JP2012161208A - Power supply device and power supply control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply device supplying power corresponding to load fluctuation while reducing lowering of power conversion efficiency.SOLUTION: The power supply device comprises: multiple power conversion parts operating either in an operation state in which supplied alternating-current power is converted to direct current power to supply the converted direct current power to an external load device or in a stand-by state in which alternating-current power is supplied but direct current power is not supplied to the load device; a control current value storage section storing in advance a standby current value used for determining whether or not to activate at least one of the power conversion parts in the operation state in the stand-by state and a starting current value used for determining whether or not to activate at least one of the power conversion parts in the stand-by state in the operational state for the number of the power conversion parts in the operation state; and an operation control section determining whether to activate each of the power conversion parts either in the operation state or the stand-by state based on the number of the power conversion parts in the operational state, the standby current value and the starting current value corresponding to the number, and current values which are supplied by the multiple power conversion parts to the load device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device and a power supply control method.

In order to supply stable DC power to a load device that operates using DC power, for example, a server device such as a computer, a plurality of power conversion devices that convert AC power supplied from an AC power source into DC power are connected in parallel. In general, a technique is used in which a DC power is supplied to a load device by connecting to and operating a load device.
When operating multiple power converters connected in parallel, in order to ensure high reliability of power supply, assuming that the DC power consumed by the load device is always maximum, all power converters It is necessary to drive.

However, when the load device is operated, if DC power is always supplied using all of the power converters, loss generated when converting AC power into DC power increases, and wasteful power is consumed. . As a result, power conversion efficiency has been reduced in the power conversion device.
Therefore, based on the current value of the DC power supplied to the load device, the number of power conversion devices to be operated is determined, the number of power conversion devices is operated, and the other power conversion devices are stopped, thereby reducing the loss. A technique for reducing the density is being studied (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-195079 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Literature 1, since the number of power conversion devices to be operated and the number of power conversion devices to be stopped are determined according to the current value to be output, the power consumed by the load device is reduced. If it fluctuates suddenly, it takes time to detect the fluctuation of the current value and to operate the stopped power converter, and the supply of power cannot keep up with the fluctuation of the load. There is a possibility.

  In order to cope with such a case, a storage battery is provided between the power conversion device and the load device. However, in response to load fluctuations that rely on storage batteries, if sudden fluctuations in the required power occur frequently, the power stored in the storage battery may be insufficient, and sufficient power may not be supplied to the load device. There is a possibility that stable power supply cannot be achieved. In addition, if power is frequently supplied from the storage battery, the storage battery deteriorates and the amount of power stored in the storage battery is reduced, which may make it impossible to cope with sudden load fluctuations.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply apparatus and a power supply that can perform power supply corresponding to load fluctuations while reducing a decrease in power conversion efficiency. It is to provide a control method.

  In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a power supply device that converts AC power supplied from an AC power source into DC power and supplies the DC power to a load device, wherein the AC power supplied from the AC power source is converted to DC power. A plurality of power converters for converting to an operating state in which the converted DC power is supplied to an external load device, and a standby state in which AC power is supplied from the AC power supply but DC power is not supplied to the load device At least among the plurality of power conversion units operating in any one of the above, a storage battery connected in parallel with the plurality of power conversion units with respect to the load device, and the power conversion unit operating in the operating state Determination of whether or not to operate at least one of the standby current value used for determining whether or not to operate one in the standby state and the power conversion unit operating in the standby state The starting current value to be used is stored in advance for each number of power conversion units operating in the operating state, and the number of power conversion units operating in the current operating state, Based on the standby current value and the start-up current value corresponding to the number, and the current value that the plurality of power converters supply to the load device, in either the operating state or the standby state, It is a power supply device provided with the operation control part which determines whether each electric power conversion part is operated.

  Further, the present invention is the invention described above, wherein the standby current value and the starting current value are the number of operating power units that are the number of power conversion units operating in the operating state, and the plurality of power conversions It is predetermined based on the electric current value at the time of switching to the number in which the power loss in a part becomes the smallest, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Further, the present invention is the invention described in the above, wherein the plurality of power conversion units are any one of the operating state, the standby state, and a stopped state in which AC power is not supplied from the AC power source. The operation control unit is further operated by the number of power conversion units operating in the current operation state, the standby current value and the startup current value corresponding to the operation number, Based on the current value that the plurality of power converters supply to the load device and the time that has elapsed since the current number of operating units, the operating state, the standby state, and the stop state It is determined whether to operate each of the power conversion units.

  Further, the present invention is the power conversion device according to the above-described invention, wherein the power conversion receives supply of AC power from the AC power source among the plurality of power conversion units based on a history of current values supplied by the plurality of power conversion units. A command number determining unit for calculating a command number indicating the number of units; and the operation control unit further includes the standby unit when the number of the power conversion units operating in the operation state is less than the command number. The number of power conversion units operating in the state is made to coincide with the difference between the number of power conversion units operating in the operation state and the command number.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the control current value storage unit further determines whether or not to operate at least one of the power conversion units operating in the operation state in the stopped state. For each of the number of operating units, a stop current value used for the determination and a forced start current value used for determining whether or not to operate at least one of the power conversion units operating in the stopped state in the operating state. The operation control unit further stores the operation number, the standby current value corresponding to the operation number, the start current value, the stop current value, and the forced start current value, Based on the current value that the power conversion unit supplies to the load device and the time that has elapsed since the current number of operating units, the operation state, the standby state, or the stop state Said power conversion part And judging whether to operate the record.

In the invention described above, the operation control unit may further include a sum of the number of operating units and the number of power conversion units operating in the standby state greater than the commanded number, In addition, when there is a power conversion unit operating in the standby state, the number of power conversion units operating in the standby state is reduced.
Further, the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the operation control unit further operates in the operation state when a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the current operation number is reached. The power conversion unit is operated in the standby state.

  Further, the present invention provides a plurality of power conversion units that convert AC power supplied from an AC power source into DC power, an operating state in which the converted DC power is supplied to an external load device, and AC power from the AC power source. Are connected in parallel with the plurality of power conversion units with respect to an external load device, and a plurality of power conversion units that operate in either a standby state in which DC power is not supplied to the load device A standby current value used for determining whether or not to operate at least one of the storage battery and the power conversion unit operating in the operation state in the standby state, and the power conversion unit operating in the standby state A control current value storage unit that stores in advance, for each number of power conversion units operating in the operation state, a start-up current value used for determining whether or not at least one of them is operated in the operation state; With The number of power conversion units operating in the current operating state, the standby current value and the startup current value corresponding to the number, and the plurality of power conversion units Has an operation control step of determining whether to operate each of the power conversion units in the operation state or the standby state based on the current value supplied to the load device. This is a power control method.

