Power station using battery pack for vehicle charging

Abstract

The present invention provides a power station using a battery pack for vehicle charging, the power station comprising: a plurality of battery mounting holes in which mobile battery packs are mounted; and a station power control unit which collects power from the plurality of battery packs and supplies the collected power to an external power receiving means, wherein the battery pack is connected to a vehicle battery which stores power generated by means of a generator of the vehicle through driving of an engine, and is charged with power of the vehicle battery.

Description

Power station using vehicle charging battery packs

[0001] The present invention relates to a power operation station using a battery pack for vehicle charging, and more specifically, to a power operation station that collects surplus power generated by a generator in a vehicle and enables the collected power to be utilized for various purposes.

[0002] In a typical vehicle, electricity is generated by a generator when the engine is running and can be stored in the vehicle battery; this energy stored in the battery is used for the normal operation of the vehicle, such as starting the engine and operating the vehicle's lighting, air conditioning system, and sound system.

[0003] Since power is continuously generated even after the vehicle is started, surplus power is also continuously generated even after the power required for the normal operation of the vehicle is produced. In order to prevent battery overcharging when such surplus power is generated, the output of the generator is controlled or it is dissipated by converting it into heat or the like.

[0004] The waste of surplus electricity generated from vehicles in this way can cause environmental problems due to the inefficient use of energy resources, so measures to solve these problems are required.

[0005] The present invention provides a power station capable of solving environmental problems caused by the inefficient use of energy resources by collecting surplus power generated from a vehicle and supplying the collected surplus power to an external power receiving means.

[0006] As a means to solve the aforementioned technical problem, the present invention provides a power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, comprising a plurality of battery mounting ports for mounting mobile battery packs, and a station power control unit for collecting power from the plurality of battery packs and supplying the collected power to an external power receiving means, wherein the battery pack is connected to a vehicle battery that stores power generated by the operation of an engine by a vehicle generator, and is charged with the power of the vehicle battery.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the vehicle includes a converter that converts a DC voltage to supply a portion of the power of the vehicle battery to the battery pack, and a vehicle power control unit that controls the power of the vehicle battery to prevent excessive discharge of the vehicle battery when charging the battery pack with the power of the vehicle battery, wherein the vehicle power control unit can cut off the discharge of the vehicle battery when the voltage of the vehicle battery, which is a lead-acid battery, is below a preset threshold value.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the vehicle power control unit charges the battery pack with the power of the vehicle battery even when the vehicle is in an off state, and can charge the battery pack with a lower charging current than when the vehicle is in an on state.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a control unit may be further included to compensate a user corresponding to the battery pack for an amount of power discharged from the battery pack.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the control unit may impose a penalty on the user if the discharged battery pack is not removed even after a preset time has elapsed since the discharge of the battery pack is completed.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the control unit operates a locking device to prevent the battery pack from being detached from the battery mounting port when the battery pack is discharged, and when another user recognizes a new battery pack through the interface unit, the locking device for the battery pack that was discharged first among the battery packs that have been discharged can be released.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the battery pack has a unique identification code corresponding to a user, and the control unit identifies the unique identification code for the battery pack mounted in the battery mounting port and can compensate the user corresponding to the identified unique identification code for an amount of power discharged from the battery pack.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the battery mounting portion has a receiving space for accommodating the battery pack inside, wherein the receiving space slopes downward toward the inside, and the receiving space is provided with a first coupling terminal facing the direction of entry of the battery pack entering the battery mounting portion, wherein the first coupling terminal can be coupled to a second coupling terminal of the battery pack by the weight of the battery pack inserted into the battery mounting portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment, at least one perforated discharge opening may be formed on the lower inclined surface of the receiving space.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a sealing member may be further included around the battery mounting port to be in close contact with the outer surface of the battery pack inserted into the battery mounting port.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the battery status indicator may further include a battery status indicator that indicates that the battery of the battery pack mounted in the battery mounting port has been discharged.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the system further includes a solar panel installed in a canopy shape to cover a plurality of battery mounting ports and positioned to face the sun, wherein the station power control unit can collect power collected from the battery pack and power generated by the solar panel together.

