JP2015043665A - Power control unit, power control method, and power control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control unit, a power control method, and a power control system that secure safety, heighten power generation efficiency, and are compatible to a plurality of distributed power supplies.SOLUTION: A power control unit 10 that converts outputs of a plurality of distributed power supplies (20, 31 to 33, 40) to AC currents includes: a plurality of temperature detectors (15A to D); and a control part 11 that selectively controls outputs of the plurality of distributed power supplies (20, 31 to 33, 40) according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detectors (15A to D).

Description

  The present invention relates to a power control device, a power control method, and a power control system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a power control device that converts outputs of a plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current, a power control method in such a device, and a power control system including the device.

  In recent years, for example, power control apparatuses that are compatible with both power generation apparatuses such as solar cells and storage batteries are known. Such a power control device performs a grid-connected operation or a self-sustained operation by supplying the output of the power generation device and the storage battery to the system and / or the load. Moreover, such a power control apparatus can charge a storage battery by supplying the output of a power generation device to a storage battery with DC electric power (for example, patent document 1).

JP 2012-228043 A

  However, in such a power control apparatus corresponding to a plurality of distributed power supplies, measures for improving power generation efficiency while ensuring safety have not been sufficiently studied.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a power control device, a power control method, and a power control system that can increase the power generation efficiency while ensuring safety.

The invention according to the first aspect to achieve the above object is
A power control device that converts the output of a plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current,
A plurality of temperature detectors;
A control unit that selectively controls the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units;
It is characterized by providing.

Further, the plurality of temperature detection units are arranged in the vicinity of a plurality of slots into which outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources are respectively input,
The control unit may control an output of a corresponding one of the plurality of distributed power sources according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units.

  Further, the number of the plurality of temperature detection units may be smaller than the number of the plurality of slots into which the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources are respectively input.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of distributed power sources corresponding to one of the plurality of temperature detection units, the control unit outputs the corresponding distributed power source according to the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit. The output of the largest one may be controlled.

  Moreover, even if the control unit controls the output of the corresponding distributed power source having the largest output according to the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit, the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit is When it does not fall below the threshold value, the output of the corresponding distributed power supply having the next largest output may be controlled.

Further, at least one of the plurality of temperature detection units is disposed in the vicinity of the conversion unit that converts the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current,
The said control part may control the output of the alternating current converted by the said conversion part according to the temperature which the temperature detection part arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the said conversion part detects.

  Further, the control unit outputs the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources based on at least one of an arrangement characteristic of the temperature detection unit and a temperature characteristic of the distributed power source according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units. May be selectively controlled.

  The control unit may perform control so as to selectively reduce or stop the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources when a temperature detected by any of the plurality of temperature detection units exceeds a threshold value.

  The control unit selects the output when the temperature detected by any of the plurality of temperature detection units falls below a threshold value while the output of the plurality of distributed power supplies is selectively lowered or stopped. Alternatively, control may be performed so as to restore the output of the distributed power supply that has been lowered or stopped.

The invention according to the second aspect to achieve the above object is
A power control method for converting the output of a plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current,
The outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources are selectively controlled according to the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units.

The invention according to the third aspect for achieving the above object is:
Multiple distributed power supplies,
A power control device for converting the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current;
A power control system comprising:
The power control apparatus includes a plurality of temperature detection units, and selectively controls outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power control device, a power control method, and a power control system corresponding to a plurality of distributed power sources, which can improve safety while ensuring safety.

It is a graph explaining the example of the electric power control based on the detection of temperature. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a power control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the example of operation | movement of the power control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured such that the outputs of a plurality of distributed power sources such as a solar power generation system, a fuel cell power generation system, and a storage battery can be connected in a grid. Conventionally, each of these various power sources has been mainly provided with a power control device such as a power conditioner. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the outputs of a plurality of distributed power sources are integrated into a single power control device and system-connected. Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described assuming a system in which a plurality of distributed power sources as described above are DC-linked. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment.

