Electric power supply system

An electric power supply system includes a battery, an electric power receiving apparatus, and a control apparatus. The electric power receiving apparatus is configured to receive external electric power transmitted from an external electric power source, and supply the external electric power to the battery. The control apparatus is configured to, in a case where the electric power receiving apparatus is able to receive the external electric power, permit a load driving mode of driving a load that is coupled to the battery in parallel with the electric power receiving apparatus. The control apparatus is configured to, in the load driving mode, execute function restriction control of restricting a function of the load to suppress input and output currents of the battery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-059594 filed on Mar. 27, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The technology relates to an electric power supply system.

An electrically driven vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), is generally provided with a battery configured to store electric power to be supplied to a driving motor. In some electrically driven vehicles, the battery is chargeable with use of an external electric power source. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-199920 discloses a technology related to an electric vehicle. The technology receives external electric power transmitted from an external electric power source, and supplies the external electric power to a battery to charge the battery.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the technology provides an electric power supply system including a battery, an electric power receiving apparatus, and a control apparatus. The electric power receiving apparatus is configured to receive external electric power transmitted from an external electric power source, and supply the external electric power to the battery. The control apparatus is configured to, in a case where the electric power receiving apparatus is able to receive the external electric power, permit a load driving mode of driving a load that is coupled to the battery in parallel with the electric power receiving apparatus. The control apparatus is configured to, in the load driving mode, execute function restriction control of restricting a function of the load to suppress input and output currents of the battery.

An aspect of the technology provides an electric power supply system including a battery, an electric power receiving apparatus, and a control apparatus. The electric power receiving apparatus is configured to receive external electric power transmitted from an external electric power source, and supply the external electric power to the battery. The control apparatus is configured to, in a case where the electric power receiving apparatus is able to receive the external electric power, permit a load driving mode of driving a load that is coupled to the battery in parallel with the electric power receiving apparatus. The control apparatus is configured to, in the load driving mode, increase a voltage of the electric power receiving apparatus in response to an increase in an output current of the battery, and reduce the voltage of the electric power receiving apparatus in response to an increase in an input current of the battery.

An aspect of the technology provides an electric power supply system including a battery, an electric power receiving apparatus, and circuitry. The electric power receiving apparatus is configured to receive external electric power transmitted from an external electric power source, and supply the external electric power to the battery. The circuitry is configured to, in a case where the electric power receiving apparatus is able to receive the external electric power, permit a load driving mode of driving a load that is coupled to the battery in parallel with the electric power receiving apparatus. The circuitry is configured to, in the load driving mode, execute function restriction control of restricting a function of the load to suppress input and output currents of the battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, some example embodiments of the technology are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is directed to illustrative examples of the disclosure and not to be construed as limiting to the technology. In each of the drawings referred to in the following description, elements have different scales in order to illustrate the respective elements with sizes recognizable in the drawings. Therefore, factors including, without limitation, the number of each of the elements, the shape of each of the elements, a size of each of the elements, a ratio between the elements, and relative positional relationship between the elements are illustrative only and not to be construed as limiting to the technology. Further, elements in the following example embodiments which are not recited in a most-generic independent claim of the disclosure are optional and may be provided on an as-needed basis. Throughout the present specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted with the same numerals to avoid any redundant description.

[1. Configuration of Electric Power Supply System]

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, description will be given on a configuration of an electric power supply system1according to one example embodiment of the technology. In one embodiment, the electric power supply system1may serve as an “electric power supply system”.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline configuration of the electric power supply system1.

In one example, the electric power supply system1may be mounted on an electrically driven vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and may be used to supply electric power to each apparatus in the vehicle. It is to be noted that the electrically driven vehicle may be any vehicle that includes a driving motor as a driving source and is caused to travel by torque of the driving motor, and examples may include a railway vehicle as well as an automobile.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the electric power supply system1may include a driving motor10, an inverter20, a battery30, an electric power receiver40, a load50, a display60, an electric power receiver sensor71, a battery sensor72, and a control apparatus100. The vehicle equipped with the electric power supply system1may travel by using the driving motor10as a driving source. In one embodiment, the battery30may serve as a “battery”. In one embodiment, the electric power receiver40may serve as an “electric power receiving apparatus”. In one embodiment, the load50may serve as a “load”. In one embodiment, the control apparatus100may serve as a “control apparatus”. In one embodiment, the display60may serve as a “reporting apparatus”.

