Information processing device, computer program, and information processing method

Abstract

Provided are an information processing device, a computer program, and an information processing method with which it is possible to provide stable charging and discharging of power storage elements. The information processing device comprises a control unit, and the control unit: acquires monitoring information time-series data of power storage elements included in a power storage system; uses a first capacity estimation method to diagnose the capacities of the power storage elements on the basis of the acquired time-series data; selects a specific power storage element from among the power storage elements on the basis of the capacity diagnosis results of the power storage elements; and uses a second capacity estimation method to diagnose the capacity of the selected power storage element on the basis of the time-series data.

Description

Information processing device, computer program, and information processing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a computer program, and an information processing method.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART The use of power storage elements in large-scale systems for storing power generated by renewable energy or existing power generation systems is expanding.

[0003] In systems that use energy storage elements, maintenance activities are important, including diagnosing the state of the energy storage elements, estimating the state of charge (SOC), predicting their lifespan, etc. A technology has been proposed that enables users or maintenance personnel of the energy storage elements to remotely obtain information on the SOC or lifespan prediction of the energy storage elements included in these systems via a server device.

[0004] JP 2015-121520 A

[0005] Energy storage devices such as lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being used in industrial applications such as grid energy storage systems, and remote monitoring technology is being used to notify abnormalities in the energy storage devices, guarantee capacity, create reports, etc. In addition, with the recent expansion of the electricity market, efforts are being made to make electricity a commodity, and in the electricity supply and demand adjustment market, there is a demand for three hours of continuous charging and discharging, and there is an increasing need to provide stable charging and discharging.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a computer program, and an information processing method that can provide stable charging and discharging of an energy storage element.

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that acquires time series data of monitoring information of storage elements included in a power storage system, diagnoses the capacity of the storage elements using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data, selects a specific storage element from the storage elements based on the capacity diagnosis result of the storage elements, and diagnoses the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

[0008] According to the information processing device of the above aspect, stable charging and discharging of the power storage element can be provided.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a remote monitoring system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure of a group of energy storage modules and a connection form of communication devices. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a device included in the remote monitoring system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of capacity estimation using a ΔSOC method. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of capacity estimation using a DCR method. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a partial charge / discharge profile of a cell of an energy storage element. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen showing whether or not a capacity diagnosis result for a cell of an energy storage element is available. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen showing a capacity diagnosis result for a cell of an energy storage element.

[0010] The information processing device includes a control unit that acquires time series data of monitoring information of storage elements included in the energy storage system, diagnoses the capacity of the storage elements using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data, selects a specific storage element from the storage elements based on the capacity diagnosis result of the storage elements, and diagnoses the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

[0011] The monitoring information includes, for example, at least one of the voltage, current, and temperature of the storage element acquired by the sensor, preferably includes the voltage and current, and more preferably includes the voltage, current, and temperature.

[0012] The time series data may be data for at least a predetermined period of time (for example, three hours to correspond to a requirement for three hours of continuous charging and discharging), and may be data spanning a period of one day (24 hours), one week, one month, etc.

[0013] The first capacity estimation method includes a method for estimating the full charge capacity of a storage element at the time of estimation that is simpler than the second capacity estimation method and requires less time and effort for the estimation process. The second capacity estimation method includes a method that can estimate the full charge capacity more accurately than the first capacity estimation method. Hereinafter, the full charge capacity will also be simply referred to as "capacity."

[0014] The energy storage elements are targets (e.g., cells) whose capacities are diagnosed by the first capacity estimation method, and can be set in advance depending on the type of the energy storage system, the operating state, etc. The energy storage elements may be all the cells in the energy storage system, or may be some of the cells in the energy storage system.

[0015] The specific storage element is a target (e.g., a cell) whose capacity is to be diagnosed by the second capacity estimation method among the storage elements whose capacities have been diagnosed by the first capacity estimation method, and is selected based on the capacity diagnosis result by the first capacity estimation method. For example, if there are storage elements whose capacities have been diagnosed as "normal" and storage elements whose capacities have been diagnosed as "decreased" by the first capacity estimation method, the storage element whose capacity has been diagnosed as "decreased" can be selected as the specific storage element.

[0016] According to the information processing device described above, a rough capacity diagnosis is performed on the energy storage device to be diagnosed using a simple first capacity estimation method. Based on the capacity diagnosis results, a capacity diagnosis is then performed on the energy storage device requiring a more accurate capacity diagnosis using a second capacity estimation method. For example, if the diagnosis using the first capacity estimation method reveals an abnormality, such as a capacity drop, or a symptom thereof, a more accurate capacity diagnosis result can be obtained using the second capacity estimation method. Even if the estimation process using the second capacity estimation method requires a relatively long time and processing effort, the first capacity estimation method can narrow down the energy storage devices to be diagnosed, thereby enabling efficient capacity diagnosis of the energy storage devices as a whole. This allows for stable charging and discharging of the energy storage devices, avoiding the need to shut down the system or change operations based solely on the first capacity estimation method, which is not sufficiently accurate.

[0017] The control unit may transmit display information that displays the capacity diagnosis results of the storage element using the first capacity estimation method, accept the selection of the specific storage element, and diagnose the capacity of the selected storage element using the second capacity estimation method.

