priority to have different paces of charging the batteries.

[0025] This allows the battery to be charged according to the scheduled date and time when each mobile object will start to be used.

[0026] [Item 9] The charge management system according to item 7 or 8, wherein the plurality of mobile objects includes a first mobile object, and the one or more processing devices adjust a pace of charging so that charging of the battery of the first mobile object is completed at a scheduled date and time when use of the first mobile object is to begin.

[0027] Depending on the type of battery, maintaining a fully charged state for a long period of time can accelerate deterioration. In such cases, battery deterioration can be suppressed by adjusting the charging pace so that the battery is fully charged at the planned date and time when the mobile device will start to be used.

[0028] [Item 10] The charge management system according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the plurality of mobile bodies include a first mobile body and a second mobile body having a scheduled start date and time of use later than that of the first mobile body, and the one or more processing devices slow down the pace of charging the battery of the second mobile body compared to the pace of charging the battery of the first mobile body.

[0029] By slowing down the pace of charging the battery of a mobile body whose scheduled start date and time of use is later and delaying the date and time when battery charging is completed, it is possible to suppress battery deterioration.

[0030] [Item 11] The charge management system according to any one of Items 7 to 10, wherein the plurality of mobile bodies include a first mobile body and a second mobile body having a scheduled start date and time of use later than that of the first mobile body, and the one or more processing devices set a start date and time of charging the battery of the second mobile body later than a start date and time of charging the battery of the first mobile body.

[0031] By delaying the start date and time of charging the battery of a mobile body whose scheduled start date and time of use is later, and delaying the date and time when battery charging is completed, it is possible to suppress battery deterioration.

[0032] [Item 12] The charge management system according to any one of Items 7 to 11, wherein the one or more processing devices charge the batteries of the mobile objects having a relatively low priority during a time period in which the mobile objects having a relatively high priority are used.

[0033] By charging during a time period when a mobile object with a relatively high priority is used, such as during the day, charging can be performed using solar power generation.

[0034] [Item 13] The charge management system according to any one of Items 7 to 12, wherein the one or more processing devices do not charge batteries of at least some of the mobile objects having a relatively low priority.

[0035] By not charging at least some of the batteries of the mobile units with low priority, deterioration of those batteries can be suppressed.

[0036] [Item 14] The charge management system according to any one of Items 7 to 13, wherein the one or more processing devices do not charge the battery of the mobile body for which a scheduled date and time for starting use has not been set.

[0037] By not charging the battery of a mobile body that is not scheduled to be used, deterioration of the battery can be suppressed.

[0038] [Item 15] The charge management system according to any one of items 7 to 14, wherein the one or more processing devices determine the priority order based on an amount of power consumption expected during use of the mobile object.

[0039] For example, by determining priorities so that a mobile body equipped with a battery with a low level of deterioration can be prepared for a planned use that will consume a large amount of power, charging can be performed according to the planned use.

[0040] [Item 16] The charge management system according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the moving body is an electric vehicle.

[0041] This allows the deterioration levels of the batteries of a plurality of electric vehicles to be adjusted among them, facilitating the operation of a plurality of electric vehicles.

[0042] [Item 17] A charge management method executed by one or more computers for managing the charging of batteries mounted on multiple mobile bodies, the charge management method including: acquiring battery degradation information indicating a degradation level of each battery of the multiple mobile bodies; determining a priority for charging the batteries among the multiple mobile bodies based on the battery degradation information; and controlling the charging of the batteries of the multiple mobile bodies based on the determined priority.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery charging priority is determined among multiple mobile objects based on battery degradation information, and battery charging of the multiple mobile objects is controlled based on the determined priority. The mobile objects with charged batteries are used sequentially according to their purpose. This allows the battery degradation levels to be adjusted among the multiple mobile objects, facilitating the operation of the multiple mobile objects. For example, the operation of the multiple mobile objects can be facilitated by equalizing the battery degradation levels among the multiple mobile objects or by accelerating the battery degradation of a specific mobile object according to the purpose.

[0044] [Item 18] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute management of charging of batteries mounted on multiple mobile bodies, the computer program causing the one or more computers to execute the following: acquiring battery deterioration information indicating a deterioration level of each battery of the multiple mobile bodies; determining a priority for charging the batteries among the multiple mobile bodies based on the battery deterioration information; and controlling the charging of the batteries of the multiple mobile bodies based on the determined priority.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery charging priority is determined among multiple mobile objects based on battery degradation information, and battery charging of the multiple mobile objects is controlled based on the determined priority. The mobile objects with charged batteries are used sequentially according to their purpose. This allows the battery degradation levels to be adjusted among the multiple mobile objects, facilitating the operation of the multiple mobile objects. For example, the operation of the multiple mobile objects can be facilitated by equalizing the battery degradation levels among the multiple mobile objects or by accelerating the battery degradation of a specific mobile object according to the purpose.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery charging priority is determined among multiple mobile objects based on battery degradation information, and battery charging of the multiple mobile objects is controlled based on the determined priority. The mobile objects with charged batteries are used sequentially according to their purpose. This allows the battery degradation levels to be adjusted among the multiple mobile objects, facilitating the operation of the multiple mobile objects. For example, the operation of the multiple mobile objects can be facilitated by equalizing the battery degradation levels among the multiple mobile objects or by accelerating the battery degradation of a specific mobile object according to the purpose.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an electric vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a charge management system 1 that manages charging of a plurality of electric vehicles 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electric vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a battery 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a charging device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management device 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a charge management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining an example of a method for determining the priority of charging of batteries 50 among a plurality of electric vehicles 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining an example of a method for further determining the priority of charging among electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 211 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram explaining an example of a method for further determining the priority of charging among electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 213 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram explaining an example of charging according to the scheduled date and time of start of use of each of a plurality of electric vehicles 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Similar components will be assigned similar reference symbols, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. The symbols F, Re, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, top, and bottom, respectively. In the description of the following embodiments, an electric vehicle will be used as an example of a moving body, but the moving body according to the embodiments is not limited to electric vehicles. The moving body according to the embodiments may be an aircraft, a ship, a mobile robot, or the like. The following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0049] (Electric Vehicle) FIG. 1 is a side view showing an electric vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 10 is an electric cart. The electric cart is, for example, a golf cart used to transport people on a golf course. A golf cart is also called a golf cart. The electric vehicle 10 may be a land cart, a transport vehicle, a tow vehicle, a general vehicle, or the like. The electric vehicle 10 may be a vehicle driven by a driver, or may be a vehicle capable of automatic driving. The electric vehicle 10 may be an electromagnetically guided electric vehicle that travels along a guide wire placed underground or on the ground. An example in which the electric vehicle 10 is a golf cart will be described below.