[0018] The power station according to the present invention can solve environmental problems caused by the inefficient use of energy resources by collecting surplus power generated from a vehicle and supplying the collected surplus power to an external power receiving means.

[0019] In addition, when collecting surplus power at the vehicle station, user participation can be encouraged by rewarding users who provide surplus power, and conversely, unauthorized occupation of the battery mounting port can be prevented by imposing a penalty on users for failing to remove the battery pack installed at the vehicle station.

[0020] In addition, when charging the battery pack with power stored in the vehicle battery, the charging speed and other factors can be controlled to prevent the vehicle battery from discharging.

[0021] In addition, even if a sealing member is provided in the battery mounting port of the power station to form a watertight state, the battery pack can be easily attached and detached from the battery mounting port.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a connection diagram centered on a power station using a vehicle charging battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a connection diagram of a battery pack in a vehicle and a vehicle battery that supplies power thereto, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the overall exterior of a power station according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a partial battery pack detached from the power station of Figure 3.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a battery pack being coupled to a battery mounting port according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the inner side of a battery mounting housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power station according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the process of locking / unlocking a battery pack mounted in a battery mounting port according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a battery mounting hole and a battery status indicator provided around it according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a solar panel connected to a power station according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "unit" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms.

[0034] The above terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0035] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0036] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a connection diagram centered on a power station using a vehicle charging battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a battery pack (15) that charges power stored in a vehicle battery (13) provided in a vehicle (10), and a power station (20) having a plurality of battery mounting ports (22) on which the battery pack (15) is mounted. The power station (20) supplies power collected from the plurality of battery packs (15) to various external power receiving means (31~35), thereby collecting excess power generated in the vehicle (10) without wasting it and supplying it to external power receiving means (31~35), such as a power exchange (31), a factory (32), a smart farm (33), a residential facility (34) including an apartment complex, a detached house, a multi-family house, a villa, etc., and / or a bus stop (35), thereby solving environmental problems caused by the inefficient use of energy resources.

[0041] Below, we will examine each component in detail.

[0042]

[0043] FIG. 2 is a connection diagram of a battery pack in a vehicle and a vehicle battery that supplies power thereto, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The vehicle (10) is a vehicle capable of moving by driving a motor (not shown) or an engine (11), and the type of vehicle (10) is not specifically limited in the present invention.

[0045] A generator (12) in a movable vehicle (10) generates power by driving an engine (11), and at least a portion of the power generated by the generator (12) can be stored in a vehicle battery (13), and a battery pack (15) can be electrically connected to the vehicle battery (13) to receive and charge the power stored in the vehicle battery (13). At this time, the vehicle battery (13) may be a lead-acid battery, and the battery pack (15) that stores the power stored in the vehicle battery (13) is preferably a lithium-ion battery having a higher energy density and a longer lifespan than a lead-acid battery, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

[0046] After starting the vehicle (10), power generated by the operation of the engine (11) and the generator (12) is stored in the vehicle battery (13). Even if the vehicle battery (13) stores the power required for the normal operation of the vehicle (10) (a remaining amount of about 75% or more), it is desirable to store the surplus power generated by the continuous operation of the engine (11) and the generator (12) in the battery pack (15) for efficient energy use. However, the surplus power may be supplied to the battery pack (15) after being charged in the vehicle battery (13).

[0047] Typically, the power output from the vehicle battery (13), which is a lead-acid battery, is a DC power of 12V or 24V, and the battery pack (15), which is a portable lithium-ion battery, has a charging requirement voltage higher than this, such as 48V or 72V. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a converter (14) may be electrically connected between the vehicle battery (13) and the battery pack (15) to boost the voltage or to efficiently and stably transmit power.

[0048] Since the charging required voltage of the battery pack (15) is higher than the output voltage of the vehicle battery (13), the converter (14) may be a boost converter or a buck-boost converter, but the present invention does not specifically limit the type thereof.

[0049] However, it is preferable that the converter (14) according to one embodiment of the present invention is capable of controlling the current and / or voltage supplied from the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15) by a control command of the vehicle power control unit (16).

[0050] The vehicle power control unit (16) can detect the condition of the vehicle battery (13) and / or battery pack (15), for example, output voltage or output current, and can control the operation of the converter (14) according to the condition of the vehicle battery (13) and battery pack (15).