According to the present invention, based on the standby current value and the startup current value and the current value of the power output from the plurality of power conversion units, it is determined whether to operate each of the power conversion units in the operating state or the standby state. Then, the operation of each power converter is determined.
By operating the power conversion unit in a standby state, it is shorter than the time required for the power conversion unit to start supplying DC power when operating in a driving state from a state in which AC power is not supplied to the power conversion unit. In time, the supply of DC power can be started, and the fluctuation of DC power required by the load device can be dealt with. In addition, since the power conversion unit does not supply DC power to the load device in the standby state, it is possible to perform power supply corresponding to load fluctuations while reducing a decrease in power conversion efficiency. As a result, the burden on the storage battery can be reduced, and the possibility of not being able to cope with sudden load fluctuations can be reduced.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the power supply device 1 in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the power supply module 12 in the embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the control current value table memorize | stored in the control current value memory | storage part 143 in the embodiment. It is the graph which showed an example of the change of the power loss by the change of the number of driving | running states. It is a schematic diagram showing a method of calculating the standby current value A _i and the activation current value B _i in the embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the driving number switching value table memorize | stored in the driving number switching value memory | storage part 144 in the embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the power module information memorize | stored in the power module status storage part 145 in the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart (1) illustrating a process of a control routine in which the operation control unit 147 in the embodiment controls the power supply module 12. It is a flowchart (2) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (3) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the same embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (4) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (5) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the same embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (6) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (7) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (8) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the same embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (9) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. It is a flowchart (10) which shows the process of the control routine which the operation control part 147 in the embodiment controls the power supply module 12. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation example of the power supply device 1 in the same embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the power supply system in 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a power supply device and a power supply control method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the power supply device 1 is a device that converts AC power input from the AC power supply 11 into DC power and supplies stable DC power to a plurality of load devices 5. , 12-N (N is a natural number of 2 or more) and a control unit 14. A storage battery 3 is connected to a power line that supplies power from the power supply device 1 to the plurality of load devices 5. The storage battery 3 outputs the stored power when the power supplied from the power supply device 1 is less than the power consumed by the load device 5.
Here, the load device 5 is, for example, a device that provides a communication line or a server device such as a computer.

For example, the AC power supply 11 may use AC power provided by an electric power company, or may generate AC power using a motor.
The power supply modules 12-1 to 12 -N have the same configuration, and are connected in parallel between the AC power supply 11 and the output terminal 19. Further, each of the power supply modules 12-1 to 12 -N operates in one of an operation state, a standby state, and a stop state according to the control of the control unit 14.
Hereinafter, when any one or all of the power supply modules 12-1 to 12-N are shown, they are referred to as the power supply module 12.

  Here, the operating state means that the power supply module 12 receives supply of AC power from the AC power source 11, converts the supplied AC power into DC power, and loads the converted DC power via the output terminal 19. This is a state of outputting to the device 5. The standby state is a state where AC power is supplied from the AC power supply 11 but DC power is not supplied to the load device 5. Further, the stopped state is a state where AC power is not supplied from the AC power supply 11.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power supply module 12 in the present embodiment.
The power supply module 12 includes a control circuit switch 121, a power supply control circuit 122, a main circuit input switch 123, a power conversion circuit 124, and an output switch 125.
The control circuit switch 121 switches whether to output AC power input from the AC power supply 11 to the power supply control circuit 122. The control circuit switch 121 is configured using, for example, a circuit breaker that cuts off power input from the AC power supply 11.
The switching of the output in the control circuit switch 121 is performed based on a control signal that is input from the control unit 14 and that indicates one of an operation state, a standby state, and a stop state. The control circuit switch 121 is closed when the control signal indicates an operating state or a standby state, and outputs AC power to the power supply control circuit 122. When the control signal indicates a stop state, the control circuit switch 121 is open and supplies AC power to the power source. It is not output to the control circuit 122.

  The power supply control circuit 122 operates with AC power input via the control circuit switch 121, and depends on the frequency and voltage of the AC power input to the power supply module 12, the voltage of the DC power output from the power supply module 12, and the like. Then, the power conversion circuit 124 is controlled. Further, the power supply control circuit 122 causes the power conversion circuit 124 to perform conversion from alternating current to direct current when the control signal indicating the operation state or the standby state is input to the power supply module 12. Note that when a control signal indicating a stop state is input to the power supply module 12, AC power is not supplied to the power supply control circuit 122, so the power supply control circuit 122 does not control the power conversion circuit 124.

  The main circuit input switch 123 switches whether to output AC power input from the AC power supply 11 to the power conversion circuit 124. The output of the main circuit input switch 123 is switched based on a control signal input from the control unit 14. When the control signal indicates an operation state or a standby state, the main circuit input switch 123 is closed and AC power is supplied to the power conversion circuit 124. When output and the control signal indicates a stop state, the control signal is opened, and AC power is not output to the power conversion circuit 124.

  The power conversion circuit 124 converts the AC power input via the main circuit input switch 123 into DC power and outputs it under the control of the power supply control circuit 122. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the power conversion circuit 124 rectifies AC power and converts it into a predetermined voltage, and smoothes the output of the AC-DC conversion circuit 124 a. And a capacitor 124b.

  The output switch 125 switches whether to output the DC power output from the power conversion circuit 124 to the outside of the power supply module 12 based on a control signal input from the control unit 14. The output switching in the output switch 125 is performed based on a control signal input from the control unit 14. When the control signal indicates an operation state, the output switch 125 is closed, and the DC power output from the power conversion circuit 124 is supplied to the power supply module 12. When the control signal indicates a standby state or a stopped state, it is in an open state, and the DC power output by the power conversion circuit 124 is not output to the outside of the power supply module 12.

As described above, the power supply module 12 does not supply DC power to the load device 5 when operating in the standby state, but supplies DC power to the load device 5 only by switching the output switch 125. It is in a state that can be.
Further, in the power supply module 12 configured as described above, when operating in the standby state, the smoothing capacitor 124b maintains a state in which charges are stored. Therefore, when the power supply module 12 is switched from the standby state to the operation state, the power supply module 12 can start outputting DC power in a shorter time than when the power supply module 12 is switched from the stop state to the operation state.

Returning to FIG. 1, the description of the configuration of the power supply device 1 will be continued.
Based on the total current value output from each of the power supply modules 12-1 to 12-N, the control unit 14 controls each power supply module 12 to operate in one of an operating state, a standby state, and a stopped state. The DC power consumed by the load device 5 is stably supplied to each power supply module 12. Here, the total current value is the total sum of the current values output by the power supply modules 12.

When the power supply module 12 operates in an operating state, AC power is supplied to the power supply control circuit 122 and the power conversion circuit 124 provided in the power supply module 12. At this time, the power supply module 12 converts the input AC power into DC power, outputs the converted DC power from the output terminal 19, and supplies DC power to the load device 5.
When the power supply module 12 operates in a stopped state, the supply of AC power to the power supply control circuit 122 and the power conversion circuit 124 provided in the power supply module 12 is cut off, and the DC power is supplied to the load device 5. Is in a state where no supply is performed.
Further, when the power supply module 12 operates in the standby state, power is supplied to at least the power supply control circuit 122 in the power supply module 12, and the load is loaded in a shorter time than the stop state in accordance with a control signal input from the control unit 14. This is a state in which the supply of DC power to the device 5 can be started.

  The control unit 14 includes an operation history storage unit 141, a command number determination unit 142, a control current value storage unit 143, an operation unit switching value storage unit 144, a power supply module state storage unit 145, a current measurement unit 146, and an operation control unit 147. I have.

