JP2003348772A - Apparatus, system, and program for monitoring - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate changes in load equipment connected to an uninterruptible power source unit, and to unitarily control a plurality of uninterruptible power source units constituting a power source system. <P>SOLUTION: A small UPS 7 and load equipment connected to it are managed in units, called UPS groups GR. A UPS group controller 13 collects the information about the small UPS 7 and the load equipment in the UPS group GR, and specifies and transmits an unchanging IP address of a domain controller 14. The UPS domain controller 14 monitors, using the information received from a plurality of UPS group controllers 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring device, and a monitoring program for monitoring a power supply system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A power supply system supplies power from a power supply such as a commercial power supply to a load device such as a computer terminal. In the power supply system, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS: Uninterrupted Power)
Supply) is used. This UPS
Supplies power to the load equipment instead of the power supply from the power supply stopped for some reason.
Note that the UPS includes a large UPS and a small UPS.

A large-sized UPS is used to supply power to a large number of load devices when power supply from a commercial power supply is stopped. Therefore, it is introduced systematically on a building or floor basis.

On the other hand, a small UPS is, for example, 1
It is used to supply power to a relatively small number of load devices, such as a set of server systems. For this reason, small UPSs are inexpensive and are rarely introduced systematically. Even more, it is almost impossible for a plurality of small UPSs to be introduced at one time.

[0005] However, there is a possibility that the stability of the power supply will be reduced in accordance with the liberalization of the power business in the future. And if such a situation arises, for companies etc.,
It will be important to self-defend the power supply by combining small and large UPSs.
In general, necessary small UPSs are sequentially added in accordance with the addition of computer terminals.

[0006] When the number of small UPSs increases, it is necessary to manage them individually one by one.
Effective operation of PS may be difficult. For example, many small UPSs can set an operation schedule, backup operation conditions, and the like. However, when setting work is individually performed for each of a large number of small UPSs, it becomes a very inefficient work. Conventionally, a small UPS is connected to a computer terminal connected to the small UPS by a communication cable.
Could monitor the operation status and setting information of a small UPS.
It is still the same as setting one by one.

[0007]

Therefore, when there are a large number of UPSs, it is conceivable to introduce a monitoring system and to centrally manage a large number of small UPSs with this monitoring system. Thereby, the power supply system can be monitored.

[0008] However, the conventional general monitoring system is used for centrally monitoring manufacturing equipment in a factory or the like. Therefore, when introducing a monitoring system, the number and configuration of the devices of the system to be monitored are estimated in advance, and the monitoring and control is performed in a form suited to the system to be monitored.

Therefore, such a monitoring system is
In order to adopt the system as a monitoring system for monitoring such a small UPS, it is necessary to estimate in advance the type and number of UPSs to be used, or load devices connected to the UPSs.

As a result, after introducing the monitoring system,
Even if an attempt is made to change or add a load device, the configuration of the power supply system estimated in advance is hindered and the change may not be possible. In particular, small U
Even if only the connection between the PS and the load device is changed or the connection between the wall outlet and the small UPS is changed, the configuration of the power supply system estimated in advance is hindered, and even the change cannot be performed. There is fear.

That is, the conventional monitoring system is replaced with a small UPS
When used for monitoring power supply systems including
The flexibility inherent in the small UPS and the power supply system will be lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the power supply system to be monitored and the system flexibility of a small UPS are not impaired. It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system capable of collectively managing a plurality of power supply facilities including a plurality of small UPSs used.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a monitoring system for connecting a connection of each uninterruptible power supply via a network from the uninterruptible power supply or a communication terminal for managing the uninterruptible power supply via a network. The host computer terminal transmits information indicating a plurality of uninterruptible power supply units, and a monitoring system for centrally managing a power supply system including a plurality of uninterruptible power supply units. The transmission and reception of information between the uninterruptible power supply and the communication terminal are performed by designating the identification information of the transmission destination at the transmission source of the information and transmitting the information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply. A plurality of lower-level storage members for storing identification information of a higher-level computer terminal in a network; Is provided in each of the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal that transmits the information indicating the connection relation of the device, and specifies the identification information stored in the lower storage member as the transmission destination to indicate the connection relation of the uninterruptible power supply. A plurality of lower transmission means for transmitting information from the communication interface member to the network, a higher storage member provided in the upper computer terminal for storing information, and a connection between the uninterruptible power supply provided in the higher computer terminal and received from the network; Information indicating the relationship is provided in a higher-level storage unit that stores the higher-level storage member in a higher-level storage member,
Display means for displaying, on a display member, information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply devices stored in the upper storage member.

If this configuration is adopted, the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal connects the uninterruptible power supply to a predetermined upper-level computer terminal using the identification information stored in the lower-level storage member. Send information indicating the relationship. Also, in the host computer terminal, information indicating these connection relationships can be stored in the host storage member and displayed on the display means.

Moreover, even if the outlet to which the uninterruptible power supply is connected or the load device connected to the uninterruptible power supply is changed, the transmission to the uninterruptible power supply or the lower storage member of the communication terminal is performed. Since the identification information of the upper computer terminal is stored, as long as the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal is connected to the network, information indicating the connection relationship updated by this change is transmitted to the upper computer terminal. be able to.

As a result, even if the connection relation is changed after the uninterruptible power supply is once installed, the updated connection relation can be obtained by connecting the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal to the network again. Is transmitted to the host computer terminal. When an uninterruptible power supply is additionally provided, the information may be transmitted from the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal to the host computer terminal.

Therefore, in the host computer terminal, the power supply system can be centrally managed in the host computer terminal without impairing the flexibility of the power supply system including the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply.

In particular, in this monitoring system, the lower storage member stores information indicating the connection relation of the uninterruptible power supply,
Information about the uninterruptible power supply and information about all load devices connected to the uninterruptible power supply are stored, and the lower-level transmission unit includes information about the uninterruptible power supply,
All of the information about the load devices is transmitted, and the upper storage unit stores the lower transmission unit or the uninterruptible power supply,
A continuous storage area is secured on the upper storage member, and all the information received from each lower transmission unit is stored in the storage area,
Further, the display means generates information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply based on an array of information in the upper storage member,
This is preferably displayed on a display member.

If this configuration is adopted, the information on the uninterruptible power supply and the information on all the load devices connected to the uninterruptible power supply can be superimposed on each lower transmission means or on each uninterruptible power supply. It is stored in a continuous storage area of the storage member. Therefore, the host computer terminal can generate and display the connection relation of each uninterruptible power supply based on the arrangement of information in the storage area.

Further, information on the uninterruptible power supply and information on all load devices connected to the uninterruptible power supply are transmitted collectively by the lower transmission means, and are stored by the upper storage means in the upper storage member. Therefore, there is no need to separately transmit information indicating the connection relationship of each uninterruptible power supply separately from these pieces of information. As a result, the amount of information transmitted and received via the network and the amount of information stored in the upper storage member can be reduced.

In this preferred monitoring system, the lower-level storage member stores periodically updated setting information or operating state information of the uninterruptible power supply and setting information or operating state information of the load device. The means may cause the information about the uninterruptible power supply and all the information about the load devices to be transmitted periodically, and the higher-level storage means may access the higher-level storage member with priority over the display means.

If this configuration is adopted, the latest setting information or the latest operating state information of the uninterruptible power supply and the latest setting information or the latest operating state information of the load device, which the lower-order transmitting means periodically transmits, Regardless of the display processing of the display means, it is possible to reliably store the information in the upper storage member. Therefore, the host computer terminal can not only display the latest connection relationship of each uninterruptible power supply, but also display the latest setting state and operation state of the uninterruptible power supply and load equipment.