[0051] According to a specific embodiment, the vehicle power control unit (16) preferably cuts off the power supplied from the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15) when the remaining battery level of the vehicle battery (13) or the output voltage of the vehicle battery (13) is below a preset threshold value to prevent excessive discharge of the vehicle battery (13) when supplying power stored in the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15), and preferably supplies power from the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15) only when the remaining battery level of the vehicle battery (13) or the output voltage of the vehicle battery (13) exceeds the threshold value.

[0052] Here, the threshold value, which is the standard for blocking the discharge of the vehicle battery (13), is preferably a level higher than the level at which the vehicle can be started, such that the remaining battery capacity or output voltage is higher than the level at which the vehicle can be started, and the electrical / electronic devices can be used normally even when the vehicle is stopped. For example, it is preferable that the remaining battery capacity of the vehicle battery (13) is 75% or more, and the output voltage of the vehicle battery (13) is 12.4V to 12.6V in the case of a 12V battery, or 24.8V to 25.2V in the case of a 24V battery.

[0053] That is, a vehicle power control unit (16) according to one embodiment of the present invention detects the state of a vehicle battery (13) and a battery pack (15), and depending on the state of the vehicle battery (13), if the vehicle battery (13) has a remaining battery capacity or output voltage exceeding a preset threshold, power can be supplied to the battery pack (15) through a converter (14) to charge the battery pack (15), and if the vehicle battery (13) has a remaining battery capacity or output voltage below a preset threshold, power supplied from the battery pack (15) to the battery pack (15) through a converter (14) can be cut off.

[0054] Meanwhile, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle power control unit (16) preferably varies the charging current according to the state of the vehicle when supplying power stored in the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15) for charging.

[0055] Specifically, the vehicle power control unit (16) can identify the ignition on / off state of the vehicle (10), and accordingly, it is desirable to supply power from the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15) with a relatively lower charging current when the vehicle (10) is in the off state compared to when the vehicle (10) is in the on state. This is because when the vehicle (10) is in the on state, power is continuously generated by the operation of the engine (11) and the generator (12) and power is charged into the vehicle battery (13), but when the vehicle (10) is in the off state, the engine (11) and the generator (12) are not operated, so power is not generated and power is not charged into the vehicle battery (13).

[0056] Additionally, although not specifically limited, the vehicle power control unit (16) may store the ignition on / off records of the vehicle (10) over time in a storage unit (not shown), and may calculate a duty ratio indicating the time during which the ignition on state is maintained for a predetermined arbitrary period (e.g., one week or two weeks) using the ignition on / off records of the vehicle (10), and based on the duty ratio, may variably adjust a threshold value for the remaining battery capacity or output voltage of the vehicle battery (13), which is a criterion for cutting off / supplying power supplied from the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15).

[0057] Specifically, the vehicle power control unit (16) can lower the threshold value by △V (for example, output voltage 0.2V) above the threshold value if the duty cycle is higher than the preset reference value, and conversely, if the duty cycle is lower than the preset reference value, it can raise the threshold value by △V (for example, output voltage 0.2V) above the threshold value. In this way, the cutoff / supply criteria for power supplied to the battery pack (15) can be adjusted according to the user's vehicle operation characteristics (or vehicle operation frequency or vehicle operation time, etc.) within a predetermined period, thereby allowing the power supplied to the battery pack (15) to be maximized within the possible range.

[0058] In addition, the vehicle power control unit (16) according to one embodiment of the present invention may repeat a series of processes for adjusting a threshold value, which is a criterion for cutting off / supplying power supplied from the vehicle battery (13) to the battery pack (15) based on the duty ratio, at a frequency of a preset arbitrary period for calculating the duty ratio.

[0059]

[0060] Meanwhile, a power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can collect power using a plurality of battery packs (15) charged by a vehicle battery (13) which is a lead-acid battery, and can supply the collected power to external power receiving means (31~35).

[0061] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the overall exterior of a power station according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the power station (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one housing (21a, 21b) forming the exterior, a plurality of battery mounting holes (22) provided on one side of the housing (21a, 21b), and a station power control unit (25) that collects power from a plurality of battery packs (15) mounted in the battery mounting holes (22) and supplies the collected power to external power receiving means (31~35).

