Description
Title of Invention
ELECTRIC STORAGE DEVICE AND START-UP METHOD
5
Technical Field
[OOOl]
The present disclosure relates to at1 electric storage device and a start-up
metllod.
10
Background Art
[0002]
Electric storage devices that supply power to a load such as an electronic
device are in widespread use. The electric storage device is required to be started
15 up even when external power is not supplied during such as electric blackout. In
the following Patent Literature 1, an electric storage device that is started up using
power of a battery when a colnnlercial power supply is stopped is disclosed.
Citation List
20 Patent Literature
[0003]
Patent Literature 1: JP 2010-028950A
Sununary of Invention
25 Technical Pmble~n
[0004]
An electric storage device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 tnaintains a
standby state using power of a battery. There was a problem that the standby state
of the electric storage device cannot be maintained over a long period because the
30 power of the battery is consunled in the standby state.
[0005]
Therefore, one of objects of tlie present disclosure is to provide an electric
storage device tliat rids power tliat is consumed in the standby state. Further, tlie
present disclosure intends to provide a start-up method of the electric storage device.
5 Solution to Proble~n
[0006]
According to the present disclosure, for example, there is provided an
electric storage device including: a control unit, a chargeldischarge nlaliagellielit unit
and a current generation unit, wliich are coluiected tlxougli an illputloutput unit; and
10 an electric storage unit tliat is comlected to the cliarge/discharge management unit
and is connected to the cunetit generation unit tlxougli a switcli.
[0007]
Accordilig to tlie present disclosure, for example, there is provided an
electric storage device includillg: an electric storage unit; and a current generation
15 unit tliat generates a charge current smaller than a usual charge current in a case
wllere a voltage of tlie electric storage unit is smaller than a threshold value. Power
output from the electric storage unit is supplied to tlie cu~~egnetn eration unit at a
time of start-up.
[OOOS]
20 According to the present disclosure, for example, there is provided a start-up
method of an electric storage device, the electric storage device ilicluding a co~ltrol
unit, a cliargeldischarge mallagemelit unit and a currelit generation unit, wvl~icli are
cotitiected tlirougli an inputloutput unit, and an electric storage unit tliat is collllected
to the charge/discliarge ~i~a~~ageliulleiilti ta tid is coluiected to the current generation
25 unit tlxougli a switch, tlie stat-up method including: turning off the colitrol unit and
the chargeldiscliarge llialiagement uuit and tul~iiligo ff tlie s~vitcliin a sliutdown state
and turning on tlie s\vitcli in a case of start-up from the shutdown state; generating,
by the current gelieratioli unit, a predetermined current based on power supplied from
tlie electric storage unit in response to turning-on of the switch, and outputting the
30 generated current to the inputloutput unit; and turning on the control unit and the
cliarge/discliarge management unit in a case where a voltage in the inputloutput unit
reaches an operating voltage by a cunent supplied from tlie current generation unit.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0009]
5 According to at least an embodiment, standby power of the electric storage
device in a standby state can be ridden.
Brief Description of Drawings
[OOlO]
10 [FIG. 11 FIG. 1 is a block diagram that sliows an exemplary configuration of a
general electric storage device.
[FIG. 21 FIG 2 is a diagram that describes an exemplary passage of power in the case
where an electric storage unit is charged.
[FIG. 31 FIG. 3 is a diagraln tliat describes an exemplary passage of power that is
15 supplied fronl an external power source to a load.
[FIG. 41 FIG. 4 is a diagraln tliat describes an exemplary passage of power that is
supplied from the electric storage unit to the load.
[FIG. 51 FIG. 5 is a diagram that describes an exemnplary passage of power tliat is
supplied to an EMU.
20 [FIG. 61 FIG. 6 is a block diagram that describes an exe~nplaryc onfiguration of tlie
electric storage device in the present disclosure.
[FIG. 71 FIG. 7 is a diagraln that describes a configuration tliat supplies power of the
electric storage unit through a resistor.
[FIG. 81 FIG. 8 is a diagrani tliat describes an exemplary specific circuit configuration
25 of the general electric storage device.
[FIG. 91 FIG. 9 is a diagranl tliat describes an exe~nplarysp ecific circuit configuration
of the electric storage device iu tlie present disclosure.
[FIG. 101 FIG. 10 is a flowcliart that describes a flow of processing according to a
second embodiment.
30 [FIG. 111 FIG. 11 is a diagram that describes an application example.
[FIG. 121 FIG. 12 is a diagram tliat describes an application example.
Description of Embodiments
[OOll]
Hereinaftel; embodiments, etc., of the present disclosure will be described
5 with reference to the drawings. The description will be perfolmed according to the
followillg order.
il. First Embodiment>
<2. Second Embodiment>
<3. Modification Example
10 14. Application Example
Embodiments, etc., described below are preferable specific examples and
the content of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, etc.
[OO 1 21
Incidentally, in the following description, a state of an electric storage
15 device that is connected to a load but does not supply power to the load and can
supply the power to the load according to an instruction is appropriately called as a
standby state or a shutdown state. The instruction at this time is, for example, a
predetermined operation of the electric storage device by a user.
[0013]
20 The power for the electric storage device to maintain the standby state, in
other mords, the power that is consumed in the standby state (sliutdo\vn state) is
appropriately called as standby power. As will hereinafter be described in detail, a
general electric storage device (an electric storage system) consumes the staudby
power to maintain the standby state using colnliiercial power or power of a battery.
25 According to the electric storage device in the present disclosure, the staudby power
can be made zero. Further, the electric storage device in the present disclosure can
be started-up even when there is no external power supply sucli as the commercial
powel; and can realize an autonomous operation of the electric storage device.
[OO 141
30 In the following description, "smaller than A" may be construed to be equal
to or less than A or less than A. "Larger than A" nlay be construed to be equal to or
greater than A or to exceed A.
[0015]
<1. First Etnbodirnent>
"One Example of Electric Storage Unit"
5 An electric storage device in tile present disclosure includes an electric
storage unit. Before the electric storage device is described, an example of the
electric storage unit will be described. The electric storage unit includes, for
example, a plurality of secondary batteries. The secondary battery that constitutes
the electric storage unit is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery that includes
10 a positive electrode active lnaterial and a carbon tnaterial such as graphite as a
negative electrode active material. A positive electrode tnaterial is not particularly
lilnited but preferably contains the positive electrode active nlaterial having an
olivine structure.
[00 161
15 As the positive electrode active material llaviug the oliviue structure, lithium
iron phosphate (LiFePOd), or lithium iron coluposite phosphate containiug a different
kiud of atom (LiFexM1,Od: M represents oue or Inore kiuds of metals, x is 0 < x <
1.) is preferred. I-Iere, "mainly"tneans that a total atnount of the positive electrode
active material of a positive electrode active nlaterial layer is 50% or more. Further,
20 when M includes two or Inore kinds, a total atnount of the respective subscript
nulnbers is selected to be 1-x.
[0017]
As the M, transition elements, IIA group elements, IIIA group elements,
IIIB group elements, 1VB group elements, etc., can be cited. In particular, at least
25 one kind of cobalt (Co), nickel, Inaugauese (Mn), iron, aluminum, vanadium (V) and
titanium (Ti) is preferably contained.