Moreover, the setting information and the operation state information are arranged for each uninterruptible power supply and are stored in a continuous storage area of a higher-order storage member. It is possible to shorten the access time to the higher-order storage member by the display means when displaying. Therefore, even though the process of periodically writing to the higher-level storage member by the higher-level storage unit is prioritized, such display processing does not take much time. As a result, there is no hindrance to monitoring using the information displayed on the display member.

In a preferred relation system,
The upper storage means, when receiving the first information from each lower transmission means, is capable of storing, for each of the lower transmission means or for each of the uninterruptible power supply devices, an information amount larger than the information amount of the received information. It is preferable to secure a storage area at.

By adopting this configuration, even if the number of load devices connected to the uninterruptible power supply is increased and the amount of information on the load devices to be transmitted collectively by the lower transmission means is increased, the increase is also achieved. Information about the load devices can be stored in a storage area reserved in advance.

Therefore, for example, when such an extra area is not secured for each lower transmission means or for each uninterruptible power supply, in order to store information on the added load devices in the upper storage member, Information about other uninterruptible power supply devices and load devices must be moved on the upper storage member, but such a movement process is less likely to occur.

As a result, even when a load device is added, the time for writing the received information can be kept to the minimum necessary time. In particular, the upper storage means has higher priority than the display means. Even when accessing a member, the processing time of the display means can be secured.

In particular, the storage area reserved by the higher-order storage means for each lower-level transmission means or for each uninterruptible power supply is the extra power supply capacity of the uninterruptible power supply and the estimated or preset load. It is preferable to calculate the number of load devices that can be added within the range of the power supply capability based on the power consumption of the devices, and to secure a size that can be stored extra by the number of load devices that can be added.

With this configuration, when information about each uninterruptible power supply and information about all load devices connected to the uninterruptible power supply are received, the load equipment which may be added to the uninterruptible power supply is identified. An extra storage area is reserved for the number. Therefore, even if the load devices are subsequently added, information on the added load devices can be stored in a storage area that is previously and continuously secured for each uninterruptible power supply.

Moreover, the number of load devices that can be added within the range of the power supply capacity is calculated, and an extra storage area is secured by the number that may be additionally connected to the uninterruptible power supply. Therefore, for example, unlike in a case where a uniform number of extra units are secured for each uninterruptible power supply, a storage area is not needlessly secured. In addition, the occurrence of the above-described movement processing can be almost completely prevented.

In particular, it is preferable that information relating to the load devices used for calculating the number of additional load devices is written in the extra reserved storage area.

By employing this configuration, the host computer terminal displays information about the estimated or preset load device together with the load device actually connected to the uninterruptible power supply. Therefore, an administrator who manages the power supply system using the host computer terminal can easily grasp the remaining capacity of each uninterruptible power supply on the display means.

As a result, based on an instruction from the manager, for example, some load devices are reconnected from one of the two uninterruptible power supplies to the other, and power consumption is supplied to one of the uninterruptible power supplies. However, large load devices can be connected. That is, it is possible to construct a power supply system that efficiently uses the capabilities of each uninterruptible power supply.

In these monitoring systems, a middle storage member for storing information including the identification information of the upper computer terminal, and information indicating the connection relationship received from the plurality of lower transmission means are stored in the middle storage member. Medium storage means,
And an intermediate uninterruptible power supply device comprising: a medium transmission unit for transmitting the information indicating the connection relationship stored in the intermediate storage member by designating the identification information as the transmission destination to the communication interface member connected to the network. A middle computer terminal for storing information about all load devices in a continuous storage area of the middle storage member, and at least two of the plurality of lower storage members have an identification of the middle computer terminal. Information may be stored.

If this configuration is adopted, the information indicating the connection relation of at least two uninterruptible power supplies is arranged in a predetermined arrangement in the middle computer terminal. Further, information indicating the connection relationship regarding the plurality of uninterruptible power supply devices is transmitted collectively to the host computer terminal. Then, the upper computer terminal writes the information received from the middle computer terminal into the upper storage member.

Therefore, in the upper computer terminal,
The processing time required for allocating the information indicating the connection relationship of these uninterruptible power supply devices to the upper storage area can be reduced. That is, even if the power supply system has a large number of uninterruptible power supply devices and load devices, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load on the host computer terminal.

As a result, even if the power supply system has a large number of uninterruptible power supply units and load devices, monitoring using information displayed on the display member does not hinder the system. Centralized monitoring can be performed at a computer terminal.

A monitoring device according to the present invention is a monitoring device for transmitting information indicating a connection relationship of an uninterruptible power supply to a predetermined host computer terminal via a network, and includes identification information of the host computer terminal on the network. A lower storage member for storing information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply, a lower storage means for storing the lower storage member, a communication interface member connected to a network,
And lower-level transmission means for designating the identification information stored in the lower-level storage member as a transmission destination and transmitting information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply to the communication interface member.

With this configuration, it is possible to transmit information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply from the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal to a predetermined host computer terminal.

In addition, since the identification information of the upper computer terminal that is the transmission destination is stored in the lower storage member,
For example, even if the outlet for connecting the uninterruptible power supply is changed or the load device connected to the uninterruptible power supply is changed, as long as the uninterruptible power supply or communication terminal is connected to the network, this change The information indicating the updated connection relationship can be transmitted to the host computer terminal. Further, even when an uninterruptible power supply is added, the connection relation can be transmitted to the host computer terminal.

Another monitoring device according to the present invention is a monitoring device that receives information indicating a connection relation of an uninterruptible power supply from a plurality of uninterruptible power supplies or a plurality of communication terminals managing the same via a network. A communication interface member for receiving information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply from the network, a higher-order storage member for storing the information, and information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply received from the network. The storage device includes a higher-level storage unit that stores the information in the member and a display unit that displays information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply stored in the higher-level storage member on a display member.

With this configuration, it is possible to display on the display member information indicating the connection relationship between the plurality of uninterruptible power supplies received from the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal.

Further, even if, for example, the outlet to which the uninterruptible power supply is connected is changed or the load equipment connected to the uninterruptible power supply is changed, the changed connection relationship is displayed on the display member. Can be. Further, even when an uninterruptible power supply is additionally provided, the connection relationship including the additional power can be displayed on the display member.

A monitoring program according to the present invention provides a computer terminal having a communication interface member connected to a network, and a lower-level storage member for storing identification information of a network to which information is to be transmitted on an uninterruptible power supply. Lower-level storage means for storing information indicating the connection relationship in a lower-level storage member, and lower-level transmission means for designating identification information as a transmission destination and transmitting information indicating the connection relation of the uninterruptible power supply to the communication interface member; Is realized.

In the computer terminal in which the monitoring program is installed, information indicating the connection relation of the uninterruptible power supply can be transmitted from the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal to a predetermined host computer terminal.

Further, since the identification information of the upper computer terminal as the transmission destination is stored in the lower storage member,
For example, even if the outlet for connecting the uninterruptible power supply is changed or the load device connected to the uninterruptible power supply is changed, as long as the uninterruptible power supply or communication terminal is connected to the network, this change The information indicating the updated connection relationship can be transmitted to the host computer terminal. Further, even when an uninterruptible power supply is added, the connection relation can be transmitted to the host computer terminal.

Another monitoring program according to the present invention includes a communication interface member that is connected to a network and receives information indicating a connection relationship of an uninterruptible power supply, a higher-level storage member that stores information, and a display that displays information. And a computer terminal comprising: a higher-level storage means for storing information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply received from the network in a higher-level storage member; and a connection between the uninterruptible power supply stored in the higher-level storage member. And display means for displaying information indicating the relationship on a display member.