[0062] We will examine each component below.

[0063] A power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (21a, 21b) having a plurality of battery mounting holes (22) on one side, and the power station (20) may be one or more housings (21a, 21b) combined.

[0064] At this time, the present invention does not specifically limit the shape of the housing (21a, 21b), but as a specific example, it may be a rectangular shape formed long in one direction, and a plurality of battery mounting holes (22) may be formed along the length direction of the housing (21a, 21b) on one side, specifically on the front side. That is, one housing (21a, 21b) formed long in the vertical direction has a plurality of battery mounting holes (22), and such housings (21a, 21b) may be combined in a row (n) in one direction to form a power station (20).

[0065] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a partial battery pack detached from the power station of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, a battery pack (15) can be mounted in the battery mounting port (22) of the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The battery mounting hole (22) may be a polygonal or circular groove that is recessed inwardly on one side of the housing (21a, 21b) and corresponds to the cross-section of the battery pack (15) or battery pack case (151). For example, if the battery pack (15) or battery pack case (151) is in the shape of a roughly rectangular prism as shown in FIG. 6, the battery mounting hole (22) may also have the shape of a roughly rectangular groove that is recessed inwardly on one side of the housing (21a, 21b) in correspondence.

[0067] Thus, the battery mounting port (22) has a receiving space capable of accommodating a battery pack (15) inside, and the receiving space may slope downward toward the inside. Therefore, when a movable battery pack (15) is mounted in the battery mounting port (22), the battery pack (15) inserted into the battery mounting port (22) moves along the downwardly sloped receiving space due to its own weight and can be mounted in the battery mounting port (22).

[0068] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a battery pack being coupled to a battery mounting port according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a first coupling terminal (221) may be provided in the battery mounting port (22) according to an embodiment of the present invention so as to face the direction of entry of the battery pack (15) entering the battery mounting port (22), and a second coupling terminal (153) that can be coupled with the first coupling terminal (221) may be provided on one side of the battery pack (15).

[0069] The first coupling terminal (221) of the battery mounting port (22) and the second coupling terminal (153) of the battery pack (15) may be a pair of terminals that can be coupled with each other in a male-female manner, and due to the coupling of the first coupling terminal (221) and the second coupling terminal (153), the battery pack (15) is electrically connected to the power station (20), so that the power station (20) can collect power stored in the battery pack (15).

[0070] Additionally, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) can detect whether there is a connection between the first coupling terminal (221) and the second coupling terminal (153), and can determine whether the battery pack (15) is mounted in the battery mounting port (22) depending on whether there is a connection between the first coupling terminal (221) and the second coupling terminal (153).

[0071] In this way, a battery pack (15) can be attached to or detached from the battery mounting port (22) of the power station (20), and to facilitate this, a handle (152) that a user can grip may be provided on one side of the battery pack (15). Furthermore, it is preferable that a second coupling terminal (153) be provided on the other side, which is the opposite side facing the one side where the handle (152) is provided.

[0072] Additionally, the battery pack (15) or battery pack case (151), which is approximately in the shape of a polygonal column, may be composed of multiple models having different lengths, as illustrated in FIG. 4. That is, the battery pack (15) may be composed of types such as a battery pack (15a) with a relatively long length and a battery pack (16b) with a relatively short length.

[0073] Accordingly, so that various types of battery packs (15) can be mounted in the battery mounting ports (22), some of the multiple battery mounting ports (22) provided in the power station (20) may have different groove depths from other parts. That is, the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include multiple battery mounting ports (22) having receiving spaces of various lengths.

[0074] Additionally, a door (not shown) for opening and closing the battery mounting port (22) of the power station (20) may be provided so that the battery mounting port (22) does not remain in an open state. The door may be opened and closed by a control command from a control unit (24) or by an external force from a battery pack (15) inserted into the battery mounting port (22), but the present invention does not particularly limit the form of implementation of the door.

[0075] Meanwhile, when a battery pack (15) is mounted in a battery mounting port (22) of a power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the inner surface of the receiving space within the battery mounting port (22) be in contact with the outer surface of the battery pack (15) mounted thereon, so that the first coupling terminal (221) within the battery mounting port (22) and the second coupling terminal (153) of the battery pack (15) can be coupled to each other.