[0018] With the above-described configuration, for example, an operator remotely monitoring a power storage system can view the capacity diagnosis results using the first capacity estimation method that are displayed, select storage elements that require more detailed capacity diagnosis, and perform capacity diagnosis using the second capacity estimation method.

[0019] The control unit may transmit display information that allows a storage element whose capacity meets a predetermined condition to be selected based on the capacity diagnosis result of the storage element using the first capacity estimation method, accept the selection of the specific storage element, and diagnose the capacity of the selected storage element using the second capacity estimation method.

[0020] The predetermined condition may be any condition for identifying a storage element that requires capacity diagnosis using the second capacity estimation method. The predetermined condition may be, for example, that the capacity is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, that the capacity is abnormal (i.e., the capacity is reduced), or that the capacity is within a predetermined lower percentage (e.g., 5%) of the capacity estimated using the first capacity estimation method. The predetermined condition may be set in advance, or may be changeable.

[0021] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to efficiently select storage elements whose capacities are diagnosed using the second capacity estimation method from among those whose capacities obtained using the first capacity estimation method satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0022] The control unit may transmit display information for displaying a predetermined graphic to a storage element whose capacity satisfies a predetermined condition based on a result of capacity diagnosis of the storage element using the first capacity estimation method.

[0023] The graphics may be diagrams, illustrations, or photographs of the energy storage elements, and may also be colored or patterned.

[0024] The above-described configuration improves the visibility of the capacity diagnosis results of the storage elements, and makes it possible to efficiently select storage elements whose capacities are to be diagnosed using the second capacity estimation method.

[0025] The control unit may transmit display information that allows a plurality of hierarchical structures that hierarchically configure the energy storage system to be selectively displayed, and the display information may allow a hierarchical structure that includes cells of energy storage elements whose capacity satisfies a predetermined condition to be selectively displayed in a predetermined display manner.

[0026] The multiple hierarchical configuration includes, for example, a specific battery compartment, a unit that constitutes the battery compartment, a battery panel that constitutes the unit, a bank that constitutes the battery panel, a module that constitutes the bank, and the like.

[0027] The power storage elements may be displayed in a selectable manner, for example, in a manner that can attract the operator's attention, such as by highlighting or inverting the display.

[0028] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to efficiently select cells of the energy storage elements for which capacity diagnosis is to be performed using the second capacity estimation method from the hierarchical configuration of the energy storage system.

[0029] The control unit may accept the selection of the hierarchical configuration, and diagnose the cell capacity of the energy storage elements included in the accepted hierarchical configuration using the second capacity estimation method.

[0030] The above-described configuration makes it possible to provide an easy-to-use user interface for selecting cells of the energy storage element for which capacity diagnosis is to be performed using the second capacity estimation method.

[0031] The energy storage elements whose capacities are diagnosed using the first capacity estimation method may include all cells included in the energy storage system.

[0032] The above-described configuration allows for a simple method of capacity diagnosis for all cells included in the energy storage system, thereby improving the reliability of the capacity diagnosis compared to when only a portion of the cells are sampled to perform capacity diagnosis.

[0033] The control unit may use at least one of a ΔSOC method and a DCR method as the first capacity estimation method.

[0034] With the above-described configuration, the capacity of the storage element can be diagnosed using a relatively simple method and with limited calculation resources.

[0035] The control unit may use, as the second capacity estimation method, a method of plotting an integrated current of a cell of the energy storage element and a voltage of the cell corresponding to the integrated current to generate a partial charge / discharge profile.

[0036] With the above-described configuration, the capacity of the cells of the storage element can be diagnosed using the second capacity estimation method, which is relatively accurate, and appropriate information can be provided for making decisions regarding serious events such as system shutdowns and operational changes.

[0037] The computer program causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire time series data of monitoring information of storage elements included in a storage system; diagnose the capacity of the storage elements using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data; select a specific storage element from the storage elements based on the capacity diagnosis result of the storage elements; and diagnose the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

[0038] The information processing method acquires time series data of monitoring information of storage elements included in a storage system, diagnoses the capacity of the storage elements using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data, selects a specific storage element from the storage elements based on the capacity diagnosis result of the storage elements, and diagnoses the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

[0039] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0040] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a remote monitoring system 100. The remote monitoring system 100 enables remote access to information relating to the energy storage elements and power supply-related devices included in a mega solar power generation system S, a thermal power generation system F, and a wind power generation system W. A rectifier (a DC power supply device or an AC power supply device) D installed in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) U, a stabilized power supply system for railways, etc. may also be remotely monitored.

[0041] A power conditioning system (PCS) P and a power storage system 101 are installed in parallel in the mega solar power generation system S, the thermal power generation system F, and the wind power generation system W. The power storage system 101 may be configured by arranging a plurality of containers C, each housing a power storage module group L, in parallel. Alternatively, the power storage module group L and the power conditioner P may be placed inside a building (power storage room). The power storage module group L includes a plurality of power storage elements. The power storage elements are preferably rechargeable, such as secondary batteries such as lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries, or capacitors. Some of the power storage elements may be non-rechargeable primary batteries.