In the computer terminal in which the monitoring program is installed, information indicating the connection relationship between the plurality of uninterruptible power supplies received from the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal can be displayed on the display member.

Further, even if, for example, the outlet to which the uninterruptible power supply is connected is changed or the load device connected to the uninterruptible power supply is changed, the connection relation after the change is displayed on the display member. Can be. Further, even when an uninterruptible power supply is additionally provided, the connection relationship including the additional power can be displayed on the display member.

[0050]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A monitoring system, a monitoring device, and a monitoring program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The monitoring device and the monitoring program for transmitting the information indicating the connection relation of the uninterruptible power supply will be described as a UPS group controller in the monitoring system. Also, the monitoring device and the monitoring program that receive the information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply will be described as a UPS domain controller in the monitoring system.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a power supply system monitored by the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In this power supply system, the commercial AC power supply 1
And a large uninterruptible power supply (large UPS) 2 are connected to a main distribution board 4 via a power cable 3. A plurality of sub distribution boards 5 are connected to the main distribution board 4 via the power cable 3. Each sub distribution board 5
Are connected to a plurality of wall outlets 6 via a power cable 3.

A small uninterruptible power supply (small UPS) 7 and a computer terminal 8 are connected to the wall outlet 6 via the power cable 3. In addition, load devices such as a computer terminal 8, a network server 9, a hub 10, and a database 11 are connected to each small UPS via a power cable 3.

The electric power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 1 or the electric power supplied from the large UPS 2 is supplied through the main distribution board 4, the sub distribution board 5 and the wall outlet 6.
It is supplied to the small UPS 7 and the computer terminal 8. Further, electric power from the commercial AC power supply 1 and electric power from the large UPS 2 are supplied to each load device via the small UPS 7.

The large UPS 2 includes a power generator or a power storage member (not shown), and monitors the state of the power of the connected power cable 3, for example.
The operation of the power generation device or the power storage member is controlled. And
When the power state is normal, the large UPS 2 stops the power generation device or charges the power storage member with the power supplied via the power cable 3. In addition, large U
When the power state is abnormal, the PS 2 operates the power generator or outputs the power stored in the power storage member. The power generated by the power generator and the power output from the power storage member are supplied to the main distribution board 4 via the power cable 3.

Further, a memory (not shown) built in the large UPS 2 stores setting information such as an operation schedule of the large UPS 2, power switching conditions, and a continuous power supply time. Then, the large UPS 2 outputs power when a power abnormality occurs in a predetermined time zone specified by the operation schedule. In addition, the large UPS 2 is used for switching to the large UPS 2 or the commercial AC power source 1.
And at the time set to supply power. The large UPS 2 determines the power state using the power switching condition as a criterion. For example, the large UPS 2 switches from the charging mode using the commercial AC power supply 1 to the supply mode or vice versa. Large UP
In S2, power is supplied by switching to the supply mode for the continuous power supply time.

Further, the large UPS 2 is connected to a network via a communication cable 12 described later. Then, the large UPS 2 receives a control signal such as a start signal and a stop signal from the network, and controls power supply according to the control signal. When receiving the setting information from the network, the large UPS 2 updates the setting information in the memory with the received information.

When the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 1 is normal, the main distribution board 4 supplies the power from the commercial AC power supply 1 to each of the sub distribution boards 5 and the large UPS 2. Conversely, when the electric power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 1 is abnormal, the commercial AC power supply 1 is disconnected and the electric power from the large UPS 2 is supplied to each sub distribution board 5. Thereby, even if an abnormality occurs in the commercial AC power supply 1,
Stable power can be supplied to load equipment.

If it is determined that the quality of the power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 1 is degraded even if it is not determined that the power supply is abnormal, the large UPS 2 is operated and the power from the commercial AC power supply 1 is reduced. The power from the UPS 2 may be supplied collectively. Thereby, the quality of the power supplied to the load device can be improved.

The sub-distribution board 5 is used, for example, when an abnormal current flows due to a power supply short-circuit or the like in a load device, or when the total current consumption of the small UPS 7 and the load device connected on the downstream side exceeds a predetermined current. Next, these downstream power systems are separated from the main distribution board 4. As a result, even if a power short-circuit occurs on the downstream side of one sub distribution board 5, the downstream side of this sub distribution board 5 is cut off, and the downstream side of the other sub distribution board 5 is cut off. , And can supply stable power.

The small UPS 7 includes a battery (not shown), monitors the power supplied from the wall outlet 6, and controls the power supply to the load devices according to the state of the supplied power. When the power supplied from the wall outlet 6 is normal, the power is supplied to the connected load device and the battery is charged. Conversely, when the power supplied from the wall outlet 6 is abnormal, the power stored in the battery is supplied to the load device instead.

In addition, a memory (not shown) built in the small UPS 7 or a built-in storage medium of the computer terminal 8 connected to the small UPS 7 via the communication cable 12 includes an operation schedule and power switching conditions of the small UPS 7 and a battery. The power supply time and the like are stored. Then, the small UPS 7 controls power supply to the load devices based on the operation schedule. Small UPS7,
Using the power switching condition as a criterion, an abnormal state and a normal state of the power supplied from the wall outlet 6 are determined. The small UPS 7 supplies electric power from the battery during the period when the small UPS 7 is switched to the small UPS 7 and for the battery power supply available time.

Further, the small UPS 7 or the computer terminal 8 is connected to a network via a communication cable 12 described later. Then, a control signal such as a start signal and a stop signal received from the network is received, and start or stop is performed according to the control signal. When the setting information is received from the network, the setting information in the memory is updated with the received information.

Next, a monitoring system for monitoring such a power supply system will be described.

The monitoring system includes a plurality of UPS group controllers 13 and a UPS as a host computer terminal.
It comprises a domain controller 14 and a network connecting these.

This monitoring system is different from the power supply system shown in FIG. 1 by a UPS group GR (four U
There are PS groups GR1, GR2, GR3, and GR4, but when summarizing, simply use only GR as a code. ) And the UPS domain D1. The UPS group GR and the UPS domain D1 are management units defined on the monitoring system.

The UPS group GR is composed of one small UPS
7 and all the load devices connected to the small UPS 7 and the power cable 3. In addition,
A plurality of small UPSs 7 linked to each other are exceptionally managed by one UPS group GR. The small UPS 7 and other load devices, for example, the computer terminal 8, the network server 9, the hub 10, and the database 11 are components of the UPS group GR.

The UPS domain D1 is, for example, a building,
This is a management unit defined in an arbitrary space such as a building floor or room. And the UPS group GR
It is a component of the PS domain D1. It should be noted that the small UPS7 in which the UPS group GR is not defined, and the small UP7
Computer terminal 8 not connected to S7 also
It can be a component of the PS domain D1.

The network includes a hub 10, a communication cable 12, and the like. The communication cable 12 is, for example, a small UPS 7 and a hub 10 and a large UPS 2 and a hub 1
0, connect the load devices to the hub 10, for example, load devices. The communication cable 12 may connect the small UPS 7 and the computer terminal 8 in some cases.

A small UPS connected to the hub 10
7, fixed IP addresses having different values are assigned to the large UPS 2 and the computer terminal 8 as identification information. And these small UPS
7. The large-sized UPS 2 and the computer terminal 8 add a fixed IP address of a transmission destination to information transmitted from the UPS and output the information to the network. Small UPS to send to
7. The large UPS 2 and the computer terminal 8 receive the information to which their own unique IP address is added from the network.

The UPS group controller 13 controls each U
One is provided for each PS group GR. Then, the small UPS 7 belonging to the UPS group GR, the computer terminal 8, the network server 9, the hub 10, and the database 11 are managed.