The driving motor10may be a motor that outputs motive power to be transmitted to a driving wheel, and may be, in one example, a polyphase alternating current (e.g., three-phase alternating current) motor. The driving motor10may be coupled to the battery30via the inverter20, and may generate the motive power by using electric power supplied from the battery30via the inverter20. The driving motor10may also serve as an electric power generator that regeneratively generates electric power by using rotational energy of the driving wheel when the vehicle decelerates.

The inverter20may be an electric power converter that is able to bidirectionally execute conversion between direct-current electric power and alternating-current electric power, and may include, in one example, a polyphase bridge circuit. The inverter20may be configured to convert direct-current electric power supplied from the battery30into alternating-current electric power, and supply the alternating-current electric power to the driving motor10. The inverter20may also be configured to convert alternating-current electric power regeneratively generated by the driving motor10into direct-current electric power, and supply the direct-current electric power to the battery30. The inverter20may be provided with a switching device, and the electric power conversion by the inverter20may be controlled by controlling operation of the switching device.

The battery30may be configured to store electric power to be supplied to the driving motor10. As the battery30, for example, a secondary battery may be used, such as a lithium ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lead-acid battery.

The electric power receiver40may be coupled to the battery30, and is able to receive external electric power transmitted from an external electric power source (i.e., an electric power source outside the vehicle equipped with the electric power supply system1). Because the electric power supply system1is thus provided with the electric power receiver40, it is possible to charge the battery30with the external electric power supplied from the external electric power source via the electric power receiver40.

In one example, the electric power receiver40may be able to receive electric power transmitted from the external electric power source in a state of being physically coupled to the external electric power source. For example, the electric power receiver40may be provided with a transformer that is able to convert voltage. The transformer makes it possible to convert a voltage of the external electric power transmitted from the external electric power source. The electric power receiver40may also be provided with an electric power converter that is able to convert alternating-current electric power into direct-current electric power. The electric power converter makes it possible to, in a case where the external electric power source is an alternating-current electric power source, convert alternating-current external electric power transmitted from the external electric power source into direct-current electric power.

In another example, the electric power receiver40may be able to receive, in a noncontact manner, the external electric power transmitted from the external electric power source. In that case, for example, the electric power receiver40may be provided with an electric power receiving coil that is able to receive alternating-current external electric power transmitted from an electric power transmitting coil of the external electric power source, and an electric power converter that is able to convert the external electric power into direct-current electric power. As a method of transmitting electric power from the electric power transmitting coil to the electric power receiving coil, a magnetic resonance method or an electromagnetic induction method may be used, for example.

The load50may be coupled to the battery30in parallel with the electric power receiver40. For example, an apparatus such as an air-conditioning apparatus or a car navigation apparatus may correspond to an example of the load50.

FIG. 1does not illustrate an element interposed between the battery30, and the electric power receiver40and the load50. However, for example, an element such as a relay that allows or cuts off electrical connection of the electric power receiver40and the load50to the battery30may be provided between the battery30, and the electric power receiver40and the load50.

The display60may be an apparatus that visually displays information. As the display60, for example, a display may be used, such as a car navigation apparatus that guides a route to a destination desired by a driver, an apparatus that may display various images by using a technology referred to as head-up display (HUD), or a transmissive display to be overlaid on a windshield.

The electric power receiver sensor71may detect electrical quantities of state of the electric power receiver40, and output the detected electrical quantities of state to the control apparatus100. In one example, the electric power receiver sensor71may detect voltage and current of the electric power receiver40, as the electrical quantities of state of the electric power receiver40.

The battery sensor72may detect electrical quantities of state of the battery30, and output the detected electrical quantities of state to the control apparatus100. In one example, the battery sensor72may detect, as the electrical quantities of state of the battery30, current values of input and output currents of the battery30(i.e., current inputted to the battery30and current outputted from the battery30).

