JP7700563B2 - Power management method and power management device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a power management method and a power management device.

Some vehicles are equipped with a computer that can participate in grid computing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the example of Patent Document 1, when the user turns off the engine or power of the vehicle, a signal indicating that participation in grid computing is possible is sent to a management server.

JP 2020-160661 A

Patent document 1 does not disclose anything about the allocation of power for charging the secondary battery and power for grid computing.

The objective of this disclosure is to make it possible to perform calculations in grid computing while ensuring that the secondary battery is fully charged.

The first aspect includes a control step of controlling an amount of power supplied to a processing device mounted on the vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle,
The processing device comprises a computer that is permitted to participate in grid computing and an auxiliary device that functions when the computer is operating;
In the control step,
supplying a first amount of power required to complete charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time from a power supply device for charging the secondary battery;
The power management method is characterized in that, when the amount of power obtained from the power supply device remains surplus even after the first amount of power is supplied for charging the secondary battery, the surplus amount of power is supplied to the processing device.

In the first mode, the secondary battery is supplied with power that will complete charging at the set charging completion time. The processing device is supplied with power if there is surplus power even after charging.

A second aspect is the power management method according to the first aspect, further comprising:
The power management method is characterized in that the control step includes a step of supplying to the processing device a second amount of power obtained by subtracting the first amount of power from the amount of power obtained from the power supply device.

In the second aspect, the maximum power supplied to the processing device is the amount of power supplied for normal charging minus the power required for charging. This enables efficient processing in grid computing.

A third aspect is the power management method according to the first or second aspect, further comprising:
The control step includes:
determining the amount of power consumption in the processing device;
This is a power management method characterized by including a step of reducing the amount of power distributed to the processing device while increasing the amount of power supplied for charging the secondary battery when the amount of power distributed to the processing device exceeds the amount of power consumed.

In the third aspect, when there is surplus power allocated to the processing device, the surplus power is allocated to charging. As a result, it becomes possible to advance the charging end time.

A fourth aspect is the power management method according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The control step includes:
The power management method further comprises a step of distributing, when charging of the secondary battery is completed, a part or all of the amount of power that was distributed for charging to the processing device.

In a fourth aspect, after charging is completed, power is allocated for grid computing.

A fifth aspect is the power management method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The power management method further comprises a step of notifying a server device that allocates jobs in the grid computing of an index relating to the processing capacity of the computer.

In the fifth aspect, the server device can estimate what kind of jobs should be optimally assigned to the computers participating in grid computing. In other words, the fifth aspect can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

The sixth aspect is a power management device characterized by having a computing device that executes the power management method described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

In the sixth aspect, the power management method can be implemented.

According to the present disclosure, calculations in grid computing can be performed while ensuring that the secondary battery is fully charged.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system configuration according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of grid computing. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a calculation device. 13 is a flowchart of a preparation process for power management. 4 is a flowchart showing a power control process in charging a secondary battery. 11 is a flowchart showing a power control process in charging a secondary battery and grid computing. 13 is a flowchart of power management after charging is completed.

[Embodiment]
A power management method and a power management device according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The power management method is implemented in the power management device. The power management device of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle connected to a system 1 (described later). System 1 will be described below first. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

System 1
1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to this embodiment. The system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles 10, a plurality of user terminals 20, a client server 30, a facility server 40, and a management server 50.

The client server 30 is owned by a client. The client requests the management server 50 to calculate job data. Examples of such clients include companies, research institutes, and educational institutions. The facility server 40 is owned by a facility. Users visit the facility. Users can make reservations to visit the facility. Examples of such facilities include stadiums, theaters, supermarkets, restaurants, accommodation facilities, and retail stores. The management server 50 manages the operation (job allocation, etc.) of the system 1 in which grid computing is configured. The management server 50 is owned by the business operator that operates the system 1.

These components can communicate with each other via the communication network 5. Each vehicle 10 is equipped with a computing device 105. Note that the system 1 may be provided with multiple client servers 30. Similarly, the system 1 may be provided with multiple facility servers 40.