The operation history storage unit 141 stores information indicating the operation state of each power supply module 12 and information indicating the total current value output from the power supply module 12 in association with the time. A history of values is stored.
The command number determination unit 142 is a command that indicates the number of power supply modules 12 that are supplied with AC power from the AC power supply 11 based on the time series of the operation state and the total current value of the power supply modules 12 stored in the operation history storage unit 141. Calculate the number. For example, the command number determination unit 142 calculates the average value of the past total current values in the hour for each hour, and the number of power supply modules 12 that can supply the current amount indicated by the calculated average value, or the number +1 is determined as the command number.
Here, the number of power supply modules 12 that receive the supply of AC power from the AC power supply 11 is the number of power supply modules 12 that operate in an operating state or a standby state. The command number is used when the operation control unit 147 determines the number of power supply modules 12 to be operated in the operation state or the standby state.

The control current value storage unit 143 stores in advance a standby / operation switching current value table and a stop / operation switching current value table. In the standby / operation switching current value table, a standby current value and a startup current value used for determination to switch between the standby state and the operating state are associated with the number of operating units (1 to N units). In the stop / operation switching current value table, the stop current value and the forced start current value used for the determination of switching between the stop state and the operation state are associated with the number of operating units (1 to N units).
Here, the standby current value (A _n , 2 ≦ n ≦ N) is obtained when the number of operating modules, which is the number of power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state, is n, and the operating current is operated in n operating states. This is a current value used for determining whether or not any one of the power supply modules 12 to be operated is in a standby state. When the total current value output from the power supply module 12 falls below the standby current value, the control unit 14 causes any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the n operating states to operate in the standby state. To (n-1) units.

The starting current value (B _n , 1 ≦ n ≦ N−1) is the number of operating units, and when at least one power supply module 12 is operating in the standby state, It is a current value used for determining whether or not any one of the power supply modules 12 that are present is operated in an operating state. When the total current value output from the power supply module 12 becomes _{equal to} or higher than the startup current value _Bn , the control unit 14 operates any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the standby state in the operation state, and operates in the operation state. The (n + 1) power supply modules 12 are set.

In addition, the stop current value (C _n , 2 ≦ n ≦ N) is set to stop any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the n operating state when the operating number is n. Current value used for determining whether or not. When the total current value output from the power supply module 12 falls below the stop current value, the control unit 14 causes any one of the n power supply modules 12 operating in the operation state to operate in the stop state. To (n-1) units.

The forced start-up current value (D _n , 1 ≦ n ≦ N−1) is the power supply operating in the stopped state when there are n operating units and the power supply module 12 operating in the stopped state. It is a current value used for determining whether or not any one of the modules 12 is operated in an operating state. When the total current value output from the power supply module 12 becomes _{equal to} or greater than the forced startup current value Dn, the control unit 14 operates any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the stopped state in the operating state, and determines the number of operating units. Use (n + 1) units.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a standby / operation switching current value table and a stop / operation switching current value table stored in the control current value storage unit 143 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the standby / operation switching current value table is, for example, tabular data consisting of rows and columns, and includes columns of items of the number of operating units, standby current values, and startup current values. And have a row for each number of units in operation. For example, the standby current value A ₂ and the startup current value B ₂ are associated with _two operating units. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the stop / operation switching current value table is, for example, tabular data composed of rows and columns, and items of the number of operating units, stop current values, and forced start current values. And a column for each number of operating units. For example, the stop current value C _(N-1) and the forced start current value D _(N-1) are associated with the number of operating units (N-1).
In the standby / operation switching current value table and the stop / operation switching current value table shown in FIG. 3, in order to prevent the load device 5 from being stopped, control to change the number of operating units from one to zero, that is, all power supplies Since the control for operating the module 12 in the stop state or the standby state is not performed, the standby current value A ₁ and the stop current value C ₁ corresponding to the case where the number of operating units is one is not set. May be.

Here, a method of determining the standby current value A _i , the start current value B _i , the stop current value C _i , and the forced start current value D _i (i = 1, 2,..., N) will be described.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a change in power loss due to a change in the number of operating states. In the figure, the total current value for each of the power supply module 12 in the operating state, the two power supply modules 12 in the operating state, and the three power supply modules 12 in the operating state. The relationship (loss characteristic) between [A] and loss [W] is shown. In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the total current value, and the vertical axis indicates the power loss.
As shown in FIG. 4, the total current value that can be supplied from the power supply module 12 is determined from the number of the power supply modules 12 that are operating in the operating state (the number of operating modules), but the number of operating modules varies depending on the loss characteristics of the power supply modules 12. Then, the loss (efficiency) also changes. Therefore, the number of operating units with the smallest loss is determined for each range of the total current value, and a threshold value for changing the number of operating units is determined in advance.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, when the current value is in the range from 0 to I ₁ , the loss of one unit is the smallest, and in the range of the current value from I ₁ to I ₂ , the loss of the two units is fewest, current value in the I ₂ greater than the range, the loss of three operation becomes smallest. Therefore, perform one operation at a range of current values 0 to I _1, the current value is performed two operating in the range from I ₁ to I _2, 3 units operating in current value I ₂ is greater than the range By doing so, the loss can be minimized.
Here, the current value I ₁ is a current value corresponding to the intersection of the graphs showing the loss characteristics during one operation, with the graph showing the loss characteristics at the time of two operation. Further, the current value I ₂ is a graph showing the loss characteristics of the two during operation, a current value corresponding to the intersection between the graph showing the loss characteristics at the time of three operation.

The standby current value A _i , the start current value B _i , the stop current value C _i , and the forced start current value D _i in this embodiment are the operations that can minimize the loss, as in the example shown in FIG. It is calculated so that the number can be selected.
Specifically, the current value for changing the number of operating units is calculated as follows.
The number of operating units is _one N, the number of power modules 12 operating in a standby state (hereinafter, referred to as stand-number) is _two N, the number of power modules 12 operating in a stopped state (hereinafter, The loss Loss (N ₁ , I) when the number of stops (N) is N ₃ can be calculated by the following equation (1).

Here, in Expression (1), a, b, and c are values determined in advance based on loss characteristics in power conversion of the power supply module 12. W1 is the amount of power consumed when one power supply module 12 operates in a standby state, and W2 is the amount of power consumed when one power supply module 12 operates in a stopped state. Moreover, in Formula (1), since the power consumption of the power supply module 12 which operate | moves in a standby state and a stop state is not output to the load apparatus 5, it is regarded as a loss.
In addition, when the number of operating units is (N ₁ -1), the number of standby units is (N ₂ +1), and the number of stopped units is N ₃ units, that is, the number of operating units is reduced by 1 with respect to Equation (1). The loss Loss (N ₁ -1, I) idle when the number of standby units is increased by one can be calculated by the following equation (2).

Here, using Formula (1) and Formula (2), the current value I satisfying Loss (N ₁ , I) = Loss (N ₁ −1, I) idle (the number of operating units N ₁ , the number of standby units N _2). , Whether or not one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state is operated in the standby state while minimizing the power loss by calculating for each combination of the stopped number N ₃ ), and the standby state It is possible to calculate a threshold value used for determining whether or not one of the power supply modules 12 operating in (1) is operated in an operating state.