The UPS group controller 13
Small UP connected to hub 10 by communication cable 12
S7 or the small UPS 7 is implemented by being incorporated in the computer terminal 8 or the network server 9 connected by the communication cable 12. The computer terminal 8 and the network server 9 incorporating the UPS group controller 13 are communication terminals. When the small UPS 7 is connected to the hub 10 and is also connected to the computer terminal 8 and / or the network server 9, the UPS group controller 13
It may be realized by being incorporated in any one of the small UPS 7, the computer terminal 8, and the network server 9.

FIG. 2 shows the UPS group controller 13.
1 is a configuration diagram showing a computer terminal 8 in which is incorporated.

When the UPS group controller 13 is incorporated in the network server 9 (see FIG.
The configuration of the network server 9 of the S group GR3) is the same. Hereinafter, the UP 8 is connected to the computer terminal 8.
The case where the S group controller 13 is incorporated will be described. However, the case where the S group controller 13 is incorporated in the network server 9 or the small UPS 7 has basically the same configuration.

The UPS group controller 13 is connected to the controller unit 15 and the power cable 3.
And a power supply unit 16 that supplies power supplied from the power supply cable 3 to the controller unit 15.

The controller unit 15 mainly includes a built-in storage medium 17 as a lower-order storage member for storing programs and data, a central processing unit 18 for sequentially executing programs, and a central processing unit 18 for executing programs. And a system bus 20 for connecting them.

Further, the system bus 20 of the controller unit 15 directly connects the small UPS 7 via the communication cable 12 to an upper communication interface (upper communication I / F) 21 as a communication interface member to which the communication cable 12 is connected. Connectable lower communication interface (lower communication I / F) 22, timer 23 for measuring time,
An input / output port (I / O port) 24 is connected.
The I / O port 24 includes a monitor 25, a keyboard 26,
The pointing device 27 is connected. In addition,
When the small UPS 7 in the UPS group GR is directly connected to the network (in FIG. 1, the UPS groups GR1, GR2, GR4), there is no need to connect the small UPS 7 to the lower communication interface 22.

The built-in storage medium 17 of the UPS group controller 13 has a UPS group controller program 28 for implementing the UPS group controller 13 in the computer terminal 8, a UPS group database 29, and a fixed I / O of the UPS domain controller 14.
The P address 30 is stored.

In the UPS group database 29, U
Information about all the small UPSs 7 in the PS group GR and information about all the load devices in the UPS group GR are stored.

The information concerning the small UPS 7 includes, for example, specification information such as power supply capability, function, and model number of the small UPS 7, operation schedule, power switching condition, battery power supply time, and fixed IP assigned to itself.
There are setting information such as an address, and current operating state information of the small UPS 7. If the small UPS 7 is not directly connected to the network, the small UPS 7
The setting information includes the fixed IP address of the computer terminal 8 to which the terminal 7 is connected.

The information related to the load device includes, for example, specification information such as power consumption, function, and model number of the load device, setting information such as an IP address of the load device, and current operation state information of the load device.

UPS group controller program 2
8 is a group database management program 3 which is executed by the central processing unit 18 to realize the lower-level storage means.
1 and a group database transmission program 3 which realizes a lower-order transmission means by being executed by the central processing unit 18.
2 and a group setting control program 33.

The group database management program 31
Causes the central processing unit 18 to periodically collect information on all the small UPSs 7 and all the load devices in the UPS group GR, and updates the UPS group database 29 with the collected information. This allows
In the UPS group database 29, the latest operation state information of the small UPS 7 and the own computer terminal 8 can be registered.

The upper communication I / F 21 and lower communication I / F 21
Small UP that cannot collect information via F22
The information about S7 and the load devices is stored in the UPS group database 29 by displaying an input screen for inputting information on the monitor 25 and inputting it according to the display. That is, these pieces of input information are registered in the UPS group database 29 as information on the small UPS 7 or the load device designated on the input screen.

The central processing unit 18 that executes the group database management program 31 has a small UP
A continuous storage area is secured in the built-in storage medium 17 every S7. In addition, the central processing unit 18 registers information on the small UPS 7 and information on all load devices connected thereto in the respective storage areas. For example, information on the small UPS 7 is registered at the head of each storage area, and subsequently information on the load devices is sequentially registered.

By specifying the array of information in this way,
For example, a plurality of small UPSs 7
Even in the case of R, the information on the load devices registered from the information on one small UPS 7 to the information on the next small UPS 7 is the former small UPS 7.
Can be determined to be information on the load devices connected to the. Therefore, in the UPS group database 29, there is no need to register information indicating the connection relationship between the small UPS 7 and each load device as information.

Thus, when the connection relationship of the small UPS 7 is changed, at the time of writing the received information, the information indicating the connection relationship is generated one by one, or the information indicating the old connection relationship is deleted and the new information is deleted. There is no need to write connection relationships. In addition, the amount of information transmitted and received via the network and the size of the storage area secured in the built-in storage medium 17 and the built-in storage medium 34 described later can be reduced by the information indicating the connection relationship. .

Group database transmission program 32
Under the control of the central processing unit 18,
1 is to periodically transmit all information registered in the UPS group database 29 as information on the UPS group GR. At this time, the fixed IP address 30 of the UPS domain controller 14 stored in the built-in storage medium 17 is designated as the information transmission destination.

In each transmission process, all information registered in the UPS group database 29 may be transmitted in one packet, or may be divided into a plurality of packets and transmitted. Is also good. When the packet is divided into a plurality of packets, common information such as the last update date and time of the UPS group database 29 is added to the plurality of packets, so that the U
The PS domain controller 14 can distinguish a plurality of packets corresponding to all information of the UPS group database 29 from other packets. Further, even if the method of establishing a session for each transmission processing is adopted, the transmission destination UPS domain controller 14
Can distinguish a plurality of packets corresponding to all information in the UPS group database 29 from other packets.

Under the control of the central processing unit 18, the group setting control program 33 sends setting information and control information from the upper communication I / F 21 or the lower communication I / F 22 to each small UPS 7 or each load device in the UPS group GR. Is transmitted. Note that the setting information and control information may be generated based on information input from the keyboard 26 in response to displaying a screen for inputting setting information and control information on the monitor 25. The setting information and the control information are stored in the upper communication I / F 21 and the lower communication I / F 21.
It may be generated based on the information received from / F22.

The UPS domain controller 14, for example, as shown in the UPS group GR2 of FIG.
It is implemented by being incorporated in a computer terminal 8 connected to a hub 10 by a communication cable 12.

FIG. 3 shows the UPS domain controller 14.
1 is a configuration diagram showing a computer terminal 8 as an example.

[0095] The UPS domain controller 14
A controller unit 15 having the same configuration as the controller unit 15 in the S group controller 13,
And a power supply unit 16. The controller unit 15 includes a built-in storage medium 34 as an upper storage member, a central processing unit 18, a memory 19, a system bus 20, an upper communication interface (upper communication I / F) 21 as a communication interface member, and a lower communication interface (lower communication interface). Communication I / F) 22, timer 23, input / output port (I / F)
O port) 24 is connected. A monitor 25, a keyboard 26, and a pointing device 27 are connected to the I / O port 24. These components are shown in FIG.
The same components as the UPS group controller 13 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, many identical components are employed, and identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The built-in storage medium 34 of the UPS domain controller 14 stores a UPS domain controller program 35 for realizing the UPS domain controller 14 in the computer terminal 8, and a UPS domain database 36.

The UPS domain database 36 contains U
Information on all the UPS groups GR in the PS domain D1 are stored.

Information on the UPS group GR can be found in the UP
It consists of definition information of the S group GR and information received from each UPS group controller 13. U
The information received from the PS group controller 13 is U
It consists of information on the small UPS 7 in the PS group GR and information on the load devices.