[OO 181
The positive electrode active lnaterial nlay be provided with a coating layer
containing nletal oxide (for example, one selected fron~N i, Mn, Li, etc.) having a
30 composition different from the relevant oxide or phosphate (for exanlple, lithiulu
phosphate, etc.), etc. on a surface of the litl~ium irou phosphate or the lithium iron
composite phosphate.
[0019]
As the positive electrode material that can absorb and release lithium (Li),
lithium composite oxides such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCo02), lithium nickel oxide
5 (LiNi02), and lithium manganese oxide (LiMn02), w11ic11 have a layered rock salt
structure, and lithium manganese oxide (LiMn204) that has a spinel structure may be
used.
[0020]
As the graphite in the present disclosure, without particular limitation,
10 graphite materials used in the business field can be broadly used. As tlle material of
the negative electrode, lithium titanate, silicon (Si)-based materials, tin (S11)-based
materials, etc. may be used.
[0021]
As a manufacturing method of a battery electrode according to the present
15 disclosure, methods used in the business field can be broadly used without particular
limitation.
[0022]
As a battery co~~figurationin the present disclosure, well-known
configurations can be broadly used without particular limitation.
20 [0023]
As an electrolytic solutiotl used in the present disclosure, the electrolytic
solutiol~s used in the business field including liquid electrolyte and gel-like
electrolyte can be broadly used without particular limitation.
[0024]
25 Preferable exalnples of electrolyte solvent include 4-fluoro-l,3-dioxolan-2-
one (FEC), ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, vinylene
carbonate (VC), dimethyl carbonate, dietl~yl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, ybutyrolactone,
y-valerolactone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-
metl1yltetral1ydrofura11, 1,3-dioxolan, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolan, methyl acetate, methyl
30 propionate, ethyl propionate, acetonitrile, glutaronitrile, adiponitrile,
metl~ylpyrrolidi~~oN~-i~e,n etl~yloxazolidinonen,i tromethane, aitroetliane, sulfolane,
dimetliyl sulfoxide, trimetliyl pliospliate, trietliyl pphospliate, ethylene sulfite and
bistrifluorometliylsulfonylimidotshethykxyl ammonium, and more preferable
examples include 4-fluoro-1,3-dioxolan-2-on(eF EC), ethylene carbonate, propylene
5 carbonate, butylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate (VC), dimetliyl carbonate, diethyl
carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, y-butyrolactone, and y-valerolactone.
[0025]
Preferable examples of electrolyte supporting salts include lithium
hexafluoropliospliate (LiPF6), litliium bis(pentafluoroet11anesulfonyl)imide
10 (L~(C~FSSO~)li~tliNiu)m, perchlorate (LiCIOd), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsFb),
lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBFd), lithium trifluoromethanesuIfonate (LiS03CF3),
lithium bis(trifluorometlianesulfony1)imide (Li(CF3S02)2N) and methyl litliiutn
tris(trifluorometl~a~iesulfo~(~LyiCl) (S02CF,)3).
[0026]
15 The litliium ion secondary battery can be categorized into a square type, a
cylinder type, etc. in accordance with a shape. As an example in the present
disclosure, a cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery is used. One cylindrical
lithium ion secondary battery is appropriately called as a cell. An average output
voltage of the cell of tlie litliiu~nio n secondary battery is, for example, about 3.0 Volt
20 (V), and a full charge voltage is, for example, about 4.2 V. Further, a capacity of
tlie cell of the lithium ion secondary battery is, for example, 3 ampere hour (Ah)
(3000 milliampere hour (mAh)).
[0027]
A sub-module is formed when a plurality of cells are connected. The
25 submodule has a configuration in which, for example, 8 cells are connected in
parallel. In tliis case, a capacity of the sublliodule becomes about 24 Ah, arid a
voltage becomes about 3.0 V the same as a voltage of a cell voltage.
[0028]
When, for example, 16 subnlodules are connected in series arid housed in a
30 common case, an electric storage unit is configured. The capacity of the electric
storage unit at tliis case becomes about 24 Ah, and the voltage becomes about 48 V
(3.0 V x 16). Fulthel; the configuration of the electric storage unit can be properly
changed according to use, etc. Still further, the electric storage unit may be
configured of electric double layers, large capacitors, etc. without lilniting to the
lithium ion secondary battery.
5 [0029]
"Configuration of General Electric Storage Device"
In order to make the understanding of the present disclosure easier, a
configuration of the general electric storage device (electric storage system) will be
described with reference to FIG. 1. Solid line ail-ows in from FIG. 1 to Fig. 7 show
10 a flow of power. Inside the electric storage device or between the electric storage
device and extesnal instruments, comlnunicatiotl based on specified standard is
perfolmed. Howevel; a flow of a signal based 011 the comnlunication is onlitted
fronl illustrating.
[0030]
15 An electric storage device 1 is connected to, for exanlple, a direct cull-ent
(DC) power unit 2 and an alternating current AC) power unit 3. The DC power unit
2 is a solar battery lnodule set, for exalnple, on a roof, out of doors, etc. The solar
battery lnodule is fonned by connecting a plurality of solar batteries into a panel and
called also as a solar panel. Usually, a plurality of sheets of solar battery modules
20 are set arranged side by side and configure a solar battery array.
[0031]
A power conditioner (omitted from showing in the drawing) is disposed to
the DC power unit 2. The power conditioner perfoinls a control called as maximum
power point tracking (MPPT). This control is a method that always tracks a
25 nlaxilnunl power point by following a variation of generated power of the solar
battery module. A configuration in which an output of the power conditioner is
connected to a power supply line of an extellla1 power systenl and the generated
power (superfluous power) of the solar battery lnodule is sold may be taken.
[0032]
30 The AC power unit 3 is, for example, a cormnercial power. Power
(alternating current power) generated at an electric generation plant of a power
supplier is supplied to tlie AC power unit 3 through a tratislnission network and an
electric grid, \vhich are not shown in the drawing.
[0033]
The electric storage device 1 is connected to a load 4 and supplies tlie power
5 to the load 4. The load 4 can be properly set according to use other than electro~~ic
devices such as a refsigerator and a televisioll receiver.
[0034]
Tlie electric storage device 1 includes, for example, a photo~~oltai(cP V)
charger 20, an i~lput/outputu nit 21 tl~oughw hich power is illput/output, an AC-DC
10 converter 22, a DC-AC inverter 23, a chargeldischarge unit 24, an AC-DC
cotlversio~ul nit 25, a curre~ltg eneration unit 26, an energy rnauagenlent uuit (EMU)
27, a batte~yln anagernellt unit (BMU) 28, and an electric storage unit 29. The ACDC
converter 22, the DC-AC inve~ter2 3, and the chargeldischarge unit 24 form an
uni~lte~~uptapbolwee r supply (UPS) unit 35.
15 [0035]
Each unit will be schetnatically described. Tlie PV charger 20 i~lcludes a
DC-DC converter and a charge control unit. A voltage supplied fi.0111 the DC power
unit 2 by the DC-DC converter is converted to a predetermined voltage. A charge
co~ltrolu nit co~ltrolsa value of a current output fsotn the PV charger 20. The PV
20 charger 20 is operated when the voltage supplied from the DC power unit 2 exceeds
a threshold value (for example, 100 volt (V)). To the iinput/output unit 21, for
example, the PV charger 20, the cutrent generatio~ul nit 26, the charge/discharge unit
24, the EMU 27 and the BMU 28 are co~ulected.