[Grid Computing]
Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concept of grid computing. As shown in Fig. 2, in the system 1, grid computing is configured by a plurality of computing devices 105. In the system 1, a process (grid computing process) is performed in which an available computing device 105 among the plurality of computing devices 105 processes job data.

When the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 is required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic device 105 enters an operating state. In other words, the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 is used. For example, when the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 is required for driving control of the vehicle 10, the arithmetic device 105 enters an operating state.

On the other hand, when the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 is no longer required in the vehicle 10, the arithmetic device 105 is stopped. In other words, the computing power of the arithmetic device 105 is not used in the vehicle 10.

Here, in the vehicle 10, when the computing power of the computing device 105 is not required, the computing power of the computing device 105 is provided for grid computing processing. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the computing power of the computing device 105.

〔vehicle〕
The vehicle 10 is owned by a user. The user may drive the vehicle 10. In this example, the vehicle 10 is a four-wheeled automobile. Examples of the vehicle 10 include an electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the like.

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a vehicle. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 10 includes an actuator 11, a sensor 12, a motor 13, secondary batteries 14 and 15, an inverter circuit 16, an input unit 101, an output unit 102, a communication unit 103, a memory unit 104, a computing device 105, a power conversion device 106, a DC/DC converter 107, and a cooling device 108.

The voltage of the secondary battery 14 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the battery) is several hundred volts (e.g., 200 V). The power of the secondary battery 14 is input to an inverter circuit 16. The secondary battery 14 may be normally charged or quickly charged. Although both a normal charger and a quick charger are shown in FIG. 3, this is only for the sake of convenience of explanation, as two chargers are shown. The vehicle 10 is not connected to two chargers at the same time.

The inverter circuit 16 converts the input DC voltage into an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency and voltage and outputs it. The output (AC voltage) of the inverter circuit 16 is supplied to the motor (motor 13) for driving the vehicle.

The voltage of the secondary battery 15 is 12 V. The power of the secondary battery 15 is supplied to a computer (central control unit 105b described below) etc.

The actuator 11 includes a steering actuator, a braking actuator, and the like. An example of a braking actuator is a brake. An example of a steering actuator is a steering wheel.

The sensor 12 acquires various information used to control the vehicle 10. Examples of the sensor 12 include an exterior camera, an interior camera, a radar, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, an accelerator opening sensor, a steering sensor, and a brake oil pressure sensor. The exterior camera captures images outside the vehicle. The interior camera captures images inside the vehicle. The radar captures images outside the vehicle.

The input unit 101 inputs information and data. Examples of the input unit 101 include an operation unit that is operated to input information corresponding to the operation, a camera that inputs an image showing information, and a microphone that inputs sound showing information. Examples of the operation unit include the operation buttons and touch sensors of a car navigation device. The information and data input to the input unit 101 are sent to the calculation device 105.

The output unit 102 outputs information and data. Examples of the output unit 102 include a display unit that outputs an image showing information, and a speaker that outputs sound showing information. An example of a display unit is the display of a car navigation device. An example of a speaker is the speaker of a car navigation device.

The communication unit 103 transmits and receives information and data. The information and data received by the communication unit 103 is sent to the calculation device 105. In this embodiment, the user can instruct (send) the communication unit 103 as to the operation mode (described later) to be used when connected to a normal charger. In this example, the user can send instructions to the communication unit 103 from the user terminal 20 via wireless communication.

The memory unit 104 stores information and data.

The computing device 105 controls each part of the vehicle 10. The computing device 105 will be described in detail later.

The power conversion device 106 has a function of supplying DC power. The power conversion device 106 is equipped with an AC/DC converter circuit and a DC/DC converter circuit to output a DC voltage. For example, the power conversion device 106 supplies power (DC) for charging the secondary battery 14. The output voltage of the power conversion device 106 is the DC voltage required to charge the secondary battery 14. Specifically, the output voltage of the power conversion device 106 is several hundred volts (e.g., 200 V).

