JP2003199241A - Current limiter, management system, and power supply method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily change a set cut-off current value set in a current limiter. <P>SOLUTION: In this current limiter 1, a set cut-off current value determined by a contract between a power utility 2 and a power user 3 is received by a communication means 10, the used current value of the power user is measured by a current measuring means 6, the used current value is compared with the set cut-off current value by a cut-off control means 8 which raises a cut-off command if the used current value exceeds the set cut-off current value, and the power supply from the power utility 2 to the power user 3 is cut off by a cut-off means 9 according to the cut-off command raised by the cut-off control means 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a current limiter for interrupting a current when a current consumption exceeds a preset cutoff value, a management system for supplying electricity, and an electricity supply method using the current limiter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, electricity users (consumers, customers)
And the contract between the electric power supplier (supplier),
The basic charge is set according to the cut-off setting value of the current limiter installed by the electric utility for the electric user. Electricity users will pay the electric utility a fixed amount of basic charge according to the cutoff setting value.

The cutoff setting value of the current limiter cannot be changed unless the current limiter is replaced with another electric limiter by construction.

[0004]

As described above, when changing the interruption setting value of the current limiter once installed, it is necessary to replace the current limiter.

However, the replacement work of the current limiter is
Not done unless the electric user applies to the electric utility for construction. For this reason, the basic electric contract determined by the cutoff setting value cannot be changed without construction.

Therefore, even if the electric user uses the already installed current limiter as it is, and the electric user's current consumption is sufficiently smaller than the cutoff set value, the electric current limiter of the already installed electric current limiter There are cases where the basic charge is paid according to the blocking setting value.

If the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value even a little, the current is cut off unconditionally, causing a power failure at home.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a current limiter having a function of remotely changing the cutoff set value, and a management for managing the electric power supply using the current limiter. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and an electric power supply method that uses this current limiter to realize a service for reducing a basic charge and a service for giving priority to avoiding forced shutoff.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] Specific means taken to realize the present invention will be described below.

In the current limiter of the first aspect of the invention, the communication means receives the interruption set value determined by the contract between the electric utility and the electric user, and the current measuring means measures the electric current consumption of the electric user. The cutoff control means compares the measured current usage with the cutoff setting value, and issues a cutoff command when the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff setting value, and the cutoff means issues the cutoff control means. The electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user is cut off in accordance with the cut-off instruction.

As a result, the cutoff set value can be changed remotely,
It is possible to change the cutoff setting value of the current limiter without any work.

The current limiter according to the first aspect of the present invention sets the cutoff set value when the measured current use amount exceeds the cutoff set value and does not exceed the maximum current use amount allowed for the electric user. When the measured current usage is reset to a value less than or equal to the maximum current usage and the measured current usage exceeds the maximum current usage, the electricity supply from the electric utility is cut off to the electricity user. You may.

Further, when the cutoff set value is set for each arbitrary period, the current limiter of the first invention sets the measured current usage amount for the period to which the measurement time point of the current usage amount belongs. The supply of electricity may be cut off when the set cutoff value is exceeded.

Further, when the cutoff set value is set for each arbitrary period, the current limiter of the first invention is such that the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff set value for the period to which the measurement time point belongs. If the maximum current usage is not exceeded, reset the cutoff setting to a value that is greater than or equal to the measured current usage and less than or equal to the maximum current usage, and the measured current usage exceeds the maximum current usage. In this case, the electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user may be cut off.

The current limiter according to the first aspect of the present invention cuts off the electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user when the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff set value, or measures the measured electric current. It may be possible to select whether to cut off the electric power supply from the electric power company to the electric power user when the electric power usage exceeds the maximum current usage amount.

Further, the current limiter of the first invention may calculate the amount of electric power used in a predetermined charge calculation period and transmit meter reading information including the amount of electric power used to the electric utility.

Further, the current limiter of the first aspect of the present invention transmits the cutoff set value change information to the electric utility when the cutoff set value is reset to a value that is equal to or more than the current usage amount and equal to or less than the maximum current usage amount. May be

Further, the current limiter of the first invention may output an alarm when the interruption set value is reset, and may display the amount of current used, so that the electric power to the electric user can be displayed. A power failure condition may be identified, and data collection and storage for power failure compensation may be performed when the power failure condition is identified.

Further, the current limiter of the first aspect of the invention receives the cutoff set value designated by the electric user, passes the received cutoff set value to the cutoff control means, and transmits the cutoff set value to the electric utility. You may equip with the specification means passed to a communication means.

Further, the interruption control means in the current limiter of the first invention may set the interruption setting value based on the past current usage amount measured by the current measuring means.