UPS domain controller program 3
5 is a domain database management program 37 that is executed by the central processing unit 18 to realize a higher-level storage unit.
And a domain monitoring program 38 executed by the central processing unit 18 to realize a display unit.

Domain database management program 37
Under the control of the central processing unit 18,
1 updates the UPS domain database 36 with the information received from each UPS group controller 13.

The domain database management program 37 is executed prior to the domain monitoring program 38. That is, the domain database management program 37 accesses the UPS domain database 36 with priority over the domain monitoring program 38, and
Information received periodically from the group controller 13 can be reliably written. This allows the received information from the UPS group controller 13 to be reliably registered in the UPS domain database 36 regardless of the usage status of the UPS domain controller 14. As a result, the UPS domain database 36
The latest setting information and operation state information on the small UPS 7 and the load device in the PS domain D1 can be registered and displayed on the monitor 25 of the computer terminal 8.

Further, the information received from each UPS group controller 13 is written in a continuous storage area in the built-in storage medium 34 which is reserved in advance for the information. As a result, when the domain monitoring program 38 reads and displays detailed information such as the load device and the small UPS 7 as described later, it is sufficient to search at most one storage area and extract the information. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the entire UPS domain database 36 is searched, the information reading time can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the domain monitoring program 3
In spite of the fact that the domain database management program 37 is executed with a higher priority than that of No. 8, the display processing does not take much time. In addition, there is no trouble in monitoring using the information displayed on the monitor 25.

By the way, the central processing unit 18 executing the domain database management program 37 has a new UP
When the first information is received from the S group controller 13, a continuous storage area is secured for each UPS group GR. Then, in each storage area in the built-in storage medium 34,
The definition information of the UPS group GR and the information received from the UPS group controller 13 are registered. Note that U
The definition information of the PS group GR is, for example, the monitor 25
May be displayed based on the information input from the keyboard 26.

Furthermore, each storage area is secured in a size that can store an information amount larger than the total information amount of the information first received from the UPS group controller 13 and the definition information of the UPS group GR. So, for example,
In a state where only the first reception information is registered in the UPS domain database 36, the first UPS group GR
Between the information regarding the next UPS group GR and the information regarding the next UPS group GR, an area where the information is not registered is sufficiently secured.

Therefore, even if the small UPS 7 and the load equipment constituting the UPS group GR are added after receiving the first received information, the UPS secured in advance including these additional equipment is included. Group GR
Can be stored in the storage area.

As a result, in a situation where information on a plurality of UPS groups GR is registered in the UPS domain database 36, for example, the load equipment of the UPS group GR registered in the first storage area of the UPS domain database 36 Is added, there is no need to move information on other UPS groups GR on the UPS domain database 36 in order to register information on the added load devices in a continuous storage area.

Therefore, the UPS domain database 3
Small UPS in the UPS group GR registered in 6
Even if additional equipment and load equipment are added,
The update processing time of the S domain database 36 can be maintained at a minimum necessary time.

Then, the UPS domain database 36
The extra time is hardly taken for the update process of the communication, so that even if the number of load devices constituting the UPS domain D1 increases, the reception buffer (not shown) of the upper communication I / F 21 overflows. Never.
Moreover, the execution time of the domain monitoring program 38 can be ensured even though the domain database management program 37 is executed with priority.

The domain monitoring program 38 controls the UPS domain database 3 under the control of the central processing unit 18.
6 is displayed on the monitor 25. In this state, setting information and control information are generated based on information input from the keyboard 26 and the like, and transmitted from the upper communication I / F 21 to a device connected to the network. The devices connected to the network include a UPS group controller 13 and a small UP
S7, a computer terminal 8, and the like. In addition, when this control information is transmitted to the small UPS 7, it is used as a control signal.

FIG. 4 shows the power supply system shown in FIG.
5 is a display screen showing a window displayed on a monitor 25 of the S domain controller 14.

In this window, a tree structure 39 of the power supply system is displayed on the left side. This tree 3
9, a display object for displaying the domain name of the UPS domain D1 is connected below the root. UPS
A display object that displays the name of the UPS group GR is connected under the domain D1. A display object that displays the name of the small UPS 7 is connected below the UPS group GR. A display object for displaying the name of the load device is connected below the small UPS 7.

In the area 40 on the right side of the window, detailed information of the device corresponding to the display object selected from the tree 39 is displayed. Also, a display button 41 displayed above the window,
By selecting one of the setting button 42 and the control button 43, the content of the detailed information is switched. For example, when the display button 41 is selected, the specification information and the status information read from the UPS domain database 36 are displayed. When the setting button 42 is selected, the setting item name and the current setting information read from the UPS domain database 36 are displayed. When the control button 43 is selected, the control item name and the UPS domain database 36
And the current state information read from.

When the setting information and the status information are updated, the updated information is transmitted to the device corresponding to the display object selected at that time.

The central processing unit 18 executing the domain monitoring program 38 determines and generates the above-described power supply system tree 39 based on the registration information in the UPS domain database 36.

[0115] As described above, the information registered in the UPS domain database 36 is the UPS group GR.
It is summarized for each. In the UPS group GR, load devices are grouped for each small UPS 7. Then, the central processing unit 18 searches the UPS domain database 36 from the top, for example, and searches a predetermined small UP
When the information on S7 is detected, it is possible to determine that the load devices registered until the information on the next small UPS 7 is detected are connected to the previous small UPS 7.

The central processing unit 18 searches the entire area of the UPS domain database 36 to connect the UPS group GR to the UPS domain D1, connect the small UPS 7 to each UPS group GR, and load the small UPS 7 Connect devices. Then, based on this connection relationship, a tree 39 is created in which objects displaying the names of the respective devices are connected to each other and displayed. In addition,
When there are a plurality of UPS domains D1, a UPS group GR is connected to each UPS domain D1.

Next, the overall operation of the monitoring system and the power supply system having such a configuration will be described.

The UPS group controller 13 stores information on the small UPS 7 and the load devices in each UPS group GR in the UPS group database 29.
Is transmitted from the upper communication I / F 21 to the network.

The information transmitted from the UPS group controller 13 includes the UPS domain controller 14
Are added. Therefore, UP
The S domain controller 14 receives the information transmitted from the UPS group controller 13 and registers the information in the UPS domain database 36.

Also, the UPS group controller 13
Periodically updates each UPS group database 29 and periodically transmits the registration information of the UPS group database 29 to the UPS domain controller 14. In the UPS domain controller 14, the domain database management program 37 is executed with priority. Therefore, the UPS domain database 36 contains a small UP in the UPS domain D1.
The latest information on S7, the latest information on load equipment, and the latest information on large UPS2 can be registered.

Such a UPS domain database 3
In the situation where the update process of No. 6 is executed periodically, the UPS
When the domain monitoring program 38 is executed in the domain controller 14, tree information (connection information) 39 corresponding to the registration order of the information in the UPS domain database 36 is generated. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the tree information 39 is displayed on the monitor 25 of the UPS domain controller 14.

The administrator who manages the power supply system using the UPS domain controller 14 monitors the power supply system using the use information, setting information, operation state information, and the like of the power supply system displayed on the monitor 25. Can be.

In order to display detailed information of each UPS group GR and equipment, a corresponding display object may be selected from the tree 39. As described above, the data in the USP domain database 36 is organized and stored in the storage area in the built-in storage medium 34 secured for each UPS group GR or small UPS 7, that is, the data is connected. Since the data of the load devices that are present are stored in order in the UPS group GR or the small UPS 7, the read processing time of the USP domain database 36 required for the detailed display can be very short. .