  In general, a power control device that converts direct current power output from a solar power generation system into alternating current controls power output based on ambient environmental temperature, internal temperature during operation of the device, and the like. This is because if the temperature of the device becomes too high, not only the components constituting the device will cause problems such as failure, but also the entire device may be defective. Therefore, when the internal temperature of the apparatus becomes higher than a certain threshold, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the apparatus by controlling the output of the generated power to be stopped or stopped.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of power control performed in a power control device such as a power conditioner based on the temperature inside the device. As shown in FIG. 1, by monitoring the temperature at a predetermined location, the output of the generated power is reduced if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, and then the output of the generated power is restored if the temperature falls below a certain threshold. can do.

  For example, in FIG. 1, when the temperature of the location to be monitored exceeds 80 ° C. (point α), the power control apparatus reduces the output of the power generation system from the rated output of 4.0 kW to half of 2.0 kW. . Moreover, in FIG. 1, when the temperature of the said monitoring location falls after that and falls below 70 degreeC (point (beta)), the electric power control apparatus has returned the output of the electric power generation system to the rated 4.0 kW. In FIG. 1, the power [kW] output from the power control device is represented by a solid line, and the internal temperature [° C.] of the power control device is represented by a broken line.

  As described above, the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to support a plurality of distributed power sources. Therefore, hereinafter, the power control apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described as a power control apparatus corresponding to a plurality of distributed power sources as described above, which enhances power generation efficiency while ensuring safety.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the power control system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a power control device 10, a storage battery 20, solar power generation units 31, 32, 33, and a fuel cell power generation unit 40. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power control apparatus 10 interconnects at least one, preferably a plurality of distributed power supplies together. As described above, when the power control apparatus 10 collectively connects a plurality of distributed power sources, the power control apparatus 10 and the power system are connected to supply power to a load such as a home appliance used by the user. A distribution board is installed between them. However, in FIG. 2, such a distribution board is omitted.

  Hereinafter, the power control system 1 will be described as including one storage battery 20, three solar power generation units 31, 32, 33 and one fuel cell power generation unit 40, as shown in FIG. 2. However, in the present embodiment, the type of the distributed power source is not limited to the solar power generation unit, the fuel cell power generation unit, and the storage battery, and various distributed power sources can be used. Further, the number of these distributed power sources can also be arbitrarily determined. In the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment, the total number of distributed power sources can be at least one, preferably a plurality of arbitrary numbers. The power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can correspond to various distributed power sources installed in each home.

  The storage battery 20 can supply electric power by discharging the charged electric power. The storage battery 20 can also charge power supplied from the power system, the solar power generation units 31 to 33, the fuel cell power generation unit 40, or the like. Moreover, the electric power discharged from the storage battery 20 can also be supplied from the electric power control apparatus 10 to various loads that consume electric power. On the other hand, when the power generated by the solar power generation units 31 to 33 and the fuel cell power generation unit 40 and the power discharged by the storage battery 20 are insufficient as power to be supplied to various loads, the shortage is removed from the power system. You can buy electricity.

  In FIG. 2, the storage battery 20 is shown to be installed outside the power control apparatus 10, but in the present embodiment, the power control apparatus 10 includes the storage battery 20 and has built-in storage battery power. It is good also as a control apparatus.

  The solar power generation units 31 to 33 can generate power using sunlight. For this reason, the photovoltaic power generation units 31 to 33 include solar cells, and directly convert the energy of sunlight into electric power. In the present embodiment, the solar power generation units 31 to 33 assume a mode in which, for example, a solar panel is installed on the roof of a house and power is generated using sunlight. However, in this invention, the solar power generation parts 31-33 can employ | adopt arbitrary things, if the energy of sunlight can be converted into electric power.

  In FIG. 2, the three solar power generation units 31 to 33 are shown. However, as described above, in the present embodiment, the distributed power source including the solar power generation unit is at least one arbitrary number. It can be. Thus, the power control system 1 according to the present embodiment can configure the solar power generation unit, for example, in units of strings by supporting a plurality of solar power generation units. For this reason, in the electric power control system 1, a solar power generation part can be installed, for example for every direction of the roof of a house.