During normal charging, the power conversion device 106 is connected to a normal charger. The normal charger is, for example, a commercial power source. When power is supplied to the power conversion device 106, the power is supplied to a specific part of the calculation device 105 (such as the power distribution control unit 105c described below). The operation of the power conversion device 106 is controlled by the power distribution control unit 105c.

The DC/DC converter 107 outputs a DC voltage that is the stepped-down output voltage of the power conversion device 106. The output of the DC/DC converter 107 is approximately 12 V. The output destination of the DC/DC converter 107 is determined according to the control of the power distribution control unit 105c (described later). For example, the output of the DC/DC converter 107 is supplied to the video media control unit 105a (described later) or to the secondary battery 15 according to the control of the power distribution control unit 105c (described later).

The cooling device 108 cools the computing device 105 and the secondary battery 14. Specifically, the cooling device 108 water-cools the secondary battery 14. The cooling device 108 also conditions the air inside the vehicle (room). That is, the cooling device 108 has a water-cooling function and an air-conditioning function. The cooling device 108 uses these functions to water-cool part of the computing device 105 and air-cool part of it.

The cooling device 108 is equipped with a condenser, an evaporator, a chiller, a pump, etc. (all not shown) to realize the water cooling function and the air conditioning function. The operation of the cooling device 108 is controlled by the computing device 105.

[Details of the arithmetic unit 105]
4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the arithmetic device 105. The arithmetic device 105 controls each part of the vehicle 10. The arithmetic device 105 includes a plurality of control units (computers). In this example, the arithmetic device 105 includes, as control units, a video media control unit 105a, a central control unit 105b, a power distribution control unit 105c, a remaining power management unit 105d, and a driving support unit 105e. Among these computers, some are permitted to participate in grid computing, while others are not permitted to participate.

The video media control unit 105a is equipped with an MPU (Media Processing Unit). The MPU is a device that includes a processor that processes image data. The user may be able to select whether or not to install the video media control unit 105a when purchasing the vehicle 10, etc.

The video media control unit 105a processes the video captured by the in-vehicle camera and the video captured by the external camera (image data) by the MPU executing a specific program. By executing the program, the MPU can, for example, automatically edit the image data. Note that the video media control unit 105a may communicate with the central control unit 105b and the driving assistance unit 105e via a local area network (Ethernet, etc.).

The MPU is a processor with relatively high computing power. The video media control unit 105a (MPU) is a computer that is allowed to participate in grid computing.

The electronic components of the video media control unit 105a are cooled by the cooling device 108. For example, certain semiconductor elements that make up the video media control unit 105a are water-cooled by the cooling device 108. Cool air is introduced from the cooling device 108 into the housing that houses the video media control unit 105a. In other words, the video media control unit 105a is air-cooled by the cooling device 108.

The video media control unit 105a can control the cooling device 108 by executing the program. The video media control unit 105a can adjust the capacity of the cooling device 108 to cool itself.

The central control unit 105b has one or more central processing units (CPUs). The central control unit 105b controls the vehicle 10 while it is traveling by having the CPU execute a specific program. As a rule, the central control unit 105b does not operate while the vehicle is parked.

For example, the central control unit 105b controls the actuators (motor 13) of the drive system in response to various information obtained by the sensor 12. The central control unit 105b also controls the cooling device 108 (such as controlling the air conditioning inside the vehicle). Note that the CPU and other components of the central control unit 105b are cooled by the cooling device 108, just like the video media control unit 105a.

The central control unit 105b is not permitted to participate in grid computing. In this embodiment, while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing, no power is supplied to the central control unit 105b.

The power distribution control unit 105c includes a CPU. The power distribution control unit 105c distributes power to the power conversion device 106 by the CPU executing a specific program (described in detail below).

The power distribution control unit 105c is not permitted to participate in grid computing. However, the power distribution control unit 105c operates while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing. In other words, while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing, power is supplied to the power distribution control unit 105c.