[0042] In the remote monitoring system 100, a communication device 1 (see FIG. 2 ) is mounted on / connected to each of the power storage systems 101 or devices (P, U, D and a management device M described below) in the systems S, F, and W to be monitored. The remote monitoring system 100 includes the communication device 1, a server device 2 as an information processing device that collects information from the communication device 1, a client device 3 for viewing the collected information, and a network N as a communication medium between the devices.

[0043] The communication device 1 may be a terminal device (measurement monitor) that communicates with a battery management unit (BMU) provided in the energy storage element to receive information about the energy storage element, or may be a controller compatible with ECHONET (registered trademark) / ECHONET Lite (registered trademark). The communication device 1 may be an independent device, or may be a network card-type device that can be mounted on a power conditioner P or a power storage module group L. One communication device 1 is provided for each group consisting of multiple power storage modules in order to acquire information about the power storage module group L in the energy storage system 101. A plurality of power conditioners P are connected to enable serial communication, and the communication device 1 is connected to the control unit of any one of the power conditioners P that serves as a representative.

[0044] The server device 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a web server function, and presents information obtained from the communication device 1 installed in / connected to each device to be monitored in response to access from the client device 3.

[0045] The network N includes a public communication network N1, which is the so-called Internet, and a carrier network N2 that realizes wireless communication according to a predetermined mobile communication standard. The public communication network N1 includes a general optical fiber line, and the network N includes a dedicated line to which the server device 2 is connected. The network N may also include an ECHONET (registered trademark) / ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) compatible network. The carrier network N2 includes a base station BS, and the client device 3 can communicate with the server device 2 from the base station BS via the network N. An access point AP is connected to the public communication network N1, and the client device 3 can send and receive information to and from the server device 2 via the network N from the access point AP.

[0046] The power storage module group L of the power storage system 101 has a hierarchical structure. The communication device 1, which transmits information about the power storage elements to the server device 2, acquires information about the power storage module group from a management device M provided in the power storage module group L shown in FIG.

[0047] The energy storage module group L shown in FIG. 2 is configured in a hierarchical structure including, for example, energy storage modules (also referred to as modules) each having a plurality of energy storage cells (also referred to as cells) connected in series, banks each having a plurality of energy storage modules connected in series, and domains each having a plurality of banks connected in parallel. In the example of FIG. 2 , one management device M is provided for each of the banks numbered 1 to N and each of the domains each having banks connected in parallel. The management device M provided for each bank communicates via serial communication with a control board (CMU: Cell Management Unit) with communication capabilities built into each energy storage module to acquire measurement data (current, voltage, temperature) for the energy storage cells within the energy storage module. The management device M for each bank performs management processing such as detecting abnormalities in the communication state. The management device M for each bank transmits measurement data obtained from the energy storage modules of each bank to the management device M provided for the domain. The management device M for each domain aggregates information such as measurement data and detected abnormalities obtained from the management devices M of the banks belonging to that domain. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication device 1 is connected to a management device M of a domain.

[0048] The power storage system 101 described below is a large-scale ESS including a plurality of domains in which the banks shown in FIG. 2 are connected in parallel.

[0049] In the remote monitoring system 100, a server device 2 uses a communication device 1 mounted on each device to collect monitoring information such as the voltage, current, and temperature of the cells of the storage elements in the power storage system 101, as well as information such as the SOC and SOH (State of Health) and detected abnormalities, and presents the status of the power storage system 101 based on the collected data. The voltage, current, and temperature of the cells of the storage elements can be configured as time-series data.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the devices included in the remote monitoring system 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the communication device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a first communication unit 12, and a second communication unit 13. The control unit 10 is a processor that uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each component unit and executes processing using built-in memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0051] The storage unit 11 uses a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 11 stores a device program 1P that is read and executed by the control unit 10. The device program 1P includes communication programs conforming to SSH (Secure Shell), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), etc. The storage unit 11 stores information collected by the processing of the control unit 10, event logs, and other information. The information stored in the storage unit 11 can also be read via a communication interface such as a USB, the terminal of which is exposed on the housing of the communication device 1. The device program 1P stored in the storage unit 11 may be a device program 4P stored on the recording medium 4 that has been read and copied to the storage unit 11.

[0052] The first communication unit 12 is a communication interface that realizes communication with the monitored device to which the communication device 1 is connected. The first communication unit 12 uses, for example, a serial communication interface such as RS-232C or RS-485. For example, the power conditioner P includes a control unit having a serial communication function compliant with RS-485, and the first communication unit 12 communicates with the control unit. When the control boards included in the power storage module group L are connected by a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus and communication between the control boards is realized by CAN communication, the first communication unit 12 is a communication interface based on the CAN protocol. The first communication unit 12 may be a communication interface that complies with the ECHONET (registered trademark) / ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) standards.

[0053] The second communication unit 13 is an interface that realizes communication via the network N, and uses a communication interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless communication antenna. The control unit 10 can be connected to the server device 2 for communication via the second communication unit 13. The second communication unit 13 may be a communication interface that complies with the ECHONET (registered trademark) / ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) standards.

[0054] In the communication device 1 configured in this manner, the control unit 10 acquires measurement data for the energy storage elements obtained by the device to which the communication device 1 is connected via the first communication unit 12. The control unit 10 may function as an SNMP agent by reading and executing an SNMP program and responding to an information request from the server device 2.

