JP2017005779A - Power supply device, and operation method for power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately perform power supply by using storage batteries connected in parallel.SOLUTION: A power supply device 20 comprises: a plurality of storage batteries 10a to 10f connected in parallel; adjustment units 30a to 30f, each of which is provided correspondingly to each of the plurality of storage batteries 10a to 10f and is capable of limiting an output current of each of the plurality of storage batteries 10a to 10f; and a control unit 41 that, when it is predicted that a current larger than the maximum rated current is output by the storage battery 10a, controls the adjustment unit 30a to make a limitation amount for an output current from the storage battery 10a be larger than that for an output current from the storage battery 10b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device and a method for operating the power supply device.

  In a power supply device including storage batteries connected in parallel, it is known that a difference occurs in the amount of current supplied from each storage battery when there is a difference in capacity, internal resistance, or the like of each storage battery (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

JP 2011-155784 A

  However, there is room for improvement in the power supply of the conventional power supply device.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a power supply apparatus and the like that appropriately supplies power by using storage batteries connected in parallel.

  A power supply device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel, and an adjustment unit that is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries and that can limit an output current of each of the plurality of storage batteries; When a current larger than the maximum rated current is predicted to be output by the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries, the amount of output current of the first storage battery is controlled by controlling the adjustment unit. And a control unit that makes the output current of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery of the plurality of storage batteries larger than the limit amount.

  Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, and the system, method, integrated circuit, and computer program. And any combination of recording media.

  The power supply apparatus of the present invention can appropriately supply power by using storage batteries connected in parallel.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a storage battery according to an embodiment as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is an external view of the storage battery according to the embodiment as viewed from the bottom surface side. FIG. 3 is an external view of the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the power supply device according to the related art. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating the output current of the storage battery in the first situation in the power supply device according to the related art. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of the output current and overcurrent protection function of the storage battery in the first situation in the power supply device according to the related art. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an output current of the storage battery in a second situation in the power supply device according to the related art. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of the output current and overcurrent protection function of the storage battery in the second situation in the power supply device according to the related art. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing charge / discharge control of the storage battery in the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a first schematic diagram illustrating the output current of the storage battery in the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram illustrating the output current of the storage battery in the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the output current of the storage battery in the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a third schematic diagram illustrating the output current of the storage battery in the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another configuration of the adjustment unit in the power supply device according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is an external view of an electric scooter equipped with the power supply device according to the embodiment.

  As described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply device and the like that appropriately supply power using storage batteries connected in parallel.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a power supply device according to an aspect of the present invention is provided for each of a plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel and the plurality of storage batteries, and the output current of each of the plurality of storage batteries is obtained. When it is predicted that a current larger than the maximum rated current is output from the adjustment unit that can be limited and the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries, by controlling the adjustment unit, the first storage battery And a control unit configured to make the limit amount of the output current of the storage battery larger than the limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries.

  According to this, by limiting the discharge current of the storage battery that is predicted to output a current that is greater than the maximum rated current, the power supply device can output that the storage battery outputs a current that is greater than the maximum rated current. Can be prevented. Therefore, the power supply device can appropriately supply power with the storage batteries connected in parallel.

  For example, when the control unit is predicted to output a current having a magnitude that activates the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery as a current larger than the maximum rated current, from the first storage battery. By controlling the adjustment unit, the limit amount of the output current of the first storage battery is made larger than the limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery.

  According to this, the power supply device is configured to operate the overcurrent protection circuit of the storage battery by limiting the discharge current of the storage battery that is predicted to cause the output current to operate the overcurrent protection circuit of the storage battery. Can be prevented.

  For example, the voltage of the first storage battery is higher than that of the second storage battery.

  According to this, the power supply device can specifically perform appropriate power supply by limiting the discharge current of the storage battery having a relatively high voltage among the plurality of storage batteries.

  For example, the first storage battery has a larger remaining capacity than the second storage battery.

  According to this, the power supply device can specifically perform appropriate power supply by limiting the discharge current of the storage battery having a relatively large remaining capacity among the plurality of storage batteries.

  For example, the first storage battery has lower internal resistance than the second storage battery.

  According to this, the power supply device can specifically perform appropriate power supply by limiting the discharge current of the storage battery having a relatively low internal resistance among the plurality of storage batteries.

  For example, the control unit limits the output current of the first storage battery and does not limit the output current of the second storage battery.

  According to this, the power supply device does not limit the discharge current of the storage battery, which is predicted that the output current is smaller than the maximum rated current. Thereby, the storage battery in which the current to be output is predicted to be smaller than the maximum rated current outputs the current without limitation. Therefore, the power supply device can appropriately supply power with the storage batteries connected in parallel.

  For example, the adjustment unit is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries, and each of the plurality of adjustment units is an electric path for the output current of the storage battery provided with the adjustment unit to flow. A first electric circuit that is an electric circuit that passes through a limiting unit that restricts the output current of the battery, and an electric circuit through which the output current of the storage battery provided with the adjusting unit flows, and is an electric circuit that bypasses the limiting unit An electric circuit and a switching unit that switches the electric circuit through which the output current of the storage battery provided with the adjustment unit flows to the first electric circuit or the second electric circuit; When a current larger than the current is predicted to be output, the output current of the first storage battery flows through the first electric circuit provided for the first storage battery by controlling the switching unit. The second storage battery So that the output current of the second battery flows in the second path, which is provided for to switch the path of the output current flows.

  For example, when the control unit is predicted to output a current having a magnitude that activates the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery as a current larger than the maximum rated current, from the first storage battery. By controlling the switching unit, the output current of the first storage battery flows in the first electric circuit provided for the first storage battery, and the first storage battery is provided for the second storage battery. The electric path through which the output current flows is switched so that the output current of the second storage battery flows through two electric circuits.

  According to this, the power supply device can perform current limitation by selectively using the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit.

  For example, the limiting unit includes a diode element.

  According to this, the power supply device specifically limits the current using the diode element.

  For example, the power supply device is connected to an external power load that can be selectively supplied with power from the power supply device or a system power supply, and the control unit supplies power from the system power supply to the external power load. When supply is stopped, if it is predicted that a current larger than the maximum rated current will flow in the first storage battery, the amount of output current of the first storage battery is controlled by controlling the adjustment unit. The output current of the second storage battery is set larger than the limit amount.

  For example, when the power supply from the system power supply to the external power load is stopped, the control unit is configured to operate the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery as a current larger than the maximum rated current. When the current is predicted to be output by the first storage battery, the amount of output current of the first storage battery is reduced by controlling the adjustment unit to control the amount of output current of the second storage battery. Larger than.