The control apparatus100may include a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM), for example. The CPU may be an arithmetic processing unit. The ROM may be a storage device that stores information such as programs and operation parameters to be used by the CPU. The RAM may be a storage device that temporarily stores parameters, for example, that change as appropriate in execution of the CPU.

The control apparatus100may communicate with each apparatus mounted on the electric power supply system1. The control apparatus100may communicate with each apparatus by, for example, controller area network (CAN) communication.

It is to be noted that operations of the control apparatus100according to the example embodiment may at least partially be shared by a plurality of control apparatuses, or a plurality of operations may be implemented by one control apparatus. In a case where the operations of the control apparatus100are at least partially shared by a plurality of control apparatuses, the plurality of control apparatuses may be coupled to each other via a communication bus of CAN, for example.

For example, the control apparatus100may include an acquisition unit110and a controller120, as illustrated inFIG. 2.

The acquisition unit110may acquire various kinds of information to be used in a process performed by the controller120, and output the acquired information to the controller120. For example, the acquisition unit110may communicate with the electric power receiver sensor71and the battery sensor72to acquire various kinds of information outputted from the respective sensors.

The controller120may control operation of each apparatus of the electric power supply system1. For example, the controller120may include an electric power receiver controller121, a load controller122, and a display controller123.

The electric power receiver controller121may control operation of the electric power receiver40. For example, the electric power receiver controller121may control a voltage of the electric power receiver40, by controlling supply of external electric power to the electric power supply system1by the electric power receiver40. In one example, in a case where the electric power receiver40is provided with an electric power converter that is able to convert alternating-current electric power into direct-current electric power, it is possible for the electric power receiver controller121to control the external electric power supplied via the electric power receiver40, by controlling operation of the electric power converter. In another example, the electric power receiver controller121may control the external electric power supplied via the electric power receiver40, by outputting a control command to the external electric power source.

The load controller122may control operation of the load50. In one example, the load controller122may drive or stop the load50, by controlling electric power supply to the load50. For example, it is possible for the load controller122to control the electric power supply to the load50, by controlling operation of a switch (not illustrated), for example, that is able to adjust electric power supplied to the load50.

The display controller123may control operation of the display60. In one example, the display controller123may control display by the display60, by outputting information indicating contents to be displayed to the display60.

Here, in a state in which the electric power receiver40is able to receive power, the controller120is able to execute a load driving mode of permitting driving of the load50. For example, the vehicle equipped with the electric power supply system1may be provided with an input apparatus, such as a button, directed to selecting execution or stop of the load driving mode. It is possible for the driver to select execution or stop of the load driving mode by operating the input apparatus. In a case where execution of the load driving mode is selected by the driver, the controller120may execute the load driving mode.

In the load driving mode, for example, it is possible to drive the load50by using the external electric power supplied via the electric power receiver40. However, in the load driving mode, electric power stored in the battery30may be used to drive the load50in some cases. When the battery30is thus discharged, remaining capacity of the battery30decreases, in which case charging of the battery30may be performed. Therefore, in existing techniques, repetition of charging and discharging of the battery30in the load driving mode can promote deterioration of the battery30.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, the controller120executes, in the load driving mode, function restriction control of restricting a function of the load50to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the battery30. A process related to such control directed to suppressing the input and output currents of the battery30during the execution of the load driving mode by the controller120will be described in detail later. This control is hereinafter referred to as input and output suppression control.

[2. Operation of Electric Power Supply System]

Now, with reference toFIGS. 3 to 8, description will be given on operation of the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment of the technology.

[2-1. Flow of Overall Process]

First, with reference toFIGS. 3 to 7, description will be given on an example of a flow of an overall process related to the input and output suppression control performed by the control apparatus100.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating the example of the flow of the overall process performed by the control apparatus100. In one example, the control flow illustrated inFIG. 3may be repeatedly executed by the controller120during the execution of the load driving mode.