[0055] The server device 2 uses a server computer and includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a communication unit 22. In this embodiment, the server device 2 is described as a single server computer, but the processing may be distributed among a plurality of server computers.

[0056] The control unit 20 is a processor using a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and uses built-in memories such as ROM and RAM to control each component and execute processing. The control unit 20 executes communication and information processing based on a server program 21P stored in the storage unit 21. The server program 21P includes a web server program, and the control unit 20 functions as a web server that provides web pages to the client device 3. Based on the server program 21P, the control unit 20 collects information from the communication device 1 as an SNMP server.

[0057] The storage unit 21 uses a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The above-mentioned server program 21P and data processing program 22P are stored in the storage unit 21. The server program 21P and data processing program 22P stored in the storage unit 21 may be the server program 51P and data processing program 52P stored in the recording medium 5 that have been read and copied to the storage unit 21.

[0058] The storage unit 21 stores measurement data of the power conditioner P and the power storage module group L of the power storage system 101 to be monitored, which data is collected by processing by the control unit 20. The measurement data is associated with identification information (number) that identifies the power storage system 101 or the power conditioner P. The measurement data of the power storage module group L is stored according to a hierarchical structure of domain, bank, module, or cell.

[0059] The storage unit 21 stores a plurality of images for displaying the status of the power storage module group L or devices P, U, D that are the monitoring targets. The plurality of images are stored in the storage unit 21 in association with identification information that identifies the power storage module group L or devices P, U, D that are the monitoring targets. The plurality of images includes an image that represents the power storage module group L or devices P, U, D.

[0060] The communication unit 22 is a communication device that realizes communication connection and transmission and reception of information via the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 22 is a network card compatible with the network N.

[0061] The client device 3 is a computer used by an operator such as a manager or maintenance technician of the power storage system 101 of the power generation systems S, F, and W. The client device 3 may be a desktop or laptop personal computer, or may be a so-called smartphone or tablet communication terminal. The client device 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a communication unit 32, a display unit 33, and an operation unit 34.

[0062] The control unit 30 is a processor using a CPU. The control unit 30 displays a web page provided by the server device 2 on the display unit 33 based on a client program 3P stored in the storage unit 31. The client program 3P is incorporated into a web page provided by the web server function of the server device 2, includes a script temporarily stored in the client device 3, and a web browser program, and is a program for displaying a web-based screen based on the operation of the server device 2.

[0063] The storage unit 31 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Various programs including a client program 3P are stored in the storage unit 31. The client program 3P may be a client program 6P stored on the recording medium 6 that has been read and copied to the storage unit 11.

[0064] The communication unit 32 uses a communication device such as a network card for wired communication, a wireless communication device for mobile communication connecting to a base station BS (see FIG. 1 ), or a wireless communication device compatible with connection to an access point AP. The control unit 30 can establish a communication connection or send and receive information to and from the server device 2 via the network N using the communication unit 32.

[0065] The display unit 33 uses a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 33 displays an image of a web page provided by the server device 2 through processing based on the client program 3P of the control unit 30. The display unit 33 is preferably a display with a built-in touch panel, but may also be a display without a built-in touch panel.

[0066] The operation unit 34 is a user interface such as a keyboard and pointing device, or a voice input unit, which can input and output data to and from the control unit 30. The operation unit 34 may be a touch panel of the display unit 33, or physical buttons provided on the housing. The operation unit 34 notifies the control unit 30 of operation information by the user.

[0067] In the remote monitoring system 100 configured as described above, the server device 2 periodically acquires various information including the status of the power conditioner P, the power storage module group L (management device M), the uninterruptible power supply U, and the rectifier D from the communication device 1 based on the data processing program 22P, and stores the information in the storage unit 21. The communication device 1 transmits status information for each power storage module group L, linking the parent-child relationships according to the hierarchical structure. The server device 2 creates screen information (display information) that visually represents the status of the system or device to be monitored in accordance with the hierarchical structure of the power storage cells, based on the information acquired from the power storage elements or each power supply-related device using the communication device 1, and transmits the screen information to the client device 3.

[0068] Next, a method for estimating the capacity of the storage element by the server device 2 will be described.

[0069] The server device 2 (controller 20) can diagnose the capacity of the cells of the energy storage element using the first capacity estimation method and the second capacity estimation method.

[0070] The first capacity estimation method is a method for estimating the full charge capacity of a cell of a storage element at the time of estimation, and includes a method that is simpler than the second capacity estimation method and requires less time and processing effort for estimation processing. The first capacity estimation method includes the ΔSOC method, the DCR method, etc.

[0071] The second capacity estimation method is a method for estimating the full charge capacity of a cell of a storage element at the time of estimation, and includes a method that can estimate the full charge capacity more accurately than the first capacity estimation method. For example, the second capacity estimation method can estimate the overall charge and discharge characteristics using a partial charge and discharge profile obtained by plotting the current integration of the cell of the storage element and the cell voltage corresponding to the current integration.

[0072] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of capacity estimation using the ΔSOC method. As shown in Fig. 4A, assume that a cell of a storage element is discharged at a constant current I for a discharge time t. The stable voltage of the cell of the storage element immediately before discharge is defined as OCVa (open circuit voltage), and the voltage at which the cell voltage stabilizes after discharge is completed is defined as OCVb (open circuit voltage). The current and voltage of the cell of the storage element during discharge can be data from the actual operation of the energy storage system.

