JP2013215045A - Power storage system, cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power storage system in which a battery pack is a cartridge and power can be utilized effectively, and to provide a cartridge.SOLUTION: A plurality of cartridges, each formed by connecting a plurality of cells, are connected in series and the voltage of the cartridge maintains a level that can be converted into commercial voltage. Even if the number of cartridges mounted is n(n:positive number), and cartridges of a(a:positive number of n-1 or smaller) are mounted, the power storage system can be operated with cartridges of a. The cartridge can be taken out manually from the power storage system.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage system and a cartridge.

  Demand for storage batteries is growing, especially in electric vehicles. On the other hand, they are also attracting attention for stationary use, and attention is being given to storage batteries as energy-saving devices that promote the securing of power in an emergency, leveled power storage accompanying the introduction of renewable energy, and efficient use of energy. Among them, lithium ion secondary batteries that realize high-density energy are being used for stationary applications as well as automotive applications. It is also considered that the storage battery after being used for automobile use is converted into a stationary one.

As a feature of current / conventional stationary storage batteries, all cells are fixed by welding or the like. On the other hand, as a method for effectively utilizing a large-sized secondary battery, there is a method of making the battery into a cartridge. The term “cartridge” as used herein means that the battery can be replaced or easily replaced. For example, by using a storage battery for homes as a cartridge, it can be used as a power source (extender) for extending the cruising distance of an electric vehicle whose cruising distance changes greatly depending on the driving state, and if it is used for a bicycle, battery charging time can be omitted, improving convenience (See, for example, Prior Art Document 1).
In addition, when the amount of electric power used in the home changes, the capacity can be easily increased, and it is not necessary to install a new system, so that high economic efficiency can be obtained. Furthermore, if the battery usage status can be monitored through the cloud or the like, it is possible to immediately know the maintenance time and the battery to be replaced, and to operate efficiently.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-016706

  However, in the above-described technology, a problem is a housing / battery management system. Conventionally, in residential applications, battery packs are usually fixed by welding, but in order to make them into cartridges, they are absolutely removable. That is, in order to realize a cartridge, it is important that the power storage system and the cartridge are securely and safely connected. Further, even in a situation where one of the plurality of cartridges is not connected, it is essential to supply electric power or charge the cartridge as the power storage system. Furthermore, even if batteries with different deterioration states and usage histories enter the power storage system, it is necessary to level them throughout. As an added value, in order to promote effective utilization of electric power from solar cells and grids, it is desirable to connect a power storage system to a LAN, obtain a weather forecast, and construct an energy total management system that takes into account life patterns.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power storage system and a cartridge capable of making a battery pack into a cartridge and effectively using electric power.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention includes a plurality of electrically connected cartridges, each of which is connected in series, and one bypass circuit is provided for each cartridge. The voltage of the power storage system is maintained at a voltage that can be converted into a commercial voltage.
In addition, a plurality of cartridges having a plurality of cells connected in series are connected in series, and a plurality of cartridges connected in series are connected in parallel to maintain a voltage at which the voltage of the power storage system can be converted into a commercial voltage. The power storage system characterized by this may be used.
Further, according to the present invention, a bypass circuit is installed in each cartridge.
According to this configuration, for example, even when the number of cartridges mounted is n (n: positive number (for example, n <30)) and a number of cartridges (a: positive number less than n−1) are mounted, It can operate as a power storage system. Further, overcharging can be prevented, and for example, a fully charged cartridge can be disconnected from the electrical connection. That is, no load is applied to the specific cartridge, and the life can be prevented from deteriorating. However, a series of groups of cartridges connected in parallel may be used.

The present invention is the above-described power storage system, wherein the number of cartridges mounted is n (n: positive number (for example, n <30)) and a cartridge (a: positive number less than n−1). Even if is installed, it operates with a number of cartridges. The a cartridges are connected in series, and a bypass circuit is installed in each of the n cartridges.
According to this configuration, even when one of the plurality of cartridges is not mounted, it is possible to supply power or charge the cartridge as the power storage system. However, a series of groups of cartridges connected in parallel may be used.

The present invention is the above-described power storage system, wherein the cartridge can be manually removed from the power storage system.
Thereby, it is easy to perform maintenance, and it is possible to smoothly move the cartridge when not only for stationary use but also shared with other devices. As a result, the power charged in the power storage system can be supplied to other systems, and the power charged in the cartridge by natural energy or system power can be effectively used.