The control flow related to the input and output suppression control illustrated inFIG. 3may be started in a case where a predetermined start condition is satisfied. The predetermined start condition may be, for example, that a specific input operation corresponding to start of the input and output suppression control has been performed by a user by using an input apparatus such as a switch, or that the remaining capacity of the battery30has reached a set value. The control flow related to the input and output suppression control illustrated inFIG. 3may be terminated in a case where a predetermined termination condition is satisfied. The predetermined termination condition may be, for example, that a specific input operation corresponding to termination of the input and output suppression control has been performed by the user by using an input apparatus such as a switch, or that the remaining capacity of the battery30has fallen below a set value.

When the control flow illustrated inFIG. 3is started, first, in step S501, the controller120may start voltage adjustment control. This brings about a state in which the voltage adjustment control is executed as the input and output suppression control. The voltage adjustment control may be control of adjusting the voltage of the electric power receiver40to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30.

For example, it is possible for the controller120to perform the voltage adjustment control by using a result of detection by the electric power receiver sensor71and the battery sensor72. In one example, in a case where the current value of the current outputted from the battery30has increased, the controller120is able to suppress the current outputted from the battery30, by increasing the voltage of the electric power receiver40. In a case where the current value of the current inputted to the battery30has increased, the controller120is able to suppress the current inputted to the battery30, by reducing the voltage of the electric power receiver40.

As described above, the voltage adjustment control makes it possible to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30, which makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the remaining capacity of the battery30. This makes it possible to suppress repetition of charging and discharging of the battery30, which makes it possible to suppress promotion of deterioration of the battery30due to the charging and discharging.

Thereafter, in step S502, the controller120may determine whether the voltage of the electric power receiver40has reached a limit (i.e., an upper limit or a lower limit of the voltage of the electric power receiver40). If it is determined that the voltage of the electric power receiver40has reached the limit (step S502/YES), the control flow may proceed to step S503. If it is not determined that the voltage of the electric power receiver40has reached the limit (step S502/NO), the process in step S502may be repeated.

For example, as larger electric power is consumed by the load50, the voltage of the electric power receiver40has to be made higher to suppress the current outputted from the battery30. Therefore, in a case where electric power consumed by the load50becomes excessively large, the voltage adjustment control may cause the voltage of the electric power receiver40to reach the upper limit.

If the determination result is YES in step S502, in step S503, the controller120may start the function restriction control. This brings about a state in which, as the input and output suppression control, the function restriction control is executed in addition to the voltage adjustment control. As described above, the function restriction control may be control of restricting the function of the load50to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30.

For example, in a case where the load50includes a plurality of loads, in the function restriction control, the controller120may prohibit driving of some of the loads50to reduce the electric power consumed by the loads50. This makes it possible to suppress the current outputted from the battery30. In another example, in the function restriction control, in a case where one of the loads50has a plurality of functions, the controller120may stop some functions of the load to reduce the electric power consumed by the loads50. This makes it possible to suppress the current outputted from the battery30.

As described above, the function restriction control makes it possible to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30, which makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the remaining capacity of the battery30. This makes it possible to suppress repetition of charging and discharging of the battery30, which makes it possible to suppress promotion of deterioration of the battery30due to the charging and discharging.

Thereafter, in step S504, the controller120may determine whether a termination condition for the function restriction control has been satisfied. If it is determined that the termination condition for the function restriction control has been satisfied (step S504/YES), the control flow may proceed to step S505. If it is not determined that the termination condition for the function restriction control has been satisfied (step S504/NO), the process in step S504may be repeated.

The termination condition for the function restriction control may be, for example, that the voltage of the electric power receiver40has fallen below a reference voltage. The reference voltage may be set to a value that allows appropriate determination of whether a requested value of the electric power consumed by the load50has decreased enough to prevent the voltage of the electric power receiver40from reaching the limit even if the function restriction control is terminated.

If the determination result is YES in step S504, in step S505, the controller120may terminate the function restriction control. This brings back the state in which only the voltage adjustment control is executed as the input and output suppression control.