The remaining capacity management unit 105d includes a CPU. The remaining capacity management unit 105d collects information on the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 14 (hereinafter referred to as remaining capacity information) by the CPU executing a predetermined program. Specifically, the remaining capacity management unit 105d collects the remaining capacity information of the secondary battery 14 based on the voltage of the secondary battery 14. The remaining capacity information may be referred to as the charging state of the secondary battery 14.

Note that the remaining capacity management unit 105d is not permitted to participate in grid computing. However, the remaining capacity management unit 105d operates while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing. In other words, while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing, power is supplied to the remaining capacity management unit 105d.

The driving support unit 105e is equipped with one or more CPUs. The driving support unit 105e controls each function of the preventive safety driving support by the CPU executing a predetermined program. As a general rule, the driving support unit 105e does not operate while the vehicle is parked.

For example, the driving assistance unit 105e performs following the vehicle ahead, situation assessment related to damage mitigation braking, and brake control. The driving assistance unit 105e is not permitted to participate in grid computing. In this embodiment, while the video media control unit 105a is participating in grid computing, power is not supplied to the driving assistance unit 105e.

For ease of explanation, below, a computer that is allowed to participate in grid computing is called a node computer. Also, below, a device in the vehicle 10 that is supplied with power at the same time as the node computer is called an auxiliary device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 103, the memory unit 104, the power distribution control unit 105c, the remaining power management unit 105d, the power conversion device 106, the DC/DC converter 107, and the cooling device 108 are examples of auxiliary devices. The node computer and the auxiliary devices constitute a processing device for grid computing.

Example of operation
The power management method according to the present embodiment is implemented when a user connects the vehicle 10 to a normal charger. When the vehicle 10 is connected to the normal charger, the power conversion device 106 is started up in the vehicle 10. As a result, power is supplied to the power distribution control unit 105c, and the power distribution control unit 105c is started up.

Figure 5 is a flowchart of the power management preparation process. First, the power distribution control unit 105c starts up the secondary battery 14 (step S101). "Starting the secondary battery 14" means connecting the secondary battery 14 to a charging circuit (same below). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c operates relay R1 (Figure 4) between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106 to connect the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106.

The power distribution control unit 105c supplies power from the DC/DC converter 107 to the remaining battery management unit 105d. This starts up the remaining battery management unit 105d. The power distribution control unit 105c acquires (receives) the "maximum charging capacity" of the secondary battery 14 (step S102). The "maximum charging capacity" is the maximum capacity (numerical information) of the installed secondary battery 14. The maximum capacity can be found, for example, from the model information of the secondary battery 14.

After the preparation process is completed, the power distribution control unit 105c performs a process of controlling power in charging the secondary battery 14 and in grid computing. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling power in charging the secondary battery 14. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling power in charging the secondary battery 14 and in grid computing.

The power distribution control unit 105c performs the loop processing shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 until charging of the secondary battery 14 is completed. That is, the end condition of the loop processing is that charging of the secondary battery 14 is completed. Here, the completion of charging of the secondary battery 14 means that the maximum charging capacity = the remaining battery capacity. The "remaining battery capacity" can be obtained from the remaining capacity information.

When the loop processing is started, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires each piece of information, such as the current time, the set charging completion time, and the amount of charging energy (step S201). The "current time" may be acquired from a clock that the power distribution control unit 105c has itself, or may be acquired from the communication network 5 via the communication unit 103.

The "charge completion set time" is information input by the user. By operating the user terminal 20, the user can set the time at which they want to complete charging (e.g., 8:00 a.m. the following morning) in the power distribution control unit 105c.

The "charging power amount" is the amount of power that can be supplied for charging, etc. during normal charging. The "charging power amount" can be determined by taking into consideration the output capacity of the normal charger and the capacity of the power conversion device 106. The output capacity of the normal charger may be obtained, for example, by the power distribution control unit 105c communicating with the normal charger.