  The fuel cell power generation unit 40 can generate electric power using a fuel cell that electrochemically reacts gases such as hydrogen and oxygen supplied from the outside, and can supply the generated electric power. In the present embodiment, after the fuel cell is activated, the fuel cell power generation unit 40 may operate without receiving power from the power system, that is, be capable of autonomous operation. In the present embodiment, the fuel cell power generation unit 40 appropriately includes other functional units such as a reforming unit as necessary so that the fuel cell power generation unit 40 can operate independently. The fuel cell power generation unit 40 can be, for example, an SOFC, but is not limited to the SOFC as long as it is a distributed power source that cannot reverse flow and can generate power.

  Next, the power control apparatus 10 will be further described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the power control apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, transformer units 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> E, a power conversion unit 13, a filter unit 14, and temperature detection units 15 </ b> A to 15 </ b> D.

  The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire power control apparatus 10 and can be configured by a processor, for example. In the present embodiment, the control performed by the control unit 11 will be further described later.

  The transformers 12A to 12E are step-up / step-down circuits that step up or step down the voltage of DC power input from each distributed power source. As shown in FIG. 2, the transformer units 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> C are connected to relay between the solar power generation units 31 to 33 and the power conversion unit 13, respectively. The transformers 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> C transform the generated power of the solar power generators 31 to 33 to appropriate voltages, and output the appropriately transformed power to the power converter 13. The transformer 12D is connected to the fuel cell power generation unit 40, transforms the power generated by the fuel cell power generation unit 40 to an appropriate voltage, and outputs the voltage. The transformer 12E is connected to the storage battery 20 and transforms the power charged in the storage battery 20 to an appropriate voltage, and transforms the power discharged by the storage battery 20 to an appropriate voltage. As shown in FIG. 2, the transformer unit 12 </ b> D and the transformer unit 12 </ b> E are connected, and the storage battery 20 can be charged with power generated by the fuel cell power generation unit 40.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power converter 13 is connected to the transformers 12A to 12E and connected to the transformers 12A to 12E so that a plurality of distributed power sources can be connected to the grid. In addition, one end of the power conversion unit 13 is connected. The power conversion unit 13 is a circuit that converts the direct current power of a plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current so as to be connected to the grid. That is, the power conversion unit 13 performs grid interconnection after converting at least one, preferably a plurality of distributed power sources, into an alternating current. The power conversion unit 13 can also convert AC power supplied from the power system into DC for charging the storage battery 20, for example. As described above, the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment converts the outputs of a plurality of distributed power sources such as the storage battery 20, the solar power generation units 31 to 33, and the fuel cell power generation unit 40 into alternating current.

  The filter unit 14 adjusts the power supplied from the grid so that the power is appropriate for supplying the load as a forward current to the load. Moreover, the filter part 14 adjusts so that it may become suitable electric power for selling the electric power which the solar power generation parts 31-33 generate | occur | produced, for example to a power grid as a reverse power flow.

  The temperature detectors 15A to 15D are for detecting the temperature of the place where they are installed, and can be composed of any temperature detection element such as a thermistor, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, in the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15C are arranged in the vicinity of the transformation units 12A to 12E.

  In the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, slots are provided at locations where the transformer units 12A to 12E are arranged, and units including the substrates of the transformer units 12A to 12E connected to the respective distributed power sources are inserted into the slots. Is assumed. In such a case, the plurality of slots provided in the power control apparatus 10 are places to which the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources are respectively input. Therefore, the plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15C are arranged in the vicinity of the plurality of slots into which the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources (20, 31 to 33, 40) are respectively input.

  Moreover, the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which units including the substrates of the transformers 12A to 12E are inserted into the respective slots. For example, the power control device 10 may be configured such that each of the transformer units 12A to 12E is built in, and each terminal for connecting each distributed power source can be connected to the power control device 10.