[0076] However, when the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) and the battery pack (15) are in close contact, when the battery pack (15) enters the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22), the air cannot escape due to the air inside the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22), making it difficult to mount the battery pack (15). To resolve this problem, at least one perforated discharge port (223) may be formed within the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the inner side of a battery mounting housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] That is, when the battery pack (15) is inserted and mounted in close contact with the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22), the air within the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) can be exhausted through at least one exhaust port (223), and accordingly, when the battery pack (15) moves by itself due to its own weight along the downwardly inclined receiving space of the battery mounting port (22), the air within the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) can be compressed so that the movement of the battery pack (15) is not obstructed.

[0079] Here, the discharge port (223) formed within the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) may be one or multiple, and the discharge port (223) is preferably formed on the bottom surface of the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) which is downwardly inclined, i.e., the lower inclined surface, more preferably on the bottom surface of the inner end of the receiving space.

[0080] This is because it is desirable to ensure that rainwater can be drained to the outside through the discharge port (223) even if it flows into the battery mounting port (22). Accordingly, a pipe having a predetermined path can be connected to the discharge port (223) to allow the fluid discharged from within the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) to be discharged to the outside. In other words, it is desirable to prevent the electronic device inside the power station (20) from being short-circuited by rainwater falling through the discharge port (223).

[0081] In addition, since the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention, specifically the housing (21a, 21b), can be installed outdoors, rainwater or the like may flow into the battery mounting port (22), and to prevent the inflow of rainwater, a sealing member (not shown) may be provided around the battery mounting port (22) to be in close contact with the outer surface of the battery pack (15) inserted into the battery mounting port (22).

[0082] A sealing member is provided on the outer side of the groove-shaped battery mounting port (22), specifically on the outer inner surface, so that when the battery pack (15) is mounted in the battery mounting port (22), it can be in close contact with the outer surface of the battery pack (15). By blocking the gap formed between the battery mounting port (22) and the battery pack (15) when the battery pack (15) is mounted in the battery mounting port (22) in this way, it is possible to prevent rainwater or the like from flooding into the interior of the battery mounting port (22).

[0083] Here, the sealing member may be a rubber or silicone material that deforms by external force, and accordingly, when the battery pack (15) is mounted inside the battery mounting port (22), moisture, etc. is swept away by the sealing member in contact with the outer surface of the battery pack (15) and is blocked from entering the battery mounting port (22). However, even if rainwater, etc. flows into the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22), it is desirable to ensure that no liquid fluid remains inside the battery mounting port (22) by draining the rainwater to the outside through the discharge port (223) and the pipe connected thereto along the downwardly inclined receiving space of the battery mounting port (22).

[0084]

[0085] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power station according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a station power control unit (25) for supplying power collected from a plurality of battery packs (15) to external power receiving means (31-35).

[0087] Multiple battery packs (15) mounted in multiple battery mounting ports (22) can be connected in parallel with each other, and power collected from multiple battery packs (15) can be stored in a combined battery (252) to be supplied to external power receiving means (31~35), and power stored in the combined battery (252) can be supplied to external power receiving means (31~35) according to a control command of the control unit (24).

[0088] At this time, the station power control unit (25) may provide converters (251a~251c) at the rear end of each battery pack (15) to store the output of each battery pack (15) in a combined battery (252).

[0089] A converter (251a to 251c) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected one-to-one with a battery pack (15) mounted in a battery mounting port (22), and can convert different output voltages of battery packs (15) having different remaining capacities to a constant value. To this end, the converter (251a to 251c) of the station power control unit (25) can adaptively convert the voltage in response to different input voltages so that battery packs (15) connected in parallel can output a uniform output voltage.

[0090] At this time, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) can measure the amount of power charged from each battery pack (15) to the collective battery (252) or the amount of power discharged from each battery pack (15), and can compensate the user corresponding to the battery pack (15) for the amount of power discharged from the battery pack (15) or the amount of power charged to the collective battery (252) based on the measured amount of power.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit (24) can compensate the user according to the amount of power discharged from the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) of the power station (20) or charged into the collective battery (252). That is, the greater the amount of discharge from the battery pack (15) or the amount of charge from the collective battery (252), the greater the compensation amount to the user, and conversely, the less the amount of discharge from the battery pack (15) or the amount of charge from the collective battery (252), the smaller the compensation amount to the user.