[0036]
25 The AC-DC co~lverter 22 generates direct culrent power from the
co~lunerciapl ower (altertlating culxent power) input from the AC power unit 3. The
direct cussent power output fro111 the AC-DC convelter 22 is supplied to the DC-AC
inverter 23. The DC-AC invester 23 forms alter~lati~clgu ssent power of the same
level and frequeacy as a level and a frequeacy of the connnercial power. The
30 formed altertnating current power is supplied to the load 4.
[0037]
The chargeldischarge unit 24 operates in response to charge or discharge of
tile electric storage device 1. For example, \vhen the charge is performed to the
electric storage unit 29, the direct current power is fonned from the alternating
current power input through the AC-DC converter 22 and the direct current power is
5 output to the inputloutput unit 21. When the discharge is performed, the direct
current power supplied from the inputloutput unit 21 is supplied to the DC-AC
inverter 23.
100381
The AC-DC conversion unit 25 foi~ns the direct current power from the
10 commercial power (alte~~latincgu ~sent)i nput from tlie AC power unit 3. The
fonned direct current power is supplied to the current geueration unit 26.
100391
The current generation unit 26 includes, for example, a constant-cu~~ent
DC-DC converter and generates a current having a predete~~ninedcu rrent value.
15 The predetermined current value is, for example, about 10 ampere (A). In the case
where the voltage of the electric storage unit 29 is low, for example, in the case of
smaller than 42 V, when a usual charge current (for exa~nplea, bout several tens A) is
flowed to the electric storage unit 29, abno~lnality such as heat geueration may be
induced. Tliere, in tlie case wvliere the voltage of the electric storage unit 29 is
20 smaller than 42 V, the electric storage unit 29 is initially charged by a low rate
constant current of about 1.0 A. When the voltage of the electric storage unit 29
beconles larger than 42 V, the charge/discharge unit 24 is operated, and the electric
storage unit 29 is charged based on the usual charge cu~seat output fro111 the
charge/discharge unit 24.
25 [0040]
Incidentally, in the case \vilere the electric storage unit 29 is charged by the
direct current power supplied from the DC power unit 2, the sinlilar control is
performed. In this case, the PV charger 20 described above generates a low rate
current, and an initial charge is performed by the low rate current generated by the
30 PV charger 20. After the end of tlie initial charge, the PV charger 20 generates the
usual charge current, and the electric storage unit 29 is charged by the charge culsent.
[0041]
A controller is disposed to cotitrol the electric storage device 1. The
controller includes, for exanlple, the EMU 27 that is an example of tlie control unit
and the BMU 28 that is an example of a cl~arge/discliarge manage~neiit unit. Each
5 of the EMU 27 and the BMU 28 includes a micro-control unit, and a communication
is perfoilned between the EMU 27 and the BMU 28.
[0042]
The EMU 27 perfollns an overall inanagetnent of the electric storage device
1. The BMU 28 observes tlie state (residual capacity, battery voltage, battery
10 tenlperature, etc.) of the electric storage unit 29 and operates such that a proper
cliarge/discl~argeo peration is performed. The BMU 28 properly controls onloff of a
charge control switcli aiid a discharge control switcli (these are omitted from showing
in the drawing) fol~iled of a field effect transistor (FET), etc. and controls the
cliarge/discliarge to tlie electric storage unit 29. Known control can be applied to
15 the control of tlie cliarge/discharge in tlie BMU 28. Incidentally, altl~ougl~in, the
present etnbodiment, tlie BMU 28 and tlie EMU 27 are described as separate
configurations, these may be realized in one microcomputer, etc. and may be
ilitegrated in one body.
[0043]
20 An example of a flow of power in the electric storage device 1 will be
described. As shown with a dotted line (a) of FIG. 2, in the electric storage device 1,
the electric storage unit 29 can be charged based on the direct cusrent power supplied
from the DC power unit 2. That is, the direct cursent voltage supplied from tlie DC
power unit 2 is converted into a proper direct current voltage by the PV charger 20.
25 The direct current voltage foilned by the PV charger 20 is supplied to tlie electric
storage unit 29 tlxougl~ the input/output unit 21 and the BMU 28, and the electric
storage unit 29 is charged.
[0044]
Further, as sliown wit11 a dotted line (bl) and a dotted line (b2) of FIG. 2, in
30 the electric storage device 1, the electric storage unit 29 can be charged based on the
direct current power supplied fro111 the AC power unit 3. A passage shown with the
dotted line (bl) shows a passage of power at the time of initial charge, and a passage
shown with the dotted line (b2) shows a passage of power at the time of usual cliarge.
[0045]
The alternating current voltage supplied from tlie AC power unit 3 is
5 converted into tlie direct current voltage by the AC-DC coliversion unit 25. The
direct current voltage is supplied to the cul-rent generation unit 26. The current
generation unit 26 generates a low rate cliarge culyelit for initial charge based on the
supplied direct current voltage. The cliarge current from the current generation unit
26 is supplied to the electric storage unit 29 through tlie inputloutput unit 21 and the
10 BMU 28. Then, the charge by tlie low rate cliarge current is perfollned until the
voltage of the electric storage unit 29 becomes the thresliold value or more.
[0046]
When the voltage of the electric storage unit 29 becomes the tlreshold value
or highel; usual charge of tlie electric storage unit 29 is perfolmed by the power that
15 flows the passage of the dotted line (b2). That is, the alte~liating current voltage
supplied fro111 the AC power unit 3 is supplied to the charge/discliarge unit 24
tlrough the AC-DC converter 22. Tlie alternating current voltage is converted into
tlie direct current voltage by the charge/discliarge unit 24. The direct current
voltage is supplied to the electric storage unit 29 tlrougli the input/output unit 21 and
20 the BMU 28, and the electric storage unit 29 is charged. The charge/discharge unit
24 perfolms charge according to, for example, a constant-current (CC)-constantvoltage
(CV) method.
[0047]
Tlie initial charge and the usual charge are switched by the EMU 27. A
25 switching control of the initial cliarge and the usual charge is perfolmed, for example,
as shown below. A switch SWI (omitted from showing in the drawing) is
connected between tlie AC power unit 3 and the AC-DC conversion unit 25.
Further, a switch SW2 (omitted from showing in the drawing) is connected between
the AC power unit 3 and the AC-DC converter 22.
30 [0048]
Tlie BMU 28 observes tlie battery voltage of the electric storage unit 29 and
infoilns the EMU 27 of infortnation of the battely voltage. The info~mationo f the
battery voltage is informed to the EMU 27 at, for example, a predeter~llined cycle.
The EMU 27 controls such that the switcli SW1 is turned on and the switch SW2 is
tunled o f f when the battery voltage is smaller than the tlrreshold value. By this
5 control, the initial charge is performed. hi the case where the battery voltage is
equal to or greater than the threshold value or the battery voltage becomes equal to or
greater than the threshold value by the initial charge, the EMU 27 tu111s o f f tlie switch
SW 1 and turns 011 the switcli SW2. The usual charge is perfornied by this control.