When the setting information and the operating state information are updated in the UPS domain controller 14, the updated setting information and the operating state information are transmitted from the UPS domain controller 14 to each of the small UPSs 7 and the load devices. . In the small UPS 7 and the load device, the setting and the operation state are changed according to the setting information and the operation state information.

For example, the UPS domain controller 1
In 4, when a schedule (setting information) of a certain small UPS 7 is changed, a fixed IP address registered as information on this small UPS 7 is designated,
This information is sent to the network. Information specifying the fixed IP address on the network is received by the small UPS 7 having the fixed IP address or the computer terminal 8 to which it is connected. Then, the schedule of the small UPS 7 is updated. The small UPS 7 operates based on the updated schedule. The updated schedule is then transmitted to the UPS domain controller 14 via the UPS group controller 13. Therefore, the monitor 2 of the UPS domain controller 14
5, it can be confirmed that the schedule of the small UPS 7 has been updated. In addition, the UPS group GR
When a plurality of small UPS7s are included in the
By simply performing the setting process on the S group GR, it is possible to set the schedule and the like for all of the plurality of small UPSs 7. Thereby, the trouble of the setting process can be reduced.

By the same processing, the fixed IP address of the destination registered in the small UPS 7 (= the small UPS 7
Is changed in the UPS domain controller 14 so that the small UPS
7 can be incorporated into another UPS group GR, or a new UPS group GR only for the small UPS 7 can be created. In addition, by transmitting control information from the UPS domain controller 14 to each device, the small UPS 7,
The operation of the computer terminal 8 can also be controlled.

Further, for example, when a load device connected to the small UPS 7 by the power cable 3 is added, information on the load device is added to the UPS group database 29. All the registration information in the UPS group database 29 is stored in the UPS domain database 36.
Is also registered. In this embodiment, the UPS
Since an extra storage area is reserved in advance for each group GR, the registration process is completed simply by registering the received information in a predetermined storage area of the built-in storage medium 34 that stores the UPS domain database 36. for that reason,
In the upper communication I / F 21, information is not lost due to buffer overflow or the like. Further, since a margin can be left in the processing time of the central processing unit 18, the monitoring control of the power supply system can be continuously performed even during such registration processing.

In a similar process, when the load device is removed from the small UPS 7, the information on the load device is deleted on the UPS
The registration information of the S domain database 36 can be updated.

As described above, in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment, the small UPS constituting the power supply system
7. The load devices can be centrally monitored and controlled by the UPS domain controller 14.

Further, even if the wall outlet 6 for connecting the small UPS 7 is changed or the connection relation of the small UPS 7 is changed due to addition or deletion of a load device, the tree 39 updated in accordance with the change. Using the display, monitoring and control of the entire power supply system can be continuously performed. As a result, the power supply system can be centrally managed without impairing its flexibility.

[0131] In the first embodiment, the UPS group controller 13 controls the small U in the UPS group GR.
Information on PS7 and information on load devices are periodically collected. However, instead of this method, the small UPS 7 and the load devices (these are constituent elements of the UPS group) connected to the network periodically transmit information on each of them using the UPS group member controller, The controller 13 may receive these from the network and update the UPS group database 29.

As described above, the UPS group member controller that is incorporated in the small UPS 7 or the load device and transmits information about itself can be basically realized by the same functional configuration as the UPS group controller 13. However, the IP address of the transmission destination is the fixed IP address of the UPS group controller 13.

Then, each load device and small UPS 7 to U
By causing the PS group controller 13 to transmit its own information, the process of collecting information by the UPS group controller 13 is simplified. Also, for example, a small U
Even when the load device connected to the PS 7 is replaced with another small UPS 7, the UPS group controller 13 which is a destination to which the load device transmits the information is transmitted.
By simply changing the fixed IP address, the tree 39 updated by the replacement can be displayed on the UPS domain controller 14.

In the first embodiment, an extra storage area is secured in the built-in storage medium 34 for each UPS group GR. On the other hand, for example,
An extra storage area may be reserved for each small UPS 7.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system to which the monitoring system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

This monitoring system comprises a plurality of UPS group controllers 13 and a U
It comprises a PS workgroup controller 44, a UPS domain controller 14 as a host computer terminal, and a network connecting these.

In this monitoring system, the power supply system shown in FIG. 5 is defined on the system as a management unit of a UPS group GR, a UPS work group WG, and a UPS domain D1, and the power supply system is managed for each management unit.

It is to be noted that the UPS work group WG includes at least two UPS groups GR (two UP groups in FIG. 5).
It is a management unit composed of S groups GR1, GR3). The UPS group controller 13 in the UPS workgroup WG stores a fixed IP address of the UPS workgroup controller 44 instead of the fixed IP address of the UPS domain controller 14.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a computer terminal 8 in which the UPS workgroup controller 44 is incorporated.

UPS workgroup controller 44
Are a controller unit 15 and a power supply unit 16
And. The controller unit 15 includes a built-in storage medium 45 as a medium storage member, the central processing unit 18,
The memory 19, the system bus 20, and a higher-level communication interface (upper-level communication I /
F) 21, Lower communication interface (lower communication I / F)
22, timer 23, input / output port (I / O port) 24
Is connected. The monitor 2 is connected to the I / O port 24.
5, a keyboard 26 and a pointing device 27 are connected. These components are the UPS shown in FIG.
The same components as those of the group controller 13 may be used, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

The built-in storage medium 45 of the UPS workgroup controller 44 has a UPS
UP for realizing workgroup controller 44
S workgroup controller program 46 and UP
An S workgroup database 47 and a fixed IP address 48 of the UPS domain controller 14 are stored.

Note that the UPS group controller 13 belonging to the UPS work group WG is provided with an UP address instead of the fixed IP address of the UPS domain controller 14.
The fixed IP address of the S workgroup controller 44 is registered. Therefore, these UPS group controllers 13 are connected to the UPS workgroup controller 4.
4, the information registered in the UPS group database 29 is transmitted.

The UPS workgroup database 47 stores information on all the UPS groups GR in the UPS workgroup WG. The information on the UPS group GR includes the definition information of the UPS group GR and the information received from each UPS group controller 13.

The UPS workgroup controller program 46 is executed by the central processing unit 18 to realize a medium storage unit, and the UPS workgroup controller program 46 is executed by the central processing unit 18 to execute a medium transmission unit. Workgroup database transmission program 50 and workgroup monitoring program 5
And 1.

The workgroup database management program 49 processes the information received from the UPS group controller 13 in the UPS workgroup database 47 in the same processing as the domain database management program 37.
Is stored in a continuous storage area in the built-in storage medium 45 in which is stored. Further, the information registered in the UPS workgroup database 47 is updated.

The workgroup database transmission program 50 performs the same processing as the group database transmission program 32, and executes the UPS workgroup database 47.
Is periodically transmitted to the UPS domain controller 14.

The work group monitoring program 51 monitors and controls the devices in the UPS work group WG in the same processing as the domain monitoring program 38.

Structures other than the above are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

Next, the overall operation of the monitoring system and the power supply system having such a configuration will be described.

The UPS group controller 13 stores information on the small UPS 7 and the load devices in each UPS group GR in the UPS group database 29.
Is transmitted from the upper communication I / F 21 to the network.

The information transmitted from the UPS group controller 13 includes the UPS domain controller 14
Or the fixed IP address of the UPS workgroup controller 44.

UPS workgroup controller 44
Receives the information transmitted from the UPS group controller 13 and registers it in the UPS workgroup database 47. Also, UPS workgroup database 4
7 is transmitted to the UPS domain controller 14 periodically.

[0154] The UPS domain controller 14
The information transmitted from the S group controller 13 and the information transmitted from the UPS workgroup controller 44 are received and registered in the UPS domain database 36.