[0050] The electric vehicle 10 includes a body frame 11. The front portion of the body frame 11 rotatably supports a pair of left and right front wheels 15F, and the rear portion of the body frame 11 rotatably supports a pair of left and right rear wheels 15R. A front seat 17F and a rear seat 17R for seating occupants are disposed between the front wheels 15F and the rear wheels 15R in the longitudinal direction of the body frame 11. A steering wheel 18 is disposed in front of the front seat 17F. A pair of left and right front pillars 12 extend generally upward from the front portion of the body frame 11. A pair of left and right rear pillars 13 extend generally upward from the rear portion of the body frame 11. The front pillars 12 and the rear pillars 13 support a roof 14. A bag support 16 is provided at the rear of the body frame 11. The bag support 16 can store the occupant's luggage, such as a golf bag.

[0051] The electric vehicle 10 includes an electric motor 60 that generates a driving force for propelling the electric vehicle 10, and a battery 50 that supplies power to the electric motor 60. The electric motor 60 generates rotation by receiving power from the battery 50. The rotation generated by the electric motor 60 is transmitted to the rear wheel 15R, allowing the electric vehicle 10 to propel. The rotation generated by the electric motor 60 may be transmitted to the rear wheel 15R via a reduction gear. The rotation generated by the electric motor 60 may be transmitted to the front wheel 15F, or to both the front wheel 15F and the rear wheel 15R.

[0052] The battery 50 includes a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The type of the secondary battery is arbitrary, such as a lithium ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lead-acid battery. The secondary battery may also be an all-solid-state battery.

[0053] The front wheels 15F are steerable wheels, and changing the turning angle of the front wheels 15F can change the traveling direction of the electric vehicle 10. The turning angle of the front wheels 15F can be changed by operating the steering wheel 18.

[0054] The electric vehicle 10 may be equipped with one or more sensing devices that sense the environment around the electric vehicle 10. The one or more sensing devices may be, for example, a millimeter-wave radar, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, a camera, or an obstacle sensor. The obstacle sensor may be, for example, a laser scanner or an ultrasonic sonar. The electric vehicle 10 may also be equipped with a positioning device 25. The positioning device 25 receives satellite signals transmitted from multiple GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites and detects the geographic coordinates of the electric vehicle 10.

[0055] The electric vehicle 10 can be manually driven, but may also be designed to be autonomously driven only. In this case, components required only for manual driving, such as the steering wheel 18, may not be provided in the electric vehicle 10.

[0056] 2 is a diagram showing a charge management system 1 that manages the charging of a plurality of electric vehicles 10. In the charge management system 1, a plurality of electric vehicles 10, charging devices 20, a management device 30, and terminal devices 40 can communicate with each other via a communication network 70.

[0057] The management device 30 manages the charging of the multiple electric vehicles 10. The management device 30 is, for example, a server computer. The management device 30, for example, creates a charging plan for the multiple electric vehicles 10 and causes the charging device 20 to charge the batteries 50 mounted on the multiple electric vehicles 10 in accordance with the charging plan. The management device 30 may also manage the operation of the multiple electric vehicles 10.

[0058] The terminal device 40 is a computer used by a user. The terminal device 40 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, or a laptop computer. The terminal device 40 may also be a stationary computer such as a desktop personal computer (PC).

[0059] The terminal device 40 displays on the display a setting screen for the user to input information necessary to create a charging plan for multiple electric vehicles 10. When the user inputs the necessary information on the setting screen and performs a send operation, the terminal device 40 transmits the input information to the management device 30. The management device 30 creates a charging plan based on the information. The terminal device 40 may further display on the display a setting screen for the user to input information necessary to create an operation plan for multiple electric vehicles 10. The terminal device 40 can also be used to remotely monitor and remotely operate the electric vehicles 10. For example, the terminal device 40 can display on the display an image captured by a camera provided on the electric vehicles 10.

[0060] The creation of the charging plan and operation plan and the control of charging of the electric vehicle 10 may be performed by the terminal device 40, or may be shared among two or more of the management device 30, the terminal device 40, and the charging device 20.

[0061] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the electric vehicle 10. The electric vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 3 includes a control device 110, a battery 50, a connector 118, an electric motor 60, and a sensor 117. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. Fig. 3 shows components that are relatively closely related to charging the battery 50 of the electric vehicle 10, and does not show other components.

[0062] The control device 110 includes a processing device 111 , a read only memory (ROM) 112 , a random access memory (RAM) 113 , a communication device 114 , an electronic control unit (ECU) 115 , and a drive device 116 .

[0063] The processing device 111 is a semiconductor integrated circuit such as a processor, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The processing device 111 may be realized by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the processing device 111 may be realized by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) equipped with a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application specific standard product (ASSP), or a combination of two or more circuits selected from these circuits. The processing device 111 sequentially executes a computer program stored in the ROM 112, which describes a group of instructions for executing one or more processes, to achieve the desired process.

[0064] The ROM 112 is, for example, a writable memory (e.g., a PROM), a rewritable memory (e.g., a flash memory), or a read-only memory. The ROM 112 is a storage device that stores computer programs (or firmware) that cause the processing device 111 and the ECU 115 to perform various operations. Such computer programs may be provided to the electric vehicle 10 via a storage medium (e.g., a semiconductor memory or an optical disk) or a telecommunications line (e.g., the Internet). Such computer programs may be sold as commercial software. The ROM 112 does not need to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media. Part of the collection of multiple recording media may be removable memory.

[0065] The RAM 113 provides a working area for temporarily loading the control program stored in the ROM 112 at boot time. The RAM 113 does not need to be a single recording medium, but may be a collection of multiple recording media.

[0066] The drive device 116 includes a power supply circuit that outputs power for driving the electric motor 60. The power supply circuit includes, for example, a smoothing circuit that smoothes the DC voltage output from the battery 50, and an inverter circuit that generates a motor drive current. The sensor 117 is, for example, a rotation sensor that detects the rotation of the electric motor 60.

[0067] The ECU 115 includes a processing circuit including one or more semiconductor integrated circuits such as processors. The ECU 115 controls the driving of the electric vehicle 10 by controlling the drive unit 116 and the like. The ECU 115 may include a storage device such as a ROM that stores computer programs that cause the processing circuit of the ECU 115 to perform various operations. The ECU 115 may be provided in the electric vehicle 10 as a separate unit from the control unit 110. At least a part of the processing of the ECU 115 may be executed by the processing device 111. The processing device 111 may perform the functions of the ECU 115.

[0068] The communication device 114 is a communication module for communicating with the management device 30, the terminal device 40, and the charging device 20. The communication device 114 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 114 can perform wired communication in accordance with communication standards such as USB, IEEE 1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 114 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. Both standards include wireless communication standards using frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.0 GHz band. The communication device 114 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication method. The communication device 114 may also perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite.

[0069] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the battery 50. The battery 50 may be referred to as a battery pack or a battery unit.

[0070] The battery 50 includes a battery management system (BMS) 150, a battery module 156, and a sensor 157. The BMS 150 includes a processing unit 151, a ROM 152, a RAM 153, a communication unit 154, and a cell monitor 155. The description of the configurations of the processing unit 151, ROM 152, and RAM 153 overlaps with the description of the processing unit 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 of the electric vehicle 10, and therefore will be omitted here.