In the management system of the second invention, the communication means performs data communication with the current limiter installed for the electric user, and the database is used between the electric user and the electric utility. The information about the contract that has been concluded is stored, and the setting value conversion means passes the interruption setting value included in the information stored in the database to the communication means for transmitting to the electric user.

Thus, the interruption set value set in the current limiter of the first invention can be remotely changed according to the contract concluded between the electric user and the electric utility.

The cutoff set value in the management system of the second invention may be set for each arbitrary period.

In the management system according to the second aspect of the invention, the communication means receives the meter reading information including the electric power usage amount of the electric user, and uses the meter reading information received by the communication means and the information stored in the database. A charge calculation means for calculating a charge to the electric user based on the electric charge may be provided.

In the management system according to the second aspect of the invention, the database stores information about extra charges when the electric user uses a current amount exceeding the cutoff set value, and the communication means is for the electric user. The cutoff setting value change information indicating that the cutoff setting value has been raised is received, and the charge calculation means, based on the cutoff setting value change information received by the communication means and the information stored in the database,
You may calculate the extra charge regarding the use exceeding the blocking setting value.

Further, in the management system of the second invention, the communication means receives the interruption setting value designated by the electric user, and is stored in the database based on the interruption setting value received by the communication means. You may have a contract information update means to update information.

A third invention is an electricity supply method for supplying electricity from an electric utility to an electric user. In the electricity supply method according to the third aspect of the present invention, the cutoff setting value determined by the contract between the electric utility and the electric user is transmitted to the current limiter installed for the electric user. The current limiter measures the current usage of the electric user, and when the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff setting value, the electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user is cut off.

The electricity supply method of the third invention is an electricity supply method realized by using the current limiter of the first invention and the management system of the second invention. It is possible to provide a service that remotely changes the blocking setting value of.

Electricity may be supplied by using the various modified examples of the current limiter of the first invention and the various modified examples of the management system of the second invention. As a result, automatic meter reading service, forced cutoff avoidance service, etc. can be provided.

[0030]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, a current limiter having a function of remotely changing the cutoff set value and a management system for the current limiter will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a current limiter and a management system according to this embodiment.

The current limiter 1 is installed by the electric utility (general electric utility, new electric service provider, etc.) 2 for the electric user 3. Here, it is assumed that the electric user 3 is installed in the home.

The management system 4 of the electric power company 2 centrally manages the plurality of current limiters 1 installed for each of the plurality of electric users 3.

Data communication can be performed between the current limiter 1 and the management system 4 by power line carrier communication, and also via a network 5 such as the Internet.

The current limiter 1 includes a current measuring unit 6, a current value alarm display unit 7, a shutoff control unit 8, a shutoff mechanism unit 9, a communication control unit 10, a power amount calculation unit 11, a calendar control unit 12, and a power failure compensation. The unit 13 and the designation unit 14 are provided.

The characteristics of the current limiter 1 are that the interruption set value can be remotely changed by communication, the interruption set value can be changed by the judgment of the electric user 3, the integrated electric energy can be calculated, and the automatic meter reading can be performed. is there.

The current measuring unit 6 measures the current used in the home of the electric user 3. The current measuring unit 6 passes the measured value (current value) to the current value alarm indicator 7, the interruption control unit 8, and the power amount calculation unit 11.

Further, when the current measuring unit 6 receives the set value change signal for avoiding the interruption from the interruption control unit 8, the current measuring unit 6 gives an alarm signal to the current value alarm indicator 7.

The current value alarm display 7 displays the current value sent from the current measuring unit 6 and displays an alarm when an alarm signal is sent from the current measuring unit 6.

The cutoff control section 8 receives the calendar data from the calendar control section 12, compares the cutoff set value set for the date and time indicated by the calendar data with the current usage amount,
When it is necessary to cut off, a cutoff command is passed to the cutoff mechanism section 9.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cutoff control unit 8 has a communication changing function 8a, a designation changing function 8b, a cutoff set value switching function 8c, a cutoff avoiding function 8d, a mode switching function 8e, and an automatic changing function 8f.

The communication changing function 8a changes the cutoff set value through communication.

The designation changing function 8b changes the cutoff set value based on the designation from the electric user 3.

The cutoff set value switching function 8c changes the cutoff set value for each predetermined period unit based on the calendar data.

The interruption avoiding function 8d automatically changes the interruption setting value in the avoidance avoidance direction if a predetermined condition is satisfied even if the current usage exceeds the interruption setting value.

The mode switching function 8e includes a first mode in which the supply of electricity is cut off when the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value, and a predetermined condition is satisfied even if the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value. Switching to the second mode in which the cutoff set value is changed in the direction of avoiding cutoff is performed.