100491
10 By perfoilning comnlunication between the EMU 27 and the UPS unit 35
arid by controlling the operation of tlie charge/discharge unit 24 based 011 the
commnunicatio~~th, e usual charge and the initial charge niay be switched. The
output voltage of the current generation unit 26 is set lower than tlie output voltage of
the charge/discharge unit 24 and tlie output voltage of the PV charger 20. Therefore,
15 in the case where the UPS unit 35 and the PV charger 20 are not operated, the initial
charge is perfonned by the output power of the curreut generation unit 26. That is,
the usual charge and the initial charge can be switched by controlling the operation of
the UPS unit 35 and the PV charger 20.
[0050]
20 As shown with a dotted line (c) of FIG. 3, the electric storage device 1 can
supply the power supplied from the DC power unit 2 to the load 4. The direct
current voltage supplied from tile DC power unit 2 is converted into a predetel~nined
voltage by a DC-DC converter in the PV charger 20, and the direct current power is
formed. The direct current power formed by tlle PV charger 20 is supplied to the
25 DC-AC invelter 23 through tlie input/output unit 21 and tlie charge/discharge unit 24.
The DC-AC inverter 23 forms alternating current power of the same level and
frequency as a level and a frequency of the comniercial power. The alternating
current power fornied by the DC-AC inverter 23 is supplied to tlie load 4.
[0051]
30 As shown with a dotted line (d) of FIG. 3, the electric storage device 1 can
supply the alternating current power supplied from the AC power unit 3 to the load 4.
Tlie alternating current power supplied froin the AC power uiiit 3 is supplied to the
AC-DC cotiverter 22. The AC-DC coriverter 22 forms the direct current power
from the AC power and outputs. Tlie direct cui~eiipt ower output froin the AC-DC
converter 22 is supplied to the DC-AC inverter 23. The DC-AC inverter 23 foi~ns
5 the altertiatiilg cuiTent power of a level and a frequency the same as a level and a
frequency of the conimercial power based on the supplied direct currelit power.
The altei~iating current power foilned by the DC-AC inverter 23 is supplied to the
load 4.
[0052]
10 When a switch is disposed at a proper position of a passage of each power
and each switch is properly turned-on or tuined-off, input of the power to the electric
storage device 1 can be switched. For example, in each of between the DC power
unit 2 and the PV charger 20 aud between the AC power unit 3 and the AC-DC
converter 22, a switch is provided. Tlie EMU 27 controls the PV charger 20 and the
15 UPS uiiit 35 by coiiuiluiiicatio~~an, d the PV charger 20 and the UPS unit 35 inay be
oldoff controlled. According to the control, a supply passage of the power to the
load 4 inay be switclied.
[0053]
As sliown with a dotted line (e) of FIG. 4, tlie electric storage device 1 can
20 supply the power due to the discharge of the electric storage unit 29 to the load 4.
The direct current power due to the discharge of tlie electric storage unit 29 is
supplied to tlie DC-AC iiiverter 23 through tlie BMU 28, tlie iiiput/output unit 21 and
the cliarge/discharge unit 24. The DC-AC inverter 23 forms the alteinating cui~ent
power of a level and a frequency the same as a level and a frequency of the
25 coiinnercial power. Tlie alteiliating current power formed by the DC-AC inveiter
23 is supplied to the load 4.
[0054]
Incidei~tally, in order to start up the above-described electric storage device
1, it is necessary to supply the power to at least the EMU 27. In the electric storage
30 device 1, the power supplied froin the DC power unit 2 or the AC power unit 3
through, for exainple, the passages sliown with a dotted line (fl), a dotted line (f2)
and a dotted line (f3) of FIG. 5 is supplied to the EMU 27. Here, in the case where
the power is not supplied from the DC power unit 2 and the AC power unit 3 due to
the blackout, the bad weatller etc., the electric storage device 1 cannot be started up.
In an envirotnnent where stoppage of power supply is assumed, even when the
5 electric storage device 1 is not used, the power supply is continued to the EMU 27
and the BMU 28, and the standby state is maintained. Since the power is al\vays
used to lnaintain the standby state, there is inconvenience fsoln the cost point of view,
etc.
[0055]
10 On the other hand, it is considered to supply, in place of the DC power uuit
2 and the AC power unit 3, the power of the electric storage unit 29 to the EMU 27
and the BMU 28. However, it becomes difficult to maintain the standby state in the
case wllere the retuaining capacity of the electric storage unit 29 decreased due to
consumption of the power for lnaintaining the standby state. There, the electric
15 storage device in the present disclosure makes the standby power zero while starting
up the electric storage device by the power of the electric storage unit. Hereinafter,
an example of the electric storage device in the present disclosure will be described
in detail.
[0056]
20 "Configuration of Electric Storage Device in Present Disclosure"
FIG. 6 shows an exemplary configuration of an electric storage device
(electric storage device 10) in the present disclosure. In the electric storage device
10, the like nlenlbers the same as those of the electric storage device 1 will be
identified by the like reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.
25 [0057]
111 the electric storage device 10, the electric storage uuit 29 and the cussent
generation unit 26 are connected through a s\vitch SW40. The switch SW40 is, for
example, a button disposed to an exterior case of the electric storage device 10. The
switch SW40 is tunled off in the standby state. Further, in the staudby state, the
30 EMU 27 and the BMU 28 are turned off. That is, the electric storage unit 29 is
separated fsom each unit in the electric storage device 10 in the standby state.
Therefore, the power of the electric storage unit 29 is not cotlsulned in the standby
state, and the standby power becomes zero.
[0058]
A user of the electric storage device 10 pushes down the button for, for
5 example, about a few seconds and turn 011 the switch SW40 when starting up the
electric storage device 10. By continuing the push down of the button for about a
few seconds, the electric storage device 10 is started up. After the start-up of the
electric storage device 10, the user releases the push dowll of the button and the
switch SW 40 is turned off. Since the switch SW 40 is tuilied off, the power of the
10 electric storage unit 29 is not directly supplied to the cul-rent generation unit 26 after
the start-up.
[0059]
"Start-up Processing of Electric Storage Device"
An example of a start-up processing of the electric storage device 10 will be
15 described it1 detail. In respollse to turning-on of the switch SW40, the direct current
power of the electric storage unit 29 is supplied to the cui'rent generation unit 26.
The current generation unit 26 generates a low rate current based on the direct
current power supplied froin the electric storage unit 29. This cui-reat is a current of
about 1.0 A the same as a low rate charge cui-rent in the initial charge. The low rate
20 current generated by the current generation unit 26 is supplied to the illputloutput
unit 21.
[0060]
When the current is supplied fro111 the cui-rent generatiorl unit 26, the voltage
in the iaput/output unit 21 gradually increases. Whetl the voltage in the
25 illputloutput unit 21 exceeds a predeteilnined value, units (EMU 27 and BMU 28, for
example) connected to the illput/output unit 21 are started up. Here, the
predetermined value is a voltage (operating voltage) necessary for the EMU 27 and
tlie BMU 28 to operate. The operating voltage of the EMU 27 and the operating
voltage of the BMU 28 inay be the same or different from each other.
30 [0061]
After tlie EMU 27 and the BMU 28 are started up, the electric storage unit
29 is connected to each unit of the electric storage device 10 tlxougli the BMU 28.
Thus, the standby power can be made zero and, at the same time, the electric storage
device 10 can be started up by using tlie power of tlie electric storage unit 29.