Further, according to the present invention, when a cartridge with a different remaining capacity is mounted in the above-described power storage system, only a cartridge with a large remaining capacity is used, a small number of cartridges are not used, and all the voltages become the same voltage. The power is output from all cartridges.
According to this configuration, even when batteries having different charge capacities enter the power storage system, it is possible to level the batteries throughout.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described power storage system, when a cartridge with a different remaining capacity is mounted, a circuit that enables power transfer from a cartridge with a larger remaining capacity to a smaller cartridge is arranged between the cartridges. And
According to this configuration, even when batteries having different charge capacities enter the power storage system, it is possible to level the batteries throughout.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described power storage system, the connection portion between the power storage system and the cartridge is provided with a cover on the power storage system and the cartridge side. It is characterized by forming.
The power storage system and the cartridge can be securely and safely connected.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described power storage system, a wireless power transfer device is provided on the power storage system and the cartridge side at the connection portion between the power storage system and the cartridge, and power can be exchanged without being physically connected. It is characterized by being.

In addition, the present invention is applicable to general power storage, store, building, factory, backup power supply, mega solar power storage, wind power storage, geothermal power generation power storage, electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle, hybrid vehicle in the above power storage system. It is a storage system that can be diverted to.
As a result, the cartridge can be used not only for stationary use but also shared with other devices, so that it is possible to supply the power charged in the power storage system to other systems, and the cartridge can be generated by natural energy. It is possible to effectively use the power charged in the battery.

Further, according to the present invention, in the power storage system described above, the power storage system is connected to the LAN, and the power generation amount of the future solar cell is calculated based on the weather forecast. If the period that is more than half of the rated output is less than the predetermined time, the output amount of the solar cell is predicted from the weather forecast, the future solar cell power generation amount is calculated based on the weather forecast, and the calculated result If the period during which the amount of power generated by the solar cell is half or more of the rated output is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, power is not stored from the grid.
According to this configuration, in order to promote effective utilization of electric power from solar cells and grids, it is possible to connect a power storage system to a LAN, obtain a weather forecast, and build an energy total management system that takes into account life patterns it can.

    In addition, the present invention is a cartridge used in the above-described power storage system, wherein the cartridges used in the power storage system have substantially the same shape.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the battery pack is formed into a cartridge, the power can be supplied not only for stationary use but also for other equipment or devices. Thereby, electric power can be used effectively.

It is a figure showing the external appearance of the cell by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the external appearance of the cartridge in this embodiment. It is a figure showing the other example of a cartridge. It is a figure showing the external appearance of an electrical storage system. It is a figure explaining the connection of an electrical storage apparatus and a cartridge. It is a figure explaining a cartridge. It is a figure explaining the electrical storage apparatus 20 used for an electrical storage system. It is a figure explaining a cell and a cartridge. It is a figure showing an example of the specification of a cell and a cartridge. It is a figure showing the case where a plurality of cartridges are connected in series. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the control apparatus which controls a cartridge group and each switch. It is a figure showing the case where the cartridge group to which the cartridge was connected in series is connected in parallel.

  Hereinafter, a battery management system and a power storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The power storage system stores power obtained from natural energy and grid power (commercial power) in a cell provided in the cartridge, and manages to supply power from the cell provided in the cartridge to the building for stationary use. System. The electric power obtained from natural energy is, for example, electric power obtained by solar power generation or wind power generation.

  Lithium ion secondary battery (hereinafter LiB), nickel hydride secondary battery, lead storage battery, nickel cadmium battery, redox flow battery, zinc chloride battery, zinc bromine battery, lithium air battery, aluminum air battery, air zinc battery, Cartridge battery management by fixing a cartridge type pack (hereinafter referred to as cartridge: a removable part for the purpose of cartridge) and a cartridge with a plurality of cells composed of either sodium-sulfur batteries or lithium iron sulfide batteries It consists of a storage system that performs.

  The cartridge can be easily detached from the power storage system. According to these inventions, not only can it be used as a power storage system for houses, buildings, factories, etc., but the cartridge can also be used for bicycles, automobiles, etc., and maintenance can be facilitated.