The automatic changing function 8f determines the cutoff setting value based on the current usage of the current user 3, and changes to the decided cutoff setting value. For example, the maximum value of the past current usage is calculated for each predetermined period, the minimum cutoff setting value that exceeds the maximum value and is selected from among the cutoff setting value candidates, and the selected cutoff setting value is set for that period. Use the corresponding cutoff setting value. Further, it is also possible to obtain an average of past current usage and determine the cutoff setting value based on this average value.

The interruption control unit 8 sets the interruption set value by the following method.

First, when the cutoff control unit 8 receives an annual fixed cutoff set value from the electric utility 2, it sets the received cutoff set value.

Secondly, when the cutoff control unit 8 receives the contract condition information and the cutoff set value for each month from the electric power company 2, the cutoff set value is set.

Regarding the contract condition information, the first mode is selected in which the current is immediately cut off when the current usage exceeds the cutoff setting value, or the cutoff control unit 8 makes its own judgment when the cutoff setting value has a margin. It includes mode designation information that designates whether to select the second mode for increasing the cutoff setting value with.

Thirdly, the cutoff control section 8 specifies that the second mode is designated by the contract condition information, and the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value, but the maximum current usage allowed for the electric user 3 is reached. Raise the cutoff setting value if there is enough space.

When the cutoff set value is raised, the cutoff control unit 8 passes the cutoff set value change information to the communication control unit 10 for transmission to the electric power company 2.

The cutoff mechanism section 9 receives the cutoff signal from the cutoff control section 10 to trip the cutoff mechanism, and the electric user 3
Cut off the power supply to the. Note that the trip operation is restored manually by a person. When the restoration operation is performed, the signal is sent to the cutoff control unit 8.

The communication control unit 10 has an interface with a network 5 such as a power line, a public line, or the Internet, and performs communication between the electric power company 2 and the current limiter 1.

The data communicated between the electric power company 2 and the electric user 3 is the annual fixed cutoff setting value, the monthly cutoff setting value, contract condition information, meter reading information, and identification information of the current limiter 1. And so on. In addition, from electric power company 2 to current user 3
The identification information transmitted to the communication controller 1 of the current limiter 1
Stored in 0. By using this identification information, the management system 4 can manage each current limiter 1 separately.

The power amount calculation unit 11 calculates the power amount and the integrated power amount based on the measured value of the current measuring unit 6 and the hourly and minute data from the calendar control unit 12. The electric energy calculation unit 11 uses, for example, monthly data of 13 as the data regarding the integrated electric energy.
Monthly, hourly data and daily data are saved for two months and used or provided as necessary.

Further, the power amount calculation unit 11 has an automatic meter reading function 11a as shown in FIG. Automatic meter reading function 11a
For every period (for example, every month) in which the meter reading is performed, the meter reading information including the one month power consumption amount calculated by the power amount calculation unit 11 is passed to the communication control unit 10 in order to be transmitted to the management system 4.

The power calculation unit 11 may send the meter reading information to the electric power company 2 when the automatic meter reading request information is received from the electric power company 2 via the communication control unit 10.

The calendar control unit 12 passes calendar data indicating year / month / day / hour / minute / second to the cutoff control unit 8, the communication control unit 10, and the power amount calculation unit 11. In addition, the calendar control unit 1
2 has a function of receiving the standard time of the area to which the current limiter 1 is applied by radio waves and adjusting the time.

The power outage compensation unit 13 recognizes the electricity restoration from the electricity supplier 2 and stores the data of the respective portions 6 to 12 when the electricity is cut off to compensate for the electricity outage.

When the electric user 3 requests the change of the cutoff setting value or the contract content by his / her own judgment,
The cutoff setting value and the mode designation designated by the electric user 3 are accepted.

Further, the designating section 14 transfers the received cutoff setting values and contract contents to the cutoff control section 8, and also sends the received cutoff setting values and contract contents to the communication control section 10 in order to transmit them to the management system 4. hand over.

The management system 4 includes a communication control unit 15, a database 16, a set value changing unit 17, and a charge calculating unit 1.
8. The contract information updating unit 19 is provided.

The communication control unit 15 performs data communication with the current limiter 1 installed for the electric user 3.

The database 16 is contract information 1 representing the contents of the contract concluded between the electric user 3 and the electric power company 2.
6a and billing information 16b for calculating the charge based on the meter reading information, the cutoff setting value change information, and the like are registered.

The setting value changing unit 17 detects a change and new registration of the contract information 16a stored in the database 16, and the cutoff setting value or contract condition information included in the changed or newly registered contract information 16a. Is sent to the communication control unit 15 to be transmitted to the electric user 2.

The charge calculation unit 18 measures the meter reading information received by the communication control unit 15 and the charging information 1 of the database 16.
Based on 6b, the charge charged to the electric user 3 is calculated.