[0062]
5 Here, in the case where any one of the units connected to tlie ii~put/output
unit 21 is broken down or a connecting line is sllort-circuited, the voltage in the
inputloutput unit 21 does not increase even w11en the current is supplied from the
cu~xetit generation unit 26. That is, the voltage in tlie input/output unit 21 does not
reach the operating voltage of tlle EMU 27 and the EMU 28, and the ekectric storage
10 device 10 is not started up. Tlle electric storage unit 29 is tiat connected to each
unit of the electric storage device 10 since the EMU 27 and the BMU 28 do not work.
Tllus, the electric storage unit 29 can be prevented from being connected to the unit
having a failure such as malfunction, etc. when the power of the electric storage unit
29 is supplied through the current generation unit 26. Then, failure (secondary
15 failure) of the electric storage unit 29 due to the connection of the electric storage
unit 29 to the unit having tlie failure can be prevented.
[0063]
Further, when tlie electric storage unit 29 is conulected directly to the EMU
27, etc., an i~lrushc urrent flows, and the EMU 27, etc. may be damaged. However,
20 according to the electric storage device in the present disclosure, the EMU 27, etc.
call be prevented from being damaged by the inlush current since the power of the
electric storage unit 29 is output through the current generatioll unit 26.
[0064]
The electric storage device can be started up also by the power through a
25 resistor 50 as shown in FIG. 7, for example. However, in the case where a unit
connected to the input/output unit 21 has a failure, etc., a configuratiou shown in FIG.
7 is not preferable because tlie relevant unit may generate heat and cause a secondary
failure.
[0065]
30 An example of a specific circuit co~lfiguration will be described. As
shown in FIG. 8, in the general electric storage device 1, tile power is not supplied
from the electric storage unit 29 to the cunent generation unit 26.
[0066]
FIG. 9 shows an example of a specific circuit configuration between tlie
electric storage unit 29 and the current generation unit 26 in the electric storage
5 device 10. Tlie AC-DC conversion unit 25 and the current generation unit 26 are
connected by a power line L1 and a power line L2. A power line L10 is connected
to the power line L1 and a power line L20 is connected to the power line L2. The
power line L10 is coluiected to a positive electrode tellninal of the electric storage
unit 29, and the power line 20 is connected to a negative electrode tenninal of the
10 electric storage unit 29. By this configuration, the power of the electric storage unit
29 is connected to at1 input of the current generation unit 26.
[0067]
A diode Dl is disposed to tlie power line L1. Tlie diode D 1 prevents a
backward flow from the electric storage unit 29 to tlie AC-DC cotiversion unit 25
15 when the switcli SW40 is tunled on. The power line L10 is provided with a fuse
FU, the s\vitcli SW40, a resistor R and a diode D2 fro111 the electric storage unit 29
side. A mid-point of the resistor R and the diode D2 in the power line L10 and the
power line L20 are connected by a line L30, and a capacitor C is connected to the
line L30. A diode D3 is connected to tlie power line L20.
20 [0068]
The fuse FU is lnolten down at the time of overcurretit and secures safety of
the system. The diode D2 prevents the power from the AC power unit 3 from
flowing to tlie electric storage unit 29 when the voltage of the electric storage unit 29
is low. The diode D3 prevents tlie current from flowing tlie power line L20 toward
25 the power line L2. An analogue low-pass filter is fonned from the resistor R and
the capacitor C and removes a high-frequency component. Incidentally, a circuit
configuration sliown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the power of the electric storage
unit 29 may be supplied to the current' generation unit 26 by a circuit configuration
different from tlie illustrated circuit configuration.
30 [0069]
As described above, the electric storage device in the present disclosure can
be started up even when tliere is 110 external power. Furtliel; the standby power in
the standby state can be made zero. Still further, in the case where there is an
abnorinality in a systenl of the electric storage device, by outputting the power of the
electric storage device tlxough the cunent generation unit, the relevant system and
5 tlie electric storage unit are prevented from being electrically connected.
[0070]
<2. Second E~nbodime~it>
Since a configuratio~t and an operation of an electric storage device in a
second embodi~nent are the same as a configuration and an operation of the electric
10 storage device 10 in the first etnbodiinent, duplicated descriptions will be omitted.
I11 the second embodiment, in tlie case where there is an extellla1 power supply in a
state where the electric storage device 10 is shut down, a systeln of tlie electric
storage device 10 is autono~nouslys tarted up and charges tlie electric storage unit 29.
Tlien, in the case where the externally supplied power diminislies or decreases, tlie
15 electric storage device 10 auto~lomously sl~uts down tlie system atid makes tlie
standby power zero. In the second e~nbodiment,tl ie DC power unit 2 is described
as a solar battery module.
[0071]
"Flow of Processing"
20 An example of a flow of processing of the electric storage device I0 in the
second embodiment will be described with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 10.
Tlie electric storage device 10 is shut down in a step S10. That is, the switch SW
40 is turned off and tlie electric storage unit 29 is separated from the systeln in the
electric storage device 10. As described above, tlie standby power in this state is
25 zero. And, the processing proceeds to a step S11.
[0072]
In a step S11, it is determined wlietller a generated voltage (PV generated
voltage) V of the solar battery nlodule is equal to or greater than a tlxeshold value
V,,,,. The tlxesliold value V,,,, is set to 100 V, for example. When the generated
30 voltage V of the solar battery module is s~nallerth an the threshold value V,,,,, the
processing returns to tlie step S11, and the determination of the step S11 is repeated.
When the generated voltage V of the solar battery lnodule is equal to or greater than
the threshold value V,,,,, the processing proceeds to a step S 12.
[0073]
In the step S12, the PV charger 20 is started up. The detellnination of the
5 above-described step S11 is not l~erfolnled by a microcomputer, etc. but the PV
charger 20 is autonotnously started up when the generated voltage V of the solar
battery nodule becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value V,,,,. Of
course, the generated voltage of the solar battery lnodule may be supervised by the
microconlputer, etc. Then, the step proceeds to a step S13.
10 [0074]
In the step S13, the PV charger 20 supplies the po\xrer to the input/output
unit 21. The EMU 27 and the BMU 28 connected to the inputloutput unit 21 are
started up thereby. Then, the processing proceeds to a step S14. In tlie step S14,
as the BMU 28 is operated, the electric storage unit 29 is connected to the system of
15 the electric storage device 10. Next, the processing proceeds to a step S15.
[0075]
In the step S15, whether it is necessary to supply the power to the load 4 is
detelmined. This determination is performed by the EMU 27, for example. h the
case where there is no need of supplying tlie power to the load 4, the processing
20 proceeds to a step S16. In the case where there is no need of supplying the power to
the load 4, the processing proceeds to a step S 17.
[0076]
In the step Sl6, the processing according to a usual cliargeldischarge mode
is perfonned. The usual chargeldiscl~argem ode is a mode for charging/dischargi~~g
25 according to, for example, an optional method. That is, in this mode, the power
supplied fronl the solar battery nlodule may be supplied to the load 4 or the power of
the electric storage unit 29 may be supplied to the load 4. Further, \vhile charging
the electric storage unit 29 by the power supplied from the solar battery module, the
power supplied from the AC power unit 3 may be supplied to the load 4.
30 [0077]
In the step S17, the power formed by the PV charger 20 is supplied to the
electric storage unit 29 through the input/output unit 21 and tlie BMU 28. Thus, tlie
electric storage unit 29 is charged. Next, tlie processing proceeds to a step S 18.