The power distribution control unit 105c determines the power required to complete charging (hereinafter referred to as the required charging power) (step S202). The power distribution control unit 105c calculates the power required to complete charging using the following formula:

Power required for charging = (Maximum charging capacity - remaining battery power) / (Set time to complete charging - current time)
However, the maximum charging capacity, the remaining battery charge, the set charging completion time, and the current time are information acquired in the preparation process or in step S201.

The power distribution control unit 105c compares the amount of charging power with the required charging power (step S203). In step S203, if the amount of charging power is less than or equal to the required charging power, there is no margin for the amount of charging power. If there is no margin for the amount of charging power, the determination result in step S203 is "No". In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c causes the power conversion device 106 to supply power only to the secondary battery 14 (step S204).

When charging starts, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires remaining capacity information of the secondary battery 14 via the remaining capacity management unit 105d (step S205). The power distribution control unit 105c determines whether the loop termination condition is met based on the remaining capacity information, etc.

If the termination condition is met, the power distribution control unit 105c ends the processing in the loop and performs the next operation (described later). If the termination condition is not met, the power distribution control unit 105c starts processing again from the beginning of the loop.

In step S203, if the charging power amount is greater than the required charging power, there is a margin in the charging power amount. If there is a margin in the charging power amount, the determination result in step S203 is "Yes". In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c allocates power to both charging and grid computing. In this case, the control of the charging power and the power control of grid computing are performed in parallel.

- Power control for grid computing -
In the power control of grid computing (part of the control process), first, the power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the start-up of the video media control unit 105a (MPU) has been completed (step S206). The power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the MPU power peak value has been acquired (received) (step S206).

Here, the "MPU power peak value" is the peak value of power consumption by the processing device. More specifically, it is the sum of the maximum power consumption (specification value) of the processor installed in the video media control unit 105a and the maximum power consumption of the auxiliary device.

If the start-up of the video media control unit 105a (MPU) is complete and the MPU power peak value has been acquired, the result of the determination in step S206 is Yes. In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the process of step S209, which will be described later.

If the startup of the video media control unit 105a is incomplete (if the determination in step S206 is No), the power distribution control unit 105c starts the video media control unit 105a (step S207).

If the MPU power peak value has not been received (if the determination is No in step S206), the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the MPU power peak value (step S208). The maximum power consumption value of the processor in the video media control unit 105a can be determined by, for example, acquiring the model number of the processor, thereby identifying the maximum power consumption value (specification value). The processor model number may be acquired by the power distribution control unit 105c communicating with the video media control unit 105a.

Next, the power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the MPU is executing a grid computing process (calculation) (step S209). If the MPU is not executing a calculation, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "maximum MPU supply power" (step S210). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "maximum MPU supply power" as follows:

(i) When the charging power amount – charging required power ≧ MPU power peak value
MPU maximum power supply = MPU peak power value (ii) When charging power amount - charging required power < MPU peak power value
MPU maximum supply power=charging power amount−charging required power The power distribution control unit 105c controls the DC/DC converter 107 to supply power equivalent to the “MPU maximum supply power” to the processing device (video media control unit 105a, auxiliary device).

In the case of (i), even if there is surplus power, the minimum necessary power is supplied to the processing equipment. In the case of (ii), the maximum possible power is supplied to the processing equipment.

The power distribution control unit 105c also transmits an index relating to the processing capacity of the node computer (the MPU in this example) to the management server 50 (step S211). In general, the amount of power supplied to a computer (the MPU in this example) affects the processing capacity of the MPU. Therefore, the power distribution control unit 105c notifies the management server 50 of a value indicating the power to be supplied to the MPU as the index value via the communication unit 103.

This notification allows the management server 50 to estimate what kind of job would be best to assign to that computer. In other words, this embodiment can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

If the determination in step S209 is Yes, and if the processing of step S211 is completed, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing of step S212. Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c receives the "MPU power consumption value" (step S212). The "MPU power consumption value" is the actual amount of power consumption in the processing device. As the actual amount of power consumption, for example, it is considered to adopt the time average value of the amount of power consumption in a predetermined period.