  In this embodiment, the present invention relates to a system for storing and managing electric power obtained from natural energy and grid power. It comprises a cartridge in which a plurality of battery cells as described above are connected, and a power storage system that fixes the cartridge and exchanges power. In order to achieve the cartridge, it is indispensable to safely attach and detach the cartridge. Therefore, the electrical connection portion between the cartridge and the power storage system is protected by the cover. Alternatively, wireless power interchange is performed. Further, batteries with different remaining capacities are incorporated into the power storage system. Therefore, we have a system that makes these remaining volumes uniform.

In the first aspect of the present embodiment, a plurality of electrically connected cartridges are connected in series, and one bypass circuit is provided for each cartridge. Is maintained at a voltage that can be converted into a commercial voltage. An example of a power conversion device that converts voltage is a transformer. This power converter converts a DC voltage output from the power storage system into a predetermined AC voltage (for example, 100 V or 200 V).
According to this configuration, for example, even when the number of cartridges mounted is n (n: positive number (for example, n <30)) and a number of cartridges (a: positive number less than n−1) are mounted, It can operate as a power storage system. Further, overcharging can be prevented, and for example, a fully charged cartridge can be disconnected from the electrical connection. That is, no load is applied to the specific cartridge, and the life can be prevented from deteriorating. However, a series of groups of cartridges connected in parallel may be used.

In the second aspect of the present embodiment, a plurality of cartridges connected in series are connected in series, a plurality of cartridges connected in series are connected in parallel, and the voltage of the power storage system is A power storage system that maintains a voltage that can be converted into a commercial voltage. One bypass circuit is installed for each cartridge, and the voltage of the power storage system is maintained at a voltage that can be converted into a commercial voltage. An example of a power conversion device that converts voltage is a transformer. This power converter converts a DC voltage output from the power storage system into a predetermined AC voltage (for example, 100 V or 200 V).
According to this configuration, for example, even when the number of cartridges mounted is n (n: positive number (for example, n <30)) and a number of cartridges (a: positive number less than n−1) are mounted, It can operate as a power storage system. Further, overcharging can be prevented, and for example, a fully charged cartridge can be disconnected from the electrical connection. That is, no load is applied to the specific cartridge, and the life can be prevented from deteriorating. However, a series of groups of cartridges connected in parallel may be used.
In the third aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect, the number of cartridges mounted is n (n <30) and a (a: n−1 or less). Even when a cartridge is mounted, a battery management system and a power storage system that operate with a number of cartridges are provided. When the cartridge is used for other purposes, the power storage system must be operated in a state where the number is smaller than the initial number of cartridges. At that time, the output may be reduced, but a battery management system that operates as a power storage system is required even with a cartridges.

  According to a fourth aspect of this embodiment, there is provided a power storage system in which the cartridge can be easily removed from the power storage system in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect. By removing it manually, it can be easily expanded to other applications.

  Further, in the fifth aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system described in the first or second aspect, when a cartridge with a different remaining capacity is mounted, only a cartridge with a larger remaining capacity is used, and a smaller number of cartridges are used. A battery management system and a power storage system are provided that output power from all cartridges when all the voltages become the same voltage without being used. Since the power storage system is composed of cartridges, when a certain cartridge is used for other purposes, the remaining capacity differs from that of other cartridges when returning to the power storage system. In the case of a conventional system, since a switch or the like is not provided between the cartridges, the current of the cartridge having the smallest remaining capacity becomes the output current. Therefore, a large load is applied to the cartridge with the smallest remaining capacity, and the deterioration of the cartridge is accelerated, so that the performance of the entire system is lowered. In this aspect, a switch is provided between the cartridges, and the above-described problem is solved by forcibly removing a cartridge having a small capacity from the circuit. Note that a state where only a cartridge with a large remaining capacity is used and a cartridge with a small amount is not used is a state where a cartridge with a large remaining capacity is connected to the power storage system and a cartridge with a small remaining capacity is not connected to the power storage system. When power is supplied from this connected cartridge, if the remaining capacity of the unconnected cartridge and the remaining capacity of the connected cartridge are the same, connect the cartridge that was not connected, Supply.

  In the sixth aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect, when a cartridge with a different remaining capacity is mounted, power can be transported from a cartridge with a larger remaining capacity to a smaller cartridge. A battery management system and a power storage system are provided in which a circuit is arranged between each cartridge. This is a condition in parallel with the fourth aspect described above, but since a switch is provided between the cartridges, power can be exchanged only between specific cells. Therefore, since the remaining capacity of all the cartridges used can be made uniform, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the cartridge life.