[0073] 4B, it is possible to identify an SOCa corresponding to an OCVa and an SOCb corresponding to an OCVb based on the SOC-OCV characteristics of the cells of the energy storage element. The SOC-OCV characteristics can be stored in the storage unit 21, for example.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4C, the estimated capacity (Ah) of a cell of a storage element can be calculated by the formula: Estimated capacity (Ah) = {(current I × discharge time t) / (SOCa - SOCb)}. The estimated capacity is the full charge capacity of the cell. The SOH of the cell can be calculated from the ratio of the estimated full charge capacity to the full charge capacity in the initial state of the cell of the storage element. For example, if the initial full charge capacity of the cell is 50 Ah and the estimated full charge capacity of the cell is 40 Ah, the SOH of the cell is {(40 / 50) × 100} = 80%.

[0075] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of capacity estimation using the DCR method. As shown in FIG. 5A, assume that a cell of a storage element discharges a constant current for a discharge time. The current and voltage immediately before the start of discharge of the cell of the storage element are I0 and V0, respectively, and the current and voltage immediately before the end of discharge are I1 and V1, respectively. The current and voltage during discharge of the cell of the storage element can be data from the actual operation of the energy storage system.

[0076] 5B, the DC resistance DCR_new (Ω) of the cell of the storage element is calculated by DCR_new (Ω) = {(V0 - V1) / (I0 - I1)}. The difference DCR_change (Ω) between the currently calculated DCR_new (Ω) and the previously calculated DCR_pre (Ω) is calculated.

[0077] The estimated capacity (Ah) of a cell of a storage element can be calculated using the formula: Estimated Capacity (Ah) = {FCC (Ah) × Correction Factor}, where FCC is the full charge capacity of a new cell, and the correction factor indicates the rate of capacity loss corresponding to DCR_change.

[0078] The control unit 20 may use at least one of the ΔSOC method and the DCR method as the first capacity estimation method. With the above-described configuration, the capacity of the cells of the energy storage element can be diagnosed using a relatively simple method.

[0079] Next, the second capacity estimation method will be described.

[0080] In the second capacity estimation method, a partial charge / discharge profile of a cell of a storage element is generated, an overall discharge characteristic of the cell of the storage element is estimated based on the generated partial charge / discharge profile, and the capacity of the cell of the storage element can be estimated based on the estimated overall discharge characteristic. If the overall discharge characteristic of the cell of the storage element is known in advance, there is no need to generate a partial charge / discharge profile.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a partial charge / discharge profile of a cell of an energy storage element. In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the amount of electricity (Ah), and the vertical axis represents the voltage (V). The amount of electricity can be determined, for example, by current integration. For example, the amount of electricity Q(t) can be calculated using the formula {Q(t) = ΣI(t) × Δt}. A partial charge / discharge profile can be drawn by plotting the amount of electricity and the voltage at the time when the amount of electricity was obtained (the voltage corresponding to the amount of electricity). Data from the actual operation of the energy storage system can be used for the current and voltage of the charge / discharge of the cell of the energy storage element.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the capacity estimation of a cell of a storage element using the second capacity estimation method. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents the cumulative capacity (Ah), and the vertical axis represents the voltage (V). FIG. 7 also shows the overall charge / discharge characteristics (reproduced overall discharge curve) estimated based on the partial charge / discharge profile. The overall charge / discharge characteristics reproduce continuous charge / discharge from the upper limit voltage to the lower limit voltage set for the cell of the storage element. The full charge capacity (estimated capacity Q) of the cell of the storage element can be calculated by subtracting the cumulative capacity corresponding to the upper limit voltage from the cumulative capacity corresponding to the lower limit voltage of the overall discharge curve.

[0083] The method for estimating the overall discharge characteristics based on the partial charge / discharge profile can be the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-010325.

[0084] The control unit 20 (server device 2) acquires time series data of monitoring information of the storage elements included in the storage system 101, diagnoses the capacity of the storage elements included in the storage system 101 using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data, selects a specific storage element from the storage elements based on the capacity diagnosis results of the storage elements, and diagnoses the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

[0085] Next, a screen displayed on the display unit 33 of the client device 3 based on the display information (web page) transmitted from the server device 2 will be described.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 330 indicating whether or not there is a capacity diagnosis result for the cells of the energy storage elements. As shown in Fig. 8, the screen 330 displays the name of the mega solar power generation system S shown in Fig. 1, "XY City Mega Solar System," and the names of the wind power generation systems W, such as "WZ Power Plant System," "K Railway System," and "X Factory System," as links together with their identification information. The names, such as "XY City Mega Solar System," may indicate the locations where the energy storage module group L and / or the devices P, U, and D are installed.

[0087] Screen 330 also displays whether or not a capacity diagnosis result is available for each system. In the example of FIG. 8 , capacity diagnosis results are available for the "XY City Mega Solar System," "WZ Power Plant System," "K Railway System," and "W Factory Power Storage System," but not for the "X Factory UPS." The capacity diagnosis results are diagnosis results based on both the first and second capacity estimation methods, but may alternatively be diagnosis results based only on the first capacity estimation method. By looking at screen 330, the operator can instantly determine in which systems the capacity diagnosis results for the cells of the storage elements have been obtained.