  According to this, the power supply device can prevent the storage battery from outputting a current larger than the maximum rated current by limiting the discharge current of the storage battery when the system power supply is in a power failure state. it can.

  For example, the power supply device is connected to an external power load that can be selectively supplied with power from the power supply device or a system power supply, and the control unit determines that the power demand of the power load is generated by the power supply device. When the electric power is larger than the power that can be supplied, the limit amount of the output current of the first storage battery is made larger than the limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery by controlling the adjustment unit.

  According to this, the power storage device limits the discharge current of the storage battery when the power demand of the external device is larger than the power that the power supply device can supply to the external device. It is possible to prevent a current larger than the current from being output.

  For example, when the power demand of the power load is larger than the sum of the maximum rated powers of the first storage battery of 1 or more, the control unit controls the adjustment unit to output the first storage battery. The current limit amount is set larger than the output current limit amount of the second storage battery.

  According to this, the power storage device limits the discharge current of the storage battery when the power demand of the external device is larger than the sum of the maximum rated currents of the storage batteries included in the power supply device, so that the storage battery has the maximum rated current. Output of a larger current can be prevented in advance.

  For example, the second storage battery is a storage battery that is predicted to flow a current smaller than the maximum rated current of the storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries.

  According to this, the power supply device does not limit the current for the storage battery whose discharge current is predicted to be smaller than the maximum rated current. Therefore, the power supply device can appropriately supply power with the storage batteries connected in parallel.

  For example, the second storage battery is a storage battery that is predicted to have a current that is smaller than a current that is large enough to activate an overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery.

  According to this, the power supply device does not limit the current for the storage battery in which the discharge current is predicted to be a current that does not activate the overcurrent protection circuit. Therefore, the power supply device can appropriately supply power with the storage batteries connected in parallel.

  The operation method of the power supply device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a step of predicting whether or not a current larger than the maximum rated current is output by the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel. , When it is predicted that a current larger than the maximum rated current is output by the first storage battery in the predicting step, the output current of each of the plurality of storage batteries is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries. By the adjustment unit that can limit the output current, the output current limit amount of the first storage battery is made larger than the output current limit amount of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries. Steps.

  According to this, there exists an effect similar to the said power supply device.

  Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, and the system, method, integrated circuit, and computer program. Alternatively, it may be realized by any combination of recording media.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connecting forms of the constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept are described as optional constituent elements.

(Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a power supply device and the like that appropriately supply electric power from storage batteries connected in parallel will be described. First, a storage battery provided in the power supply device will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a storage battery 10 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is an external view of the storage battery 10 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the bottom side.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage battery 10 includes a main body portion 11, an attachment portion 12, a holding portion 13, a display portion 14, and a button 15.

  The storage battery 10 is a storage battery that is detachably connected to an electrical device and used as a DC power source for the electrical device. The storage battery 10 is a secondary battery that performs charging or discharging, which is charging or discharging, and is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery with a rated voltage of 24V. In addition, the storage battery 10 may have another rated voltage, or may be a secondary battery of another method. Note that the current value when the storage battery 10 is charged is also referred to as a charging current value, and the current value discharged by the storage battery 10 is also referred to as a discharge current value. The storage battery 10 varies in output voltage and internal resistance according to the remaining capacity. For example, when the rated voltage of the storage battery 10 is 24V, the output voltage varies in the range of about 21V to about 29V according to the remaining capacity. The remaining capacity is also referred to as a storage amount or SOC (State of charge).

  The electrical device to which the storage battery 10 is connected is, for example, an electric vehicle such as an electric bicycle, but is not particularly limited. The storage battery 10 may be standardized so that it can be connected to a plurality of types of devices having different functions or uses.

  The main body 11 is a main body portion of the storage battery 10 that houses a power storage unit that stores electrical energy and a control unit for charging and discharging the storage battery unit. Further, the main body 11 has a communication unit for outputting information related to the storage battery 10 through a communication terminal (a terminal included in a terminal unit 12a described later), and discharge so that the discharge current value of the storage battery 10 does not exceed a threshold value. An overcurrent protection circuit for controlling the current is also accommodated. The information related to the storage battery 10 is also referred to as storage battery information. The above threshold is also referred to as an overcurrent threshold.

  The storage battery information includes, for example, state information indicating the state of the storage battery 10. The state information of the storage battery 10 includes, for example, storage history of the storage battery 10, voltage, temperature, number of charge / discharge cycles, abnormality history information such as temperature abnormality, current abnormality, voltage abnormality, and shock abnormality. Further, the information of the storage battery 10 may include identification information for uniquely specifying the individual storage battery 10.

  The amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 10 is periodically updated by the control unit. The control unit measures the charge current value or the discharge current value when charging or discharging by the storage battery 10, and updates the storage amount by temporally integrating the measured charge current value or discharge current value.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the main body portion 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is shown, but the shape of the main body portion 11 is not particularly limited. Note that the control unit and the communication unit may be realized by a dedicated circuit, or may be realized by a processor or a microcomputer.

  The attachment portion 12 is a connection interface provided on the bottom surface of the main body portion 11 that is attached to an electric device that operates using the storage battery 10 as a power source. The attachment portion 12 has a structure (shape and size) that can be attached to the electric device. The attachment part 12 includes a terminal part 12a and a wireless communication part 12b.

  The terminal portion 12a is a terminal portion having a plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals are metal terminals used to electrically connect the storage battery 10 and an electric device that operates using the storage battery 10 as a power source. The storage battery 10 performs charging / discharging through the terminal part 12a.

  The wireless communication unit 12 b is a communication unit for short-range wireless communication built in the attachment unit 12. The standard for short-range wireless communication is, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication), but is not particularly limited. The wireless communication unit 12b may be provided in the main body unit 11.

  The holding unit 13 is a handle that the user holds to carry the storage battery 10. The holding unit 13 is provided on the upper surface of the main body unit 11, for example.

  The display unit 14 is an example of a light emitting display unit, and displays the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 10. The display unit 14 includes, for example, three LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the number of LEDs corresponding to the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 10 is turned on to display the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 10. The display unit 14 is provided on the front surface (side surface) of the main body unit 11. The display unit 14 indicates that an abnormality of the storage battery 10 has occurred due to blinking of LEDs or split display (a display method in which only the LED located in the center portion emits light or does not emit light) and deterioration of the storage battery 10 (for example, It is also possible to display the degree of life).