Here, with reference toFIGS. 4 to 6, description will be given on transition of various quantities of state in a case where the above-described control flow illustrated inFIG. 3is executed during the execution of the load driving mode.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of various quantities of state in a case where the voltage adjustment control does not cause the voltage of the electric power receiver40to reach the limit. For example,FIG. 4illustrates, as the transition of the various quantities of state, transition of the voltage of the electric power receiver40, a voltage of the battery30, and the electric power consumed by the load50.

For example, in the example illustrated inFIG. 4, the electric power consumed by the load50may have a substantially constant value before time T11. Here, before time T11, by execution of the voltage adjustment control, the voltage of the electric power receiver40may be adjusted to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30. Consequently, the voltage of the battery30may be kept substantially constant. At time T11, the battery30may be discharged as the electric power consumed by the load50increases as illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example of how the battery30is discharged as the electric power consumed by the load50increases in the electric power supply system1.

During the execution of the load driving mode, for example, external electric power may be supplied from the electric power receiver40to the load50, as indicated by an arrow F1inFIG. 5. Here, the input and output currents of the battery30are basically suppressed during the execution of the voltage adjustment control. However, when the electric power consumed by the load50increases, electric power may temporarily be supplied from the battery30to the load50, as indicated by an arrow F2inFIG. 5.

As described above, in the voltage adjustment control, in a case where the current value of the current outputted from the battery30has increased, the controller120may increase the voltage of the electric power receiver40. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the voltage of the electric power receiver40increases at time T12after time T11. Thus, even in a case where the electric power consumed by the load50fluctuates, it is possible to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the voltage of the battery30may be kept substantially constant throughout a period from before time T11to after time T12.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of various quantities of state in a case where the voltage adjustment control causes the voltage of the electric power receiver40to reach the limit. For example,FIG. 6illustrates, as the transition of the various quantities of state, transition of the voltage of the electric power receiver40, the voltage of the battery30, and the electric power consumed by the load50, as inFIG. 4.

For example, in the example illustrated inFIG. 6, the electric power consumed by the load50may have a substantially constant value before time T21, as in the example illustrated inFIG. 4. Here, before time T21, by the execution of the voltage adjustment control, the voltage of the electric power receiver40may be adjusted to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30. Consequently, the voltage of the battery30may be kept substantially constant. At time T21, the battery30may be discharged as the electric power consumed by the load50increases as illustrated inFIG. 6. Thus, at time T22after time T21, the voltage adjustment control may cause the voltage of the electric power receiver40to increase.

Here, in the example illustrated inFIG. 6, a degree of increase in the electric power consumed by the load50at time T21may be larger than a degree of increase in the electric power consumed by the load50at time T11in the example illustrated inFIG. 4. Therefore, at time T22, the voltage of the electric power receiver40may reach an upper limit Vmax of the voltage. The voltage of the electric power receiver40reaching the upper limit Vmax of the voltage may trigger the controller120to start the function restriction control, and the electric power consumed by the load50may decrease at time T23after time T22. In a case where the voltage adjustment control causes the voltage of the electric power receiver40to reach the limit, it is difficult to sufficiently suppress input and output electric power of the battery30by only the voltage adjustment control. However, by performing the function restriction control in such a case, it is possible to appropriately suppress the input and output electric power of the battery30. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the voltage of the battery30may be kept substantially constant throughout a period from before time T21to after time T23.

As described above, in the control flow illustrated inFIG. 3, the controller120may execute, in the load driving mode, the voltage adjustment control more preferentially than the function restriction control. In one example, in the load driving mode, in a case where the voltage adjustment control causes the voltage of the electric power receiver40to reach the limit, the controller120may start the function restriction control. By thus executing the voltage adjustment control more preferentially than the function restriction control, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the battery30, while suppressing the user's discomfort caused by the function of the load50being restricted by execution of the function restriction control.

Here, in terms of more effectively suppressing the user's discomfort caused by the function of the load50being restricted by the execution of the function restriction control, the controller120may, for example, in the load driving mode, permit or prohibit the function restriction control depending on a prediction result as to whether an increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is temporary. In one example, in the load driving mode, the controller120may permit the function restriction control in a case where the increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is not predicted to be temporary, and may prohibit the function restriction control in a case where the increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is predicted to be temporary.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of the electric power consumed by the load50in a case where an increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is temporary.