[0088] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of a display screen 331 of the capacity diagnosis result by the first capacity estimation method. The display screen 331 includes a display menu 336 for selecting a mode of displaying the status of the power storage system 101. The display menu 336 includes selection tabs for "Map" for displaying the status using the layout image K shown in Fig. 9, "List" for displaying the status using a table, and "Graph" for displaying the status using a graph. In the example of Fig. 9, "Map" is selected.

[0089] The display screen 331 includes a switching interface 334. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the switching interface 334 includes buttons or icons that can be selected for each of three types: "V (voltage)," "I (current)," and "T (temperature)." "V (voltage)" may refer to the voltage of a cell, and "I (current)" may refer to the current flowing through a bank (or cell). "T (temperature)" may refer to the module temperature. By operating the switching interface 334, it is possible to display the status of different objects (V, I, T) using the same layout image K.

[0090] The display screen 331 may include a hierarchical menu 332 for selecting a hierarchical level of the power storage system 101. The hierarchical menu 332 indicates the following hierarchical levels: "Entirety," which corresponds to the highest hierarchical level; "Electricity Storage Rooms," which correspond to the layers of the multiple (eight in the example of FIG. 9 ) energy storage rooms that make up the entire power storage system 101; "Units," which correspond to the units that make up the energy storage rooms; "Battery Panels," which correspond to the multiple banks that make up the units; and modules that make up the battery panels. The hierarchical level that is displayed may change depending on whether "Entirety," "Electricity Storage Rooms," "Units," "Battery Panels," or "Modules" is selected in the hierarchical menu 332. In the example of FIG. 9 , "Entirety" is selected.

[0091] Since "whole" is selected in the hierarchical menu 332, the layout image K displays a layout image of the entire power storage system 101. In the example of Fig. 9, the layout image K corresponding to "whole" displays the layout of four power storage compartments in block A and four power storage compartments in block B.

[0092] Among the layout images K of the electric storage chambers, an image of the electric storage chamber including a cell of an electric storage element that has been subjected to capacity diagnosis using the first capacity estimation method and that satisfies a predetermined condition may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of Fig. 9, the image of the electric storage chamber A3 indicated by reference numeral 333 is displayed in a predetermined manner.

[0093] The predetermined condition may be any condition for identifying a cell of an energy storage element that requires capacity diagnosis using the second capacity estimation method.

[0094] The operator can select the image 333 of the storage chamber and operate the "Cell Capacity Diagnosis" icon 335 to obtain the capacity diagnosis results (see Figure 16 described below) using the second capacity estimation method for cells of storage elements that have had their capacity diagnosed using the first capacity estimation method and that meet specified conditions.

[0095] 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a display screen 331 of the capacity diagnosis result by the first capacity estimation method. In the hierarchical menu 332, a layout image of the storage compartment A3 is displayed in the layout image K when "storage compartment" is selected. In the example of FIG. 10, layout images K of units 1 to 8 in each of the N block and the S block in the storage compartment A3 are displayed.

[0096] Among the layout images K of the units, an image of a unit including a cell of an energy storage element that has been subjected to capacity diagnosis using the first capacity estimation method and that satisfies a predetermined condition may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of FIG. 10 , the image of unit N-6 indicated by reference numeral 333 is displayed in a predetermined manner.

[0097] The operator can select the image 333 of the unit (N6) and operate the "Cell Capacity Diagnosis" icon 335 to obtain the capacity diagnosis results (see Figure 16 described below) using the second capacity estimation method for the cells of the storage element that have had their capacity diagnosed using the first capacity estimation method and that meet certain conditions.

[0098] 11 is a diagram showing a third example of a display screen 331 of the capacity diagnosis result by the first capacity estimation method. In the hierarchical menu 332, the layout image of unit N6 is displayed in the layout image K when "Unit" is selected. In the example of FIG. 11, layout images K of battery panels A and B in unit N6 are displayed.

[0099] Among the layout images K of the storage battery panels, an image of a storage battery panel including cells of storage elements that have been subjected to capacity diagnosis using the first capacity estimation method and that satisfy predetermined conditions may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of Fig. 11, the image of the storage battery panel A10 indicated by reference numeral 333 is displayed in a predetermined manner.

[0100] The operator can select the image 333 of the battery panel (A10) and operate the "Cell Capacity Diagnosis" icon 335 to obtain the capacity diagnosis results (see Figure 16 described below) using the second capacity estimation method for the cells of the storage elements that have had their capacity diagnosed using the first capacity estimation method and that meet certain conditions.

[0101] 12 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a display screen 331 of the capacity diagnosis results using the first capacity estimation method. In the hierarchical menu 332, a layout image K for the banks in the battery panel A10 is displayed when "Battery Panel" is selected. In the example of FIG. 12, layout images K for banks 1 to 3 in the battery panel A10 are displayed.

[0102] Among the layout images K of the bank, an image of a battery panel including cells of a storage element that have been subjected to capacity diagnosis using the first capacity estimation method and that satisfy predetermined conditions may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of Fig. 12, an image of module 01 in bank 3, designated by reference numeral 333, is displayed in a predetermined manner.