[0092] That is, it is desirable to allow a user to charge a battery pack (15) using a vehicle (10) and to receive a reward by providing power stored in the battery pack (15) by mounting the charged battery pack (15) in the battery mounting port (22) of a power station (20). Here, the reward is monetary and may be goods, gift certificates, or points.

[0093] The compensation amount per unit of power provided by the user may be constant, but according to one embodiment of the present invention, the compensation amount may change based on the price per unit of power traded at the power exchange (31). To this end, the control unit (31) is connected to communicate with the power exchange (31) through a communication means and can receive the price per unit of power currently traded.

[0094] Thus, when compensating based on the discharge amount of the battery pack (15) or the charge amount of the battery assembly (252), it is necessary to identify the user.

[0095] A power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can confirm that the battery pack (15) coupled to the battery mounting port (22) belongs to the logged-in user through a user login procedure via the interface unit (23), but it is preferable that the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can identify the user corresponding to the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22), and for this purpose, the battery pack (15) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a unique identification code corresponding to the user. That is, the control unit (24) can identify the user corresponding to the unique identification code read out using the reading means (231, 232), and compensate the user for the amount of power discharged from the battery pack (15) or the amount of power charged in the combined battery (252). Accordingly, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) can access a storage device (not shown) that stores information about the unique identification code of the battery pack (15) corresponding to the user, or a storage value (not shown) connected to the internet.

[0096] Additionally, the unique identification code may be a barcode or QR code exposed on the outer surface of the battery pack (15), and the reading means (231, 232) of the power station (20) accordingly may be a camera or scanner for reading the barcode or QR code. For example, the unique identification code may be provided on one side of the battery pack (15) or around the second coupling terminal (153), and the reading means (231, 232) for recognizing it may be provided around the battery mounting port (22) or around the first coupling terminal (221) within the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22).

[0097] The present invention is not limited thereto, and in addition to this, the unique identification code may be an RFID or the like, and the reading means (231, 232) of the power station (20) accordingly may be an RFID reader or the like that which outputs a radio frequency to a nearby RFID tag and receives a signal reflected from the RFID tag. Such an RFID reader may be provided in the receiving space of the battery mounting port (22) or around it.

[0098] Meanwhile, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine whether the discharge of the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) is complete. The control unit (24) can determine that the discharge of the battery pack (15) is complete by detecting the output voltage of the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) or by detecting the charging current from the battery pack (15) to the battery assembly (252).

[0099] In cases where the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) continues to be mounted and occupying the space even after the discharge of the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) is completed, the power station (20) may lose the opportunity to collect power from another user's battery pack (15). Therefore, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may impose a penalty on the user corresponding to the battery pack (15) if the battery pack (15) is not removed even after a preset time (e.g., 1 to 3 days) has elapsed since the discharge of the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) is completed.

[0100] According to a specific embodiment, when the discharge of the battery pack (15) is completed and the battery pack (15) is not removed even after a preset time has elapsed, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) can deduct a certain value (e.g., a certain number of points, a certain value of a gift certificate, etc.) over time from the reward provided to the user.

[0101] Of course, at this time, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may, after the discharge of the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) is completed, transmit an alarm signal or alarm message to the terminal of the user of the battery pack (15) using a communication means, and request the user to collect the battery pack (15) from the power station (20).

[0102] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the power stored in the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) is discharged, and the compensation provided to the user for that amount of power is extinguished by the penalty imposed because time has elapsed due to the battery pack (15) not being removed after the discharge is completed, it is preferable that the power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention allows another user to remove the battery pack (15) so that another user can mount their own battery pack (15) in the battery mounting port (22).

[0103] As described above, when a user mounts a battery pack (15) in the battery mounting port (22) of a power station (20) and the first coupling terminal (221) and the second coupling terminal (153) are connected to each other, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) can determine that the battery pack (15) is mounted in the battery mounting port (22).

[0104] When it is determined that the battery pack (15) is mounted in the battery mounting port (22), the control unit (24) of the power station (20) may operate a locking device to prevent the battery pack (15) from being detached from the battery mounting port (22) so that the battery pack (15) is not arbitrarily detached.