The information registered in the UPS workgroup database 47 is processed by a process similar to that of the UPS domain controller 14 to a predetermined UPS group GR.
An area without data is reserved and registered between the information on the next UPS group GR and the information on the next UPS group GR.
Therefore, the UPS domain controller 14 transmits the information transmitted from the UPS workgroup WG44 to the U.S.
When registering in the PS domain database 36,
It is not necessary to perform a process for securing a new area for each UPS group GR.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the information regarding the plurality of UPS groups GR is arranged and arranged in the UPS work group controller 44 in a predetermined arrangement, and is transmitted to the UPS domain controller 14 collectively. You. Therefore, the UPS domain controller 14 sorts the information on the plurality of UPS groups GR by the UPS domain database 36 accordingly.
The processing time required for allocating to the storage area can be reduced. That is, even if the power supply system has a large number of small UPSs and load devices, a part of the processing is performed by the UPS workgroup controller 44.
The processing load on the UPS domain controller 14 can be reduced.

As a result, even if the power supply system has an enormous number of small-sized UPSs 7 and load devices, the monitoring using the information displayed on the monitor 25 of the UPS domain controller 14 will be hindered. No, UP
The monitoring can be performed centrally in the S domain controller 14.

In the second embodiment, a UPS workgroup controller 44 for monitoring and controlling a plurality of UPS groups GR collectively is provided below the UPS domain controller 14. On the other hand, a controller that collectively monitors and controls a plurality of UPS domains (hereinafter, referred to as a UPS station controller) and a controller that collectively monitors and controls a plurality of such controllers are provided above the UPS domain controller 14. Hereinafter, a UPS global controller will be described). Even in this case, the UPS domain controller 14 takes over part of the information organizing process in the UPS station controller, and further, the UPS station controller
This means that a part of the information arrangement processing in the UPS global controller is taken over. Therefore, by forming the multi-stage structure of the controllers in this way, the process of organizing information can be distributed to a plurality of controllers, and more devices can be collectively managed.

Embodiment 3

FIG. 7 shows an UP according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a computer terminal 8 as an S domain controller 14.

The domain database management program 52 of the UPS domain controller 14 has a new UP
When the first information is received from the S group controller 13, a continuous storage area is secured in the built-in storage medium 34 for each UPS group GR or each small UPS 7. In addition, the size of the extra storage area to be reserved for each storage area is determined by the following procedure.

1. The power consumption of the load equipment connected to the small UPS 7 is subtracted from the rated power of the small UPS 7 to obtain an extra power supply capability of the small UPS 7. In addition, the rated power of the small UPS7 and the power consumption of the load equipment are as follows.
It is read from the UPS domain database 36 and used.

2. From the combination of the load devices connected to the small UPS 7, a load device that is likely to be added is estimated. When another small UPS 7 is registered in the UPS domain database 36, the load device having a high possibility of being added is estimated by referring to the connection information. If another small UPS 7 is not registered in the UPS domain database 36 at the time of starting use of the monitoring system, for example, the combination pattern of the load devices stored in the built-in storage medium 34 in advance. Is used to estimate a load device likely to be added.

[0164] 3. The power consumption of the load device that is likely to be added is subtracted from the extra power supply capability. This power consumption may be the maximum value or the average value of the same type of load device registered in the UPS domain database 36, or the standard power consumption of the load device stored in the built-in storage medium 34 in advance. Power or maximum power consumption may be used.

[0165] 4. Repeating the above process, small UPS
When the value obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the load device from the extra power supply capacity of No. 7 becomes 0 or less, an extra storage area for the cumulative number of load devices up to that point is secured. Alternatively, an extra storage area is secured for the number of load devices one less than the cumulative number of load devices up to this point. Note that the information amount of the information on each load device may be estimated as a predetermined fixed information amount.
The information amount of the largest load device registered in the S domain database 36 or the information amount of the same type of load device may be estimated and used as the information amount.

The other configuration is the same as that of the UPS of the first embodiment.
The configuration is the same as that of the domain controller 14, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

In this way, the number of load devices that can be actually added extra is calculated for each UPS group GR or each small UPS 7, and the size that can be stored by the number of load devices that can be added is stored. Can secure a storage area.

As a result, an extra storage area which is less likely to be used may be secured compared to a case where an extra storage area is secured uniformly for each UPS group GR or each small UPS 7. Absent. In addition, information on the added load devices can be stored in the storage area previously and continuously secured in the built-in storage medium 34 for each UPS group GR or each small UPS 7.

Therefore, the UPS domain database 3
The size of 6 can be minimized within a range that does not impair the flexibility of the power supply system. Also,
If the storage area of the built-in storage medium 34 is wasted,
An extra increase in search time due to an increase in the domain database 36 can be prevented.

Conversely, if an extra storage area is uniformly reserved for each small UPS 7, there is a risk that the extra storage area that is supposed to be reserved may become insufficient in the future. Such danger can be substantially prevented.

Therefore, the UPS domain database 3
6, it is possible to effectively prevent the processing of moving or deleting information about another registered UPS group GR.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 8 shows an UP according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a computer terminal 8 as an S domain controller 14.

The domain database management program 53 of the UPS domain controller 14 secures an extra storage area in the built-in storage medium 34 for each UPS group GR or each small UPS 7 by estimation, as in the third embodiment. In addition, information on the load devices used for the estimation is temporarily registered in the extra storage area.

The information on the temporarily registered load devices is overwritten when the load devices are actually added.

The other configuration is the same as that of the UPS of the third embodiment.
The configuration is the same as that of the domain controller 14, and the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

Then, an extra storage area to be reserved is estimated for each UPS group GR or each small UPS 7 as described above. Moreover, since the information on the load devices used for the estimation is registered in the extra storage area, the load device used for the estimation is included in the tree 39 generated according to the information array of the UPS domain database 36. .

Therefore, an administrator who manages the power supply system using this UPS domain controller 14
The remaining capacity of each small UPS 7 can be easily grasped on the monitor 25.

As a result, for example, a load device connected to a certain small UPS 7 is reconnected to another small UPS 7 on the basis of an instruction from the administrator, and a load that consumes a large amount of power in the vacant small UPS 7. Devices can also be connected. That is, it is possible to easily construct a power supply system that efficiently uses the total capacity of the plurality of small UPSs 7.

[0180]

According to the present invention, a plurality of power supply facilities including a plurality of small UPSs used in the power supply system can be integrated without losing the system flexibility of the power supply system to be monitored or the small UPS. Can be managed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a power supply system monitored by a monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a computer terminal in which a UPS group controller is incorporated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a computer terminal as a UPS domain controller in FIG.

4 is a display screen showing a window for displaying the power supply system shown in FIG. 1 on a monitor of a UPS domain controller.