  In any case, the temperature detectors 15A to 15C are in the vicinity of the position where the generated power of each distributed power source is input in the power control apparatus 10, and generate the input power, such as the transformers 12A to 12E, for example. It is preferable to install in the vicinity of the member to be output together. That is, the slot in the present embodiment is a member to which the generated power of each distributed power source is input in the power control apparatus 10, and a member that generates heat according to the operation, such as the transformers 12A to 12E, is disposed. It is preferable to set it as a location.

  In the present embodiment, the number of the temperature detection units 15 to be installed can be a plurality of arbitrary numbers according to the specifications such as the internal configuration of the power control apparatus 10. For example, in the present embodiment, the same number of temperature detectors 15 as the transformers 12 may be installed in correspondence with each of the plurality of transformers 12. However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the number of the plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15C is set to the number of the plurality of slots into which the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources (20, 31 to 33, 40) are respectively input. Can be less. In this way, for example, the number of temperature detectors 15 configured by a thermistor or the like can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

  In FIG. 2, the case where the three temperature detection parts 15A-15D are installed in the vicinity of the five voltage transformation parts 12A-12E is shown. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the temperature detection unit 15A is disposed in the vicinity of each of the transforming units 12A and 12B, that is, in the vicinity of the intermediate point between the transforming units 12A and 12B. Moreover, the temperature detection part 15B is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of each of the transformation parts 12C and 12D, ie, the intermediate point vicinity of the transformation parts 12C and 12D. Moreover, the temperature detection part 15C is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the transformation part 12E.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable to install at least one temperature detection unit 15 in the vicinity of the power conversion unit 13. That is, in the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15D is disposed in the vicinity of the conversion unit 13 that converts the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources (20, 31 to 33, 40) into alternating current. So that The power conversion unit 13 converts the outputs of a plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current, and easily generates heat together with the power output. Therefore, when a problem occurs in the power conversion unit 13, the temperature tends to increase significantly.

  Thus, the temperature information detected by the temperature detection units 15A to 15D is notified to the control unit 11. Therefore, the controller 11 can recognize the temperatures detected by the temperature detectors 15A to 15D.

  In addition, the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment may include an operation unit for an operator to perform an operation input. Furthermore, the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment may include a display unit for displaying the contents of control by the apparatus and various notifications. These operation unit and / or display unit may be arranged on the surface of the casing of the power control apparatus 10 or arranged as a terminal such as a remote controller outside the power control apparatus 10. Also good.

  Hereinafter, the control of the control unit 11 will be further described.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of temperature detection units 15 are provided inside the power control apparatus 10. In such a configuration, the control unit 11 of the power control apparatus 10 selectively controls the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources (20, 31 to 33, 40) according to the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units 15. To do.

  Hereinafter, an example of an operation performed by the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the power control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The time point at which the operation shown in FIG. 2 starts can be, for example, when the power control device 10 or the power control system 1 is started or when the rated operation is started.

  When the operation shown in FIG. 2 starts, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the temperature in the power control system 1, typically the temperature in the power control device 10, has reached the reference temperature (step S11).

  Here, the temperature in the power control system 1 or the temperature in the power control apparatus 10 may be detected by any of the temperature detection units 15A to 15D, or a part of these temperature detection units 15A to 15D or You may detect by calculating the average of all. Further, the temperature in the power control system 1 or the temperature in the power control device 10 may be detected by a temperature detection unit provided in the power control device 10 separately from the temperature detection units 15A to 15D. The “reference temperature” defines, for example, an upper limit temperature assumed as a temperature that is displaced when the power control system 1 or the power control apparatus 10 is operating normally. That is, when the reference temperature is exceeded during the operation of the power control apparatus 10, a temperature at which a problem is considered to occur in any part of the power control system 1 or the power control apparatus 10 is set to the reference. It is specified as temperature.

  In step S11, when the temperature in the power control system 1 does not reach the reference temperature, the power control system 1 and the power control device 10 are considered to be operating normally from the viewpoint of temperature.