The power distribution control unit 105c calculates the power to be supplied to the processing device (hereinafter, MPU supply power) based on the "MPU power consumption value" (step S213). The power distribution control unit 105c controls the DC/DC converter 107 to supply power equivalent to the "MPU supply power" to the MPU (video media control unit 105a) and auxiliary device (step S214).

The MPU (video media control unit 105a) performs calculation processing with a capacity according to the amount of power supplied (step S215). Depending on instructions from the management server 50, the MPU may enter a wait state (step S215).

If the loop termination condition is met, the power distribution control unit 105c terminates the processing in the loop and performs the next operation (described below). If the loop termination condition is not met, the power distribution control unit 105c resumes processing from the beginning of the loop.

- Control of charging power -
The control of charging power (part of the control process) is carried out in parallel with the power control of grid computing.

First, the power distribution control unit 105c sets the charging power for the secondary battery 14 (step S216). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c sets the charging power for the secondary battery 14 as follows:

(i) When the charging power required is equal to or greater than the set value of the current charging power, charging power = required charging power (ii) When the charging power required is less than the set value of the current charging power, charging power = set value of the current charging power The power distribution control unit 105c supplies power equivalent to the "charging power" to the secondary battery 14 (step S217). This causes charging of the secondary battery 14. At that time, the power distribution control unit 105c adjusts the power supplied to the secondary battery 14 by controlling the power conversion device 106.

Now, assume that the power to be supplied to the processing device has been determined in step S213. Then, the power distribution control unit 105c recalculates the power required for charging (step S218). After completing the recalculation, the power distribution control unit 105c compares the power required for charging determined in step S216 with the recalculated result (step S219).

If the recalculated result is greater than the required charging power calculated in step S216 (if the determination in step S219 is Yes), the power distribution control unit 105c changes the setting of the charging power for the secondary battery 14 (step S220). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c sets the charging power for the secondary battery 14 using the same calculation method as in step S216, with the recalculated value as the new "required charging power."

The power distribution control unit 105c controls the power conversion device 106 to supply power equivalent to the newly determined "charging power" to the secondary battery 14 (step S221). This causes the secondary battery 14 to be charged.

When the processing up to step S215 (grid computing power control) and the processing up to step S221 (charging power control) are completed, the power distribution control unit 105c performs the processing of step S205. After adjusting the charging power, the power distribution control unit 105c acquires remaining amount information of the secondary battery 14 via the remaining amount management unit 105d (step S205). Based on the remaining amount information, the power distribution control unit 105c determines whether the loop termination condition is met.

If the termination condition is met, the power distribution control unit 105c ends the processing in the loop and performs the next operation (described later). If the termination condition is not met, the power distribution control unit 105c starts processing again from the beginning of the loop.

As described above, in this embodiment, charging power control and grid computing power control are performed in parallel. This parallel operation continues until charging is completed.

When charging is complete, the power distribution control unit 105c stops the secondary battery 14 (see step S222 in FIG. 6). "Stopping the secondary battery 14" means disconnecting the secondary battery 14 from the charging circuit. The power distribution control unit 105c operates the relay R1 (see FIG. 4) between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106 to cut off the connection between the secondary battery 14 and the power conversion device 106.

Even after charging is complete, the MPU can still participate in grid computing. Figure 8 is a flowchart of power management after charging is complete. Figure 8 shows the flow of power management in grid computing.

First, the power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the video media control unit 105a (MPU) has been started (step S301). The power distribution control unit 105c checks whether the MPU power peak value has been acquired (received) (step S301).

If the startup of the MPU (video media control unit 105a) is incomplete (if the determination in step S301 is No), the power distribution control unit 105c starts the video media control unit 105a (step S302).

If the MPU power peak value has not been received (if the determination in step S206 is No), the power distribution control unit 105c acquires the MPU power peak value (step S303).