[0071] The ROM 152 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 151 to execute processing. The computer program may be provided to the battery 50 via a storage medium or an electric communication line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing device 151 sequentially executes a computer program (stored in the ROM 152) that describes a group of instructions for executing various processes, thereby achieving desired processing. The processing device 151 controls the operation of the battery 50, such as charging and discharging operations of the battery 50, and monitors the output current, output voltage, remaining capacity, temperature, etc. of the battery 50.

[0072] The battery 50 may include any number of battery modules 156, and the battery 50 may include one or more battery modules 156. Each battery module 156 includes a plurality of battery cells 156a. The number of battery cells 156a included in each battery module 156 may be any number.

[0073] The sensor 157 is a current sensor that detects the current of the battery 50, a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the battery 50, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery 50, etc. The cell monitor 155 monitors the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of the battery 50 based on the output signal of the sensor 157. The cell monitor 155 outputs information indicating the current, voltage, temperature, etc. to the processing device 151. The sensor 157 may detect the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of each battery module 156.

[0074] The communication device 154 is a communication module for wired communication with the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20. The communication is performed using a communication method such as a controller area network (CAN). The communication device 154 may perform wireless communication with the electric vehicle 10 and the charging device 20. The communication device 154 may perform wired or wireless communication with the management device 30 and the terminal device 40.

[0075] The charge management system 1 includes one or more charging devices 20. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the charging device 20. The charging device 20 includes a control device 120, one or more power supply circuits 126, one or more connectors 128, and a sensor 127. The charging device 20 illustrated in Fig. 5 includes a plurality of power supply circuits 126 and a plurality of connectors 128.

[0076] The control device 120 includes a processing device 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, and a communication device 124. The description of the configurations of the processing device 121, the ROM 122, and the RAM 123 overlaps with the description of the processing device 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 of the electric vehicle 10, and therefore will be omitted here.

[0077] The ROM 122 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 121 to execute processing. The computer program may be provided to the charging device 20 via a storage medium or an electric communication line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing device 121 sequentially executes a computer program (stored in the ROM 122) that describes a group of instructions for executing various processes, thereby achieving desired processing. The processing device 121 controls the charging operation of the charging device 20. The processing device 121 monitors the output current, output voltage, temperature, etc. of the charging device 20.

[0078] The power supply circuit 126 includes an AC / DC converter and / or a DC / DC converter.

[0079] The charging device 20 is supplied with power from a power source 80. The power source 80 may be, for example, a commercial power source and / or a power generation device. The power generation device may be, for example, a power generation device that utilizes renewable energy, such as a solar power generation device.

[0080] The AC / DC converter of the power supply circuit 126 converts the AC voltage supplied from the power supply 80 into a desired DC voltage. The DC / DC converter of the power supply circuit 126 converts the DC voltage supplied from the power supply 80 into a desired DC voltage.

[0081] The sensor 127 is a current sensor that detects the current of the power supply circuit 126, a voltage sensor that detects the voltage of the power supply circuit 126, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply circuit 126, etc. The processing device 121 monitors the current, voltage, temperature, etc. of the power supply circuit 126 based on the output signal of the sensor 127.

[0082] When charging the battery 50 of the electric vehicle 10, a connector (e.g., a plug) 128 of the charging device 20 is connected to a connector (e.g., a receptacle) 118 of the electric vehicle 10, thereby electrically connecting the battery 50 to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 126. The power supply circuit 126 generates a direct current for charging the battery 50 and outputs it to the battery 50, thereby charging the battery 50.

[0083] The communication device 124 is a communication module for communicating with the management device 30, the terminal device 40, and the electric vehicle 10. The communication device 124 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 124 can perform wired communication in accordance with communication standards such as USB, IEEE 1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 124 can communicate with the electric vehicle 10 using a communication method such as CAN. The communication device 124 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The communication device 124 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the BLE or LPWA communication method. The communication device 124 may also perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite.

[0084] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 30. The management device 30 includes a control device 130, a communication device 134, and a storage device 135.

[0085] The control device 130 includes a processing device 131, a ROM 132, and a RAM 133. The description of the configurations of the processing device 131, the ROM 132, and the RAM 133 overlaps with the description of the processing device 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 of the electric vehicle 10, and therefore will be omitted here.

[0086] The ROM 132 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 131 to execute processing. The computer program may be provided to the management device 30 via a storage medium or an electric communication line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing device 131 sequentially executes a computer program (a computer program stored in the ROM 132) that describes a group of instructions for executing various processes, thereby realizing the desired processing.

[0087] The storage device 135 mainly functions as database storage. The storage device 135 may be, for example, a magnetic storage device or a semiconductor storage device. The storage device 135 stores data generated by the processing device 131, as well as various types of data transmitted from the electric vehicle 10, the charging device 20, and the terminal device 40. The data stored in the storage device 135 may include a charging plan and an operation plan for the electric vehicle 10. The storage device 135 may also store computer programs that cause the processing device 131 to perform various operations.

[0088] The storage device 135 may be a device independent of the management device 30. For example, the storage device 135 may be a storage device connected to the management device 30 via the communication network 70, such as a cloud storage.

[0089] The communication device 134 is a communication module for communicating with the electric vehicle 10, the charging device 20, and the terminal device 40. The communication device 134 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 134 can perform wired communication in accordance with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE 1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 134 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The communication device 134 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the BLE or LPWA communication method. The communication device 134 may also perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite.

[0090] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 includes a control device 140, a communication device 144, a storage device 145, a display device 146, and an input device 147.

[0091] The control device 140 includes a processing device 141, a ROM 142, and a RAM 143. The description of the configurations of the processing device 141, the ROM 142, and the RAM 143 overlaps with the description of the processing device 111, the ROM 112, and the RAM 113 of the electric vehicle 10, and therefore will be omitted here.

[0092] The ROM 142 stores a computer program (or firmware) for causing the processing device 141 to execute processing. The computer program may be provided to the terminal device 40 via a storage medium or a telecommunications line. Such a computer program may be sold as commercial software. The processing device 141 sequentially executes a computer program (a computer program stored in the ROM 142) that describes a group of instructions for executing various processes, thereby realizing the desired processing.

[0093] The storage device 145 may be, for example, a magnetic storage device or a semiconductor storage device. The storage device 145 stores data generated by the processing device 141, as well as various types of data transmitted from the electric vehicle 10, the charging device 20, and the management device 30. The storage device 145 may also store computer programs that cause the processing device 141 to perform various operations.

[0094] The display device 146 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input device 147 is a device for converting instructions from a user into data and inputting the data into the computer. The input device 147 may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or a microphone.

[0095] The communication device 144 is a communication module for communicating with the electric vehicle 10, the charging device 20, and the management device 30. The communication device 144 can perform wired communication and / or wireless communication. The communication device 144 can perform wired communication in accordance with a communication standard such as USB, IEEE 1394 (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication device 144 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and / or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard. The communication device 144 may be a communication module capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the BLE or LPWA communication method. The communication device 144 may also perform wireless communication using a mobile phone line or a line via an artificial satellite.

[0096] (Operation of the Charge Management System) The charge management system 1 of this embodiment manages the charging of the batteries 50 mounted on a plurality of electric vehicles 10 .