  In step S11, when the temperature in the power control system 1 reaches the reference temperature, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the temperature in the vicinity of the power conversion unit 13 exceeds a threshold value (step S12). In step S12, the temperature detection unit 15D shown in FIG. 2 detects the temperature in the vicinity of the power conversion unit 13, and the control unit 11 determines whether or not the detection result exceeds the temperature threshold value. Here, the “temperature threshold” defines, for example, an upper limit temperature assumed as a temperature that is displaced when the power conversion unit 13 is operating normally. That is, when the reference temperature is exceeded during the operation of the power control apparatus 10, a temperature at which it is considered that a problem has occurred in the power conversion unit 13 is defined as a threshold value.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the temperature in the vicinity of the power conversion unit 13 has exceeded the threshold, the control unit 11 performs control so as to suppress or stop the output of the power conversion unit 13 (step S13). Here, when the output of the power conversion unit 13 is suppressed or stopped, various methods can be used. For example, the control unit 11 can perform control so as to suppress or stop the power input to the power conversion unit 13. In addition, for example, the control unit 11 can suppress the output of the power conversion unit 13 by controlling the conversion efficiency of the power conversion unit 13.

  Further, the control unit 11 controls the output of the power conversion unit 13 to be reduced up to a certain level by setting the above-described temperature threshold values in multiple levels, and when exceeding a certain level, the power conversion unit 13 The output may be controlled to stop. Moreover, the control part 11 may change the degree which reduces the output of the power converter 13 according to the detected temperature by setting the threshold value of the temperature mentioned above minutely or steplessly.

  Thus, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit 11 controls the output of the alternating current converted by the conversion unit 13 according to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit arranged in the vicinity of the conversion unit 13. It is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the temperature in the vicinity of the power conversion unit 13 does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 11 identifies the one having the highest temperature among the temperature detection units 15A to 15C (step S14).

  When the highest temperature among the plurality of temperature detection units 15 is identified in step S14, the control unit 11 determines whether there are a plurality of slots in the vicinity of the identified temperature detection unit 15 (step S15). ).

  For example, when it is specified that the temperature of the temperature detection unit 15A is the highest, there are slots corresponding to the transformers 12A and 12B in the vicinity of the temperature detection unit 15A, so the slots in the vicinity of the specified temperature detection unit 15 Are plural. Further, when the temperature of the temperature detection unit 15B is specified to be the highest, there are slots corresponding to the transformers 12C and 12D in the vicinity of the temperature detection unit 15B, so the slots in the vicinity of the specified temperature detection unit 15 Are plural. On the other hand, when it is specified that the temperature of the temperature detection unit 15C is the highest, only the slot corresponding to the transformer 12E exists in the vicinity of the temperature detection unit 15C, and therefore, the slot in the vicinity of the specified temperature detection unit 15 is 1 One.

  In step S15, when there are a plurality of slots in the vicinity of the identified temperature detection unit 15, the control unit 11 identifies a slot corresponding to a distributed power source having a large output among the plurality of slots (step S16).

  In step S16, for example, when it is specified that the temperature of the temperature detection unit 15A is the highest, the control unit 11 specifies which output of the distributed power sources corresponding to the transformers 12A and 12B is larger. At this time, for example, the control unit 11 identifies a distributed power source having a large output capacity and a slot of the distributed power source among the distributed power sources respectively corresponding to the transformers 12A and 12B. Thus, it is considered that the distributed power source having a larger output capacity contributes more to the temperature increase detected by the temperature detection unit 15A. For example, assuming that the solar power generation unit 31 disposed in the vicinity of the transformer 12A is operating at a rated output of 4.0 kW and the solar power generation unit 32 is operating at a rated output of 2.5 kW, the control unit 11 Identifies the photovoltaic power generation unit 31 and the slot as a distributed power source having a large output capacity. For example, the control unit 11 may determine the output capacity of each distributed power source when the distributed power source is connected, or the user of the power control apparatus 10 may input the output capacity.

  In step S16, when a slot corresponding to a distributed power source having a large output is identified, the control unit 11 performs control so as to suppress or stop the output of the distributed power source of the identified slot (step S17). Here, various methods can be used to suppress or stop the output of the distributed power supply of the specified slot. For example, the control unit 11 can perform control so as to suppress or stop the power input to the transformer unit 12 of the distributed power supply of the specified slot. In addition, for example, the control unit 11 can suppress the output of the transformation unit 12 by controlling the efficiency with which the transformation unit 12 transforms.