[0105] Here, the locking device may include a lever that rotates around an axis and a driving means that rotates the lever around the axis, and when the locking device is operated accordingly, the lever rotates to block at least a portion of the outer surface of the battery pack (15) that is coupled to the battery pack case or mounted in the battery mounting port (22), thereby preventing the battery pack (15) from being detached from the battery mounting port (22).

[0106] When the battery pack (15) is mounted in the battery mounting port (22) in this way, the battery pack (15) is not arbitrarily detached from the battery mounting port (22) due to the operation of the locking device. However, after the discharge of the battery pack (15) is completed and time has elapsed and the compensation for the discharge amount of the battery pack (15) has been removed by the penalty, it is desirable to allow another user other than the user of the battery pack (15) to unlock the locking device.

[0107] Specifically, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the process of locking / unlocking a battery pack mounted in a battery mounting port according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) can identify a first user (u1) through the first unique identification code (154) of the first battery pack (15) using the first reading means (231) when the first battery pack (15) is mounted in a battery mounting port (22), and then operate a locking device to prevent the first battery pack (15) from being detached from the battery mounting port (22). Not limited to this, the user may also perform a login procedure for the user using the interface unit (23).

[0108] Afterward, the first user (u1) can remove the first battery pack (15) by releasing the locking device of the battery mounting port (22) through an authentication procedure for the first battery pack (15) via a login procedure using the interface unit (23). However, if the first battery pack (15) is discharged and time has elapsed and the reward for the first user (u1) has been removed due to a penalty, it is preferable to allow the second user (u2), who is not the first user (u1), to remove the first battery pack (15) by releasing the locking device that is in an operating state to prevent removal of the first battery pack (15) when another second user (u2) identifies the first battery pack (15) through a login procedure using the interface unit (23) or through a second reading means (232) arranged to face the outside of the power station (20). Here, a second reading means (232) for identifying the second unique identification code (154') of the second battery pack (15') may be provided on the interface part (23) or around it.

[0109] At this time, when the discharge of the multiple battery packs (15) mounted in the multiple battery mounting ports (22) of the power station (20) is completed and time has elapsed, and the reward provided to the user due to the failure to detach the battery pack (15) is extinguished by the imposition of a penalty, then when a second user (u2), who is another user, recognizes his new battery pack (15) through the second reading means (232) of the power station (20) in order to mount his new battery pack (15) to the battery mounting port (22) where the battery pack (15) for which the reward has been extinguished is mounted, it is desirable to allow the locking device for the battery pack (15) that was discharged first among the multiple battery packs (15) that were discharged to be released and detached.

[0110] However, if there is only one new battery pack (15) of the second user (u2), which is another user, even if the same new battery pack (15) is recognized multiple times through the second reading means (232) of the power station (20) in duplicate, it is preferable to first unlock the locking device for the battery pack (15) that was discharged first, and not unlock the locking device for the other battery pack (15) that was discharged next in line. That is, it is preferable to unlock the locking device for the number of new battery packs (15) recognized by the power station (20) among the multiple battery packs (15) for which the reward granted according to the discharge amount was extinguished by the imposition of a penalty (excluding duplicates).

[0111] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a battery mounting port and a battery status indicator provided around the battery mounting port according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, a battery status indicator (222) indicating that the discharge of the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) is completed may be provided around the battery mounting port (22) of the housing (21a, 21b) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] A control unit (24) of a power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can output to the outside that the discharge of the battery pack (15) is completed by using a battery status indicator (222) provided around the battery mounting port (22) when the output voltage of the battery pack (15) mounted in the battery mounting port (22) is below a preset threshold value.

[0113] That is, it is desirable to allow the user to intuitively recognize the location of the battery pack (15) to be removed once the discharge is complete.

[0114] Meanwhile, FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a solar panel connected to a power station according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a power station (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a solar panel (50) installed in a canopy shape to cover a housing (21, 21b), specifically a plurality of battery mounting holes (22), and installed to face the sun.