Further, the charge calculation unit 18 includes the communication control unit 15
When the cut-off setting value change information is received by the customer, the extra charge is added to the charge charged to the electric user 3 based on the cut-off setting value change information and the billing information 16b of the database 16.

The contract information updating unit 19 is a contract for the electric user 3 stored in the database 16 when the interruption setting value or contract condition information designated by the electric user 3 is received by the communication control unit 15. The blocking setting value or contract condition information included in the information 16a is updated to the specified blocking setting value or contract condition information.

FIG. 4 shows the contract information 16 of the database 16.
It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of management system 4 and current limiter 1 when a is newly registered or updated.

Steps S1 and S2 are operations on the management system 4 side.

In step S1, the contract information 16a is stored in the database 16.

In step S2, the cutoff setting value and the contract condition information indicated by the contract information 16a are transmitted from the management system 4 to the current limiter 1.

Steps S3 to S15 are operations on the side of the current limiter 1.

In step S 3, the current limiter 1 receives the cutoff setting value and the contract condition information from the management system 4.

In step S4, the cutoff setting value for the month including the date and time indicated by the calendar data is set in the cutoff control unit 8.

In step S5, the current usage of the electric user 3 is measured.

In step S6, the amount of electric power is calculated based on the measured amount of electric current used.

In step S7, the cutoff set value for the period to which the date and time indicated by the calendar data belongs and the current usage amount are compared.

In step S8, as a result of the comparison, it is determined whether or not the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value. If the current usage amount does not exceed the cutoff setting value, then step S1
4 is executed. If the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value, step S9 is executed.

In step S9, it is determined whether the received contract condition information indicates the first mode or the second mode. If the first mode is specified, step S
10 is executed. When the second mode is designated, step S11 is executed.

In step S10, the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value and the first mode is designated, and the supply of electricity is cut off.

In step S11, the current usage exceeds the cutoff set value and the second mode is specified, and the maximum current usage allowed by the electric user 3 and the cutoff control unit 8 are set.
It is determined whether or not the cutoff setting value set in step 1 is the same.

If the maximum current usage and the cutoff set value are the same, then step S12 is executed. If the maximum current usage amount and the cutoff setting value are not the same, step S
13 is executed.

In step S12, the supply of electricity is cut off.

In step S13, the cutoff set value is increased within a range not exceeding the maximum current usage.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not a charge calculation period such as January has passed. When the charge calculation period has not elapsed, and when it has not been completed, the operations in and after step S4 are repeated. When the charge calculation period has elapsed, step S15 is executed.

In step S15, the meter reading information is transmitted from the current limiter 1 to the management system 4, and when the cutoff set value is raised, the cutoff set value change information is sent from the current limiter 1 to the management system 4. Sent.

Steps S16 to S18 are operations on the management system 4 side.

In step S16, when the meter reading information from the current limiter 1 is received by the management system 4 and the cutoff setting value change information is transmitted from the current limiter 1, this cutoff setting value change information is sent to the management system. 4 is received.

In step S17, the charge is calculated based on the meter reading information and the billing information, and when the cutoff setting value change information is received, the extra charge is added.

In step S18, it is determined whether or not the supply management of electricity to the electricity user 3 is terminated. When the process is not completed, the operations in and after step S4 are repeated.

In FIG. 4, the current limiter 1 determines whether or not the charge calculation period has elapsed.
The management system 4 may make the determination. in this case,
The management system 4 transmits the automatic meter reading request information to the current limiter 1 when the charge calculation period has elapsed, and the meter reading information is created by the current limiter 1 due to the reception of the automatic meter reading request information, and is managed from the current limiter 1. The meter reading information created in the system 4 is transmitted.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management system 4 and the current limiter 1 when the electric user 3 updates the cutoff setting value or the contract condition information at his own discretion.

Steps T1 and T2 are operations on the side of the current limiter 1.

In step T1, the cutoff setting value or contract condition information designated by the electric user 3 is accepted by the designation unit 14. In the current limiter 1 after the cutoff setting value or the contract condition information is designated, the operation of step S4 and subsequent steps in FIG. 4 is executed.

At step T2, the specified cutoff setting value or contract condition information is transmitted from the current limiter 1 to the management system 4.

In step T3, the cutoff set value or contract condition information transmitted from the current limiter 1 is received by the management system 4.

In step T4, the contract information 16a in the database 16 is updated based on the received blocking setting value or contract condition information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the cutoff set value and the current usage amount in the first mode.

In FIG. 6, the vertical axis represents the current usage amount and the cutoff set value, and the horizontal axis represents time, showing the electricity demand pattern.

The electric power company 2 can freely set the cutoff set value of the current limiter 1 for each month according to the power demand of the electric user 3 through communication. The current limiter 1 forcibly cuts off the supply of electricity when the current usage of the electric user 3 exceeds the cutoff set value. The cutoff setting value can be designated for each predetermined rank, and here, the cutoff setting value can be designated at intervals of 10 amperes.