However, if the threshold value calculated as described above is used for determination, switching between the operating state and the standby state frequently occurs when the total current value changes in the vicinity of the threshold value.
Therefore, in order to be switched between a standby state and the operating state takes place in hysteresis, and the threshold value I ₁ calculated using the equations (1) and (2) the reference is switched to the standby state from the operating state A standby current value A _i as a threshold value at the time of activation and a start-up current value B _i as a threshold value at the time of switching from the standby state to the operating state are calculated as follows.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of calculating the standby current value A _i and the startup current value B _{i in} the present embodiment. In the figure, the horizontal axis indicates the total current value, and the vertical axis indicates the loss. The graph shown by the function f ₍₁₎ shows the loss when the number of operating units is (N ₁ −1). Further, the graph shown by the function f _(2), the number of operating units indicates a loss at the time of _one N. The current value I ₁ is a current value corresponding to the intersection of the graph of the function f _{(1) and} the graph of the function f ₍₂₎ .

Here, the standby current value A _i and the starting current value B _i are defined as the following expressions (3-1) and (3-2) using the current value I ₁ .

At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, in a range obtained by adding or subtracting the likelihood (k) a predetermined current value I ₁ in a range including a current value I _1, loss S (= S 1 ₊ S ₂ The standby current value A _i and the start-up current value B _i are determined by determining the ratio x (the ratio to the likelihood) so that) is minimized.
The likelihood (k) is determined in advance based on a simulation, an actual measurement value, or the like.

When the number of operating units is controlled using the standby current value A _i and the starting current value B _i determined as described above, specifically, the number of operating units when the total current value becomes equal to or less than the standby current value A _i. Is changed from (N ₁ -1) units to N ₁ units, and when the total current value becomes equal to or greater than the starting current value B _i , the number of operating units is changed from N ₁ units to (N ₁ -1) units, loss increases compared to when switching the operation number by using the current value I _1. This increasing loss S is calculated by the following equations (4-1) to (4-3).

The ratio x that minimizes the loss S is calculated from the expressions (4-1) to (4-3), and the standby current value A _i and the starting current value B _i are determined using the calculated ratio x.

Next, a method for determining the stop current value C _i and the forced start current value D _i will be described.
When the number of operating units is (N ₁ -1), the number of standby units is N ₂ , and the number of stopped units is (N ₃ +1) units, that is, the number of operating units is reduced by one with respect to equation (1) and stopped. The loss Loss (N ₁ -1, I) halt when the number is increased by one can be calculated by the following equation (5), similarly to the equation (2).

Here, the current value I satisfying Loss (N ₁ , I) = Loss (N ₁ −1, I) halt is calculated for each number of operating units N ₁ , thereby operating in a stopped state while minimizing the conversion loss. The threshold value used when determining whether to operate the power supply module 12 in the operating state can be calculated.
Here, as in the case of calculating the standby current value A _i and the start-up current value B _i , Loss (N ₁ , I) = Loss is set so that the switching between the operation state and the stop state is performed in a hysteresis manner. (N 1 _-1, I) based on the current value I becomes a halt, the likelihood stop current value by determining the ratio x for the (k%) C _i, and be determined by calculating the force start current value D _i Can do.

As described above, the standby current value A _i used for determining whether or not any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state is operated in the standby state, and the operation in the standby state, for each number of operating units. Whether or not one of the starting current value B _i used for determining whether or not to operate the power supply module 12 in the operating state and the power supply module 12 operated in the operating state is to be operated in the stopped state The stop current value C _i used to determine whether or not and the forced start current value D _i used to determine whether or not any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the stopped state is operated in the operating state It is determined based on the loss characteristics of the module 12.
Using the standby current value A _i , the start current value B _i , the stop current value C _i , and the forced start current value D _i , the control unit 14 selects the number of operating units with the minimum loss.

Returning to FIG. 1, the description of the configuration of the power supply device 1 will be continued.
In the operation number switching value storage unit 144, when the command number determination unit 142 determines the command number, the standby / operation switching current value table and the stop / operation switching current value table stored in the control current value storage unit 143 are stored. And an operation number switching value table based on the command number. In the operation number switching value table, a decrease threshold value and an increase threshold value are associated with each operation number (1 to N units). Here, the decrease threshold is a threshold used for determining whether to decrease the number of operating units, and the increase threshold is a threshold used for determining whether to increase the number of operating units.
The operation number switching value table is updated based on the standby / operation switching current value table, the stop / operation switching current value table, and the command number.

Specifically, when the command number determining unit 142 calculates the command number (i), the operation control unit 147 sets the standby current value A _m (2 ≦ m ≦ i) to the decrease threshold corresponding to the number of operating units 2 to i. And a stop current value C _m (i + 1 ≦ m ≦ N) is determined as a decrease threshold corresponding to the number of operating units (i + 1) to N units. Further, the starting current value B _m (1 ≦ m ≦ i−1) is determined as the increase threshold corresponding to the number of operating units 1 to (i−1), and the increase corresponding to the number of operating units i to (N−1). Forced starting current _Dm (i <= m <= N-1) is defined as a threshold value.
In this way, the operation control unit 147 updates the decrease threshold value and the increase threshold value associated with the operation number in the operation number switching value table based on the command number calculated by the command number determination unit 142.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the operating number switching value table stored in the operating number switching value storage unit 144 according to the present embodiment. The operation number switching value table shown in FIG. 6A is an example when the number of power supply modules 12 provided in the power supply device 1 is six (N = 6) and the number of commands is four. As shown in FIG. 6A, “−, A ₂ , A ₃ , A ₄ , C ₅ , C ₆ ” is defined as a decrease threshold value associated with the number of operating units (1 to 6 units), and the number of operating units ( “B ₁ , B ₂ , B ₃ , D ₄ , D ₅ , −” is defined as an increase threshold associated with 1 to 6 units).
The operation number switching value table shown in FIG. 6B is an example in which the number of power supply modules 12 provided in the power supply device 1 is six (N = 6) and the number of commands is two. In this case, the decrease threshold value associated with the number of operating units (1 to 6 units) is “−, A ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ , C ₅ , C ₆ ”. The associated increase threshold is “B ₁ , D ₂ , D ₃ , D ₄ , D ₅ , −”.

Returning to FIG. 1 again, the description of the configuration of the power supply device 1 will be continued.
The power supply module state storage unit 145 stores power supply module information in which the operation state, accumulated operation time, and operation start time of each power supply module 12 are associated with an identification number that identifies each power supply module 12.
The operation state indicates one of an operation state, a standby state, and a stop state. The accumulated operation time is a value obtained by accumulating the time during which the power supply module 12 operates in the operation state. The operation start time is the time when the power supply module 12 is switched from the standby state or the stopped state to the operation state.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145 according to the present embodiment. Here, an example is shown in which the number of power supply modules 12 provided in the power supply device 1 is six (N = 6). As shown in the figure, for example, it is tabular data composed of rows and columns, and has rows of items of identification number, operation state, accumulated operation time, and operation start time, and identification numbers (1-6) ). For example, the “operating state”, “4h (4 hours)”, and “hh: mm: ss” are associated with the identification number “2”. Here, the identification number is a number for uniquely identifying each power supply module 12.