  On the other hand, when there is one slot in the vicinity of the identified temperature detection unit 15 in step S15, the control unit 11 performs control so as to suppress or stop the output of the distributed power supply in the slot (step S17).

  In step S17, when the output of the distributed power supply of the specified slot is suppressed or stopped, the control unit 11 has the temperature in the power control system 1, typically the temperature in the power control device 10, still higher than the reference temperature. Is determined (step S18).

  In step S18, when the temperature in the power control system 1 or the power control apparatus 10 is not already equal to or higher than the reference temperature, that is, when the temperature has dropped below the reference temperature, the control unit 11 returns to step S11 and performs normal operation. continue.

  On the other hand, even if the processing up to step S17 is performed, if the temperature in the power control system 1 or the power control apparatus 10 is equal to or higher than the reference temperature in step S18, the control unit 11 outputs the output of the power control system 1, typically In step S19, the output of the power control apparatus 10 is stopped.

  In addition, even if the output of the largest output among the corresponding distributed power sources is controlled according to the temperature detected by one temperature detection unit, the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit is the threshold (reference). (Temperature) may not fall below. In such a case, the control unit 11 may control the output of the corresponding distributed power supply having the next highest output. That is, the operations from step S11 to step S12 through step S14 to step S18 may be controlled to loop a predetermined number of times.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the control part 11 outputs the output of what is corresponding among several distributed power supplies (20, 31-33,40) according to the temperature which several temperature detection parts 15A-D detect. It is preferable to control. In addition, when there are a plurality of distributed power supplies corresponding to one of the plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15D, the control unit 11 includes the corresponding distributed power supply according to the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit. It is preferable to control the output with the largest output.

  Here, when the temperature detected by any of the plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15D exceeds the threshold, the control unit 11 selectively reduces the output of the plurality of distributed power sources (20, 31 to 33, 40) or You may control to stop. Also in this case, the control unit 11 selectively reduces the output of the corresponding one of the plurality of distributed power sources (20, 31 to 33, 40) according to the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15D. It is preferable to control to stop.

  When the control is performed in this way, the control unit 11 is configured to selectively reduce or stop the output when the temperature detected by any of the plurality of temperature detection units 15A to 15D falls below a threshold value. Control may be performed so as to restore the output.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the power control apparatus corresponding to a plurality of distributed power supplies, when a failure occurs in any of the distributed power supplies, the operation of the power control apparatus 10 or the entire power control system 1 is performed. It can be expected that the operation is continued without suppressing or stopping. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the power control apparatus corresponding to a plurality of distributed power supplies, it is possible to further increase the power generation efficiency while ensuring safety.

  The power control apparatus according to the present embodiment and the power control system including the power control apparatus have been described above, but the present invention can also be implemented as a power control method in the power control apparatus as described above.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each functional unit, each means, each step, etc. can be rearranged so that there is no logical contradiction, and a plurality of functional units, steps, etc. are combined or divided. It is possible. Further, each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention is not limited to being performed faithfully to each of the embodiments described above, and can be implemented by appropriately combining each feature.

  In embodiment mentioned above, the case where a part of distributed power supply was the photovoltaic power generation parts 31-33 was demonstrated. However, in the present invention, a part of the distributed power source is not limited to the solar power generation units 31 to 33. For example, a distributed power source that performs power generation other than solar power generation such as wind power generation may be employed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the power control apparatus that interconnects the output of the distributed power supply as a DC power supply has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the one in which the output of the distributed power source is a DC power source, and an AC power source can also be adopted.

  In FIG. 2, the fuel cell power generation unit 40 has been described as outputting DC power. However, at present, some fuel cell power generation systems include an inverter inside the power generation system so that AC power can be directly supplied to a load. In such a fuel cell power generation system, the generated DC power is converted into AC in the system and output. Therefore, when such a fuel cell power generation unit is employed in the power control system of the present invention, it is necessary to cope with the AC output of the fuel cell power generation unit.