[0103] The operator can select the image 333 of module 01 in bank 3 and operate the "Cell Capacity Diagnosis" icon 335 to obtain the capacity diagnosis results (see Figure 16 described below) using the second capacity estimation method for the cells of the storage elements that have had their capacity diagnosed using the first capacity estimation method and that meet specified conditions.

[0104] 13 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a display screen 331 of the capacity diagnosis result by the first capacity estimation method. In the hierarchical menu 332, a layout image K in which "Module" is selected displays a layout image of cells in module 01. In the example of FIG. 13, layout images K of cells 01 to 16 are displayed in module 01.

[0105] Furthermore, the capacity diagnosis results for each of cells 01 to 16 are displayed. In the example of Fig. 13, the capacity is displayed as either "normal" or "decreased." For cells with a "decreased" capacity, the capacity diagnosis results using the second capacity estimation method have already been obtained by the server device 2.

[0106] Among the layout images K of the module, an image of a battery panel including a cell of a storage element that has been subjected to capacity diagnosis using the first capacity estimation method and that satisfies a predetermined condition may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of Fig. 13, an image of a cell in module 01, indicated by reference numeral 333, is displayed in a predetermined manner.

[0107] The operator can operate the "Cell Selection" icon 337 to select a desired cell from among cells 03 to 10. The operator can also operate the "All Degraded Cells" icon 338 to select all cells 03 to 10 whose capacity diagnosis results are "degraded." Then, the operator can operate the "Cell Capacity Diagnosis" icon 335 to obtain the capacity diagnosis results (see FIG. 16 described below) for the selected cells using the second capacity estimation method.

[0108] 14 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a display screen 331 of the results of capacity diagnosis by the first capacity estimation method. In Fig. 14, "List" is selected as the display menu 336. The display screen 331 displays the diagnosis date and time, and each hierarchical structure of the block, storage compartment, unit, storage battery panel, bank, and module, and may also display an identification code of each hierarchical structure including the cell of the storage element whose capacity has been diagnosed by the first capacity estimation method (in the example of Fig. 14, block A, storage compartment A3, unit N6, storage battery panel A10, bank O3, and module O1).

[0109] The display screen 331 may also display the diagnosis results (capacity values) of cells (cells 03 to 10 in the example of FIG. 14) that satisfy a predetermined condition among the cells 01 to 16 that make up the module 01. For example, the capacity of cell 03 according to the first capacity estimation method is 35 (Ah).

[0110] The operator can obtain the capacity diagnosis result (see FIG. 16 described below) using the second capacity estimation method for the cells of the energy storage element that have undergone capacity diagnosis using the first capacity estimation method and that satisfy a predetermined condition, by operating the “Cell Capacity Diagnosis” icon 335. The operator may be allowed to select a desired cell from cells 03 to 10.

[0111] The control unit 20 transmits display information to display the capacity diagnosis results of the cells of the storage element, accepts the selection of a cell of a specific storage element, and diagnoses the capacity of the cell of the selected storage element using the second capacity estimation method.

[0112] With the above-described configuration, the operator can view the capacity diagnosis results obtained using the first capacity estimation method, select cells of the storage element that are determined to require more detailed capacity diagnosis, and perform capacity diagnosis using the second capacity estimation method.

[0113] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 331 showing the state of a cell of a storage element. The display screen 331 shown in FIG. 15 shows an example when "Graph" is selected in the display menu 336. The display screen 331 may display identification codes of each hierarchical structure including a cell of a storage element whose capacity has been diagnosed using the first capacity estimation method (in the example of FIG. 15, block A, storage compartment A3, unit N6, storage battery panel A10, bank O3, and module O1). Furthermore, the state of the cell of the storage element may be displayed in a selectable manner, including current, voltage (cell voltage), module temperature, and charge / discharge power amount. In the example of FIG. 15, charge / discharge power amount is selected.

[0114] Specifically, a graph showing the time distribution of the amount of charge and discharge energy per hour per day of the cells of the energy storage element whose capacity has been diagnosed by the first capacity estimation method is displayed. The display unit can be selected not only by day but also by hour, month, or year. In the example of Fig. 15, it can be confirmed that charging and discharging are performed for at least three hours per day, and it can be confirmed whether the requirement of three hours of continuous charging and discharging is met.

[0115] This allows the operator to check on the graph display whether the entire power storage system 101 is exhibiting the required performance.

[0116] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 331 of the capacity diagnosis result by the second capacity estimation method. The display screen 331 displays the diagnosis date and time, and each hierarchical configuration of the block, storage compartment, unit, storage battery panel, bank, and module, and may also display an identification code of each hierarchical configuration including the cell of the storage element whose capacity has been diagnosed by the first capacity estimation method (in the example of FIG. 16 , block A, storage compartment A3, unit N6, storage battery panel A10, bank O3, and module O1).

[0117] The display screen 331 may display the capacity of a cell of a storage element diagnosed by the first capacity estimation method in a manner that allows comparison with the capacity of the cell of the storage element diagnosed by the second capacity estimation method. In the example of Fig. 16, for cell 03, the capacity by the first capacity estimation method is 35 (Ah), and the capacity by the second capacity estimation method is 41 (Ah). For cell 06, the capacity by the first capacity estimation method is 36 (Ah), and the capacity by the second capacity estimation method is 38 (Ah). The same applies to the other cells.