  The button 15 is a hardware button that is pressed by the user to turn on the display unit 14. The button 15 is provided on the front surface of the main body 11 (the same side as the side on which the display unit 14 is provided).

  Next, the structure of the power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is an external view of the power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the power supply device 20 includes a housing 21 including a plurality of shelves including a shelf 24 and a shelf 27, a power receiving plug 22, an outlet 23, a connection unit 70, and a cover 28. Note that the housing 21 may include at least one shelf. Further, the cover 28 is not an essential component.

  The power supply device 20 has a function of storing a plurality of storage batteries 10 and charging the stored plurality of storage batteries 10. That is, the power supply device 20 functions as a charging device for charging the storage battery 10. In addition, the power supply device 20 is connected to a system power supply, and the power supplied from the system power supply or the power discharged from the storage battery 10 is supplied to an external electric device (for example, the refrigerator 130, the lighting device 160, It is also possible to supply to an air conditioner (not shown) such as an air conditioner. The external electric device is an example of an external power load of the present disclosure.

  In addition, the power supply device 20 has a function as a backup power supply that supplies power to an external electric device instead of the system power supply when the system power supply fails.

  The housing | casing 21 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing provided with the some shelf in which the storage battery 10 is mounted. In other words, the housing 21 is a locker that houses the storage battery 10. A part of the front surface of the housing 21 is open, and the storage battery 10 can be accommodated in and removed from the housing 21 through the opened portion. The shelf 24 and the shelf 27 may be in any form as long as the storage battery 10 can be placed thereon.

  The shelf 24 and the shelf 27 are shelves on which the plurality of storage batteries 10 are placed, and are shelf plates that partition the space inside the housing 21. Since the near side of the shelf 24 (the front side of the casing 21) is released, the storage battery 10 placed on the shelf 24 is easily taken out.

  On the other hand, since the near side of the shelf 27 (the front side of the casing 21) is closed by the cover 28, the plurality of storage batteries 10 placed on the shelf 27 are placed on the shelf 24. It is harder to take out than the storage battery 10. This is because it is assumed that the plurality of storage batteries 10 placed on the shelf 27 are always provided in the power supply device 20 as an emergency power source.

  The connection unit 70 is an interface through which the storage battery 10 is detachably connected and is electrically and mechanically connected. The connection unit 70 is provided in the back of the shelf 24 or the shelf 27. The connection unit 70 includes a terminal (not shown) that is electrically connected to the terminal unit 12a of the storage battery 10, and a wireless communication unit (not shown) that can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication unit 12b of the storage battery 10. The connection unit 70 acquires the amount of power stored in the storage battery 10 through wireless communication by the wireless communication unit.

  The power receiving plug 22 is a plug that is connected to the system power supply and receives power from the system power supply. The power receiving plug 22 is provided on the side surface of the housing 21. The power receiving plug 22 may be connected to a power generation device such as a solar cell or a fuel cell instead of the system power supply, and may receive power from the connected power generation device.

  The outlet 23 is an example of a power supply unit, and is an insertion port to which an external electric device is connected in order to supply electric power discharged from the storage battery 10 to the external electric device. For example, the outlet 23 is provided on the side of the casing 21 opposite to the side where the power receiving plug 22 is provided. The outlet 23 includes a power plug 131 of the refrigerator 130 or a power plug 161 of the lighting device 160. Is connected.

  The shape of the outlet 23 is assumed to be, for example, the shape of a household 100V outlet, but may be other outlet shapes, for example, a shape conforming to a connection standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). Good. Moreover, it is good also as an exclusive shape.

  A phenomenon that occurs when power is output from the plurality of storage batteries 10 using the power supply device 20 will be described below in comparison with related technologies. Note that the related technology means a power supply device that does not include an adjustment unit included in the power supply device 20 described later.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the power supply device 120 according to the related art. The power supply device 120 is used in the related art as the power supply device 20 in FIG.

  The power supply device 120 includes the storage batteries 10a to 10f, the power receiving plug 22, the outlet 23, the control unit 40, the power failure detection unit 42, the input / output unit 44, the charge / discharge switching units 50a to 50f, and the output switching unit 52. And AC / DC60, DC / AC62, connection part 70a-70f, and the communication part 72 are provided.

  Each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f is a storage battery that charges and discharges electric power in the power supply device 120, and is connected in parallel. Each of the storage batteries 10 a to 10 f is the same as the storage battery 10. Unless otherwise specified, the storage battery 10 means any or all of the storage batteries 10a to 10f. In addition, although the power supply device 120 has shown the structure provided with the six storage batteries 10, as long as the number of storage batteries is plural, other numbers may be sufficient.

  The storage battery 10 is supplied with DC power generated by AC / DC 60 converting AC power supplied from the system power supply during charging. Moreover, the storage battery 10 provides the alternating current electric power produced | generated by the DC / AC62 converting the direct current which the storage battery 10 outputs at the time of discharge to an external electric equipment.

  The storage battery 10 includes an overcurrent protection circuit (not shown). The overcurrent protection circuit monitors the discharge current value of the storage battery 10 and operates when the condition that the discharge current value of the storage battery 10 is equal to or greater than a threshold value continues for a predetermined time or longer and stops discharging by the storage battery 10. Let Thus, the storage battery 10 is protected from a failure caused by overdischarge by the operation of the overcurrent protection circuit. The threshold value of the current can be the maximum rated current of the storage battery 10 and is, for example, 20 A (ampere). The function of operating the overcurrent protection circuit as described above is also referred to as an overcurrent protection function.

  In addition, when the discharge by the storage battery 10 is stopped by the overcurrent protection circuit, the storage battery 10 is in a state where it cannot be discharged until the user performs a measure for the storage battery 10 according to a predetermined procedure. Therefore, when the storage battery 10 is continuously operated, it is desirable that the current be limited so that the current that is large enough to activate the overcurrent protection circuit is not discharged from the storage battery 10.

  The control unit 40 is a processing unit that acquires various types of information from each functional block in the power supply device 120 and controls the operation of each functional block in the power supply device 120. Specifically, the control unit 40 acquires various types of information from the power failure detection unit 42, the input / output unit 44, the communication unit 72, and the like, and the charge / discharge switching unit 50, the output switching unit 52, the AC / DC 60, and the DC / AC 62 Control the behavior. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the output switching unit 52 to switch ON / OFF the output of electric power from the power supply device 120 to the external electric device. For example, when the power failure detection unit 42 detects that the system power supply is in a power failure state, the control unit 40 controls the output switching unit 52 to turn on the output of the power supply device 120 and supply power to an external electrical device. Supply. On the other hand, when the system power supply is not in a power failure state, the output switching unit 52 is switched so that the output of power from the power supply device 120 is turned off. Thereby, when charging the storage battery 10, it is possible to prevent the charging power from being supplied directly to the DC / AC 62. Specific information acquired by the control unit 40 and control based on the information will be described in detail later.