  Further, according to a seventh aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect, a cover is provided on the power storage system and the cartridge side for a connection portion between the power storage system and the cartridge, and the cartridge is A cartridge and a power storage system are provided in which when connected to a power storage system, the connection surface is exposed to form an electrical connection. The cartridge must be electrically connected to the power storage system. However, it may be possible not to inadvertently expose the tab of the large lithium ion secondary battery to the outside. For this reason, covers are provided on the electrode tabs of the cartridge and the power storage system. Thereby, not only can the connection be made safely, but also contact failure due to dirt such as dust can be avoided.

  Further, according to an eighth aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect, a wireless power transportation device is provided on the power storage system and the cartridge side for a connection portion between the power storage system and the cartridge. A cartridge and a power storage system are provided that are capable of transferring power without being physically connected. This is in parallel with the sixth aspect described above. For safety reasons, it is desirable that connection portions such as electrode tabs are not exposed from the viewpoint of avoiding poor contact. Therefore, electrical components (such as spiral wires) are provided on the power transfer side and the power supply side so that wireless charging can be performed.

  Further, in the ninth aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect, the general housing, store, building, factory, backup power source, mega solar power storage, wind power storage, geothermal heat are used as applications. A power storage system that can be diverted to a power generation storage, an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle is provided. For example, when the capacity of a cell is 5 Ah, for a general house, it is a cartridge in which 50 cells are packaged, and five of these cartridges are connected in series. In addition, for the factory, 10 cartridges having a capacity of 50 Ah are connected, and 10 cartridges connected in series are connected in parallel.

According to a tenth aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect, the power storage system is connected to a LAN (local area network), and a future solar cell based on a weather forecast If the period when the amount of power generated by the solar cell is more than half of the rated output is less than the predetermined time, the output amount of the solar cell is predicted from the weather forecast, Calculate the power generation amount of the future solar cell based on the forecast, and if the calculated power generation amount of the solar cell is more than half of the rated output for a predetermined time or more, the power storage from the grid There is provided a battery management system and a power storage system characterized by not performing the above. Here, the predetermined time can be set as appropriate, but can be set to 3 hours, for example.
By connecting the power storage system to an IT (information technology) device such as a LAN, it becomes possible to use energy efficiently. If you are a household with solar power generation, should you store electricity from commercial power the day before by estimating from the weather forecast how much solar power will generate in the future (for example, the next day)? Or judge whether it is better to get power from solar power the next day. By realizing this, an efficient use of energy is achieved.

  Further, in order to promote effective utilization of power from the solar cell and the grid, the power storage system is connected to the LAN and a weather forecast is received from a server provided outside. It is desirable to build a total energy management system that takes into account lifestyle patterns. The life pattern is information on how much power is used at what time in each household. When the smart meter is connected to the power storage system, the power storage system receives information that is a lifestyle pattern from the smart meter, and based on this information, supplies power from the cartridge according to the power usage status of the household. Charge the cartridge.

  Further, in an eleventh aspect of this embodiment, in the power storage system according to the first or second aspect, the cells connected in the cartridge are charged at 2C or higher and discharged at 2C or higher. When the cycle characteristic test is performed, the cell and cartridge are characterized in that the capacity retention rate at the 100th cycle is 90% or more. From the second aspect and the fourth aspect, operation of the power storage system with a small number of cartridges and power interchange between the cartridges occur. At this time, if the cell mounted on the cartridge has rapid charge / discharge performance, even if the number of cartridges is a (n−1 or less), the energy can be effectively utilized by increasing the C rate.

  Here, although the first to eleventh aspects have been described, two or more of these can be combined to form a cartridge, a battery management system, and a power storage system.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a cell constituting a cartridge used in a battery management system and a power storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cell has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and tabs (terminals) are provided on one surface (here, the upper surface). The cell size is, for example, about 10 cm in width, about 0.5 cm in height, and about 30 cm in depth.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the cartridge in this embodiment.
The cartridge is composed of a plurality of cells. In this figure, the cartridge is illustrated for a case of 18 cells. In the cartridge, 18 cells are stored side by side, and the tabs of the cells are electrically connected by welding, and are stored in the housing of the cartridge. The size of the cartridge is, for example, about 15 cm in width, about 3 cm in height, and about 40 cm in depth.
When each cell is mounted on the power storage device, the cells are connected in series on the power storage device side.
In this figure, the case where the cartridge has 18 cells has been described. However, the number of cells is not limited to this, and may be one, two, or four or more. May be.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the cartridge. In this figure, a battery management system (BMS) is mounted in the housing of the cartridge. The battery management system has a function of managing charging from a power storage device to a cell, discharging from a cell to an externally connected load, and the like, for example, controlling charging and discharging so as not to cause overcharging and overdischarging. .