[0078]
hi the step S18, whether the generated voltage V of the solar battery module
5 is equal to or greater than a threshold value V,,,, is determined. Tlie tlresliold value
Vsl,, is set to 90 V, for example. hi tlie case where the generated voltage V of tlie
solar battery lnodule is equal to or greater than the tl~resliold value V,,,, the
processing proceeds to a step S19. When the generated voltage V of tlie solar
battery module is s~nallert lia~tih e tluesliold value Vsl,,, the processing proceeds to a
10 step S21.
[0079]
In the step S19, whether it is necessary to supply the power to the load 4 is
determined. This determination is perfol~ned by the EMU 27, for example. In the
case wliere it is necessary to supply tlie power to tlie load 4, the processing proceeds
15 to tlie step S16. As described above, in the step S16, the processing according to
tlie usual cliargeldiscliarge mode is perfonned.
[0080]
In tlie case where there is no need of supplying the power to tlie load 4, tlie
processing proceeds to a step S20. hi tlie step S20, whether tlie state of charge
20 (SOC) of tlie electric storage unit 29 is equal to or greater than a tlresliold value
SOC,,,,, is deterniined. This detel~iiination is perfanned by the EMU 27 based on
tlie itifor~nationtr anstnitted f'rom the BMU 28, for example. The threshold value
SOC,,,,, is set to too%, for example. Incidentally, in the determination in the step
S20, in place of the SOC, a depth of discharge (DOD) may be used to detennine.
25 [0081]
In the case where the SOC of the electric storage unit 29 is stnaller than the
tlresliold value SOC,,,,,, the processing returns to tlie step S17, and the chal.ge to tlie
electric storage unit 29 is continued. 111 tlie case where the SOC of the electric
storage unit 29 is greater than or equal to tlie threshold value SOC,,,,,, the processing
30 proceeds to a step S21. hi the step S21, the charge is stopped because a capacity of
the electric storage unit 29 increased. Next, the processing proceeds to a step S22.
[0082]
In the step S22, whether the generated voltage V of the solar battery lnodule
is equal to or greater than the tlxeshold value V,,,, is detelmiued. In the case where
the generated voltage V of the solar battery module is equal to or greater than the
5 tlxeshold value V,.,, the processing returus to the step S20. And, in the case where
the SOC is detellnilied to be decreased by the dete~~nillatioilni the step S20, the
processing retulns to the step S17, and the charge to the electric storage unit 29 is
resumed. In the case where the generated voltage V of the solar battery module is
smaller than the tl~resl~ovlda lue V,.,, the processil~gp roceeds to a step S23.
10 [0083]
hi the step S23, whether a decre~nel~AtS OC of tlie capacity of the electric
storage unit 29 is equal to or greater than a threshold value S% is detellnined. The
tlxeshold value S% is set to 2%, for example. It1 the case where the decrelnelit
ASOC of the capacity of the electric storage unit 29 is slnaller than the thresliold
15 value 2%, the processing retu~nst o the step S22, and the detel~nillatio~olf the step
S22 is perfo~med. hi the case where the decretnelit ASOC of the capacity of the
electric storage unit 29 is equal to or greater than the threshold value 2%, the
processing proceeds to a step S24.
[0084]
20 In the step S24, the electric storage device 10 is shut down. That is, the
EMU 27 of the electric storage device 10 controls stoppage of operation of the BMU
28, etc. of the electric storage device 10, and, after that, tu111s off itself. Incidentally,
in the case \vhere a colltil~uatiolt~im e of a state where the PV generated voltage is
s~nallert han the threshold value is n~easuredb y a timer, and a rneasure~net~titm e has
25 passed a predetermined time, the electric storage device 10 may be shut down.
[008S]
The generated voltage of the solar battery module varies depending on tlie
weather, etc. Therefore, without slluttiltg down tlie electric storage device 10
iln~nediately after the charge is once stopped, tlie control in accordance with the
30 generated voltage of the solar battery lnodule is perfollned. In the case where the
generated voltage of the solar battery lnodule is equal to or greater than a certain
value and tlie capacity of the electric storage unit decreased, the charge is perfolmed
again.
[0086]
Further, in the case wliere a state wliere the generated voltage of tlie solar
5 battery nodule is small continues and the capacity of the electric storage unit
decreases by an alnount equal to or greater than a certain value, the electric storage
device is shut down in order to prevent tlie power of the electric storage unit from
being consutned more by the operation of the EMU, etc.
[0087]
10 Thus, in the case ivliere the power is exte~l~alsluyp plied in a state where the
electric storage device is shut down, the systeni of the electric storage device is
autononlously started up, and tlie electric storage unit is charged. In the case wliere
the exte~llallys upplied power decreased, the electric storage device is sl~utd own, and
the standby power in the electric storage device is made zero.
15 [0088]
<3. Modification Example>
In the above, enlbodiments of the present disclosure have been specifically
described. However, the present disclosure can be variously modified without
lilniting to the above-described etnboditnents.
20 [0089]
hi the e~nboditnents described above, the power of the electric storage unit
is output tlxougli an existing current generation unit when the electric storage device
is started up. However, a cotifiguration in which a circuit that generates a constant
cul.rent is separately disposed and the power of the electric storage unit is output
25 tlxougli the circuit may be folmed.
[0090]
The configurations, metl~odss, teps, shapes, nlaterials and numerical values,
which are cited in the elnbodi~nents described above are only examples, and, as
required, configurations, methods, steps, shapes, materials and nunlerical values,
30 which are different fro111 these may be used. Further, the configurations, n~ethods,
steps, shapes, materials and nunlerical values in each embodiment can be combined
with each other as long as a teclulical contradiction does not occur.
[0091]
The present technology can also be applied to a so-called cloud system in
which the exe~nplified processes are perfanned by a plurality of devices in a
5 distributed manner. The present disclosure can be realized as a system that
executes tlie processes exemplified in the embodiments and the modified examples,
whicli is a device that executes at least some of the exemplified processes.
[0092]
Further, the present disclosure can be realized, without li~niting to the
10 devices, as a method, a program, and a recording medium in which the progranl is
recorded.
[0093]
Additionally, the present teclulology may also be configured as below.
(1)
15 An electric storage device cotnprising:
a control unit, a charge/discharge management unit and a current generation
unit, which are co~ulectedth rough an inputloutput unit; and
an electric storage unit that is connected to the charge/discharge
management unit and is connected to the cul-rent generation unit through a switch.
20 (2)
The electric storage device according to (I), wherein
the control unit and the charge/discharge tnanagetnent unit are tunled off
and the switch is turned off in a shutdown state, and
the switch is tunled on when starting up fiom the shutdown state.
25 (3)
The electric storage device accordiltg to (2), wherein, in response to tunlingon
of the switch, the current generation unit generates a predete~lninedc urrent based
on power supplied from the electric storage unit, and outputs the generated cument to
the inputloutput unit.
30 (4)
The electric storage device according to (3), wvllerein the control unit and the
charge/discharge lnanagement unit are tunled on in a case wvl~ere a voltage in the
inputloutput unit reaches a predetelmined operating voltage by a current supplied
from the current generation unit.