  The power failure detection unit 42 is a sensor that detects a power failure state in the system power supply. The power failure detection unit 42 is connected to a power line to which power is supplied from the system power supply via the power receiving plug 22, and detects whether or not the system power source is in a power outage state by detecting the presence or absence of current flowing through the power line. To do. The power failure detection unit 42 is realized by a current sensor, for example.

  The input / output unit 44 is an input / output interface that receives information from the user or presents information to the user. The input / output unit 44 is realized by a display screen, buttons, a touch panel (not shown), or the like.

  Each of the charge / discharge switching units 50a to 50f is a switching unit that is provided for each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f and switches between charging or discharging each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f. Unless otherwise specified, the charge / discharge switching unit 50 refers to any or all of the charge / discharge switching units 50a to 50f.

  When charging the storage battery 10, the charge / discharge switching unit 50 configures a circuit in the charge / discharge switching unit 50 so as to supply a direct current output from the AC / DC 60 to the storage battery 10. Further, when the storage battery 10 is discharged, the charge / discharge switching unit 50 configures a circuit in the charge / discharge switching unit 50 so as to transmit a direct current output from the storage battery 10 to the DC / AC 62 via the output switching unit 52. . The charge / discharge switching unit 50 switches the circuit configuration based on the control by the control unit 40.

  The output switching unit 52 is a switching unit that switches ON / OFF of the output of power from the power supply device 120. When the output of power from the power supply device 120 is turned ON, the storage battery 10 is connected to the DC / AC 62 via the output switching unit 52. The output switching unit 52 performs the switching based on the control by the control unit 40.

  The AC / DC 60 is a power converter that converts AC power supplied from a system power source into DC power. The DC power generated by the AC / DC 60 by the conversion is transmitted to the storage battery 10 through the charge / discharge switching unit 50 and used for charging the storage battery 10.

  The DC / AC 62 is a power converter that converts DC power output from the storage battery 10 into AC power. The AC power generated by the DC / AC 62 through the above conversion is supplied to an external electric device via the outlet 23.

  The connection unit 70 is an interface through which the storage battery 10 is detachably connected and is electrically and mechanically connected.

  The communication unit 72 is a communication interface that acquires storage battery information held by the storage battery 10 through communication via the connection unit 70.

  The power supply device 120 provides an external electric device with an alternating current generated by adding a direct current output from the storage batteries 10a to 10f to an alternating current by the DC / AC 62. At this time, since the discharge current values of the storage batteries 10a to 10f vary according to the storage amount of each storage battery, the currents are not always output uniformly by the storage batteries 10a to 10f. Therefore, the amount of current that the power supply device 120 can provide to the external electrical device may be smaller than the total value of the maximum rated currents of the storage batteries 10a to 10f. This will be described later.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating the output current of the storage battery 10 in the first situation in the power supply device 120 according to the related art. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of the output current and overcurrent protection function of the storage battery 10 in the first situation in the power supply device 120 according to the related art. Here, the first situation is a situation in which the bias of the state quantity indicating the states of the plurality of storage batteries 10 (storage batteries 10a to 10f) is small, and in this example, the respective storage amounts of the storage batteries 10 are substantially equal. Indicates the situation. This is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. Further, the state quantity is not limited to the storage amount (remaining capacity) of the storage battery 10 as in this example, but the voltage, internal resistance, and the like of the storage battery 10 are exemplified.

  FIG. 5A schematically shows a plurality of storage batteries 10 and a power line through which a current discharged from each of the plurality of storage batteries 10 flows. As shown in FIG. 5A, the plurality of storage batteries 10 are connected to a common power line, and the sum of the direct currents output from each of the plurality of storage batteries 10 is transmitted to the DC / AC 62.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, in the first situation, when the bias of the current output from each of the plurality of storage batteries 10 is small and the power supplied from the power supply device 120 to the external electrical device increases, the relative It is unlikely that the output current value of some storage batteries that output a large current will exceed the maximum rated current value.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the output current of the storage battery 10 in the second situation in the power supply device 120 according to the related art. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of the output current and overcurrent protection function of the storage battery 10 in the second situation in the power supply device 120 according to the related art. Here, the second situation is a situation in which the amount of state quantity indicating the states of the plurality of storage batteries 10 (storage batteries 10a to 10f) is large. In this example, the storage amounts of the storage batteries 10b to 10f are approximately equal. Moreover, it is a situation where the difference between the charged amount of the storage battery 10a and the charged amount of each of the storage batteries 10b to 10f is a predetermined value or more. The predetermined value is a storage amount difference that is predicted that a part of the storage battery 10 outputs a current larger than the maximum rated current value when the power supplied from the power supply device 120 to an external electrical device increases. . For example, it is about 30% of the charged amount when the storage battery 10 is fully charged. This is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. Further, the state quantity is not limited to the storage amount (remaining capacity) of the storage battery 10 as in this example, but the voltage, internal resistance, and the like of the storage battery 10 are exemplified.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the second situation, more current is output from each of the other storage batteries 10b to 10f from the storage battery 10a. In particular, when the power supplied from the power supply device 20 to the external power load increases, a larger amount of current flows through the storage battery 10a, the output current becomes more uneven, and a current larger than the maximum rated current is output from the storage battery 10a. There is a possibility. At this time, the overcurrent protection circuit may be activated. When the overcurrent protection circuit of the storage battery 10a is activated and the output of the storage battery 10a is stopped, only the storage batteries 10b to 10f are in a state of outputting.

  Thus, in the second situation, when the power supplied from the power supply device 20 to the external power load increases, there arises a problem that the overcurrent protection circuit may be activated. Moreover, when the overcurrent protection circuit of some storage batteries 10 will operate | move, it will be in the condition where the discharge current of the remaining storage batteries 10 except the said part increases. As a result, some of the storage batteries 10 are in a discharge stopped state with a relatively large amount of storage, and the remaining storage batteries 10 continue to be discharged with a relatively low storage amount. Operation becomes difficult.

  In addition, when the electric power which the power supply device 20 supplies to an external electric device increases, it is the following case. Specifically, for example, when the power supply 20 starts supplying power to an external electrical device due to a power failure of the system power supply, or when supplying power to the external electrical device, For example, when the power demand by the equipment increases and the power supplied to the external electrical equipment is increased.