For example, in the example illustrated inFIG. 7, the electric power consumed by the load50may increase before time T1. However, the electric power consumed by the load50may abruptly drop immediately after abruptly rising, and may be kept at a relatively low value after time T1. For example, when a specific load, such as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, of the load50is driven, the electric power consumed by the load50may thus temporarily increase in some cases. Therefore, it is possible for the controller120to predict whether the increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is temporary on the basis of, for example, a type of the driven load of the load50.

[2-2. Flow of Process During Execution of Function Restriction Control]

Now, with reference toFIG. 8, description will be given on an example of a flow of a process that is performed by the control apparatus100during the execution of the function restriction control.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating the example of the flow of the process performed by the control apparatus100during the execution of the function restriction control. In one example, the control flow illustrated inFIG. 8may be repeatedly executed by the controller120while the function restriction control is being executed during the execution of the load driving mode.

When the control flow illustrated inFIG. 8is started, first, in step S601, the controller120may determine whether the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control. If it is determined that the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control (step S601/YES), the control flow may proceed to step S602. If it is not determined that the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control (step S601/NO), the control flow illustrated inFIG. 8may end.

Here, as the function restriction control is continuously executed for a longer time, the user is more likely to feel discomfort caused by the function of the load50being restricted by the execution of the function restriction control. Therefore, in terms of appropriately determining whether the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control, the controller120may determine that discomfort has been caused by the execution of the function restriction control, in a case where, for example, the function restriction control continues for a reference time. The reference time may be set to a time having a length enough to determine that the execution of the function restriction control causes the user to feel discomfort.

If the determination result is YES in step S601, in step S602, the controller120may cause the display60serving as a reporting apparatus to execute reporting related to the determination result.

In one example, the controller120may cause the display60serving as a reporting apparatus to report the determination result. For example, the display60may display an image indicating the determination that the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control. Thus, if it is determined that the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control, the determination result may be reported. This makes it possible to notify the user that the function restriction control is being executed, and that the user's discomfort is due to the function restriction control, which makes it possible to lessen the discomfort felt by the user.

Here, in terms of improving the user's convenience, the controller120may, for example, cause the display60serving as a reporting apparatus to report information directed to allowing the user to select whether to continue or prohibit the function restriction control. For example, the controller120may cause the display60to display an object directed to selecting continuation of the function restriction control and an object directed to selecting prohibition of the function restriction control. The function restriction control may be continued or prohibited depending on the object selected by the user.

The above description describes an example in which the display60is used as a reporting apparatus. However, in the reporting in step S602, the controller120may use another apparatus as the reporting apparatus that reports information. For example, the controller120may cause an audio output apparatus to execute reporting similar to that described above.

[3. Example Effects of Electric Power Supply System]