The current measurement unit 146 measures the total current value that is the sum of the current values output by the power supply modules 12, and outputs information indicating the measured total current value to the operation control unit 147.
The operation control unit 147 includes control information input from a higher-level control device, the total current value measured by the current measurement unit 146, and a standby / operation switching current value table stored in the control current value storage unit 143. Based on the operating number switching value table stored in the operating number switching value storage unit 144, the number of power supply modules 12 operated in the operating state, the number of power supply modules 12 operated in the stopped state, and operating in the standby state The number of power supply modules 12 is determined. Then, the operation control unit 147 operates based on the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145 and the number of power supply modules 12 to be operated in the determined operation state, stop state, and standby state. It is determined whether to operate each power supply module 12 in a standby state or a stopped state, and a control signal indicating the determined operation state is output to each power supply module 12.

In addition, when the information indicating the command number is input from the command number determination unit 142, the operation control unit 147 switches the operation number switching value stored in the operation number switching value storage unit 144 according to the input command number. Update the table.
Further, the operation control unit 147 stores the determined operation state of each power supply module 12 in the operation history storage unit 141.

Here, the control information input to the operation control unit 147 from a higher-level control device or the like includes information indicating the operation mode, information indicating the state of the storage battery 3, information indicating the state of the power supply device 1, and AC power supply Information indicating 11 states is included.
The operation mode is a normal operation mode in which all the power supply modules 12 are in an operation state, a standby control operation mode that is operated in a combination of the number of operating units and the standby state according to the total current value supplied to the load device 5, and the supply to the load device 5 In standby / stop control operation mode, which operates in combination with the number of operating units according to the total current value to be performed, standby state and stop state, and minimizes loss and reduces power conversion efficiency, while providing stable power supply One of them is shown.
Information indicating the state of the storage battery 3 indicates the amount of stored power and the degree of deterioration. The information indicating the state of the power supply device 1 indicates whether or not a failure that interferes with the operation of the power supply device 1 has occurred. The information indicating the state of the AC power supply 11 indicates whether or not AC power cannot be supplied due to a power failure or the like.

Hereinafter, control of the power supply module 12 by the operation control unit 147 will be described.
8 to 17 are flowcharts showing processing of a control routine in which the operation control unit 147 controls the power supply module 12.
When starting the control routine, the operation control unit 147 reads the operation mode from the control information input from the outside (step S101), and determines whether or not the operation mode is the “normal operation mode” (step S102).

In step S102, when the operation mode is “normal operation mode” (step S102: YES), normal operation for operating all the power supply modules 12 in the operation state is performed (step S103).
On the other hand, when the operation mode is not “normal operation mode” in step S102 (step S102: NO), it is determined whether or not the operation mode is “standby control operation mode” (step S104).

In step S104, when the operation mode is “standby control operation mode” (step S104: YES), the process proceeds to step S107 (FIG. 9).
On the other hand, when the operation mode is not “standby control operation mode” in step S104 (step S104: NO), it is determined whether or not the operation mode is “standby / stop control operation mode” (step S105).

In step S105, when the operation mode is “standby / stop control operation mode” (step S105: YES), the process proceeds to step S119 (FIG. 13).
On the other hand, when the operation mode is not “standby / stop control operation mode” in step S105 (step S105: NO), the operation modes are “normal operation mode”, “standby control operation mode”, and “standby / stop control operation mode”. Therefore, it is considered that there is an error in the information indicating the operation mode (step S106), and the normal operation for operating all the power supply modules 12 in the operation state is performed (step S103).

  In step S107 (FIG. 9), the operation control unit 147 determines whether or not the control start condition is satisfied based on the control information input from the host control device, and the condition is not satisfied. (Step S107: NO), normal operation for operating all power supply modules 12 in the operating state is performed (Step S103). Here, whether or not the control start condition is satisfied is determined based on information indicating the state of the storage battery 3, information indicating the state of the power supply device 1, and information indicating the state of the AC power supply 11. This control start condition is satisfied when the degree of deterioration of the storage battery 3 is not more than a predetermined degree, the power supply device 1 is not broken, and the AC power supply 11 supplies AC power. It is.

  On the other hand, when the control start condition is satisfied (step S107: YES), the operation control unit 147 detects the total current value output from the power supply module 12 via the current measurement unit 146, and the power supply module state is detected. The state of each power supply module 12 is read from the storage unit 145, and the number of operating units, the number of standby units, and the number of stopped units are detected (step S108).

In addition, the operation control unit 147 determines, from the standby / operation switching current value table stored in the control current value storage unit 143, the standby current value A _i corresponding to the detected current number i of operation and the starting current value B _i. Is read (step S109).
The operation control unit 147 determines whether or not all the power supply modules 12 are operating in the operation state from the detected operation number (step S110), and when all the power supply modules 12 are operating in the operation state ( Step S110: YES), the process proceeds to step S111 (FIG. 10). If there is a power supply module 12 that is not operating in the operating state (step S110: NO), the process proceeds to step S115 (FIG. 11).

In step S111 (FIG. 10), the operation control unit 147 determines whether or not the number of operating power supply modules 12 (operating number) operating in the operating state is one, and the operating number is one. (Step S111: YES), the process returns to Step S101, and the control routine is executed again from the beginning (Step S101).
On the other hand, when the number of operating units is not one (step S111: NO), the operation control unit 147 is based on the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145, and operates in the operating state. For each, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed since starting to operate in the operating state (step S112).

When there is a power supply module 12 that has not been operating for a certain period of time after starting to operate in the operation state among the power supply modules 12 that are operating in the operation state (step S112: NO), the operation control unit 147 performs the process in step S101. The control routine is executed again from the beginning (step S101).
On the other hand, when a certain time has elapsed since all the power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state have started operating in the operating state (step S112: YES), the operation control unit 147 reads out the detected total current value and The standby current value A _i is compared (step S113).

In step S113, when the total current value is not equal to or less than the standby current value A _i (step S113: NO), the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101 and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).
On the other hand, when the total current value is equal to or less than the standby current value A _i (step S113: YES), any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state is operated in the standby state (step S114). At this time, the operation control unit 147 displays the operation state and the accumulated operation time corresponding to the identification number of the power supply module 12 whose operation state is changed to the standby state among the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145. Update. Thereafter, the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101, and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).

In step S115 (Fig. 11), the operation control unit 147 compares the read the total current value detected activation current values _{B i,} when the total current value is not less than the starting current value _{B i} (step S115: YES) If there is a power supply module 12 operating in the standby state, one of the power supply modules 12 is operated in the operating state, and if there is no power supply module 12 operating in the standby state, the power supply module 12 operates in the stopped state. Any one of the existing power supply modules 12 is operated in an operating state (step S116). At this time, similarly to step S114, the operation control unit 147 operates in the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145 in accordance with the operation state corresponding to the identification number of the power supply module 12 whose operation state is changed to the operation state. And update the cumulative operating time. Thereafter, the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101, and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).
On the other hand, when the total current value is not the starting current value _{B i} or (step S115: NO), the operation control unit 147 advances the process to step S117 (FIG. 12).