  Moreover, since the power supply device 20 is a device having a purpose of charging the storage battery 10, the storage battery 10 includes a situation where a storage amount of the storage battery is relatively small and a storage battery that is nearly fully charged, that is, the above-described situation. The second situation is likely to occur. Therefore, it can be said that solving the above-described problem has a great advantage of enabling continuous operation of the power supply device 20.

  The power supply device 20 that can solve the above problem will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment.

  7 includes a storage battery 10a to 10f, a power receiving plug 22, an outlet 23, a power failure detection unit 42, an input / output unit 44, charge / discharge switching units 50a to 50f, and an output switching unit 52. And AC / DC60, DC / AC62, connection part 70a-70f, and the communication part 72 are provided. Since these are the same as the components of the same name in the power supply device 120, description thereof is omitted. Moreover, the power supply device 20 is further provided with the control part 41 and adjustment part 30a-30f.

  In the power supply device 20, the charge / discharge switching unit 50 and the storage battery 10 are connected by two electric circuits. One of the two electric circuits is an electric circuit that transmits electric power from the charge / discharge switching unit 50 to the storage battery 10 for charging the storage battery 10, and is also referred to as a charging electric circuit. The other of the two electric circuits is an electric circuit that transmits electric power from the storage battery 10 to the charge / discharge switching unit 50 for discharging the storage battery 10, and is also referred to as a discharging electric circuit.

  Each of the adjustment units 30a to 30f is an output adjustment unit that is provided on the discharge circuit for each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f, and that limits the discharge current of each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f according to the discharge current value of the storage battery. is there. Unless otherwise specified, the adjustment unit 30 means any or all of the adjustment units 30a to 30f.

  The adjustment unit 30 is an element or a circuit for limiting the current so as to reduce the current flowing through the discharge circuit as compared with the case where the adjustment unit 30 is not present. A value obtained by subtracting the current value when the adjusting unit 30 is present from the current value when the adjusting unit 30 is not present is also referred to as a current limiting amount or simply as a limiting amount. The limit amount is a value that can be said to be a current decrease amount by the adjustment unit 30 and is also expressed as a suppression width or a reduction amount. The adjusting unit 30 is realized by a diode, a resistor, another current limiting circuit, or the like.

  The control unit 41 is a processing unit that acquires various information from each functional block of the power supply device 20 and controls the operation of the functional block in the power supply device 20. In addition to the function of the control unit 40 of the power supply device 120, the control unit 41 performs control to increase or decrease the current limit amount by the adjustment unit 30 according to the amount of power stored in the storage battery 10. Specifically, the control unit 41 controls the adjustment unit 30 when the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries 10 is predicted to output a current larger than the maximum rated current, thereby controlling the first storage battery 10. The limit amount of the output current of the storage battery is controlled to be larger than the limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries 10. In addition, when an external electric device performs an operation according to a predetermined schedule or changes the operation, the control unit 41 predicts the current amount in consideration of the schedule. You may do it. By doing in this way, the control part 41 can estimate an electric current amount more correctly.

  Details of the increase / decrease of the limit amount will be described later in detail.

  Next, a charging / discharging control method for the storage battery 10 in the power supply device 20 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing charge / discharge control of storage battery 10 in power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment.

  In step S101, the control unit 41 acquires the amount of electricity stored in each of the plurality of storage batteries 10 (storage batteries 10a to 10f). Specifically, the control unit 41 acquires the amount of electricity stored in each of the plurality of storage batteries 10 via the connection units 70 a to 70 f provided in each of the plurality of storage batteries 10 and the communication unit 72.

  In step S102, the control unit 41 determines whether or not each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f can be charged. Specifically, the control unit 41 determines that, among the storage batteries 10a to 10f, the storage battery obtained in step S101 can be charged for a storage battery that is not fully charged, and determines that the storage battery that is fully charged cannot be charged. . Next, the control unit 41 performs the process of step S103 for the storage battery determined to be chargeable (Yes in step S102), and performs the process of step S104 for the storage battery determined not to be chargeable (No in step S102). The term “full charge” in the above does not only mean that the storage amount of the storage battery 10 matches the chargeable capacity, but it means that the storage amount is considered to be fully charged. Shall.

  In step S103, the control unit 41 starts charging of the storage battery 10 determined to be chargeable by controlling the charge / discharge switching unit 50 provided in the storage battery 10 determined to be chargeable in step S102. .

  In step S104, the control unit 41 controls the charge / discharge switching unit 50 provided in the storage battery 10 that is determined not to be chargeable in step S102, thereby stopping charging of the storage battery 10 that is determined not to be chargeable.

  In step S105, the control unit 41 predicts the discharge current value of the storage battery 10 based on the amount of power stored in each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f acquired in step S101. Here, the control unit 41 assumes that each storage battery 10 is connected to a common power line without going through the adjustment unit 30 (in the case of the configuration of FIG. 5A or FIG. 6A), the power expected to discharge each storage battery. Is calculated. This predicted current amount is also referred to as a predicted discharge current value. Here, the storage battery 10 whose predicted discharge current value is larger than the maximum rated current of the storage battery 10 corresponds to the first storage battery, and the storage battery excluding the first storage battery among the storage batteries 10 corresponds to the second storage battery. How to calculate the amount of power stored in each storage battery 10 will be specifically described later.

  In Step S105, control part 41 may predict the discharge current value of storage battery 10 based on each voltage of storage batteries 10a-10f. Control part 41 may predict the discharge current value of storage battery 10 based on each internal resistance of storage batteries 10a-10f. When the control unit 41 predicts the discharge current value using the voltage or internal resistance of the storage battery 10 as described above, the control unit 41 obtains the voltage or internal resistance of the storage battery 10 from the storage battery 10 in advance in step S101. It is necessary to leave.

  In step S <b> 106, the control unit 41 determines the limit amount of each storage battery 10. Specifically, when the predicted discharge current value of each storage battery 10 calculated in step S105 is greater than the maximum rated current value of the storage battery 10, the control unit 41 determines the current of the adjustment unit 30 provided for the storage battery 10. The limit amount is determined to a value greater than zero. That is, the control unit 41 determines the limit amount of the first storage battery to a value greater than zero.

  On the other hand, when the predicted discharge current value of each storage battery 10 calculated in step S105 is smaller than the maximum rated current value of the storage battery 10, the control unit 41 sets the current limit amount of the adjustment unit 30 provided for the storage battery 10. In other words, it is determined not to limit the current. That is, the control unit 41 determines that the limit amount of the second storage battery is zero.