The power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "MPU supply power" (step S304). In this example, the power distribution control unit 105c calculates the "MPU supply power" as follows:

(i) When the charging power amount is greater than or equal to the MPU power peak value
MPU supply power = MPU peak power value (ii) When charging power amount < MPU peak power value
MPU supply power=charging power amount Furthermore, the power distribution control unit 105c transmits an index relating to the processing capacity of the node computer (MPU) to the management server 50 (step S305). Specifically, the power distribution control unit 105c notifies the management server 50 of a value indicating "MPU supply power" as the index value via the communication unit 103.

This notification allows the management server 50 to estimate what kind of job would be best to assign to that computer. In other words, this embodiment can contribute to efficient operation in grid computing.

The MPU (video media control unit 105a) performs calculation processing with a capacity according to the amount of power supplied (step S306). Depending on instructions from the management server 50, the MPU may enter a wait state (Wait).

Effects of this embodiment
As described above, at least the power (power required for charging) that will complete charging exactly at the set charging completion time is supplied to the secondary battery 14. The processing device (including the video media control unit 105a and the auxiliary device) is supplied with maximum power that is the amount of power supplied for normal charging minus the power required for charging.

When participating in grid computing, the power consumption of the MPU and auxiliary devices is monitored. If there is surplus power allocated to the MPU and auxiliary devices, the surplus power is allocated to charging. Once charging of the secondary battery 14 is complete, all charging supply power is allocated to the processing device (video media control unit 105a and auxiliary devices).

As described above, in this embodiment, calculations in grid computing can be efficiently performed while ensuring that the secondary battery is fully charged.

[Other embodiments]
The node computer is not limited to the video media control unit 105a. In addition to the video media control unit 105a, other computers may be allowed to participate in grid computing. In this case, the "peak MPU power value" is the total of the power consumption (maximum value) of all computers participating in grid computing and the total of the maximum power consumption of the auxiliary device.

Some or all of the processing that was previously performed by the power distribution control unit 105c may be performed by a computer participating in grid computing. For example, if the video media control unit 105a performs all of the processing that was previously performed by the power distribution control unit 105c, there is no need to provide the power distribution control unit 105c.

Auxiliary devices may include devices that are not related to either charging the secondary battery 14 or grid computing.

The vehicle 10 may be provided with a power management mode in which charging and other operations are performed according to user instructions. For example, charging and participation in grid computing may be performed according to the power distribution set by the user. The user may provide the user's settings to the power distribution control unit 105c via the user terminal 20. In this case, the power distribution control unit 105c is configured to supply power to the MPU, secondary battery 14, etc. according to the instructions.

The above embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations. The above embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the technology disclosed herein, its applications, or its uses.

10 Vehicles
14 Secondary battery
50 Management server (server device)
105 Arithmetic equipment

Claims (6)

A control step of controlling an amount of power supplied to a processing device mounted on the vehicle and a secondary battery mounted on the vehicle,
The processing device comprises a computer that is permitted to participate in grid computing and an auxiliary device that functions when the computer is operating;
In the control step,
supplying , by control of the auxiliary device, a first amount of power required to complete charging of the secondary battery at a predetermined time from a power supply device for charging the secondary battery;
A power management method characterized by controlling the auxiliary device to supply an excess amount of power to the processing device when there is an excess amount of power obtained from the power supply device even after the first amount of power is supplied for charging the secondary battery. 2. The power management method of claim 1,
The power management method, wherein the control step includes a step of supplying to the processing device a second amount of power obtained by subtracting the first amount of power from an amount of power obtained from the power supply device. 3. The power management method according to claim 1, further comprising:
The control step includes:
determining the amount of power consumption in the processing device;
A power management method comprising the steps of: when an amount of power distributed to the processing device exceeds the amount of power consumed, reducing the amount of power distributed to the processing device while increasing the amount of power supplied for charging the secondary battery. A power management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control step includes:
A power management method comprising the step of distributing, when charging of the secondary battery is completed, a part or all of the amount of power distributed for charging to the processing device. A power management method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
a step of notifying a server device that allocates jobs in the grid computing of an index relating to the processing capacity of the computer. 6. A power management device comprising the processing device for executing the power management method according to claim 1.