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the power storage system. The power storage system includes one or a plurality of cartridges and a power storage device. In this figure, the power storage device is provided with four storage ports for storing and connecting cartridges, and up to four cartridges can be connected. The size of the power storage device can be freely changed depending on the application environment. For example, the width is about 100 cm, the height is about 50 cm, and the depth is about 100 cm. Note that the present invention is not limited thereto. In this figure, one cartridge is mounted on the power storage device.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the power storage device and the cartridge. Here, a case where a maximum of four cartridges can be connected to the power storage device will be described. In this figure, in the power storage device, four cartridges 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, and 10-4 are connected in series via a switch. One terminal of the switch 2a is connected to the charging / discharging device, and the other terminal is connected to one terminal of the switch 21a and one terminal of the switch 21b. The other terminal of the switch 21a is connected to one terminal of the cartridge 10-1. The other terminal of the cartridge 10-1 is connected to the other terminal of the switch 21b and one terminal of the switch 22a.

  The other terminal of the switch 22a is connected to one terminal of the cartridge 10-2. The other terminal of the cartridge 10-2 is connected to the other terminal of the switch 22b and one terminal of the switch 23a.

  The other terminal of the switch 23a is connected to one terminal of the cartridge 10-3. The other terminal of the cartridge 10-3 is connected to the other terminal of the switch 23b and one terminal of the switch 24a.

  The other terminal of the switch 24a is connected to one terminal of the cartridge 10-4. The other terminal of the cartridge 10-4 is connected to the other terminal of the switch 24b and the other terminal of the switch 2 charging / discharging device.

  The charging / discharging device supplies electric power to each cartridge for charging, or supplies electric power from each cartridge to a load (for example, electrical equipment in a building).

  Here, when the switch 2a, the switch 21a, the switch 22a, the switch 23a, and the switch 24a are ON (connected state) and the switch 21b, the switch 22b, the switch 23b, and the switch 24b are OFF (disconnected state), each cartridge 10 The cells in -1 to 10-4 can be charged or discharged from the cartridge.

  When the switch 21a is turned off and the switch 21b is turned on, the cartridge 10-1 is bypassed, and charging or discharging from the cartridge 10-1 is not performed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the cartridge. In this example, a case where the terminals of the cartridge are housed in a cover provided on the cartridge will be described.
A cover 13 that can be opened and closed is provided on any one surface of the cartridge 10. This cover 13 opens in the lateral direction. In the cover of the cartridge 10, a plus terminal (+ terminal) 11 and a minus terminal (−terminal) 12 are provided. Via the plus terminal (+ terminal) 11 and the minus terminal (− terminal) 12, it is possible to supply electric power from a cell provided in the cartridge 10 or charge the cell. Each cell in the cartridge 10 is connected in series, and the cell can be charged and discharged by being connected to a power storage device or a load via the plus terminal 11 and the minus terminal 12.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a power storage device 20 used in the power storage system. In this figure, a cover 22 (corresponding to the cover 13 in FIG. 6) is provided on any one surface of the power storage device 20 so as to be openable and closable. This cover 22 opens in the lateral direction. Two terminal ports are provided in the cover 22, and the plus terminal 11 and the minus terminal 12 of the cartridge 10 are respectively inserted therein. As a result, the power storage device 20 and the cartridge 10 can be electrically connected.

Next, the above power storage system will be further described.
Here, a case where a plurality of cartridges are connected in series will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a cell and a cartridge. A plurality of cells 101 are provided in the cartridge 100. These cells 101 are assumed to deteriorate uniformly. In order to control these cells, you may install BMS of active cell balance and passive cell balance. The safety circuit 102 controls charging / discharging of each cell so that overcharge and overdischarge do not occur. The handle 103 is provided outside the cartridge, and is used when the cartridge is attached to, detached from, and transported from the charging device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of specifications of a cell and a cartridge.
The cells and cartridges are sized, weighted and rated as shown in this figure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where a plurality of cartridges are connected in series. Here, four cartridges 201, 202, 203, and 204 are connected in series.
The cartridge 201 has a plus terminal connected to one output terminal of the charge / discharge circuit via the switch 211b, and a minus terminal connected to the plus terminal of the cartridge 202 via the switch 212b. The switch 211a has one terminal connected between one output terminal of the charge / discharge circuit and the upstream terminal of the switch 211b, and the other terminal connected to the negative terminal of the cartridge 201 and the upstream terminal of the switch 212b. Connected to each other and has a function of bypassing.