  Note that the overcurrent threshold value of the overcurrent protection circuit of the storage battery 10 may be used as the maximum rated current value of the storage battery 10.

  In addition, when the current limit amount of each storage battery 10 is determined by switching one of the plurality of discharge paths in the adjustment unit 30 that is used for discharging, determining the limit amount is within the adjustment unit 30. This corresponds to determining the discharge path to be used.

  In step S <b> 107, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the system power supply is in a power failure state by the power failure detection unit 42. If the system power supply is in a power failure state (Yes in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, when the system power supply is not in a power failure state (No in step S107), the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S <b> 108, the control unit 41 switches a discharge path that is an electric path used for the discharge in the adjustment unit 30. Specifically, the control part 41 switches the discharge path used in the adjustment part 30 so that the electric current which each storage battery 10 discharges flows through the discharge path determined by step S106.

  In step S <b> 109, the control unit 41 controls the charge / discharge switching unit 50 to discharge each storage battery 10. Further, the control unit 41 controls the output switching unit 52 so that electric power is provided to an external electrical device via the DC / AC 62. At this time, each storage battery 10 is discharged using the discharge path switched by step S108. Therefore, the discharge current value of each storage battery 10 is limited by the current limit amount of each storage battery 10 determined in step S106 as compared to the case where the adjustment unit 30 is not present.

  In step S110, the control unit 41 acquires the amount of electricity stored in each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f. The procedure and process for acquiring the storage amount are the same as those in step S101, but since the discharge has started in step S109, the storage amount acquired in step S110 is the same as the storage amount acquired in step S101. Does not necessarily match.

  In step S111, the control part 41 determines the electric current limitation amount of each storage battery 10 similarly to step S106.

  In step S112, the control unit 41 switches the discharge path to be used in the adjustment unit 30 as in step S108.

  In step S113, the control unit 41 determines whether or not each storage battery 10 can be discharged based on the storage amount of each storage battery 10 acquired in step S110. Based on this determination, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the discharge can be continued based on the amount of power stored in each storage battery 10.

  When it is determined in step S113 that each storage battery 10 can be discharged (Yes in step S113), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when it is determined that each storage battery 10 cannot be discharged (No in step S113), the process proceeds to step S101.

  In addition, in the above, the case where the discharge by the storage battery 10 and the discharge current limitation by the adjustment unit 30 were limited when the power supply device 20 detected the power failure state of the system power supply was described. In addition, in a situation where the power supply device 20 supplies power to an external electrical device, when the power demand by the external electrical device is greater than the power that can be supplied by the power supply device 20, the discharge by the storage battery 10, and You may make it perform the restriction | limiting of the discharge current by the adjustment part 30. FIG. Further, in a situation where the power supply device 20 supplies power to an external electrical device, the fluctuation of the power demand by the external electrical device is monitored, and when the power demand increases, the discharge by the storage battery 10 and the adjustment unit The discharge current may be limited by 30.

  More specifically, when the power demand is larger than the sum of the maximum rated powers of the one or more first storage batteries, the power supply device 20 may limit the discharge and the discharge current.

  Through the series of processes described above, the power supply device 20 can be appropriately discharged by each storage battery 10 and can appropriately charge each storage battery 10.

  FIG. 9 is a first schematic diagram showing the output current of storage battery 10 in power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a state in which a small number of storage batteries among the storage batteries 10 are fully charged and the storage amount of other storage batteries is not fully charged, but is relatively close to full charging. Specifically, the storage battery 10a is fully charged, and the amount of electricity stored in each of the storage batteries 10b to 10f is not fully charged but is relatively close to being fully charged. That is, the voltage difference ΔV between the storage battery 10a and each of the storage batteries 10b to 10f is relatively small.

  FIG. 9 shows a specific configuration inside the adjustment unit 30.

  The adjustment unit 30 has two electric paths inside the adjustment unit 30. One of the two is an electric circuit that performs current restriction, that is, an electric circuit that has a restriction amount larger than zero. The other one of the two is an electric circuit that does not limit the current, that is, an electric circuit that has a limit amount of zero.

  Specifically, the adjustment unit 30 includes a diode 32 that limits a current flowing through the electric circuit on the electric circuit, and a switch 31 that switches which of the two electric circuits the current discharged from the storage battery 10 flows. In FIG. 9, the electric circuit having the diode 32 is an electric circuit in which the current is limited by the diode 32, and the electric circuit passing through the switch 31 is an electric circuit in which the current is not limited. In other words, the switch 31 is a switch that switches an electric circuit used for discharging by the storage battery 10 among the two electric circuits.

  The diode 33 is provided to prevent the current output from the other storage battery 10 from flowing into the storage battery 10.

  In the case of the storage amount of the storage battery 10 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 41 calculates substantially the same value as the predicted discharge current value of each storage battery 10 by the process of step S <b> 105. And the control part 41 does not perform a current restriction | limiting in all the adjustment parts 30 by the process of step S106, ie, sets a restriction amount to 0. As a result, when the storage battery 10 is discharged in step S109, each of the storage batteries 10a to 10f is discharged approximately evenly.

  FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram showing the output current of storage battery 10 in power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the output current of the storage battery 10 in the power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which a small number of storage batteries among the storage batteries 10 are fully charged, and the storage amount of the other storage batteries is about half that of the full charge. Specifically, the storage battery 10a is fully charged, and the storage amount of each of the storage batteries 10b to 10f is about half of the stored amount with respect to full charge. That is, the voltage difference ΔV between the storage battery 10a and each of the storage batteries 10b to 10f is larger than that in FIG.

  In this case, the control unit 41 calculates a value larger than the predicted discharge current values of the other storage batteries 10b to 10f as the predicted discharge current value of the storage battery 10a by the process of step S105. And control part 41 will perform current restriction in adjustment part 30a of storage battery 10a by processing of Step S106, and will not carry out current restriction in other adjustment parts 30b-30f.

  As a result, when the storage battery 10 is discharged in step S109, the storage battery 10a discharges the limited current by a limited amount as compared with the case where the adjusting unit 30a is not present, and each of the storage batteries 10b to 10f is discharged approximately evenly. To do. By doing in this way, as shown in FIG. 11, when each storage battery 10 discharges, it is avoided that the discharge current value of the storage battery 10a exceeds the maximum rated current value.

  FIG. 12 is a third schematic diagram showing the output current of storage battery 10 in power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 12 shows a state in which a large number of storage batteries among the storage batteries 10 are fully charged and the storage amounts of the other storage batteries are about half of the storage amount with respect to the full charge. Specifically, each of the storage batteries 10a to 10e is fully charged, and the storage amount of each of the storage batteries 10e and 10f is in a state where the storage amount is about half of the full charge. That is, the voltage difference ΔV between the respective charged amounts of the storage batteries 10a to 10e and the charged amounts of the storage batteries 10e and 10f is larger than that in the case of FIG.