In the example of FIG. 6, the electric power is shut down between the electric utility 2 and the electric user 3 when the monthly current usage of the electric user 3 exceeds the monthly cutoff set value. However, since the monthly current consumption of the electric user 3 does not exceed the monthly cutoff set value, no cutoff occurs.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the cutoff set value and the current usage amount in the second mode.

Also in FIG. 7, as in the case of FIG.
The cutoff setting value of the current limiter 1 can be changed by communication, and the cutoff setting value of the electric limiter 1 is set monthly according to the power demand of the electric user 3.

In the example of FIG. 7, between the electric utility 2 and the electric user 3, when the electric current usage amount of the electric user 3 exceeds the monthly cutoff set value, the maximum current limit value is reached. There is a contract to increase the cutoff setting value if there is room. According to this contract, the current limiter 1 changes the cutoff setting value to the direction of avoiding cutoff when the cutoff setting value has a margin,
Avoid power failure due to interruption. In FIG. 7, the current usage of the electric user 3 exceeds the initial cutoff set value in April, July to October, and December, and there is a margin until the maximum current usage (maximum cutoff set value). Therefore, the current limiter 1 automatically raises the cutoff set value so as to avoid the cutoff and avoids a power failure due to the cutoff.

Incidentally, the cutoff setting value may be increased by a predetermined rank from the original cutoff setting value. For example, when the initial cutoff setting value is 30 amperes, it can be raised up to 40 amperes, which is one rank higher, and the supply of electricity may be cut off when the current usage amount is 40 amperes or more. On the other hand, it may be possible to increase the number of ranks up to the maximum current consumption.

The electric power company 2 carries out a consulting service for providing the electricity user 3 with the past electricity demand pattern of the electricity user 3. The electricity user 3 determines his or her monthly cutoff setting value based on his or her past electricity demand pattern.

The electric power company 2 may set the basic charge for making a contract to select the second mode to be more expensive than the basic charge for making a contract to select the first mode. Further, the electric power company 2 may set the basic charge higher as the interruption setting value set in the current limiter 1 becomes higher.

That is, the first indication that the first mode is selected.
In the contract, the electric power company 2 and the electric user 3 consult with each other under the consulting of the electric power company 2 to determine the cutoff setting value (contract electricity amount) for each month. This first contract is
It is a contract with forced cutoff and no penalty.

In the second contract for selecting the second mode, the electric power company 2 and the electric user 3 consult with each other to set a cutoff setting value for each month. However, in this second contract, if the electricity usage exceeds the cutoff set value even once in the month and there is a margin in the cutoff set value for the month, the cutoff set value that can avoid the cutoff is reset. It Then, the basic charge for the month is the sum of the cutoff setting value after resetting and an additional charge at a fixed rate. Even in the second contract, when the electricity usage exceeds the cutoff set value for the month and the cutoff set value is the maximum electricity usage, the electricity supply is cut off. The first contract is a contract avoidance type with penalty.

By using the current limiter 1 and the management system 4 according to the present embodiment described above, the cutoff set value of the current limiter 1 can be changed through communication.

As a result, it is possible to easily and promptly change the electric contract without the need to perform construction for the change of the basic contract due to the change of the resident or the change of the basic contract due to the increase of electric appliances. The electric power company 2 can reduce the cost required for replacing the current limiter.

Further, since the interruption set value of the current limiter 1 is variable, the electric power company 2 replaces the service based on the contract in which the basic charge is fixed as in the past with the basic charge with the electric user 3 It is possible to provide a service that can be freely changed according to the demand pattern.

Since the cutoff set value of the current limiter 1 can be changed by communication from the electric power company 2 or designation by the electric power user 3, the electric power user 3 can be changed between the electric power company 2 and the electric power company 2. It is possible to easily change the electric contract and to receive the electric power to which the changed cutoff set value is applied. For example, the cutoff setting value can be switched for each predetermined period such as every month, so that the basic contract can be performed by the electric power company 2 and the electric user 3 in a predetermined period unit according to the electricity demand of the electric user 3. Can be concluded between. The electricity user 3 can adjust the payment of the basic fee to his / her own electricity usage mode, and can save the fee. Also,
The electric user 2 can also reduce the basic charge by making an effort for saving electricity.

Further, since the current limiter 1 changes the interruption set value in the direction to avoid interruption even if the electricity usage amount exceeds the interruption setting value, the instantaneous electricity usage amount generated at home is exceeded. It is possible to suppress a power failure due to, and the electricity user 3 can stably use electricity.

Further, the electric power company 2 can obtain the equipment for realizing the automatic meter reading, and the charge calculation work becomes efficient.