  In such a case, the transformer 12D is changed to a power converter so that AC power supplied by the fuel cell power generation unit 40 as a distributed power source can be received. In this way, even in homes where a conventional fuel cell power generation system has already been introduced, the power control system according to the present invention can be introduced while diverting such a power generation system. In this way, a more versatile power control system can be realized.

  On the other hand, according to the power control system 1 described in FIG. 2, when a household that has not introduced the fuel cell power generation system with an inverter introduces the power control system of the present invention, the fuel cell power generation unit without the inverter is installed. Can be adopted. In this case, since the number of times of power conversion can be reduced, it can be expected to increase the efficiency of power generation.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, how many temperature detection parts 15 are installed in the electric power control apparatus 10 can be determined according to various conditions. For example, in the power control device 10, a plurality of temperatures are determined according to conditions such as the position or mode where the plurality of temperature detection units 15 are arranged and the temperature characteristics of the distributed power source corresponding to the temperature detection unit 15. The installation conditions of the detection unit 15 can be determined. Accordingly, the control unit 11 selects the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources based on at least one of the arrangement characteristics of the temperature detection units and the temperature characteristics of the distributed power sources according to the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units. May be controlled automatically. By such control, it can be expected to detect a malfunction in the transformer 12 or the like more accurately, for example.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of temperature detectors 15 not only detect the temperature inside the power control device 10 but also detect the temperature outside the power control device 10, that is, the ambient environment temperature. Good. In this way, if the output of a plurality of distributed power sources is controlled in consideration of not only the internal temperature of the power control apparatus 10 but also the ambient environment temperature, for example, a malfunction in the transformer 12 or the like can be detected more accurately. I can expect that.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power control system 10 Power control apparatus 11 Control part 12A-12E Transformer part 13 Power conversion part 14 Filter part 15A-15D Temperature detection part 20 Storage battery 31,32,33 Solar power generation part 40 Fuel cell power generation part

Claims (11)

A power control device that converts the output of a plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current,
A plurality of temperature detectors;
A control unit that selectively controls the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units;
A power control apparatus comprising: The plurality of temperature detection units are arranged in the vicinity of a plurality of slots into which outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources are respectively input,
The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls an output of a corresponding one of the plurality of distributed power sources according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units.   The power control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of the plurality of temperature detection units is smaller than the number of the plurality of slots into which outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources are respectively input.   When there are a plurality of distributed power sources corresponding to one of the plurality of temperature detection units, the control unit has the largest output among the corresponding distributed power sources according to the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit. The power control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which controls an output of a thing.   Even if the control unit controls the output of the corresponding distributed power supply having the largest output according to the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit, the temperature detected by the one temperature detection unit has a threshold value. The power control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it does not fall, the output of the corresponding distributed power supply having the next largest output is controlled. At least one of the plurality of temperature detection units is disposed in the vicinity of a conversion unit that converts the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current,
The said control part controls the output of the alternating current converted by the said conversion part according to the temperature which the temperature detection part arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the said conversion part detects. The power control apparatus described.   The control unit selects an output of the plurality of distributed power sources based on at least one of an arrangement characteristic of the temperature detection unit and a temperature characteristic of the distributed power source according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power control device is controlled automatically.   8. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature detected by any of the plurality of temperature detection units exceeds a threshold value, the control unit controls the output of the plurality of distributed power sources to be selectively reduced or stopped. The power control apparatus according to any one of claims.   When the temperature detected by any of the plurality of temperature detection units falls below a threshold value while the output of the plurality of distributed power sources is selectively lowered or stopped, the control unit selectively selects the output. The power control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein control is performed so as to restore the output of the distributed power supply that has been lowered or stopped. A power control method for converting the output of a plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current,
A power control method for selectively controlling outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources according to temperatures detected by a plurality of temperature detection units. Multiple distributed power supplies,
A power control device for converting the outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources into alternating current;
A power control system comprising:
The power control apparatus includes a plurality of temperature detection units, and selectively controls outputs of the plurality of distributed power sources according to temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature detection units.

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