  In this case, the control unit 41 calculates a value larger than the predicted discharge current values of the storage batteries 10e and 10f as the predicted discharge current value of each of the storage batteries 10a to 10d by the process of step S105. However, in this case, since there are many storage batteries 10 for which a relatively large predicted discharge current value has been calculated, it is not expected that the discharge current value of any one of the few storage batteries 10 will increase even if current limitation is not performed. .

  And the control part 41 determines the restriction | limiting amount of all the adjustment parts 30a-30f to 0 (it does not restrict | limit) by the process of step S106.

  As a result, when each storage battery 10 is discharged in step S109, the discharge current values of the storage batteries 10a to 10d are larger than the discharge current values of the storage batteries 10e and 10f. In this case, it is avoided that the discharge current values of the storage batteries 10a to 10d reach the maximum rated current value.

  Hereinafter, another configuration inside the adjustment unit 30 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration of the adjustment unit 30 in the power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment.

  The adjustment unit 35 illustrated in FIG. 13A includes a resistor 32A that limits the current discharged from the storage battery 10. The adjustment unit 35 limits the discharge current of the storage battery 10 with a resistor 32 </ b> A instead of the diode 32 of the adjustment unit 30. In addition, if the resistance value is dynamically changed using a variable resistor as the resistor 32A, the limit amount of the discharge current of the storage battery 10 can be dynamically changed. Thereby, the adjustment part 35 has the same effect as the adjustment part 30.

  The adjustment part 36 shown by (b) of FIG. 13 has the element 32B for the electric current limitation which restrict | limits the electric current which the storage battery 10 discharges. The adjustment unit 36 limits the discharge current of the storage battery 10 by the current limiting element 32 </ b> B instead of the diode 32 of the adjustment unit 30. In addition, if the thing which can change a current limiting threshold value dynamically is used as the current limiting element 32B, the limiting amount of the discharge current of the storage battery 10 can be changed dynamically. Thereby, the adjustment unit 36 has the same effect as the adjustment unit 30.

  The adjustment unit 37 shown in FIG. 13C has three electric circuits. Of the three electric circuits, the first electric circuit is an electric circuit without current limitation, the second electric circuit is an electric circuit with current limitation by one diode 32C, and the third electric circuit is two diodes It is an electric circuit with current limitation by 32D. The switch 31 </ b> A is a switch for switching which of the above three is used as the discharge path of the storage battery 10. The adjustment unit 37 can limit the discharge current of the storage battery 10 to a plurality of stages. In addition, it is also possible to take the structure provided with more than three electric circuits which perform mutually different current restrictions.

  The power supply device 20 has been described as supplying power to external electric devices (the lighting device 160 and the refrigerator 130 in FIG. 3). However, the power supply device 20 is mounted on the electric device and supplies power to the electric device. May be.

  FIG. 14 is an external view of electric scooter 100 equipped with power supply device 20 according to the present embodiment. The electric scooter 100 is an electric scooter mounted with the power supply device 20 and driven by electric power discharged from the plurality of storage batteries 10 included in the power supply device 20. Thereby, the some storage battery 10 connected in parallel supplies electric power appropriately, and drives an electric scooter.

  In addition, although a part or all of said embodiment may be described also as the following additional remarks, it is not limited to the following description.

  (1) A method of operating a power supply apparatus, the step of predicting whether or not a current larger than a maximum rated current is output by a first storage battery among a plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel, and the prediction When it is predicted that a current larger than the maximum rated current is output by the first storage battery in the step, it is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries, and each output current of the plurality of storage batteries can be limited. And a step of setting a limit amount of the output current of the first storage battery to be larger than a limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries by a certain adjusting unit. How it works.

  (2) In the operation method, as the current larger than the maximum rated current, a current having a magnitude that activates the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery is predicted to be output by the first storage battery. The control method according to (1), wherein, by controlling the adjustment unit, the limit amount of the output current of the first storage battery is made larger than the limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery.

  (3) The operation method according to (1) or (2), wherein the first storage battery has a voltage higher than that of the second storage battery.

  (4) The operation method according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first storage battery has a remaining capacity larger than that of the second storage battery.

  (5) The operation method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first storage battery has lower internal resistance than the second storage battery.

  (6) The operation method according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein in the operation method, the output current of the first storage battery is limited and the output current of the second storage battery is not limited.

  (7) The adjustment unit is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries, and each of the plurality of adjustment units is an electric path for flowing an output current of the storage battery provided with the adjustment unit, A first electric circuit that is an electric circuit that passes through a limiting unit that restricts the output current of the storage battery, and an electric circuit through which the output current of the storage battery provided with the adjustment unit flows, and is an electric circuit that bypasses the limiting unit Two electric circuits, and a switching unit that switches the electric circuit through which the output current of the storage battery provided with the adjustment unit flows to the first electric circuit or the second electric circuit. When a current larger than the rated current is predicted to be output, the output current of the first storage battery is supplied to the first electric circuit provided for the first storage battery by controlling the switching unit. Flow, the second power storage As the output current of the second battery to the second path, which is provided to flow against the operating method according to any one of switching the path in which the output current flows (1) to (6).

  (8) In the operation method, a current having a magnitude that activates the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery is predicted to be output by the first storage battery as a current larger than the maximum rated current. When the switching unit is controlled, the output current of the first storage battery flows through the first electric circuit provided for the first storage battery, and the second storage battery is provided with the output current. The operation method according to (7), wherein the electric path through which the output current flows is switched so that the output current of the second storage battery flows through the second electric circuit.

  (9) The operation method according to (7) or (8), wherein the limiting unit includes a diode element.

  (10) The power supply apparatus is connected to an external power load that can selectively receive power from the power supply apparatus or the system power supply. In the operation method, the system power supply is connected to the external power load. When it is predicted that a current larger than the maximum rated current flows in the first storage battery when power supply is stopped, the amount of output current of the first storage battery is controlled by controlling the adjustment unit. The operating method according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the second storage battery is made larger than a limit amount of an output current of the second storage battery.

  (11) In the operation method, when the power supply from the system power supply to the external power load is stopped, the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery is activated as a current larger than the maximum rated current. Is predicted to be output by the first storage battery, the amount of output current of the first storage battery is limited by controlling the adjustment unit. The operation method according to (10), wherein the operation is larger than the amount.