Now, example effects of the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment of the technology will be described.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in a state in which the electric power receiver40is able to receive electric power, the controller120is able to execute the load driving mode of permitting driving of the load50that is coupled to the battery30in parallel with the electric power receiver40. In the load driving mode, the controller120executes the function restriction control of restricting the function of the load50to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the remaining capacity of the battery30in the load driving mode, making it possible to suppress repetition of charging and discharging of the battery30. This makes it possible to suppress promotion of deterioration of the battery30due to the charging and discharging. This helps to suppress deterioration of the battery30.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in the load driving mode, the controller120may further execute the voltage adjustment control of adjusting the voltage of the electric power receiver40to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress fluctuations in the remaining capacity of the battery30in the load driving mode, making it possible to more effectively suppress repetition of charging and discharging of the battery30. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress promotion of deterioration of the battery30due to the charging and discharging. This helps to more effectively suppress deterioration of the battery30.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in the load driving mode, the controller120may execute the voltage adjustment control more preferentially than the function restriction control. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the battery30, while suppressing the user's discomfort caused by the function of the load50being restricted by the execution of the function restriction control.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in the load driving mode, the controller120may start the function restriction control in a case where the voltage adjustment control causes the voltage of the electric power receiver40to reach the limit. Thus, only the voltage adjustment control may be performed as the input and output suppression control under a situation in which it is possible to sufficiently suppress the input and output electric power of the battery30by only the voltage adjustment control. The function restriction control may be performed under a situation in which it is difficult to sufficiently suppress the input and output electric power of the battery30by only the voltage adjustment control. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the input and output electric power of the battery30. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress deterioration of the battery30, while appropriately suppressing the user's discomfort caused by the function of the load50being restricted by the execution of the function restriction control.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in the load driving mode, the controller120may permit the function restriction control in a case where the increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is not predicted to be temporary, and prohibit the function restriction control in a case where the increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is predicted to be temporary. This makes it possible to suppress needless execution of the function restriction control in a case where the increase in the electric power consumed by the load50is temporary. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the user's discomfort caused by the function of the load50being restricted by the execution of the function restriction control.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in the load driving mode, the controller120may determine whether the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control. If it is determined that the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control, the controller120may cause the reporting apparatus to report the determination result. This makes it possible to notify the user that the function restriction control is being executed, and that the user's discomfort is due to the function restriction control, which makes it possible to lessen the discomfort felt by the user.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in the load driving mode, the controller120may cause, if it is determined that the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control, the reporting apparatus to report information directed to allowing the user to select whether to continue or prohibit the function restriction control. Thus, after the user is notified that the function restriction control is being executed, and that the user's discomfort is due to the function restriction control, it is possible for the user to select whether to continue or prohibit the function restriction control. This makes it possible to improve the user's convenience.

In the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, the controller120may determine that the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control in a case where the function restriction control continues for the reference time. This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether the user feels discomfort due to the execution of the function restriction control.

As described above, in the electric power supply system1according to the example embodiment, in the load driving mode of permitting driving of the load50that is coupled to the battery30in parallel with the electric power receiver40in a state in which the electric power receiver40is able to receive electric power, the controller120executes the function restriction control of restricting the function of the load50to suppress the input and output currents of the battery30. This makes it possible to suppress fluctuations in the remaining capacity of the battery30in the load driving mode, making it possible to suppress repetition of charging and discharging of the battery30. This makes it possible to suppress promotion of deterioration of the battery30due to the charging and discharging. This helps to suppress deterioration of the battery30.

Although some embodiments of the technology have been described in the foregoing by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technology is by no means limited to the embodiments described above. It should be appreciated that modifications and alterations may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims. The technology is intended to include such modifications and alterations in so far as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

For example, the above description describes the electric power supply system1with reference toFIG. 1, but the electric power supply system1illustrated inFIG. 1is merely an example of an electric power supply system according to any embodiment of the technology. An electric power supply system according to any embodiment of the technology may be the electric power supply system1inFIG. 1modified in a variety of ways as appropriate. Examples of such modification may include addition, deletion, and change of elements.

For example, for easy understanding,FIG. 1does not illustrate an element interposed between the inverter20and the battery30. However, an inverter switcher that allows or cuts off electrical connection between the inverter20and the battery30may be provided between the inverter20and the battery30. In addition, a load switcher that allows or cuts off electrical connection of the electric power receiver40and the load50to the battery30may be provided between the battery30, and the electric power receiver40and the load50, as described above. It is to be noted that the inverter20and the driving motor10may be provided on the battery30side with respect to the load switcher, or may be provided on the load50side with respect to the load switcher. In a case where the inverter20and the driving motor10are provided on the load50side with respect to the load switcher, it is possible to share the inverter switcher and the load switcher, which makes it possible to reduce cost.

In addition, the processes described with reference to the flowcharts in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order illustrated in the flowcharts. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be adopted, or some processing steps may be omitted.

Although the technology is described hereinabove in terms of example embodiments, it is not limited thereto. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in the described example embodiments by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technology as defined by the following claims. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in this specification or during the prosecution of the application, and the examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in this technology, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. The term “disposed on/provided on/formed on” and its variants as used herein refer to elements disposed directly in contact with each other or indirectly by having intervening structures therebetween. Moreover, no element or component in this technology is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly recited in the following claims.