[0097] If the electric vehicles 10 are golf carts, a golf course may manage, for example, 30 to 100 electric vehicles 10. The charge management system 1 of this embodiment can manage the charging of such a large number of electric vehicles 10.

[0098] The charge management system 1 of this embodiment acquires battery deterioration information indicating the deterioration level of each of the batteries 50 of the multiple electric vehicles 10, and determines, based on the battery deterioration information, the priority of charging the batteries 50 among the multiple electric vehicles 10. Then, based on the determined priority, charging of the batteries 50 using the charging device 20 is performed.

[0099] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the charge management system 1. In the following description, an example will be described in which the management device 30 mainly acquires battery deterioration information and determines charging priorities, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. These processes may be performed by the terminal device 40 or the charging device 20. Furthermore, these processes may be performed by two or more of the management device 30, the terminal device 40, and the charging device 20 working together. The multiple electric vehicles 10 to be charged may be gathered in one area or may be distributed across multiple areas. It is assumed that the multiple connectors 128 of the charging device 20 are connected to the connectors 118 of the multiple electric vehicles 10 to be charged.

[0100] Each of the multiple electric vehicles 10 transmits battery deterioration information indicating the deterioration level of its own mounted battery 50 to the management device 30. The battery deterioration information indicates, for example, the SOH (State of Health). The BMS 150 of the battery 50 controls various operations of the battery 50, such as charging and discharging, and monitors various states of the battery 50. The BMS 150 can acquire information such as the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), SOH, and number of charges of the battery 50. The method by which the BMS 150 acquires this information is well known, and therefore will not be described here.

[0101] The processing device 151 of the BMS 150 transmits the battery deterioration information to the control device 110 of the electric vehicle 10. The processing device 111 of the control device 110 transmits the battery deterioration information to the management device 30. The battery deterioration information may be transmitted from the battery 50 to the management device 30.

[0102] The battery deterioration information includes identification information for uniquely identifying the electric vehicle 10 equipped with the battery 50. For example, the identification information may be output from the control device 110 of the electric vehicle 10 to the BMS 150, whereby the BMS 150 can acquire the identification information and assign the identification information to the battery deterioration information. The control device 110 may assign the identification information to the battery deterioration information output by the BMS 150 and transmit the information to the management device 30.

[0103] The processing device 131 of the management device 30 acquires battery deterioration information output from each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 (step S101 in FIG. 8 ). The processing device 131 determines the priority of charging the batteries 50 among the plurality of electric vehicles 10 based on the acquired battery deterioration information (step S102).

[0104] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for determining the priority of charging the batteries 50 among a plurality of electric vehicles 10. In FIG.

[0105] Based on the battery deterioration information, the processing device 131 can grasp the deterioration level of the battery 50 of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the processing device 131 divides the plurality of electric vehicles 10 into a plurality of groups 211, 212, and 213 based on the battery deterioration information.

[0106] Group 211 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a relatively low level of deterioration of the battery 50 belong. Group 213 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a relatively high level of deterioration of the battery 50 belong. Group 212 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a higher level of deterioration than group 211 but a lower level of deterioration than group 213 belong.

[0107] For example, the processing device 131 classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level less than a first threshold into group 211. The processing device 131 also classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level equal to or greater than a second threshold into group 213. The processing device 131 also classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold into group 212. Here, the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold.

[0108] The processing device 131 determines the priority of charging, for example, so that charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 211 is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 212. Furthermore, for example, the processing device 131 determines the priority of charging so that charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 212 is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213.

[0109] The processing device 131 transmits priority information indicating the determined priority to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operations of the multiple power supply circuits 126 based on the acquired priority information, and charges the battery 50 (step S103).

[0110] The multiple connectors 128 of the charging device 20 are connected to the connectors 118 of the multiple electric vehicles 10, and identification information of the electric vehicles 10 is transmitted from the electric vehicles 10 or the battery 50 to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 can determine which electric vehicles 10 are connected to which connectors 128 based on the identification information.

[0111] The processing device 121 operates the power supply circuit 126 connected to the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the group 211 that has the highest priority for charging, and charges the battery 50 of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the group 211.

[0112] For groups 212 and 213, which have a lower priority for charging than group 211, charging starts later than group 211. Alternatively, charging may not be performed for groups 212 and 213. Furthermore, charging may start later for group 212 than for group 211, but charging may not be performed for group 213.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the priority order for charging the batteries 50 among a plurality of electric vehicles 10 is determined based on battery deterioration information, and the charging of the batteries 50 of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 is controlled based on the determined priority order. The electric vehicles 10 with charged batteries 50 are used sequentially according to the purpose. This makes it possible to adjust the deterioration level of the batteries 50 among the plurality of electric vehicles 10, and makes it easier to operate the plurality of electric vehicles 10.

[0114] As described above, if the charging of the batteries 50 for the group 211 is given priority and the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the group 211 are used preferentially, the deterioration of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the group 211 will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple electric vehicles 10 being managed.

[0115] Similarly, by prioritizing charging of the batteries 50 for group 212 over group 213 and prioritizing use of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 212 over group 213, it is possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries 50.

[0116] Furthermore, a charging priority order may be further determined among the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group. In this case, for example, the processing device 131 determines the priority order such that, among the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the group 211, charging of the batteries 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration is given priority over charging of the batteries 50 with a relatively high level of deterioration.

[0117] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method for further determining the priority order of charging among electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 211. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the processing device 131 divides the plurality of electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 211 into a plurality of groups 221, 222, and 223 based on battery deterioration information.

[0118] Group 221 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a relatively low level of deterioration of the battery 50 belong. Group 223 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a relatively high level of deterioration of the battery 50 belong. Group 222 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a higher level of deterioration than group 221 but a lower level of deterioration than group 223 belong.

[0119] For example, the processing device 131 classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level less than the third threshold into group 221. The processing device 131 also classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level equal to or greater than the fourth threshold into group 223. The processing device 131 also classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level equal to or greater than the third threshold and less than the fourth threshold into group 222. Here, the third threshold is smaller than the fourth threshold.

[0120] The processing device 131 determines the priority of charging, for example, so that charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 221 is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 222. Furthermore, for example, the processing device 131 determines the priority of charging so that charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 222 is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 223.

[0121] The processing device 131 transmits priority information indicating the priority of charging among the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 211 to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the multiple power supply circuits 126 based on the acquired priority information, and charges the battery 50.

[0122] By preferentially charging the battery 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration and preferentially using the electric vehicle 10 equipped with that battery 50, the deterioration of that battery 50 will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 211.

[0123] In the above example, the battery 50 for the group 211 is charged with priority, but the battery 50 for the group 213 may be charged with priority over the batteries 50 for the groups 211 and 212 .

[0124] In this case, the processing device 131 of the management device 30 determines the charging priority so that charging of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213 is given priority over charging of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to groups 211 and 212.

[0125] The processing device 131 transmits priority information indicating the determined priority to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operations of the multiple power supply circuits 126 based on the acquired priority information, and charges the battery 50.