[0116] Accordingly, the solar panel (50) is provided to be spaced apart from the ground by at least one support (51), and a power station (20) may be located below it. Thus, the solar panel (50) is a device that converts sunlight into electricity and is installed to face the sun, and is installed to cover the housing (21, 21b) at a spaced-apart upper position so as to block foreign substances from entering the housing (21, 21b).

[0117] Additionally, the station power control unit (25) can collect power collected from multiple battery packs (15) and power generated by a solar panel (50) together in a combined battery (252), and can supply the power collected in the combined battery (252) to external power receiving means (31~35).

[0118] Even at this time, although not shown in the drawing, a converter for adjusting voltage and / or current may be included to store power generated from a solar panel (50) in a combined battery (252), and the converter provided between the solar panel (50) and the combined battery (252) may correspond to the output voltage of the converter (251a~251c) provided between the battery pack (15) and the combined battery (252).

[0119] As described above, the control unit (24) of the power station (20) can compensate the user according to the discharge amount of the battery pack (15) or the charge amount of the battery assembly (252), and it is preferable to compensate the operator according to the charge amount of the battery assembly (252) generated by the solar panel (50) so that the operator maintains the power station (20).

[0120]

[0121] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. The description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without changing the technical concept or essential features of the present invention.

[0122] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple battery mounting ports for mounting a portable battery pack; and A station power control unit that collects power from a plurality of the above-mentioned battery packs and supplies the collected power to an external power receiving means; Includes, A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized in that the above battery pack is connected to a vehicle battery that stores power generated by the operation of an engine by a vehicle generator, and is charged with the power of the vehicle battery.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above vehicle is, A converter that converts the DC voltage to supply a portion of the power of the vehicle battery to the battery pack; and A vehicle power control unit that controls the power of the vehicle battery to prevent excessive discharge of the vehicle battery when charging the battery pack with the power of the vehicle battery; Includes, The above vehicle power control unit is a power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized by blocking the discharge of the vehicle battery when the voltage of the vehicle battery, which is a lead-acid battery, is below a preset threshold value.

3. In Paragraph 2, A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized in that the vehicle power control unit charges the battery pack with the power of the vehicle battery even when the vehicle is in an off state, and charges the battery pack with a lower charging current than when the vehicle is in an on state.

4. In Paragraph 1, A control unit that compensates a user corresponding to the above battery pack for the amount of power discharged from the battery pack; A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack characterized by further including 5. In Paragraph 4, A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized in that the above-described control unit imposes a penalty on the user if the discharged battery pack is not removed even after a preset time has elapsed since the discharge of the battery pack is completed.

6. In Paragraph 5, A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized in that the control unit operates a locking device to prevent the battery pack from being detached from the battery mounting port when the battery pack is discharged, and, upon recognition of a new battery pack by another user through the interface unit, releases the locking device for the battery pack that was discharged first among the battery packs that have been discharged.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above battery pack has a unique identification code corresponding to the user, and A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized in that the control unit identifies a unique identification code for the battery pack mounted in the battery mounting port and compensates the user corresponding to the identified unique identification code for the amount of power discharged from the battery pack.

8. In Paragraph 1, The battery mounting portion has a receiving space for accommodating the battery pack inside, wherein the receiving space slopes downward toward the inside. A power station using a battery pack for vehicle charging, characterized in that the above-mentioned receiving space is provided with a first coupling terminal facing the direction of entry of the battery pack entering the battery mounting port, and the first coupling terminal is coupled to a second coupling terminal of the battery pack by the weight of the battery pack inserted into the battery mounting port.

9. In Paragraph 8, A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized in that at least one perforated discharge port is formed on the lower inclined surface of the above-mentioned receiving space.

10. In Paragraph 9, A sealing member provided around the battery mounting port to be in close contact with the outer surface of the battery pack inserted into the battery mounting port; A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack characterized by further including 11. In Paragraph 1, A battery status indicator indicating that the battery of the battery pack mounted in the battery mounting port has been discharged; A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack characterized by further including 12. In Paragraph 1, A solar panel installed in the form of a canopy to cover a plurality of the above-mentioned battery mounting holes, and installed to face the sun; Including more, A power station using a vehicle charging battery pack, characterized in that the above-mentioned station power control unit collects power collected from the battery pack and power generated by the solar panel together.

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