[0118] If the threshold for determining whether the capacity is normal is, for example, 40 Ah, then among the cells diagnosed using the second capacity estimation method, the capacities of cells 06, 07, 08, and 10 are 40 Ah or less, and therefore cells 06, 07, 08, and 10 are determined to be degraded cells (checked in the example of Figure 16).

[0119] By looking at the display screen 331, the operator can easily identify which cells of the storage element that have been diagnosed as "abnormal" by the first capacity estimation method have also been diagnosed as "abnormal" by the second capacity estimation method, allowing them to quickly take measures against those abnormal cells and provide stable charging and discharging of the storage element.

[0120] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure by the server device 2. The control unit 20 selects one piece of identification information for identifying a system or device to be remotely monitored (S11), and determines whether or not the system or device identified by the selected identification information includes a cell of a storage element (S12). If the system or device does not include a cell of a storage element (NO in S12), the control unit 20 continues the processing from step S11 onwards.

[0121] If the cell of the energy storage element is included (YES in S12), the control unit 20 acquires time-series data of monitoring information of the cell of the energy storage element (S13). The monitoring information may include the voltage and current of the cell. The monitoring information may also include the temperature of the cell (or module).

[0122] The control unit 20 diagnoses the capacity of the cells of the storage element included in the power storage system or device using the first capacity estimation method (S14), and determines whether the diagnosed capacity of the cells of the storage element satisfies a predetermined condition (S15). If the predetermined condition is satisfied (YES in S15), the control unit 20 diagnoses the capacity of the cells of the storage element that satisfies the predetermined condition using the second capacity estimation method (S16).

[0123] The control unit 20 stores the diagnosis results of the first capacity estimation method and the diagnosis results of the second capacity estimation method in association with each cell of the energy storage element (S17). If the diagnosed capacity of the cell of the energy storage element does not satisfy the predetermined condition (NO in S15), the control unit 20 performs the process of step S18 described below.

[0124] The control unit 20 determines whether or not there is time-series data of the monitoring information (S18), and if there is time-series data (YES in S18), continues the processing from step S13 onwards. If there is no time-series data of the monitoring information (NO in S18), the control unit 20 ends the processing.

[0125] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used.

[0126] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 communication device 10 control unit 11 storage unit 12 first communication unit 13 second communication unit 1P device program 2 server device 20 control unit 22P data processing program 2P automatic monitor 3 client device 33 display unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, which acquires time series data of monitoring information of storage elements included in a storage system, diagnoses the capacities of the storage elements using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data, selects a specific storage element from the storage elements based on a capacity diagnosis result of the storage elements, and diagnoses the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits display information that displays the results of the capacity diagnosis of the storage element using the first capacity estimation method, accepts the selection of the specific storage element, and diagnoses the capacity of the selected storage element using the second capacity estimation method.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits display information for selectively displaying storage elements whose capacities satisfy predetermined conditions based on the capacity diagnosis results of the storage elements using the first capacity estimation method, accepts the selection of the specific storage element, and diagnoses the capacity of the selected storage element using the second capacity estimation method.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits display information that allows a plurality of hierarchical configurations of the energy storage system to be selectively displayed, and the display information allows a storage element whose capacity satisfies a predetermined condition to be selectively displayed.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits display information for displaying a predetermined graphic to a storage element whose capacity meets a predetermined condition based on the capacity diagnosis result of the storage element using the first capacity estimation method.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits display information that allows a plurality of hierarchical configurations that hierarchically configure the energy storage system to be selectively displayed, and the display information allows a hierarchical configuration that includes energy storage elements whose capacity satisfies a predetermined condition to be selectively displayed in a predetermined display mode.

7. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit accepts a selection of the hierarchical configuration, and diagnoses the cell capacity of the storage elements included in the accepted hierarchical configuration using the second capacity estimation method.

8. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the monitoring information includes at least one of the voltage, current, and temperature of the storage element.

9. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the time series data is data for a predetermined time or more, or data spanning a predetermined period of time.

10. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the specified condition is a condition that the capacity estimated by the first capacity estimation method is below a specified threshold, a condition that the capacity is abnormal, or a condition that the estimated capacity is included in the lowest specified percentage.

11. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the energy storage elements whose capacities are diagnosed using the first capacity estimation method include all cells included in the energy storage system.

12. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit uses at least one of a ΔSOC method and a DCR method as the first capacity estimation method.

13. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit stores the diagnostic results obtained by the first capacity estimation method and the diagnostic results obtained by the second capacity estimation method in association with each cell of the storage element.

14. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit uses, as the second capacity estimation method, a method of plotting the current accumulation of the cells of the storage element and the voltage of the cells corresponding to the current accumulation to generate a partial charge / discharge profile.

15. A computer program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire time series data of monitoring information of storage elements included in a storage system; diagnose the capacity of the storage elements using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data; select a specific storage element from the storage elements based on the capacity diagnosis result of the storage elements; and diagnose the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

16. An information processing method comprising: acquiring time series data of monitoring information of storage elements included in a storage system; diagnosing the capacities of the storage elements using a first capacity estimation method based on the acquired time series data; selecting a specific storage element from the storage elements based on the capacity diagnosis results of the storage elements; and diagnosing the capacity of the selected storage element using a second capacity estimation method based on the time series data.

Images