In step S117 (FIG. 12), the operation control unit 147 determines whether or not the number of stopped vehicles is one or more. If the number of stopped vehicles is not one or more (step S117: NO), the process is performed in step S111 (FIG. 12). Return to 10).
On the other hand, when the number of stopped units is one or more in step S117, the operation control unit 147 operates all the power supply modules 12 operating in the stopped state in the standby state (step S118). At this time, the operation control unit 147 updates the operation state corresponding to the identification number of the power module 12 whose operation state has been changed to the standby state, among the power module information stored in the power module state storage unit 145, to the standby state. Then, the process returns to step S101, and the control routine is executed again from the beginning (step S101).

In step S119 (FIG. 13), when the control start condition is not satisfied (step S119: NO), the operation control unit 147 performs a normal operation in which all the power supply modules 12 are operated in the operation state (step S103). .
On the other hand, when the control start condition is satisfied (step S119: YES), the operation control unit 147 detects the total current value output from the power supply module 12 via the current measurement unit 146, and the power supply module. The state of each power supply module 12 is read from the state storage unit 145, and the current number of operating units, the number of standby units, and the number of stopped units are detected (step S120). In addition, the operation control unit 147 acquires the command number from the command number determination unit 142 (step S121).

Subsequently, the operation control unit 147 updates the operation number switching value table stored in the operation number switching value storage unit 144 based on the command number acquired from the command number determination unit 142 (step S122). A decrease threshold value and an increase threshold value corresponding to the number of operating units are read (step S123).
The operation control unit 147 determines whether or not all the power supply modules 12 are operating in the operation state from the detected number of operation (step S124), and when all the power supply modules 12 are operating in the operation state (step S124). The process proceeds to step S141 (FIG. 14), and if there is a power supply module 12 that is not operating in the operating state (step S124: NO), the process proceeds to step S151 (FIG. 15).

In step S141 (FIG. 14), the operation control unit 147 is predetermined for each power supply module 12 operating in the operation state based on the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145. It is determined whether or not a certain period of time (standby time) has elapsed since the operation started.
When there is a power supply module 12 that has not been operating for a certain period of time after starting operation in the operation state among the power supply modules 12 that are operating in the operation state (step S141: NO), the operation control unit 147 performs the process in step S101. The control routine is executed again from the beginning (step S101).
On the other hand, if a certain time has elapsed since all the power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state have started operating in the operating state (step S141: YES), the operation control unit 147 reads out the detected total current value and The decrease threshold is compared (step S142).

In step S142, when the total current value is not less than or equal to the decrease threshold (step S142: NO), the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101, and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).
On the other hand, when the total current value is equal to or less than the decrease threshold (step S142: YES), the operation control unit 147 operates one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state in the standby state, and determines the number of operating units. Decrease (step S143). At this time, the operation control unit 147 displays the operation state and the accumulated operation time corresponding to the identification number of the power supply module 12 whose operation state is changed to the standby state among the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145. Update. Thereafter, the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101, and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).

In step S151 (FIG. 15), the operation control unit 147 compares the detected total current value with the read increase threshold value, and when the total current value is not equal to or greater than the increase threshold value (step S151: NO), the operation control unit 147. Advances the process to step S161 (FIG. 16).
On the other hand, if the total current value is equal to or greater than the increase threshold (step S151: YES), the operation control unit 147 operates the power supply module 12 in the operation state if there is a power supply module 12 operating in the standby state, and waits. If there is no power supply module 12 operating in the state, the power supply module 12 operating in the stopped state is operated in the operation state to increase the number of operating units (step S152). At this time, similarly to step S114, the operation control unit 147 operates corresponding to the identification number of the power supply module 12 whose operation state is changed to the operation state among the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145. Update status and cumulative operating time. Thereafter, the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101, and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).

In step S161 (FIG. 16), the operation control unit 147 compares the sum of the number of operating units and the number of standby units with the commanded number (step S161), and if the sum of the number of operating units and the number of standby units is not smaller than the command number (step S161). (S161: NO), the process proceeds to step S171 (FIG. 17).
On the other hand, when the sum of the number of operating units and the number of standby units is smaller than the commanded number in step S161 (step S161: YES), the operation control unit 147 is any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the stopped state. Are operated in a standby state (step S162). At this time, the operation control unit 147 displays the operation state and the accumulated operation time corresponding to the identification number of the power supply module 12 whose operation state is changed to the standby state among the power supply module information stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145. Update. Thereafter, the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101, and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).

In step S171 (FIG. 17), the operation control unit 147 compares the sum of the operating number and the standby number with the command number, and if the sum of the operating number and the standby number is not larger than the command number (step S171: NO). Then, the process proceeds to step S174.
On the other hand, when the sum of the number of operating units and the number of standby units is larger than the commanded number in step S171 (step S171: YES), the operation control unit 147 uses the standby unit number to operate the power supply module 12 operating in the standby state. It is determined whether or not there is (step S172).

In step S172, when there is the power supply module 12 operating in the standby state (step S172: YES), the operation control unit 147 operates the power supply module 12 operating in the standby state in the stopped state (step S173). . At this time, the operation control unit 147 updates the operation state corresponding to the identification number of the power module 12 that has changed the standby state to the stop state among the power module information stored in the power module state storage unit 145 to the stop state. Then, the process returns to step S101, and the control routine is executed again from the beginning (step S101).
On the other hand, when there is no power supply module 12 operating in the standby state in step S172 (step S172: NO), the operation control unit 147 determines whether or not the number of operating units is one (step S174).

In step S174, when the number of operating units is one (step S174: YES), the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S101 and executes the control routine again from the beginning (step S101).
On the other hand, when the number of operating units is not one in step S174 (step S174: NO), the operation control unit 147 returns the process to step S141 (FIG. 14).

  When the standby / stop operation control mode is selected in the control routine shown in FIGS. 8 to 17, the operation control unit 147 performs loss based on the total current value that the power supply module 12 supplies to the load device 5. The operation number of each power supply module 12 is changed by determining the number of operating units, the number of standby units, and the number of stopped units that minimize the number of units. Thereby, direct-current power according to the electric energy which the load apparatus 5 consumes can be supplied, reducing the fall of power conversion efficiency.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation example of the power supply device 1 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the total current value supplied by the power supply module 12 and the number of commands. Here, an operation example in the case where the power supply device 1 includes four power supply modules 12 (N = 4) will be described.
In FIG. 18A, as an initial state, the number of commands is two, one power module 12 is in operation, one power module 12 is operating in a standby state, and two power supplies An example in which the module 12 is operating in a stopped state is shown.
When the amount of power consumed by the load device 5 increases, the total current value supplied by the power supply module 12 increases. When the total current value becomes equal to or greater than the increase threshold value (starting current value B ₁ ) at time t11, the operation control is performed. The unit 147 operates the power supply module 12 operating in the standby state in the operating state, and increases the number of operating units to two (processing in the order of steps S151 and S152).

When the total current value becomes equal to or greater than the increase threshold value (forced startup current value D ₂ ) at time t12, the operation control unit 147 operates any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the stopped state in the operating state. Then, the number of operating units is increased to three (in order of step S151 and step S152).
When the command number is changed from two to four at time t13, the operation control unit 147 causes the power supply module 12 operating in the stopped state to operate in the standby state (step S162).