[0120] The electric power company 2 can provide various services and can conclude contracts with many electric power users 3 to obtain profits.

[0121]

As described above in detail, in the present invention,
It is possible to remotely change the cutoff setting value of the current limiter, and by using this current limiter, it is possible to provide a service that reduces the basic charge and a service that gives priority to avoiding forced cutoff.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a current limiter and a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cutoff control unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a power amount calculation unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management system and the current limiter when the contract information of the database is newly registered or updated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management system and the current limiter when the electric user updates the cutoff setting value or contract condition information at his own discretion.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a cutoff setting value and a current usage amount in the first mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a cutoff setting value and a current usage amount in a second mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Current limiter 2 ... Electricity company 3 ... Electric users 4 ... Management system 5 ... Network 6 ... Current measuring unit 7… Current value alarm indicator 8 ... Cutoff control unit 9 ... Shutoff mechanism section 10 ... Communication control unit 11 ... Electric energy calculation unit 12 ... Calendar control unit 13 ... Power failure compensator 14 ... Designation part 15 ... Communication control unit 16 ... Database 16a ... Contract information 16b ... Billing information 17 ... Setting value changing section 18 ... Charge calculation part 19 ... Contract information update section

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shintaro Kobayashi             1-1 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo Co., Ltd.             Toshiba headquarters office F-term (reference) 5G004 AA01 AB02 BA04 DC03 EA03