[0126] The processing device 121 operates the power supply circuit 126 connected to the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the group 213 that has the highest priority for charging, and charges the battery 50 of the electric vehicle 10 belonging to the group 213.

[0127] For groups 211 and 212, which have a lower priority for charging than group 213, charging starts later than group 213. Alternatively, charging may not be performed for groups 211 and 212. Furthermore, charging may start later for group 212 than for group 213, but charging may not be performed for group 211.

[0128] By preferentially charging the batteries 50 for group 213 and preferentially using the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213, the deterioration of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213 will progress relatively. This can hasten the replacement time of the electric vehicles 10 and / or batteries 50 belonging to group 213. This makes it easy to replace the plurality of electric vehicles 10 and / or batteries 50 under management one by one with new ones.

[0129] Furthermore, the priorities of charging may be further determined among the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 213. In this case, for example, the processing device 131 determines the priorities such that, among the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the group 213, charging of a battery 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration is given priority over charging of a battery 50 with a relatively high level of deterioration.

[0130] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method for further determining the priority order of charging among electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 213. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the processing device 131 divides the plurality of electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213 into a plurality of groups 231, 232, and 233 based on battery deterioration information.

[0131] Group 231 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a relatively low level of deterioration of the battery 50 belong. Group 233 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a relatively high level of deterioration of the battery 50 belong. Group 232 is a group to which electric vehicles 10 with a higher level of deterioration than group 231 but a lower level of deterioration than group 233 belong.

[0132] For example, the processing device 131 classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level below a fifth threshold into group 231. The processing device 131 also classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level equal to or greater than a sixth threshold into group 233. The processing device 131 also classifies electric vehicles 10 whose battery 50 has a degradation level equal to or greater than the fifth threshold and less than a sixth threshold into group 232. Here, the fifth threshold is smaller than the sixth threshold.

[0133] The processing device 131 determines the priority of charging, for example, so that charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 231 is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 232. Furthermore, for example, the processing device 131 determines the priority of charging so that charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 232 is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 233.

[0134] The processing device 131 transmits priority information indicating the priority of charging among the electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group 213 to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the multiple power supply circuits 126 based on the acquired priority information, and charges the battery 50.

[0135] By preferentially charging the battery 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration and preferentially using the electric vehicle 10 equipped with that battery 50, the deterioration of that battery 50 will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213, and to align the replacement times of the electric vehicles 10 and / or batteries 50 belonging to group 213.

[0136] In the example shown in Fig. 9 above, a plurality of electric vehicles 10 are classified into a plurality of groups 211, 212, and 213 based on the deterioration level of the battery 50. If the deterioration level of the battery 50 changes after such grouping, the group to which the electric vehicle 10 whose deterioration level of the battery 50 has changed may be changed. For example, if the deterioration level of the battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 belonging to group 211 becomes equal to or greater than a first threshold, the processing device 131 reclassifies the electric vehicle 10 into group 212. Furthermore, for example, if the deterioration level of the battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 belonging to group 212 becomes equal to or greater than a second threshold, the processing device 131 reclassifies the electric vehicle 10 into group 213.

[0137] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the number of vehicles per group is predetermined, for example, if the deterioration level of the battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 belonging to group 211 becomes greater than the battery 50 with the smallest deterioration level among the batteries 50 of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 212, those electric vehicles 10 may be swapped between group 211 and group 212. Furthermore, for example, if the deterioration level of the battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 belonging to group 212 becomes greater than the battery 50 with the smallest deterioration level among the batteries 50 of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213, those electric vehicles 10 may be swapped between group 212 and group 213.

[0138] In the above example, the battery deterioration information indicates the SOH (State of Health), but the battery deterioration information is not limited to this. The battery deterioration information may include any content. For example, the battery deterioration information may indicate the number of times the battery 50 has been charged.

[0139] The processing device 131 of the management device 30 may determine the priority order based further on the remaining battery capacity of each of the batteries 50 of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 and the planned use of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 .

[0140] Each of the multiple electric vehicles 10 transmits remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity of the battery 50 mounted thereon to the management device 30. The battery deterioration information indicates, for example, the SOC. The transmission of the remaining battery capacity information to the management device 30 is performed by the processing device 111 or the processing device 151. The remaining battery capacity information includes identification information of the electric vehicle 10 on which the battery 50 is mounted.

[0141] The processing device 141 of the terminal device 40 transmits use plan information input by the user, which indicates planned use of the plurality of electric vehicles 10, to the management device 30. The use plan information indicates, for example, the planned date and time when use of each of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 will begin, together with identification information of the electric vehicles 10.

[0142] The processing device 131 of the management device 30 acquires the remaining battery capacity information and the usage schedule information, and determines the priority of charging based on the acquired remaining battery capacity information and usage schedule information.

[0143] This makes it possible to adjust the pace of charging each battery 50 to match the schedule for when and how many electric vehicles 10 will be used. For example, if there is not enough time before the scheduled date and time when the electric vehicles 10 will start to be used, the batteries 50 with the largest remaining battery capacity can be charged preferentially, so that electric vehicles 10 with fully charged batteries 50 can be prepared by the scheduled date and time.

[0144] In addition, for example, by lowering the priority of an electric vehicle 10 whose scheduled start date and time of use is still in the future, the start of charging of the battery 50 of that electric vehicle 10 can be delayed, thereby suppressing deterioration of the battery 50.

[0145] Such determination of the charging priority based on the remaining battery capacity and the planned use may be performed for electric vehicles 10 belonging to the same group. Furthermore, a plurality of electric vehicles 10 may be grouped taking into consideration the deterioration level of the battery 50, the remaining battery capacity, and the planned use of the electric vehicles 10.

[0146] The processing device 131 may set different charging paces for the batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 with a relatively high priority and electric vehicles 10 with a relatively low priority. This allows the batteries 50 to be charged in accordance with the scheduled start date and time of use of each electric vehicle 10.

[0147] For example, the processing device 131 may transmit to the charging device 20 a command to perform rapid charging on the battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 with a relatively high priority. The processing device 131 may also transmit to the charging device 20 a command to perform charging with a current lower than that in normal mode on the battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 with a relatively low priority. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 126 based on these commands, thereby being able to charge the battery 50 in accordance with the scheduled date and time of the start of use of each electric vehicle 10.

[0148] The processing device 131 may adjust the pace of charging so that charging of the battery 50 of the electric vehicle 10 is completed on the scheduled date and time when use of the electric vehicle 10 will begin. The processing device 131 can calculate the magnitude of the current output by the power supply circuit 126, for example, based on the scheduled date and time when use of the electric vehicle 10 will begin and the remaining battery capacity. Depending on the type of secondary battery, maintaining a fully charged state for a long period of time may accelerate deterioration. In such cases, deterioration of the battery 50 can be suppressed by adjusting the pace of charging so that charging of the battery 50 is completed on the scheduled date and time when use of the electric vehicle 10 will begin.