  (12) The power supply device is connected to an external power load that can selectively receive power from the power supply device or a system power supply. In the operation method, the power demand of the power load is the power supply device. When the electric power is larger than the power that can be supplied, the control unit controls the output current limit of the first storage battery to be larger than the output current limit of the second storage battery. (1) -The operation | movement method in any one of (11).

  (13) In the operation method, when the power demand of the power load is larger than the sum of the maximum rated powers of the one or more first storage batteries, the adjustment unit is controlled to control the first storage battery. The operation method according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein an output current limit amount is made larger than an output current limit amount of the second storage battery.

  (14) The operation according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the second storage battery is a storage battery that is predicted to flow a current smaller than a maximum rated current of the storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries. Method.

  (15) The second storage battery is a storage battery (2), (8), (11) that is predicted to have a current that is smaller than a current that is large enough to activate the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery. ) The operation method described in any of the above.

  As a result, the same effects as those of the power supply device can be obtained.

  In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the power supply device of each of the above embodiments is a program as follows.

  That is, this program predicts whether or not a current larger than the maximum rated current is output from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel to the computer, in the operation method of the power supply device. And when predicting that a current larger than a maximum rated current is output by the first storage battery in the step of predicting, and providing each of the plurality of storage batteries, By the adjustment unit capable of limiting the output current, the limit amount of the output current of the first storage battery is set to be smaller than the limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries. An operating method comprising the step of increasing.

  As mentioned above, although the power supply device which concerns on one or several aspects was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to this embodiment. Unless it deviates from the gist of the present invention, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art have been made in this embodiment, and forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments are also within the scope of one or more aspects. May be included.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a power supply device that appropriately supplies power with storage batteries connected in parallel.

10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f Storage battery 11 Main body portion 12 Mounting portion 12a Terminal portion 12b Wireless communication portion 13 Holding portion 14 Display portion 15 Button 20, 120 Power supply device 21 Housing 22 Power receiving plug 23 Outlet 24, 27 Shelf 28 Cover 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 35, 36, 37 Adjustment unit 31, 31A Switch 32, 32C, 32D, 33 Diode 32A Resistance 32B Current limiting element 40, 41 Control unit 42 Power failure Detection unit 44 Input / output unit 50, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f Charge / discharge switching unit 52 Output switching unit 60 AC / DC
62 DC / AC
70, 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f Connection unit 72 Communication unit 100 Electric scooter 130 Refrigerator 160 Illumination device

Claims (16)

A plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel;
An adjustment unit that is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries and that can limit an output current of each of the plurality of storage batteries;
When a current larger than the maximum rated current is predicted to be output by the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries, the amount of output current of the first storage battery is controlled by controlling the adjustment unit. And a control unit configured to make the output current of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries larger than the limit amount. When the control unit is predicted to output a current that is larger than the maximum rated current so that the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery is activated by the first storage battery, The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of restriction on the output current of the first storage battery is made larger than the amount of restriction on the output current of the second storage battery by controlling the adjustment unit. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first storage battery has a voltage higher than that of the second storage battery. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first storage battery has a larger remaining capacity than the second storage battery. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first storage battery has an internal resistance lower than that of the second storage battery. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit limits an output current of the first storage battery and does not limit an output current of the second storage battery. The adjustment unit is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries,
Each of the plurality of adjusting units is
A first electric circuit that is an electric circuit through which an output current of the storage battery provided with the adjustment unit flows, and that passes through a limiting unit that limits the output current of the storage battery;
A second electric circuit that is an electric circuit through which the output current of the storage battery provided with the adjusting unit flows, and that bypasses the limiting unit;
A switching unit that switches the electric circuit through which the output current of the storage battery provided with the adjustment unit flows to the first electric circuit or the second electric circuit;
The control unit is provided for the first storage battery by controlling the switching unit when a current larger than the maximum rated current is predicted to be output by the first storage battery. An electric circuit through which the output current flows so that an output current of the first storage battery flows through the first electric circuit and an output current of the second storage battery flows through the second electric circuit provided for the second storage battery The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. When the control unit is predicted to output a current that is larger than the maximum rated current so that the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery is activated by the first storage battery, By controlling the switching unit, the output current of the first storage battery flows in the first electric circuit provided for the first storage battery, and the second electric circuit provided for the second storage battery. The power supply device according to claim 7, wherein an electric path through which the output current flows is switched so that an output current of the second storage battery flows through the second storage battery. The power supply device according to claim 7, wherein the limiting unit includes a diode element. The power supply device is connected to an external power load that can selectively receive power from the power supply device or a system power supply,
The control unit controls the adjustment unit when it is predicted that a current larger than the maximum rated current flows in the first storage battery when power supply from a system power supply to the external power load is stopped. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a limit amount of an output current of the first storage battery is made larger than a limit amount of an output current of the second storage battery. When the power supply from the system power supply to the external power load is stopped, the control unit has a current large enough to operate the overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery as a current larger than the maximum rated current. If the output is predicted to be output from the first storage battery, the amount of output current of the first storage battery is controlled to be less than the amount of output current of the second storage battery by controlling the adjustment unit. The power supply device according to claim 10. The power supply device is connected to an external power load that can selectively receive power from the power supply device or a system power supply,
When the power demand of the power load is larger than the power that can be supplied by the power supply device, the control unit controls the adjustment unit to control the limit amount of the output current of the first storage battery. Larger than the limit of the output current of the storage battery,
The power supply device according to claim 1. The control unit controls the adjustment unit to control the output current of the first storage battery when the power demand of the power load is larger than the sum of the maximum rated powers of the one or more first storage batteries. The power supply device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a limit amount is set larger than a limit amount of an output current of the second storage battery. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second storage battery is a storage battery that is predicted to flow a current smaller than a maximum rated current of the storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries. 12. The storage battery according to claim 2, wherein the second storage battery is a storage battery that is predicted to flow a current smaller than a current that is large enough to activate an overcurrent protection circuit of the first storage battery. 12. The power supply described. A method of operating a power supply,
Predicting whether or not a current larger than the maximum rated current is output by the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries connected in parallel;
When it is predicted that a current larger than a maximum rated current is output by the first storage battery in the predicting step, the output current of each of the plurality of storage batteries is provided for each of the plurality of storage batteries. The step of setting the limit amount of the output current of the first storage battery to be larger than the limit amount of the output current of the second storage battery different from the first storage battery among the plurality of storage batteries by the adjustment unit that can be limited. An operation method comprising:

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