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A communication means for receiving a cutoff set value determined by a contract between an electric utility and an electric user, and a current measuring means for measuring a current usage amount of the electric user. Comparing the current usage amount and the cutoff setting value, when the measured current usage amount exceeds the cutoff setting value, a cutoff control means for issuing a cutoff command, and a cutoff command issued by the cutoff control means A current limiter, comprising: a cutoff unit that cuts off an electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user. 2. A communication means for receiving a cutoff setting value defined by a contract between an electric utility and an electric user, and a current measuring means for measuring an electric current usage amount of the electric user. The current usage amount, the cutoff setting value, and the maximum current usage amount allowed for the electric user are compared, and the measured current usage amount exceeds the cutoff setting value and exceeds the maximum current usage amount. If not, reset the cutoff set value to a value that is equal to or higher than the measured current usage amount and equal to or lower than the maximum current usage amount, and if the measured current usage amount exceeds the maximum current usage amount. A current limiting circuit comprising: a cutoff control means for issuing a cutoff command; and a cutoff means for cutting off an electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user according to the cutoff command issued by the cutoff control means. vessel. 3. A communication means for receiving a cutoff setting value determined for each arbitrary period in a contract between an electric utility and an electric user, and a current measuring means for measuring a current usage amount of the electric user. And the measured current usage amount and the cutoff setting value determined for the period to which the measurement time point of the current usage amount belongs, and the cutoff value determined for the period to which the measured current usage amount belongs. And a shutoff control means for issuing a shutoff command when the set value is exceeded, and a shutoff means for shutting off the electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user according to the shutoff command issued by the shutoff control means. Current limiter characterized by. 4. A communication means for receiving a cutoff set value determined for each arbitrary period in a contract between an electric utility and an electric user, and a current measuring means for measuring an electric current usage amount of the electric user. And, comparing the measured current usage amount with the interruption setting value determined for the period to which the current usage amount is measured and the maximum current usage amount allowed to the electric user, the measured current When the amount of use exceeds the cutoff set value defined for the period to which the measurement time point belongs and does not exceed the maximum current usage amount, the cutoff set value defined for the period to which the measurement time point belongs is measured. Reset to a value less than or equal to the maximum current usage amount above the usage amount, when the measured current usage amount exceeds the maximum current usage amount, a shutdown control means for issuing a shutdown command, and the shutdown control means Emanating from A current limiter for interrupting the supply of electricity from the electric utility to the electric user in accordance with the interruption instruction. 5. A cutoff setting value defined by a contract between an electric utility and an electric user, a first mode in which the cutoff setting value is a cutoff reference, and a maximum current allowed for the electric user. A communication unit that receives mode designation information that designates one of the second modes with the usage amount as a cutoff reference, a current measurement unit that measures the current usage amount of the electric user, and the first mode is designated. In the state where the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff set value, and when the measured current usage exceeds the maximum current usage in the state in which the second mode is designated, a cutoff command is issued. If the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff set value and does not exceed the maximum current usage in the state in which the second mode is designated, the cutoff set value is equal to or greater than the measured current usage. And a cutoff control unit that resets the value to a value equal to or less than the maximum current usage amount; and a cutoff unit that cuts off electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user according to a cutoff command issued by the cutoff control unit. The current limiter characterized in that 6. A cutoff setting value defined for each arbitrary period in a contract between an electric utility and an electric user, a first mode in which the cutoff setting value is a cutoff criterion, and the electric user is allowed. Communication means for receiving the mode designation information for designating one of the second modes with the maximum current usage amount as a cutoff reference; current measurement means for measuring the current usage amount of the electric user; When the current usage amount measured in the state in which one mode is designated exceeds the cutoff set value defined for the period to which the measurement point of the current usage amount belongs, and in the state in which the second mode is designated, the measurement is performed. When the current usage exceeds the maximum current usage, a cutoff command is issued, and the measured current usage in the state in which the second mode is designated is a cutoff determined for a period to which the measurement time point belongs. If it exceeds a fixed value and does not exceed the maximum current usage amount, the cutoff setting value defined for the period to which the measurement time point belongs is reset to a value equal to or more than the measured current usage amount and less than or equal to the maximum current usage amount. A current limiter comprising: a shutoff control means to be set; and a shutoff means for shutting off an electric power supply from the electric utility to the electric user according to a shutoff command issued by the shutoff control means. 7. The current limiter according to claim 1, wherein the amount of electric power used in a predetermined charge calculation period is calculated based on the amount of electric current used measured by the electric current measuring means,
A current limiter characterized by comprising a power amount calculation means that is passed to the communication means in order to transmit meter reading information including the power usage amount to the electric utility. 8. The current limiter according to claim 2, wherein the amount of electric power used in a predetermined charge calculation period is calculated based on the measured amount of electric current used, and the amount of electric power used is calculated. A power amount calculation unit that passes the meter reading information to the communication unit in order to transmit the meter reading information to the electric utility, and the cutoff control unit has the cutoff set value that is equal to or larger than the measured current usage amount. A current limiter characterized in that when it is reset to a value less than or equal to the current usage amount, the cutoff setting value change information is passed to the communication means in order to be transmitted to the electric utility. 9. The current limiter according to claim 2, further comprising alarm means for outputting an alarm when the cutoff set value is reset. Current limiter. 10. The current limiter according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the measured current usage amount. 11. The current limiter according to claim 1, wherein a power outage state of electricity for the electricity user is identified, and data for power outage compensation when the electricity outage state is identified. A current limiter comprising a power failure compensation means for executing collection and storage. 12. The current limiter according to claim 1, wherein a cutoff setting value designated by the electric user is accepted, and the accepted cutoff setting value is passed to the cutoff control means. The current limiter further comprises a designating unit that passes the received cutoff setting value to the communication unit in order to transmit the cutoff setting value to the electric utility. 13. The current limiter according to claim 1, wherein the cutoff control unit sets a cutoff setting value based on a past current usage amount measured by the current measuring unit. A current limiter characterized by: 14. A management system for managing the supply of electricity from an electric utility to an electric user, and a communication means for performing data communication with a current limiter installed for the electric user, A database that stores information about a contract concluded between an electric user and the electric utility, and to transmit the cutoff setting value included in the information stored in the database to the electric user. A management system comprising: a setting value changing unit to be passed to the communication unit. 15. The management system according to claim 14, wherein the cutoff setting value is set for each arbitrary period. 