[0149] Note that "charging of the battery 50 is completed at the scheduled date and time" is not limited to "charging of the battery 50 is completed exactly at the scheduled date and time." "Charging of the battery 50 is completed at the scheduled date and time" also includes "charging of the battery 50 is completed a little before (for example, 20 to 60 minutes before) the scheduled date and time." "Charging of the battery 50 is completed" means that the remaining battery capacity reaches a predetermined amount (for example, 100%), but is not limited to this.

[0150] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example in which charging is performed in accordance with the scheduled start date and time of use of each of a plurality of electric vehicles 10.

[0151] 12 , group 211 includes electric vehicles 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c. Assume that electric vehicle 10 a has the earliest scheduled start date and time of use, electric vehicle 10 b has the second earliest scheduled start date and time of use, and electric vehicle 10 c has the latest scheduled start date and time of use.

[0152] In this case, the processing device 131 slows the pace of charging the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10b slower than the pace of charging the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10a. Also, the processing device 131 slows the pace of charging the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10c slower than the pace of charging the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10b. The processing device 131 transmits a command indicating such a charging pace to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 126 based on the command from the processing device 131. By slowing the pace of charging the battery 50 of the electric vehicle 10 whose scheduled start date and time of use is later and delaying the date and time at which charging of the battery 50 is completed, deterioration of the battery 50 can be suppressed.

[0153] Furthermore, the processing device 131 may set the start date and time of charging of the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10b later than the start date and time of charging of the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10a. Furthermore, the start date and time of charging of the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10c may be later than the start date and time of charging of the battery 50 of electric vehicle 10b. The processing device 131 transmits a command indicating such a start date and time of charging to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 126 based on the command from the processing device 131. By delaying the start date and time of charging of the battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 whose scheduled start date and time of use is later and delaying the date and time at which charging of the battery 50 is completed, deterioration of the battery 50 can be suppressed.

[0154] Furthermore, the processing device 131 may create a charging schedule in which the batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 with a relatively low priority are charged during times when electric vehicles 10 with a relatively high priority are used. For example, the batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 211 that are scheduled to be used during the day are charged at night using a commercial power source. The batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 212 are charged during the day using a solar power generation device.

[0155] The processing device 131 transmits information indicating such a charging schedule to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 126 based on the information acquired from the processing device 131. The battery 50 of an electric vehicle 10 with a relatively low priority can be charged using solar power generation by charging during the time period when an electric vehicle 10 with a relatively high priority is used, for example, during the day.

[0156] Furthermore, the processing device 131 may create a charging schedule that does not charge at least some of the batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 with a relatively low priority. Furthermore, the processing device 131 may create a charging schedule that does not charge the batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 for which a scheduled date and time for starting use has not been set. The processing device 131 transmits information indicating such a charging schedule to the charging device 20. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 126 based on the information acquired from the processing device 131. By not charging at least some of the batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 with a low priority, deterioration of those batteries 50 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by not charging the batteries 50 of electric vehicles 10 that are not scheduled to be used, deterioration of those batteries 50 can be suppressed.

[0157] Furthermore, the processing device 131 may determine the priority order based on the magnitude of the power consumption expected when the electric vehicle 10 is used. For example, assume that the use plan information acquired from the terminal device 40 indicates a use plan in which the power consumption will be large. In this case, by determining the charging priority order so that an electric vehicle 10 equipped with a battery 50 having a low degradation level can be prepared, charging can be performed according to the use plan. The processing device 131 transmits priority order information to the charging device 20 indicating a priority order that prioritizes charging of a battery 50 having a low degradation level. The processing device 121 of the charging device 20 controls the operation of the power supply circuit 126 based on the priority order information acquired from the processing device 131. This allows charging to be performed according to a use plan in which the power consumption will be large.

[0158] As described above, the processing executed by management device 30 may be performed by terminal device 40 or by charging device 20. Furthermore, these processing may be performed by two or more of management device 30, terminal device 40, and charging device 20 working together.

[0159] Furthermore, the control of the plurality of power supply circuits 126 performed by the processing device 121 of the charging device 20 described above may be performed by the processing device 131 and / or the processing device 141 .

[0160] The charge management system 1 of the present embodiment may include a plurality of charging devices 20. Each of the plurality of charging devices 20 transmits and receives information to and from the electric vehicles 10, the management device 30, and the terminal device 40, and charges the batteries 50 of the plurality of electric vehicles 10.

[0161] Furthermore, the above-described plurality of electric vehicles 10 may be allocated to a plurality of golf courses. For example, the deterioration level of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 211 shown in FIG. 9 is relatively low, while the deterioration level of the batteries 50 of the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213 is relatively high. In such a case, the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 211 may be allocated to golf courses where the driving distance is relatively long, and the electric vehicles 10 belonging to group 213 may be allocated to golf courses where the driving distance is relatively short. At golf courses where the driving distance is short, there are cases where the electric vehicles 10 can be driven without problems even if the battery 50 has a high deterioration level. By providing such golf courses with electric vehicles 10 with a high deterioration level at low cost, the golf courses can be operated efficiently.

[0162] The plurality of electric vehicles 10 described above may be used in places other than a golf course. For example, if there are available reservations for the golf course, some of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 may be used in places other than the golf course. For example, some of the plurality of electric vehicles 10 may be used as personal mobility.

[0163] The present specification discloses a charge management system, a charge management method, and a computer program product described in the following items.

[0164] [Item 1] A charge management system 1 that manages the charging of batteries 50 mounted on multiple mobile bodies 10, comprising one or more charging devices 20 and one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141, wherein the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 acquire battery deterioration information indicating the deterioration level of each of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10, determine a priority for charging the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10 based on the battery deterioration information, and control the charging of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10 using one or more charging devices 20 based on the determined priority.

[0165] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a priority order for charging batteries 50 among multiple mobile bodies 10 is determined based on battery deterioration information, and charging of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10 is controlled based on the determined priority order. The mobile bodies 10 with charged batteries 50 are used sequentially according to the purpose. This makes it possible to adjust the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10, thereby facilitating the operation of the multiple mobile bodies 10. For example, the operation of the multiple mobile bodies 10 can be facilitated by equalizing the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10 or by accelerating the deterioration of the batteries 50 of a specific mobile body 10 according to the purpose.

[0166] [Item 2] The one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 divide the plurality of mobile bodies 10 into a plurality of groups 211, 212, 213 based on battery deterioration information, the plurality of groups 211, 212, 213 including: a first group to which mobile bodies 10 having a relatively low level of deterioration of their batteries 50 belong; and a second group to which mobile bodies 10 having a relatively high level of deterioration of their batteries 50 belong; and the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 determine priorities such that charging of one of the batteries 50 of the mobile bodies 10 belonging to the first group and the batteries 50 of the mobile bodies 10 belonging to the second group is given priority over charging of the other.

[0167] This makes it possible to adjust the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10. For example, by preferentially charging the batteries 50 of the first group and using the mobile bodies 10 belonging to the first group, the deterioration of the batteries 50 of the mobile bodies 10 belonging to the first group will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10 being managed.