FIG. 18B shows an example in which the number of commands is three as an initial state, and four power supply modules 12 are operating.
When the amount of power consumed by the load device 5 decreases, the total current value supplied by the power supply module 12 decreases. When the total current value becomes equal to or less than the decrease threshold value (stop current value C ₄ ) at time t21, the operation control is performed. Since a certain time has elapsed since the current operation number, the unit 147 operates any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the operation state in the standby state, and reduces the operation number to three. Decrease (processing of steps S141 to S143). Furthermore, since the operation number of the power supply modules 12 in the standby state is equal to or greater than the command number, the operation control unit 147 operates the power supply modules 12 in a stopped state (Steps S151, S161, S171 to S173). processing).
When the total current value becomes equal to or less than the decrease threshold value (standby current value A ₃ ) at time t22, the operation control unit 147 operates any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the operation state in the standby state, The number of operating units is reduced to two (steps S141 to 143).

When the total current value further increases and then increases, and at time t23, when the total current value becomes equal to or greater than the increase threshold value (starting current value B ₂ ), the operation control unit 147 causes the power supply module 12 operating in the standby state. Is operated in the operating state to increase the number of operating units to 3 (processing of steps S151 to S152).
The total current value decreases after the increase, and at time t24, the total current value becomes equal to or less than the decrease threshold value (standby current value A ₃ ). However, the operation control unit 147 includes the power supply module 12 operating in the operating state. Any one unit is not operated in a standby state (since the predetermined number of times have not elapsed since the number of operating units has reached three by the determination in step S141, the unit continues to operate in the operating state). Thereafter, at time t25 when a predetermined fixed time (standby time) has elapsed since the third power supply module 12 started operating in the operating state, the operation control unit 147 puts the third power supply module 12 in the standby state. (Steps S141 to S143).

As described above, the operation control unit 147 determines the standby current value A _i , the start current value B _i , the stop current value C _i , and the forced start current value D _i that are predetermined based on the loss characteristics of the power supply module 12. By comparing the total current value supplied by the power supply module 12 and determining the number of operating units, the number of standby units, and the number of stopped units, DC power is supplied to the power supply module 12 according to the amount of power consumed by the load device 5 In addition, the loss can be reduced and the reduction in power conversion efficiency can be reduced.

In addition, when changing the operation of the power supply module 12 from the operating state to the standby state, the operation control unit 147 determines whether or not a predetermined time (standby time) has elapsed since the current number of operating units is reached. When the time elapses, any one of the power supply modules 12 operating in the operating state is operated in the standby state. Thereby, while being able to respond to the case where the amount of power consumed by the load device 5 has increased rapidly, charging can be performed when the power stored in the storage battery 3 is consumed.
You may make it change this standby time according to the charge amount which is the electric energy currently stored in the storage battery 3. FIG. For example, when the charge amount of the storage battery 3 is 80% or less of the maximum value, the standby time may be lengthened to increase the time during which the storage battery 3 can be charged.

In steps S114 and S143, the operation control unit 147 is stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145 when selecting the power supply module 12 to be operated in the standby state from the power supply modules 12 operating in the operation state. Based on the power supply module information, the power supply module 12 having the longest accumulated operation time is selected.
In steps S116 and S152, when the operation control unit 147 selects the power supply module 12 to be operated in the operation state from the power supply modules 12 operating in the standby state, the operation control unit 147 is stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145. Based on the power supply module information, the power supply module 12 having the shortest accumulated operation time is selected.

In Steps S152 and S162, the operation control unit 147 stores the power supply module 12 in the power supply module state storage unit 145 when selecting the power supply module 12 to be operated in the operation state or the standby state from the power supply modules 12 operating in the stopped state. Based on the power supply module information, the power supply module 12 having the shortest accumulated operation time is selected.
In step S173, when the operation control unit 147 selects the power supply module 12 to be operated in the stopped state from the power supply modules 12 operating in the standby state, the power supply module stored in the power supply module state storage unit 145 is selected. Based on the information, the power supply module 12 having the longest accumulated operation time is selected.
As described above, the operation control unit 147 can prevent the power module 12 from being deteriorated by supplying the stable DC power by selecting the power module 12 to smooth the accumulated operation time. Can do.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply system according to the second embodiment. In the power supply system, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
The power supply system includes one power supply device 1, a plurality of power supply devices 2 that output DC power obtained by converting a voltage of DC power supplied by the power supply device 1 into a predetermined output voltage, the power supply device 1, and a plurality of power supplies. And a storage battery 3 connected to a power line connecting the device 2. Further, the plurality of power supply devices 2 supply DC power to the load devices 5 connected thereto.

The power supply device 2 includes a power supply unit 21 and a control unit 14. The operation state of the power supply unit 21 is determined as one of an operation state, a standby state, and a stop state according to the control of the control unit 14. The power supply unit 21 operates in the same manner as the power supply module 12 except that the input power is DC power. Specifically, the power supply unit 21 has a configuration in which the AC-DC conversion circuit 124 a (FIG. 2) included in the power supply module 12 is replaced with a DC-DC conversion circuit.
Similarly to the power supply module 12, the power supply unit 21 converts the input DC power voltage into an output voltage when the operation state is an operation state and outputs the output voltage. When the operation state is a standby state, the power supply unit 21 is input. When the DC power voltage is converted into the output voltage but not output, and the operation state is the stop state, the input DC power voltage is not input to the DC-DC conversion circuit.

The power supply device 2 having the above-described configuration operates in the same manner as the power supply device 1 except that the input DC power is output to DC power having a different voltage. That is, the power supply device 2 switches the operation state of the power supply unit 21 based on the output current to reduce power loss and improve power conversion efficiency.
In the power supply system according to the present embodiment, even when the power supply unit 21 on the load device 5 side is multiplexed in order to improve the reliability of power supply to the load device 5, the power supply system 21 according to the amount of power required by the load device 5. Thus, stable power supply can be performed while reducing power loss.

  The power supply system in the present embodiment can be applied to, for example, a server device in a computer system that requires stable operation. In this case, each of the plurality of load devices 5 corresponds to a blade server provided in the rack mount server device. Each of the power supply devices 2 corresponds to a power supply unit provided in a rack of the server device, and the power supply device 1 corresponds to an AC / DC conversion device that converts commercial AC power and supplies the power to each server device.

In the power supply device 1 of each embodiment described above, the operation control unit 147 operates, waits, and stops according to the total current value that is supplied from the plurality of power supply modules (power conversion units) 12 to the load device 5. Which of the power supply modules 12 is to be operated is determined.
By providing the power supply module 12 with a standby state in which AC power is supplied from the AC power supply 11 and DC power is not supplied to the load device 5, the AC power is not supplied to the power conversion unit from the state where AC power is not supplied to the power conversion unit. The time required for switching the operation state can be shortened, and the responsiveness to changes in the amount of power consumed by the load device 5 can be improved. Further, since the power supply module 12 operating in the standby state does not supply DC power to the load device 5, the power consumption is low and the power conversion efficiency can be prevented from being reduced.
Thus, by providing the power supply module 12 that operates in the standby state, it is possible to improve the responsiveness to load fluctuations and reduce the burden on the storage battery 3, thereby making it impossible to cope with sudden load fluctuations. Can be lowered.