FIG. 5 is a system configuration diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system to which a monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a computer terminal in which a UPS workgroup controller is incorporated in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a computer terminal as a UPS domain controller according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a computer terminal as a UPS domain controller according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Commercial AC power supply (part of power supply system) 2 Large uninterruptible power supply (part of large UPS, power supply system) 3 Power supply cable (part of power supply system) 4 Main distribution board (part of power supply system) 5 Sub distribution board (part of power supply system) 6 Wall outlet (part of power supply system) 7 Small uninterruptible power supply (small UPS) 8 Computer terminal (load device, communication terminal) 9 Network server (load device, communication terminal) 10) hub (load device, part of network) 11 database (load device) 12 communication cable (part of network) 13 UPS group controller 14 UPS domain controller (upper computer terminal) 17 built-in storage medium (lower storage member) 18 Central processing unit 21 Upper communication interface (upper communication I / F, communication interface Face member) 22 lower communication interface (lower communication I / F) 28 UPS group controller program 29 UPS group database 30 fixed IP address of UPS domain controller 31 group database management program (lower storage means) 32 group database transmission program (lower transmission means) ) 34 Built-in storage medium (upper storage member) 35 UPS domain controller program 36 UPS domain database 37 Domain database management program (upper storage unit) 38 Domain monitoring program (part of display unit) 39 Tree configuration 44 UPS workgroup controller ( Medium computer terminal 45 Built-in storage medium (Medium storage member) 46 UPS workgroup controller program 47 UPS Workgroup database 48 Fixed IP address of UPS domain controller 49 Workgroup database management program (middle storage means) 50 Workgroup database transmission program (middle transmission means) 52 Domain database management program (higher storage means) 53 Domain database management program (High-order storage means) GR (GR1, GR2, GR3, GR4) UPS group D1 UPS domain WG UPS work group

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 9, 2003 (2003.5.9)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 9

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 11

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0041

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Another monitoring device according to the present invention is an uninterruptible power supply.
A connection indicating the connection relationship between the device and the load equipment connected to it.
Connection information to multiple uninterruptible power supplies or
Received from multiple communication terminals over the network
A communication interface member, an upper storage member for storing information, an upper storage member for storing information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply received from the network in the upper storage member, and a higher storage member. Connection relationship information
Information about each uninterruptible power supply and the load connected to it
Display means for displaying information indicating a connection relationship with the device on a display member.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0042

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

If this configuration is adopted, the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal is connected to the uninterruptible power supply.
Receiving connection relationship information indicating a connection relationship with the load device ,
Information indicating a connection relationship between each uninterruptible power supply device and a load device connected thereto can be displayed on a display member.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0047

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Another monitoring program according to the present invention is connected to a network, connected to an uninterruptible power supply and connected thereto.
Connection information indicating the connection relationship with the
Uninterruptible power supply or multiple communication terminals that manage it
A communication interface member for receiving via a network, a higher-level storage member for storing information, and a display member for displaying information, a computer terminal having information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply received from the network. Based on the upper-level storage means for storing the information in the upper-level storage member and the connection relationship information stored in the upper-level storage member.
A display means for displaying information indicating a connection relationship between the power failure power supply device and a load device connected thereto on a display member.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0048

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In the computer terminal in which this monitoring program is installed , the connection between the uninterruptible power supply and the load equipment connected thereto is made from the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal.
Receiving the connection relationship information indicating the connection relationship, the uninterruptible power supply
Information indicating the connection relationship between the device and the load device connected thereto can be displayed on the display member.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An uninterruptible power supply or a communication terminal that manages the uninterruptible power supply transmits information indicating a connection relation of the uninterruptible power supply to a predetermined host computer terminal via a network. A monitoring system for centrally managing a power supply system including a plurality of the uninterruptible power supply devices, wherein information is transmitted and received between the uninterruptible power supply device or the communication terminal and the host computer terminal via the network Is performed by specifying the identification information of the transmission destination at the transmission source of the information, provided in each of the uninterruptible power supply or the communication terminal that transmits information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply, A plurality of lower-level storage members for storing identification information of the higher-level computer terminal in the network; The uninterruptible power supply device is provided in each of the uninterruptible power supply devices or the communication terminals for transmitting information indicating a connection relationship of the power supply device, and specifies identification information stored in the lower-level storage member as a transmission destination. A plurality of lower transmission means for transmitting information indicating the connection relationship from the communication interface member to the network; an upper storage member provided in the upper computer terminal for storing information; and Upper storage means for storing information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply device received from the upper storage member, and the uninterruptible power supply device provided in the upper computer terminal and stored in the upper storage member A display means for displaying information indicating the connection relationship of the information on a display member. Beam. 2. The lower-level storage member includes information relating to the uninterruptible power supply as information indicating a connection relation of the uninterruptible power supply, and information relating to all load devices connected to the uninterruptible power supply. The lower transmission means causes the information on the uninterruptible power supply device and all of the information on the load equipment to be transmitted, and the upper storage means stores the information for each of the lower transmission means or the uninterruptible power supply. For each device, a continuous storage area is secured on the upper storage member, and all of the information received from each lower transmission unit is stored in the storage area. Further, the display unit stores information in the upper storage member. 2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply is generated based on the arrangement of the uninterruptible power supply, and the information is displayed on the display member. 3. 3. The lower-level storage member stores periodically updated setting information or operating state information of the uninterruptible power supply and setting information or operating state information of the load device. Information on the uninterruptible power supply and all of the information on the load devices are periodically transmitted, and the higher-level storage unit accesses the higher-level storage member with priority over the display unit. Claim 2
The described monitoring system. 4. When the first information is received from each of the lower-level transmission units, the upper-level storage unit increases the information amount of the received information for each of the lower-level transmission units or for each of the uninterruptible power supplies. 4. The monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein the storage area is secured in a size that can store the amount of information. 5. The storage area that the higher-order storage means reserves extra for each of the lower-order transmission means or for each of the uninterruptible power supplies, the extra power supply capability of the uninterruptible power supply,
The number of load devices that can be added within the range of the power supply capacity is calculated based on the power consumption of the load devices that is set by guessing or set in advance, and an extra number of load devices that can be added is calculated. 5. The monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the monitoring system is secured in a size that can be stored. 6. The monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein information relating to the load devices used for calculating the number of the added load devices is written in the extra storage area. 7. A middle-level storage member for storing information including identification information of the upper-level computer terminal, and a middle-level storage for storing information indicating a connection relationship received from the plurality of lower-level transmission units in the middle-level storage member. Means, and medium transmission means for transmitting the information indicating the connection relationship stored in the intermediate storage member by designating the identification information as a transmission destination to a communication interface member connected to the network, A medium-level computer terminal for storing information on the uninterruptible power supply and information on all of the load devices in a continuous storage area of the middle-level storage member, and at least two of the plurality of lower-level storage members The monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: storing identification information of the middle-level computer terminal. . 8. A monitoring device for transmitting information indicating a connection relationship of an uninterruptible power supply to a predetermined higher-level computer terminal via a network, the lower-level device storing identification information of the higher-level computer terminal in the network. A storage member; lower storage means for storing information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply in the lower storage member; a communication interface member connected to the network; and an identification stored in the lower storage member. A monitoring apparatus, comprising: a lower transmission unit that specifies information as a transmission destination and transmits information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply to the communication interface member. 9. A monitoring device for receiving, via a network, information indicating a connection relationship between uninterruptible power supply devices from a plurality of uninterruptible power supply devices or a plurality of communication terminals for managing the uninterruptible power supply devices. A communication interface member for receiving information indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply from the network, an upper storage member for storing information, and information for indicating the connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply received from the network in the upper storage member A monitoring device comprising: a higher-level storage unit configured to cause the display unit to display information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply stored in the higher-level storage member. 10. A computer terminal comprising: a communication interface member connected to a network; and a lower storage member for storing identification information of the transmission destination of the information in the network. A lower-level storage unit that stores the identification information as a transmission destination, and a lower-level transmission unit that transmits information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply to the communication interface member. A monitoring program readable by a computer terminal. 11. A computer terminal connected to a network and comprising a communication interface member for receiving information indicating a connection relationship of an uninterruptible power supply, a higher-level storage member for storing information, and a display member for displaying information. An upper storage means for storing information indicating a connection relationship of the uninterruptible power supply received from the network in the upper storage member; and a connection relationship between the uninterruptible power supply devices stored in the upper storage member. A computer-readable monitoring program, which realizes a display means for displaying information on the display member.