[0168] Furthermore, for example, by preferentially charging the batteries 50 of the second group and using the mobile objects 10 belonging to the second group, the deterioration of the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 belonging to the second group will progress relatively. This can shorten the replacement time of the mobile objects 10 and / or batteries 50 belonging to the second group. This makes it easy to replace the multiple mobile objects 10 and / or batteries 50 under management one by one with new ones.

[0169] [Item 3] The one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 determine priorities such that charging of the battery 50 of the mobile object 10 belonging to the first group is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the mobile object 10 belonging to the second group.

[0170] By prioritizing charging of the batteries 50 for the first group and using the mobile objects 10 belonging to the first group, the deterioration of the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 belonging to the first group will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration level of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile objects 10 under management.

[0171] [Item 4] The one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 determine priorities among the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 belonging to the first group such that charging of the batteries 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration is given priority over charging of the batteries 50 with a relatively high level of deterioration.

[0172] By prioritizing charging of the battery 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration and using the mobile object 10 equipped with that battery 50, the deterioration of that battery 50 will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 belonging to the first group.

[0173] [Item 5] The one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 determine priorities such that charging of the battery 50 of the mobile object 10 belonging to the second group is given priority over charging of the battery 50 of the mobile object 10 belonging to the first group.

[0174] By prioritizing charging of the batteries 50 for the second group and using the mobile objects 10 belonging to the second group, the deterioration of the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 belonging to the second group will progress relatively. This can shorten the replacement time of the mobile objects 10 and / or batteries 50 belonging to the second group. This makes it easy to replace the multiple mobile objects 10 and / or batteries 50 under management one by one with new ones.

[0175] [Item 6] The one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 determine priorities among the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 belonging to the second group such that charging of the batteries 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration is given priority over charging of the batteries 50 with a relatively high level of deterioration.

[0176] By prioritizing charging of the battery 50 with a relatively low level of deterioration and using the mobile object 10 equipped with that battery 50, the deterioration of that battery 50 will progress relatively. This makes it possible to equalize the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 belonging to the second group, and to align the replacement times of the mobile objects 10 and / or batteries 50 belonging to the second group.

[0177] [Item 7] The charge management system 1 according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 acquire remaining battery capacity information indicating the remaining battery capacity of each of the batteries 50 of the plurality of mobile bodies 10 and usage schedule information indicating the planned use of the plurality of mobile bodies 10, and further determine priorities based on the remaining battery capacity information and the usage schedule information.

[0178] This allows the charging pace of each battery 50 to be adjusted to match the schedule of when and how many mobile units 10 will be used.

[0179] Also, for example, if there is not enough time before the scheduled date and time when the mobile body 10 is to start using, the battery 50 with the largest remaining battery capacity can be charged preferentially, so that the mobile body 10 with the battery 50 fully charged can be prepared by the scheduled date and time.

[0180] Also, for example, by lowering the priority of a mobile body 10 whose scheduled start date and time of use is still in the future, the start of charging of the battery 50 of that mobile body 10 can be delayed, thereby suppressing deterioration of the battery 50.

[0181] [Item 8] The charge management system 1 according to Item 7, wherein the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 cause the charging pace of the battery 50 to differ between a mobile object 10 with a relatively high priority and a mobile object 10 with a relatively low priority.

[0182] This allows the battery 50 to be charged according to the scheduled date and time when each moving object 10 starts to be used.

[0183] [Item 9] The charge management system 1 according to item 7 or 8, wherein the plurality of mobile bodies 10 includes a first mobile body 10, and the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 adjust the pace of charging so that charging of the battery 50 of the first mobile body 10 is completed at a scheduled date and time when use of the first mobile body 10 is to begin.

[0184] Depending on the type of battery 50, maintaining a fully charged state for a long period of time may accelerate deterioration. In such a case, deterioration of the battery 50 can be suppressed by adjusting the pace of charging so that charging of the battery 50 is completed at the scheduled date and time when use of the mobile object 10 is to begin.

[0185] [Item 10] The charge management system 1 described in any one of Items 7 to 9, wherein the multiple mobile bodies 10 include a first mobile body 10 and a second mobile body 10 that has a scheduled start date and time of use later than the first mobile body 10, and the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 make the pace of charging the battery 50 of the second mobile body 10 slower than the pace of charging the battery 50 of the first mobile body 10.

[0186] By slowing down the pace of charging the battery 50 of the moving body 10 whose scheduled start date and time of use is later and delaying the date and time when charging of the battery 50 is completed, deterioration of the battery 50 can be suppressed.

[0187] [Item 11] The charge management system 1 described in any one of items 7 to 10, wherein the multiple mobile bodies 10 include a first mobile body 10 and a second mobile body 10 having a scheduled start date and time of use later than that of the first mobile body 10, and the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 set the start date and time of charging the battery 50 of the second mobile body 10 later than the start date and time of charging the battery 50 of the first mobile body 10.

[0188] By delaying the date and time when charging of the battery 50 of the moving body 10 whose scheduled start date and time of use is later, and delaying the date and time when charging of the battery 50 is completed, deterioration of the battery 50 can be suppressed.

[0189] [Item 12] The charge management system 1 according to any one of Items 7 to 11, wherein the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 charge the battery 50 of a mobile object 10 with a relatively low priority during a time period in which a mobile object 10 with a relatively high priority is used.

[0190] By charging during the time period when the mobile object 10 with a relatively high priority is used, for example, during the day, charging can be performed using solar power generation.

[0191] [Item 13] The charge management system 1 according to any one of items 7 to 12, wherein the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 do not charge at least some of the batteries 50 of the mobile objects 10 with a relatively low priority.

[0192] By not charging at least some of the batteries 50 of the moving objects 10 with low priority, deterioration of those batteries 50 can be suppressed.

[0193] [Item 14] The charge management system 1 according to any one of items 7 to 13, wherein the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 do not charge the battery 50 of a moving object 10 for which a scheduled date and time for starting use has not been set.

[0194] By not charging the battery 50 of the moving body 10 that is not scheduled to be used, deterioration of the battery 50 can be suppressed.

[0195] [Item 15] The charge management system 1 according to any one of items 7 to 14, wherein the one or more processing devices 121, 131, 141 determine the priority based on the magnitude of the amount of power consumption expected when the mobile object 10 is used.

[0196] For example, by determining priorities so that a mobile body 10 equipped with a battery 50 with a low level of deterioration can be prepared for a planned use that will consume a large amount of power, charging can be performed according to the planned use.

[0197] [Item 16] The charge management system 1 according to any one of Items 1 to 15, wherein the mobile object 10 is an electric vehicle.

[0198] This allows the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 to be adjusted among the plurality of electric vehicles 10, making it possible to easily operate the plurality of electric vehicles 10.

[0199] [Item 17] A charge management method executed by one or more computers for managing the charging of batteries 50 mounted on multiple mobile bodies 10, the charge management method including: acquiring battery deterioration information indicating the deterioration level of each of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10; determining a priority for charging the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10 based on the battery deterioration information; and controlling the charging of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10 based on the determined priority.