(5)
5 The electric storage device according to any of ( 1 ) to (4), wherein
the electric storage unit is charged based on a first current generated by the
current generation unit in a case where a voltage of the electric storage unit is smaller
than a threshold value, and
the electric storage unit is charged based on a second current that is larger
10 than the first culxent in a case where the voltage of the electric storage unit is larger
than the threshold value.
(6)
The electric storage device according to (5), wherein a charge/discharge unit
that generates the second cument is connected to the inputloutput unit.
15 (7)
The electric storage device according to any of (1) to (6), wherein the
cursent generation unit is configured with a constant-current direct current (DC)-DC
converter.
(8)
20 The electric storage device according to any of ( 1 ) to (7), wllerein the
electric storage unit is configured with a plurality of lithium ion batteries.
(9)
The electric storage device according to any of (2) to (a), wherein, in a case
where extenla1 power is supplied in the shutdown state, the col~trol unit and the
25 charge/discharge lnanagelnent are turned on based on the extelnal powel; and the
electric storage unit is charged by the power.
(10)
An electric storage device comnprising:
an electric storage unit; and
30 a current generation unit that generates a charge current smaller than a usual
charge current in a case where a voltage of the electric storage unit is smaller than a
threshold value,
wherein power output from the electric storage unit is supplied to the
current generation unit at a time of start-up.
(11)
5 A start-up method of an electric storage device, the electric storage device
including a control unit, a charge/discharge management unit and a current
generation unit, ~vhich are connected through an inputloutput unit, and an electric
storage unit that is connected to the cl~argeldischarge managetnent unit and is
connected to the current generation unit through a switch, the start-up ~netl~od
10 comnprising:
turning off the control unit and the charge/discharge management uuit and
turning off the switch in a shutdown state and turning on the switch in a case of startup
from the shutdown state;
generating, by the current generation unit, a predetermined current based on
15 power supplied from the electric storage unit in response to turning-on of the switch,
and outputting the generated cunent to the inputloutput unit; and
tulning on the control unit and the charge/discharge rnanagernent unit in a
case where a voltage in the inputloutput unit reaches an operating voltage by a
current supplied from the cunent generation unit.
20 [0094]
<4. Application Example>
"Power storage device in house as application example"
An exanlple in which the present disclosure is applied to a power storage
device for houses will be described with reference to FIG. 11. For example, in a
25 power storage device 100 for a house 101, power is supplied to an electric storage
device 103 from a centralized power system 102 such as theillla1 power 102a,
nuclear power 102b, and hydraulic power 102c through a power network 109, an
infol~nationn etwork 112, a snlart meter 107, a power hub 108, etc. Together with
this, power is supplied to the electric storage device 103 from an independent power
30 source such as a donlestic power generation device 104. The power supplied to the
electric storage device 103 is stored. The power used in the house 101 is supplied
using the electric storage device 103. The same power storage device call be used
uot only in the house 101 but also in buildings.
[0095]
The house 101 is provided with the domestic power generation device 104,
5 a power consumption device 105, the electric storage device 103, a colltrol device
110 controlling each device, the smart meter 107, and seusors 111 acquiring various
kinds of infol~nation. The devices are conliected througll the power network 109
and the infollnation network 112. A solar cell, a hel cell, etc. are used as the
dornestic power generation device 104, and generated power is supplied to the power
10 consumption device 105 andlor the electric storage device 103. The power
consumption device 105 is a refrigerator 105a, an air conditioner 105b, a television
receiver 105c, a bath 105d, etc. Moreover, the power consumption device 105
iucludes an electric vehicle 106. The electric vehicle I06 is an electric car 106a, a
hybrid car 106b, and an electric nlotorcycle 106c.
15 [0096]
The electric storage device 103 is constituted by secondary batteries or a
capacitor. For example, the electric storage device 103 is constituted by litliiu~ni on
secondary batteries. The electric storage device 10 of the present disclosure
described above is applied to the electric storage device 103. The lithium ion
20 secondary battery may be a stationary type or may be one used in the electric vehicle
106. The smart meter 107 has a function of measuring a use amount of commercial
power and transmitting the measured use alnount to an electric power company.
The power network 109 may be of one of direct current power supply, altelllating
current power supply, atid noncontact power supply or of the combillation of a
25 plurality of them.
[0097]
The various sensors 11 1 are a human sensor, an illumiliation sensor, an
object detection sensor, a power consulnption sensol; a vibration sensor, a contact
sensor, a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, etc., for example. The infoimation
30 acquired by the various sensors 111 is transmitted to the control device 110.
Weather conditions, hurnan conditions, etc. are grasped based on the infolmatiotl
from the sensors 11 1, and it is possible to auto~natically control the electric
consumption device 105 so that energy consunlption is minimum. Moreover, the
control device 110 can transmit info~lnation about the house 101 to an external
electric power company, etc. through an internet.
[0098]
The power hub 108 perfo~~nprso cessing of branch of a power line, direct
current-alte~nating current conversion, etc. As a communication systeln of the
itlfo~lnationn etwork 112 connected to the control device 110, there are a method of
using a co~nnlunication interface such as a universal asynchronous receivertrans~
nitter (UART (transmission and reception circuit for asynchronous serial
commnunication)) and a neth hod of using a sensor network by a wireless
communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee
(registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The Bluetooth systeln is
applied to tnultirnedia cotntnunication, and the conununication of one-to-many
connection is possible. The ZigBee uses a physical layer of institute of electrical
and electronics engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4. The lEEE802.15.4 is a name of a short
distance wireless network standard refel~ed to as personal area network (PAN) or
Wireless (W) PAN.
[0099]
The control device 110 is connected to an external server 113. The server
113 may be managed by any of the house 101, an electric power comnpany, and a
service provider. The infortnation transtnitted and received by the server 113 is
power coasumption information, life pattern infomation, power rates, weather
information, natural disaster info~~natioann,d info~~natioanb out power transaction,
for example. Such information may be transmitted and received by a domestic
electric consumption device (a television receivel; for example), and may be
transmitted and received by a device outside home (a cellular phone, etc., for
example). Such infol~nation may be displayed on a device having a display
function, e.g. a television receiver, a cellular phone, personal digital assistants (PDA),
etc.
[Ol 001
The control. device 110 controlling each unit is constituted by a CPU, a
RAM, a ROM, etc., and stored in the electric storage device 103 in this example.
The control device 110 is connected to the electric storage device 103, the dolnestic
power generation device 104, the power consu~nptiond evice 105, the various sensors
5 11 1, and the server 113 tlrough the ilifol~nationn etwork 112, and has a function of
adjusting a use amount of coln~nercialp ower and a power generation arnount. In
addition, the control device 110 may have a function of performing power
transaction in the power market, etc.
[OlOl]
10 As illustrated above, not only power from the centralized power system 102
such as the thermal power 102a, the nuclear power 102b, and the Ilydraulic power
102c but also power generated by the dolnestic power generation device 104 (solar
power generation, wind power generation) can be stored in the electric storage device
103. Therefore, even when power generated by the dolnestic power generation
15 device 104 is varied, it is possible to perfollil control of keeping electric energy
transmitted to the outside constant or discharging only a required amount. For
example, it is also possible to adopt a use in \vhich power obtained by solar power
generation is stored in the electric storage device 103 and, at the same time, midnight
power that is cheaper in cost during night is stored in tlie electric storage device 103
20 so that the power stored by the electric storage device 103 is discharged and used in
the daytime period when the cost is high.