16. The management system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the communication unit receives meter-reading information including an electric power consumption amount of the electric user, and the meter-reading information received by the communication unit and the meter-reading information. A management system comprising: a charge calculation means for calculating a charge for the electricity user based on information stored in a database. 17. The management system according to claim 16, wherein the database stores information about premium charging when the electric user uses an electric current in an amount exceeding a cutoff setting value, and the communication unit is configured to store the information. The cutoff setting value change information indicating that the cutoff setting value for the electric user has been increased is received, and the charge calculation means includes the cutoff setting value change information received by the communication means and the information stored in the database. A management system characterized by calculating a surcharge for raising the cutoff setting value based on the above. 18. The management system according to claim 14, wherein the communication unit receives the cutoff setting value designated by the electric user, and the cutoff received by the communication unit. A management system comprising contract information updating means for updating information stored in the database based on a set value. 19. An electric power supply method for supplying electric power from an electric utility to an electric user, wherein a current limiter installed for the electric user is used to connect the electric utility and the electric user to each other. Sending the cutoff set value determined by the contract between the, the current limiter measures the current usage of the electric user, if the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff setting, the electric utility An electric power supply method is characterized in that the electric power supply to the electric user is cut off from the electric power supply. 20. An electricity supply method for supplying electricity from an electric utility to an electric user, wherein a current limiter installed for the electric user is used to connect the electric utility and the electric user to each other. Sending a cutoff set value determined by the contract between the, the current limiter measures the current usage of the electric user, the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff set value and the electric user If the maximum current usage is not exceeded, the interruption setting value is reset to a value equal to or higher than the measured current usage and equal to or lower than the maximum current usage, and the measured current usage. Is cut off from the electric power supplier to the electric user when the electric current exceeds the maximum current consumption. 21. An electricity supply method for supplying electricity from an electric utility to an electric user, wherein a current limiter installed for the electric user is used to connect the electric utility and the electric user to each other. Sending the cutoff setting value determined for each arbitrary period in the contract between, the current limiter measures the current usage of the electric user, and the measured current usage is the measured current usage. An electric power supply method characterized in that the electric power supply from the electric power supplier to the electric power user is interrupted when the electric power supply exceeds a predetermined interruption setting value for a period to which the time point belongs. 22. An electricity supply method for supplying electricity from an electric utility to an electric user, wherein a current limiter installed for the electric user is used to connect the electric utility and the electric user to each other. Sending the cutoff setting value determined for each arbitrary period in the contract between, the current limiter measures the current usage of the electric user, and the measured current usage is the measured current usage. If the cutoff set value defined for the period to which the time point belongs is not exceeded and the maximum current usage allowed for the electric user is not exceeded, the cutoff set value defined for the period to which the measurement time point belongs is measured. If the measured current usage exceeds the maximum current usage, the value is reset to a value that is equal to or greater than the maximum current usage and is greater than or equal to the maximum current usage. Electricity supply Electrical supply method which is characterized in that the cross-sectional. 23. An electricity supply method for supplying electricity from an electric utility to an electric user, wherein a current limiter installed for the electric user is used to connect the electric utility and the electric user to each other. Between the cutoff setting value defined by the contract between the two, a first mode using the cutoff setting value as a cutoff criterion, and a second mode using the maximum current usage allowed by the electric user as a cutoff criterion. And transmitting the mode designation information for designating, the current limiter measures the current usage of the electric user, and the current usage measured in the state where the first mode is designated is the interruption set value. If the measured current usage exceeds the maximum current usage in the case of exceeding and the second mode is designated, the power supply from the electric utility to the electric user is shut off, and 2 mo When the measured current usage exceeds the cutoff set value and does not exceed the maximum current usage in the state where the specified current is specified, the cutoff set value is equal to or greater than the measured current usage An electric power supply method characterized by resetting to a value less than or equal to the amount of current used. 24. An electricity supply method for supplying electricity from an electric utility to an electric user, wherein a current limiter installed for the electric user is used to connect the electric utility and the electric user. A cutoff set value determined for each arbitrary period under a contract between the two, a first mode using the cutoff set value as a cutoff reference, and a second mode using a maximum current usage amount allowed for the electric user as a cutoff reference. And transmitting the mode designation information designating any one of the modes, the current limiter measures the current consumption of the electric user, and the current consumption measured in the state in which the first mode is designated is When the current setting exceeds the cutoff set value determined for the period to which the measurement time belongs, and when the measured current usage exceeds the maximum current usage in the state in which the second mode is designated. The electricity supply from the electric power supplier to the electricity user is shut off, and the measured current usage amount exceeds the shutoff setting value determined for the period to which the measurement time point belongs in the state where the second mode is designated. And when the maximum current usage amount is not exceeded, the interruption setting value defined for the period to which the measurement time point belongs is reset to a value equal to or higher than the measured current usage amount and equal to or lower than the maximum current usage amount. An electric power supply method characterized by: 25. The electricity supply method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein information regarding a contract concluded between the electricity user and the electricity business operator is stored in a database in advance. An electric power supply method characterized in that 26. The electricity supply method according to claim 25, wherein the current limiter calculates an amount of power used in a predetermined charge calculation period based on the amount of current used, and the amount of power used by the current limiter is calculated. An electricity supply method comprising: receiving meter-reading information including: and calculating a charge for the electricity user based on the received meter-reading information and the information stored in the database. 27. The electricity supply method according to any one of claims 20, 22 to 24, wherein information on a contract previously concluded between the electricity user and the electricity provider in a database and the electricity user. Saves the information about the extra charge when the amount of current exceeds the cutoff setting value is calculated, and the current limiter calculates the amount of electric power used in a predetermined charge calculation period based on the amount of electric current used, Receiving meter reading information including the current usage amount from the limiter and interruption setting value change information indicating that the interruption setting value is reset to a value equal to or higher than the measured current usage amount and equal to or lower than the maximum current usage amount Then, based on the received meter reading information, the cutoff setting value change information, and the information stored in the database, the charge for the electric user and the use exceeding the cutoff setting value An electricity supply method characterized in that a surcharge relating to the above is calculated. 28. The electricity supply method according to claim 25, wherein a cutoff setting value designated by the electric user for the current limiter is received, and the cutoff setting is received. A method of supplying electricity, characterized in that the information stored in the database is updated based on the value.