  The cartridge 202 has a plus terminal connected to the minus terminal of the cartridge 201 via the switch 211b, and a minus terminal connected to the plus terminal of the cartridge 203 via the switch 213b. The switch 212a has one terminal connected between the other terminal of the switch 211a and the upstream terminal of the switch 212b, and the other terminal between the negative terminal of the cartridge 202 and the upstream terminal of the switch 213b. And has a function of bypassing.

  The cartridge 203 has a plus terminal connected to the minus terminal of the cartridge 202 via the switch 213b, and a minus terminal connected to the plus terminal of the cartridge 204 via the switch 214b. The switch 213a has one terminal connected between the other terminal of the switch 212a and the upstream terminal of the switch 213b, and the other terminal between the negative terminal of the cartridge 203 and the upstream terminal of the switch 214b. And has a function of bypassing.

  The cartridge 204 has a plus terminal connected to the minus terminal of the cartridge 203 via the switch 214b, and a minus terminal connected to the other terminal of the charge / discharge circuit. The switch 214a has one terminal connected between the other terminal of the switch 213a and the upstream terminal of the switch 214b, and the other terminal between the negative terminal of the cartridge 204 and the other terminal of the charge / discharge circuit. And has a function of bypassing.

Next, the operation of the controller for controlling the cartridge group and each switch in the configuration of FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the controller that controls the cartridge group and each switch.
In a state where there is no input / output to the cartridge group (step S100), the control device turns off the switches 211a, 212a, 213a, 214a (not connected) and turns on the switches 211b, 212b, 213b, 214b. (Connected state). In this state, input / output can be performed at any time. The input / output is, for example, an act of charging each cartridge, and an output is an act of supplying power from each cartridge to a load (for example, power supply to the home).
The control device enters an input / output state (step S101). When a command to remove the cartridge 201 is input from the operation button (step S110), the switch 211a is closed and the switch 211b is opened (step S111). Then, the control device displays information indicating that the cartridge 201 may be removed on the display device (step S112).

  On the other hand, the control device enters an input / output state (step S101), and the remaining capacity (Ah) of the cartridge 201 is not the highest among the cartridges 201, 202, 203, 204, that is, the remaining capacity is the highest. When the cartridge is not the cartridge 201 among the cartridges 201, 202, 203, and 204 (step S120), the switch 211a is closed and the switch 212b is opened (step S121). When the remaining capacity of the cartridge 201 becomes the highest among the cartridges 201, 202, 203, and 204 (step S122), the switch 211b is closed and the switch 211a is opened (step S123).

  When the controller compares the remaining capacity of the cartridge 201 with the other cartridges 202, 203, and 204 in step S120, the remaining capacity of the other cartridge is larger and the difference between the remaining capacity is the rated capacity of each cell. If it is 1% or more, it is determined that the remaining capacity of the other cartridge is larger.

  For example, by the operation of this control device, in step 120, the remaining capacity of the cartridge 201 is 17.132 Ah, the remaining capacity of the cartridge 202 is 17.435 Ah, the remaining capacity of the cartridge 203 is 17.493 Ah, and the remaining capacity of the cartridge 204 is 17 If 512 Ah, the switch 212b is opened in step S121, and the switch 211a is closed. As a result, when the remaining capacity of the cartridges 202, 203, and 204 becomes 17.312, the switch 211b is closed and the switch 211a is opened in step S123.

  In this way, the connection state between the cartridge groups connected in series is controlled.

Next, a case where a plurality of cartridge groups connected in series are connected in parallel will be described.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a case where cartridge groups in which cartridges are connected in series are connected in parallel. Here, three cartridge groups of the cartridge groups 300, 400, and 500 are connected in parallel.
In the cartridge group 300, cartridges 301, 302, 303, and 304 are connected in series. The cartridges 301, 302, 303, and 304 are provided with switches 311 b, 312 b, 313 b, and 314 b at the positive terminals, respectively, and 311 a, 312 a, 313 a, and 314 a on the bypass path. These connection relationships are the same as those shown in FIG.