[O 1021
Note that althougli this exanlple describes the case in which the control
device 110 is stored in the electric storage device 103, the control device 110 may be
25 stored in the sriiatt meter 107 or may be constituted individually. Moreovel; the
power storage device 100 may be used for a plurality of l~oousel~oldins an apartment
house, or may be used for a plurality of detached houses.
[0 1031
"Power storage device in vehicle as application example"
30 An exaniple in which the present disclosure is applied to the power storage
device for vehicles will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12
scllelnatically illustrates an example of a configuration of a hybrid vehicle adopting a
series hybrid system to which the present disclosure is applied. The series hybrid
systeln is a car traveling by power driving force conversion device using power
generated by a power generator driven by an engine or such power stored
5 telnporariiy in a battery.
[0104]
On this hybrid vehicle 200, an engine 201, a power generator 202, a power
driving force conversion device 203, a driving wheel 204a, a driving wheel 204b, a
wheel 2051, a wl~eel 205b, a battery 208, a vellicle control device 209, various
10 sensors 210, and a charging port 211 are mounted.
[0 1051
The hybrid vehicle 200 travels with the power driving force conversion
device 203 as a driving source. One exarnple of the power driving force conversion
device 203 is a motor. The power driving force conversion device 203 is driven by
15 power of the battery 208, and the rotation force of the power driving force
conversion device 203 is transtnitted to the driving wheels 204a and 204b. Note
that with the use of direct curretlt-alterliating current (DC-AC) or inverse conversion
(AC-DC conversion) at necessary parts, the power driving force conversion device
203 can be also applied to an alternating cul-rent motor and a direct culxent motor.
20 The various sensors 210 control engine speed tlxough the vellicle control device 209
and controls opening of a tllrottle valve not illustrated (tllrottle opening). The
various sensors 210 include a speed sensor, an acceleratioll sensor, an engine speed
sensol; etc.
[0 1061
25 The rotation force of the engine 201 is transmitted to the power generator
202, and power generated by the power generator 202 using the rotation force can be
stored in the battery 208.
[0 1071
When the speed of the hybrid vehicle is reduced by a braking mechanism
30 not illustrated, the resistance at the time of reduction of speed is added to the power
driving force conversion device 203 as rotation force, and regenerative electric
power generated by tlie power driving force conversion device 203 using the rotation
force is stored it1 tlie battery 208.
[0 1081
The battery 208 is connected to an external power source of tile hybrid
5 vehicle, and thus receives power supply frorn tlie extellla1 power source with the
charging port 211 as an itiput port a~id can also store tlie received powee The
electric storage device 10, for example, may be applied to the battery 208.
[0109]
Although uot illustrated, there may be provided an information processing
10 device perfol~ning infol~nation processing regarding vehicle control based on
infolmation about tlie secondary batteries. Such an information processing device
includes an infortnation processilig device perfol~ning battery relnaini~ig amount
display based on info~mationa bout a battery relnaining amount.
[OllO]
15 The above has described, as an example, the series liybrid car traveling by a
motor using power generated by the power generator driven by tlie engine or such
power temporarily stored in tlie battery. However, tlie present disclosure can be
also applied effectively to a parallel hybrid car having output of both an engine and a
nlotor as a driving source and usi~igtl xee systenis of travel only by tlie engine, travel
20 only by the motor, and travel by the e~igitie and tlie rnotor \vliile switclii~ig them
approl~riately. Moreover, tlie present disclosure can be also applied effectively to a
so-called electric vehicle, which travels by drive by only a driving tnotor without an
engine.
25 [Olll]
Reference Signs List
1 general electric storage device
2 DC power unit
3 AC power unit
4 load
30 10 electric storage device in the present disclosure (one example)
2 1 input/output unit
24 charge/discharge unit
26 current generation unit
27 EMU
28 BMU
5 29 electric storage unit
CLAIMS
Claim 1
An electric storage device comprising:
a control unit, a charge/discharge management unit and a current generation
5 unit, which are connected through an input/output unit; and
an electric storage unit that is connected to the charge/discharge
manage~nenut nit and is connected to the cutvent generation unit through a switch.
Claim 2
10 The electric storage device according to clainl 1, wherein
the control unit and the charge/discl~arge lnanage~nent unit are turned off
and the switch is tu~nedo ff in a shutdown state, and
the switch is tu~nedo n when starting up from the shutdown state.
15 Claim 3
The electric storage device according to claim 2, wherein, it] response to
turning-on of the switch, the cu~vent generation unit generates a predetermined
current based 011 power supplied from the electric storage unit, and outputs the
generated current to the input/output unit.
20
Claiiil4
The electric storage device according to clain~3 , wherein the control unit
and the charge/discharge ~nanagenlenut nit are tu~ned01 1 in a case where a voltage in
the input/output unit reaches a predetermined operating voltage by a current supplied
25 from the current generation unit.
Claim 5
The electric storage device according to claim 1, wherein
the electric storage unit is charged based on a first current generated by the
30 cu~vengt eneration unit in a case where a voltage of the electric storage unit is snlaller
than a threshold value, and
the electric storage unit is charged based on a second current that is larger
than the first current in a case where the voltage of the electric storage unit is larger
tliall the threshold value.
5 Clailn 6
The electric storage device according to claitil5, whereit1 a charge/discharge
unit that geuerates the secoud current is colnlected to the input/output unit.
Claim 7
10 The electric storage device according to claim 1, whereill the current
generation unit is configured with a constant-current direct current (DC)-DC
collvelter.
Claim 8
15 The electric storage device according to claim 1, wherein the electric
storage unit is configured with a plurality of lithium ion batteries.
Claim 9
The electric storage device according to claiin 2, whereiti, in a case where
20 external power is supplied in the sl~utdown state, the control unit and the
chargeldischarge lnallagelnellt are tutned on based on the external power, and the
electric storage uuit is charged by the power.
Claim 10
25 An electric storage device comprising:
an electric storage unit; atid
a current generation uuit that geuerates a charge current slilaller than a usual
charge current in a case where a voltage of the electric storage unit is smaller than a
threshold value,
30 wherein power output from the electric storage unit is supplied to the
current generation unit at a time of start-up.
Claim 11
A start-up l~lethod of an electric storage device, the electric storage device
iucluding a co~ltrol unit, a cliargeldischarge ~lianage~llcnutn it and a current
5 generation unit, which are connected tluougl~ an iuput/output unit, and an electric
storage uuit that is colluected to the charge!discha~ge manageme~lt unit and is
connected to the current generation unit tl~ougll a smitch, the start-up inethod
co~lll~risillg:
tunling off the control unit and the charge!discIiarge managemeat unit aud
10 tunling off the s\vitch in a shutdown state atld 'nuxing on the switcll ill a case of startup
from the sl~utdo~vstna te;
generating, by the current generation unit, a predeternlined ctrrrent based on
power supplied from the electric storage uuit it1 response to tu~llni~itlg-oonf the switch,
and outputting the geuerated culrent to the i~llmt/outpuut nit; aud
15 tu~ningo n the control unit aud the cl~argeldiscliargei llauage~llentu nit in a
case where a voltage in the inputloutput unit reaches an operating voltage by a
cul~ellst ul~pliedfr om the current generation unit.