In addition, the standby current value A _i , the start current value B _i , the stop current value C _i , and the forced start current value D _i are based on the power loss characteristics of the power supply module 12, and the number of operating units has the least power loss. Since the calculation is based on the threshold when switching to the number, power loss is reduced when switching from the operating state to the standby state, switching from the standby state to the operating state, and switching from the stopped state to the operating state. Thus, it is possible to change the operating state while improving the power conversion efficiency.

  In addition, the command number determination unit 142 calculates the command number based on statistical information calculated from the history of the total current value supplied to the load device 5, and the operation control unit 147 operates in the standby state based on the command number. By controlling the number of power supply modules 12 to be operated, it is possible to suppress the power supply module 12 from being operated unnecessarily in the standby state while operating the power supply module 12 corresponding to the change to the load in the standby state. Power conversion efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, since the threshold for switching from the stopped state to the standby state and the threshold for switching from the stopped state to the operating state are separately determined, even if the current value is near the threshold, the state may be frequently switched. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption accompanying the state switching, and to further improve the power conversion efficiency.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the output switch 125 provided in the power supply module 12 in the standby state is opened and the DC power is not output to the load device 5 has been described. The DC power may not be output from the power supply module 12 to the load device 5 by another control method.
For example, the power supply control circuit 122 changes the switching signal output to the power conversion circuit 124 to change the DC power voltage output from the power conversion circuit 124 operating in the standby state to the power supply operating in the operation state. You may make it lower than the voltage of the direct-current power which the module 12 outputs. As a result, no current is output from the power supply module 12 operating in the standby state without switching the output switch 125 and disconnecting the connection with the load device 5, and this is the same as when the output switch 125 is opened. An effect can be obtained. Furthermore, since the output switch 125 is in the closed state even in the standby state, the output of current can be started in a shorter time when the operation is started in the operation state.
In each of the above embodiments, the power supply control circuit 122 provided in the power supply module 12 has been described as being configured to output a switching signal when operating in the standby state, but is operating in the standby state. Sometimes switching signals may not be output. Thereby, the amount of power consumed when the power supply module 12 is operating in the standby state can be reduced, and the power conversion efficiency can be improved.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the power supply device 1 includes the control unit 14 that controls each power supply module 12 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control unit 14 may be an independent device. It may be connected to each power supply module 12 via a network. In addition, each power supply module 12 may include a control unit 14 inside, and in that case, any one of the control units provided in each power supply module 12 represents each power supply module 12 as a representative. May be.

  Note that a program for realizing the function of the control unit 14 in the present invention is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed, thereby executing the power supply module 12. In addition, the operation state of the power supply unit 22 may be controlled. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer system” includes a WWW system having a homepage providing environment (or display environment). The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Power supply device, 3 ... Storage battery, 5 ... Load apparatus, 11 ... AC power supply, 12, 12-1, 12-2, 12-N ... Power supply module, 14 ... Control part, 121 ... Control circuit switch, 122 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Power supply control circuit, 123 ... Main circuit input switch, 124 ... Power conversion circuit, 125 ... Output switch, 141 ... Operation history memory | storage part, 142 ... Command number determination part, 143 ... Control current value memory | storage part, 144 ... Operation number switching Value storage unit, 145 ... power supply module state storage unit, 146 ... current measurement unit, 147 ... operation control unit

Claims (8)

A power supply device that converts alternating current power supplied from an alternating current power source into direct current power and supplies it to a load device,
A plurality of power converters for converting alternating current power supplied from the alternating current power source into direct current power, an operating state for supplying the converted direct current power to an external load device, and receiving alternating current power from the alternating current power source; A plurality of power conversion units that operate in any one of the standby states that do not supply DC power to the load device,
A storage battery connected in parallel with the plurality of power converters for the load device;
A standby current value used for determining whether or not to operate at least one of the power conversion units operating in the operation state in the standby state, and at least of the power conversion units operating in the standby state A control current value storage unit that stores in advance a starting current value used for determining whether to operate one in the operation state for each number of power conversion units operating in the operation state;
The number of power conversion units operating in the current operation state, the standby current value and the startup current value corresponding to the number, and the current value that the plurality of power conversion units supply to the load device And a driving control unit that determines whether to operate each of the power conversion units in the operating state or the standby state based on the above. The standby current value and the starting current value are:
The number of operating units, which is the number of power conversion units operating in the operating state, is predetermined based on a current value when switching to a number that minimizes power loss in the plurality of power conversion units. The power supply device according to claim 1. The plurality of power conversion units further includes:
It operates in one of the operating state, the standby state, and a stopped state in which AC power is not supplied from the AC power source,
The operation control unit further includes:
The number of operating power converters that are operating in the current operating state, the standby current value and the starting current value corresponding to the number of operating power supplies, and the plurality of power converters supplied to the load device Whether to operate each of the power converters in any one of the operating state, the standby state, and the stopped state based on the current value and the time that has elapsed since the current number of units operated The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device is determined. Based on a history of current values supplied by the plurality of power conversion units, a command number determination for calculating a command number indicating the number of power conversion units that receive AC power supplied from the AC power source among the plurality of power conversion units. Further comprising
The operation control unit further includes:
When the number of the power conversion units operating in the operation state is less than the command number, the number of power conversion units operating in the standby state is the number of power conversion units operating in the operation state. The power supply device according to claim 3, wherein the power supply device matches a difference between the command number and the command number. The control current value storage unit further includes:
A stop current value used for determining whether or not to operate at least one of the power conversion units operating in the operation state, and at least of the power conversion units operating in the stop state Forcibly starting current value used for determining whether or not to operate one in the operating state is stored in advance for each of the operating units,
The operation control unit further includes:
The number of operating units, the standby current value corresponding to the number of operating units, the starting current value, the stop current value, the forced starting current value, and the current supplied to the load device by the plurality of power conversion units Determining whether to operate each of the power converters in any one of the operation state, the standby state, and the stop state based on the value and the time that has elapsed since the current number of operation units. The power supply device according to claim 4, wherein The operation control unit further includes:
When the sum of the number of operating units and the number of power conversion units operating in the standby state is greater than the command number and there is a power conversion unit operating in the standby state, The power supply device according to claim 5, wherein the number of operating power conversion units is reduced. The operation control unit further includes:
The power conversion unit operating in the operating state is operated in the standby state when a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the current number of operating units has been reached. Power supply. A plurality of power converters that convert AC power supplied from an AC power source into DC power, an operating state in which the converted DC power is supplied to an external load device, and supply of AC power from the AC power source is DC A plurality of power conversion units that operate in any one of standby states in which power is not supplied to the load device, a storage battery that is connected in parallel to the plurality of power conversion units with respect to an external load device, and the operation state A standby current value used for determining whether or not to operate at least one of the power conversion units operating in the standby state, and at least one of the power conversion units operating in the standby state A power supply device comprising a control current value storage unit that stores in advance a starting current value used for determining whether to operate in the operating state for each number of power conversion units operating in the operating state In A that the power supply control method,
The number of power conversion units operating in the current operation state, the standby current value and the startup current value corresponding to the number, and the current value that the plurality of power conversion units supply to the load device And a driving control step of determining whether to operate each of the power conversion units in the operating state or the standby state based on the above.

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