[0200] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a priority order for charging batteries 50 among multiple mobile bodies 10 is determined based on battery deterioration information, and charging of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10 is controlled based on the determined priority order. The mobile bodies 10 with charged batteries 50 are used sequentially according to the purpose. This makes it possible to adjust the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10, thereby facilitating the operation of the multiple mobile bodies 10. For example, the operation of the multiple mobile bodies 10 can be facilitated by equalizing the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10 or by accelerating the deterioration of the batteries 50 of a specific mobile body 10 according to the purpose.

[0201] [Item 18] A computer program that causes one or more computers to execute management of charging of batteries 50 mounted on multiple mobile bodies 10, the computer program causing the one or more computers to execute the following: acquiring battery deterioration information indicating a deterioration level of each of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10; determining a priority for charging the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10 based on the battery deterioration information; and controlling the charging of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10 based on the determined priority.

[0202] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a priority order for charging batteries 50 among multiple mobile bodies 10 is determined based on battery deterioration information, and charging of the batteries 50 of the multiple mobile bodies 10 is controlled based on the determined priority order. The mobile bodies 10 with charged batteries 50 are used sequentially according to the purpose. This makes it possible to adjust the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10, thereby facilitating the operation of the multiple mobile bodies 10. For example, the operation of the multiple mobile bodies 10 can be facilitated by equalizing the deterioration levels of the batteries 50 among the multiple mobile bodies 10 or by accelerating the deterioration of the batteries 50 of a specific mobile body 10 according to the purpose.

[0203] The technology of the present disclosure is particularly useful in the technical field of charging mobile objects.

[0204] 1: Charging management system, 10: Mobile body (electric vehicle), 11: Body frame, 12: Front pillar, 13: Rear pillar, 14: Roof, 15F: Front wheel, 15R: Rear wheel, 16: Bag support, 17F: Front seat, 17R: Rear seat, 18: Steering wheel, 20: Charging device, 30: Management device, 40: Terminal device, 50: Battery, 60: Electric motor, 70: Communication network, 80: Power supply, 110: Control device, 111: Processing device, 112: ROM, 113: RAM, 114: Communication device, 115: ECU, 116: Drive device, 117: Sensor, 118: Connector, 120: Control device, 121: Processing device, 122: ROM, 123: RAM, 124: Communication device, 126: Power supply circuit, 127: Sensor, 128: Connector, 130: Control device, 131: Processing device, 132: ROM, 133: RAM, 134: Communication device, 135: Storage device, 140: Control device, 141: Processing device, 142: ROM, 143: RAM, 144: Communication device, 145: Storage device, 146: Display device, 147: Input device, 150: BMS, 151: Processing device, 152: ROM, 153: RAM, 154: Communication device, 155: Cell monitor, 156: Battery module, 156a: Battery cell, 157: Sensor, 211, 212, 213: Group, 221, 222, 223: Group, 231, 232, 233: Group

Claims

1. A charging management system for managing the charging of batteries mounted on a plurality of moving bodies, comprising: one or more charging devices; and one or more processing devices, wherein the one or more processing devices acquire battery degradation information indicating the degradation level of each of the batteries of the plurality of moving bodies, determine a charging priority of the batteries among the plurality of moving bodies based on the battery degradation information, and control the charging of the batteries of the plurality of moving bodies using the one or more charging devices based on the determined priority.

2. The one or more processing devices divide the plurality of moving bodies into a plurality of groups based on the battery degradation information, the plurality of groups including: a first group to which the moving bodies with relatively low battery degradation levels belong; and a second group to which the moving bodies with relatively high battery degradation levels belong, and the one or more processing devices determine the priority so that the charging of one of the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the first group and the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the second group is prioritized over the charging of the other. The charging management system according to claim 1.

3. The one or more processing devices determine the priority so that the charging of the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the first group is prioritized over the charging of the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the second group. The charging management system according to claim 2.

4. The one or more processing devices determine the priority so that, among the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the first group, the charging of the batteries with relatively low degradation levels is prioritized over the charging of the batteries with relatively high degradation levels. The charging management system according to claim 3.

5. The one or more processing devices determine the priority so that the charging of the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the second group is prioritized over the charging of the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the first group. The charging management system according to claim 2.

6. The one or more processing devices determine the priority so that, among the batteries of the moving bodies belonging to the second group, the charging of the batteries with relatively low degradation levels is prioritized over the charging of the batteries with relatively high degradation levels. The charging management system according to claim 5.

7. The one or more processing devices acquire battery remaining capacity information indicating the remaining capacity of each battery of the plurality of mobile bodies and usage schedule information indicating the usage schedules of the plurality of mobile bodies, and determine the priority order based on the battery remaining capacity information and the usage schedule information. The charging management system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The one or more processing devices cause the charging pace of the battery to differ between the mobile body with a relatively high priority order and the mobile body with a relatively low priority order. The charging management system according to claim 7.

9. The plurality of mobile bodies include a first mobile body, and the one or more processing devices adjust the charging pace so that the charging of the battery of the first mobile body is completed by the scheduled date and time of the start of use of the first mobile body. The charging management system according to claim 7.

10. The plurality of mobile bodies include a first mobile body and a second mobile body whose scheduled date and time of the start of use is later than that of the first mobile body, and the one or more processing devices make the charging pace of the battery of the second mobile body slower than the charging pace of the battery of the first mobile body. The charging management system according to claim 7.

11. The plurality of mobile bodies include a first mobile body and a second mobile body whose scheduled date and time of the start of use is later than that of the first mobile body, and the one or more processing devices make the start date and time of the charging of the battery of the second mobile body later than the start date and time of the charging of the battery of the first mobile body. The charging management system according to claim 7.

12. The one or more processing devices perform the charging of the battery of the mobile body with a relatively low priority order during the time period when the mobile body with a relatively high priority order is used. The charging management system according to claim 7.

13. The one or more processing devices do not perform the charging of at least a part of the batteries of the mobile bodies with a relatively low priority order. The charging management system according to claim 7.

14. The one or more processing devices do not perform the charging of the batteries of the mobile bodies for which the scheduled date and time of the start of use are not set. The charging management system according to claim 7.

15. The one or more processing devices determine the priority order based on the magnitude of the power consumption expected during the use of the mobile body. The charging management system according to claim 7.

16. The mobile body is an electric vehicle. The charging management system according to claim 1 or 2.

17. A charging management method for managing the charging of batteries mounted on a plurality of moving bodies, which is executed by one or more computers, the method comprising: obtaining battery degradation information indicating the degradation level of each of the batteries of the plurality of moving bodies; determining a charging priority of the batteries among the plurality of moving bodies based on the battery degradation information; and controlling the charging of the batteries of the plurality of moving bodies based on the determined priority.

18. A computer program for causing one or more computers to execute management of charging of batteries mounted on a plurality of moving bodies, the computer program causing the one or more computers to: obtain battery degradation information indicating the degradation level of each of the batteries of the plurality of moving bodies; determine a charging priority of the batteries among the plurality of moving bodies based on the battery degradation information; and control the charging of the batteries of the plurality of moving bodies based on the determined priority.

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