  In the cartridge group 400, cartridges 401, 402, 403, and 404 are connected in series. In the cartridges 401, 402, 403, and 404, switches 411b, 412b, 413b, and 414b are provided on the positive terminals, respectively, and 411a, 412a, 413a and 414a are provided on a bypass path. These connection relationships are the same as those shown in FIG.

  In the cartridge group 500, cartridges 501, 502, 503, and 504 are connected in series. The cartridges 501, 502, 503, and 504 are provided with switches 511 b, 512 b, 513 b, and 514 b on the positive terminals, respectively, and 511 a, 512 a, 513 a, and 514 a on the bypass path. These connection relationships are the same as those shown in FIG.

  In this way, cartridges connected in series may be connected in parallel to control each switch.

  According to the above-described embodiment, for example, a stationary storage battery can be used as an extender for an electric vehicle whose cruising distance varies greatly depending on the traveling state. Further, if the stationary storage battery is used for a bicycle, the battery charging time can be omitted, and convenience is improved. In addition, when the amount of power used is changed due to an increase in the number of families, the capacity can be easily increased by increasing the number of cartridges, so that there is no need to install a new system, which is highly economical.

  Further, charge / discharge management is performed by recording a program for realizing the functions of the power storage system in FIG. 1 on a computer-readable recording medium, causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. You may go. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used.
The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. Further, a reverse converter such as a converter or a DC / DC converter, a rectifier, or the like may be incorporated in the circuit.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 switch 6, 7, 8, 9 cell 10, 100, 201, 202, 203, 204, 301, 302, 303, 304, 401, 402, 403, 404, 501, 502, 503, 504 Cartridge 11 Plus terminal (+ terminal)
12 Negative terminal (-terminal)
13, 22 Cover 20 Power storage system 211a, 211b, 212a, 212b, 213a, 213b, 214a, 214b, 311a, 311b, 312a, 312b, 313a, 313b, 314a, 314b, 320, 411a, 411b, 412a, 412b, 413a 413b, 414a, 414b, 420, 511a, 511b, 512a, 512b, 513a, 513b, 514a, 514b, 520 switch

Claims (11)

  A power storage system, wherein a plurality of cartridges each having a plurality of connected cells are connected in series, and the voltage of the power storage system maintains a voltage that can be converted into a commercial voltage.   2. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of cartridges having a plurality of cells connected in series are connected in series, and the plurality of cartridges connected in series are connected in parallel. Maintains a voltage that can be converted into a commercial voltage.   2. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein the number of cartridges mounted is n (n: positive number) and a (a: integer less than or equal to n−1) cartridges are mounted. Power storage system that works with any cartridge.   The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge can be manually removed from the power storage system.   4. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein when a cartridge with a different remaining capacity is mounted, only a cartridge with a larger remaining capacity is used, a smaller cartridge is not used, and A power storage system that outputs power from all cartridges when the voltage becomes the same voltage.   4. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein, when a cartridge having a different remaining capacity is mounted, a circuit that enables power transfer from a cartridge having a large remaining capacity to a cartridge having a small remaining capacity is provided for each cartridge. A power storage system characterized by being arranged in between.   6. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein a cover is provided on the power storage system and the cartridge side for a connection portion between the power storage system and the cartridge, and the cartridge is fitted into the power storage system. A power storage system, wherein a connection surface is exposed to form an electrical connection.   6. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein a wireless power transportation device is provided on a power storage system and a cartridge side of a connection portion between the power storage system and the cartridge, and is physically connected. A power storage system characterized in that power can be exchanged at least.   The power storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the application includes general houses, stores, buildings, factories, backup power sources, mega solar power storage, wind power storage, geothermal power storage, and electric vehicles. , Plug-in hybrid vehicles, power storage systems that can be diverted to hybrid vehicles.   The power storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power storage system is connected to a LAN (local area network), and a future solar cell power generation amount is calculated based on a weather forecast. As a result of the calculation, if the period when the power generation amount of the solar cell is more than half of the rated output is less than the predetermined time, the output amount of the solar cell is predicted from the weather forecast, and the future based on the weather forecast The power generation amount of the solar cell is calculated, and if the calculated power generation amount of the solar cell is more than half of the rated output is not less than the predetermined time, power is not stored from the system. A power storage system.   The cartridge used for the electrical storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cartridges used for the electrical storage system have substantially the same shape.

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