JP2018019530A - Processor, electric power management device, and ems server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To create life information on actual life of an electric power converter.SOLUTION: A processor 32 acquires factor information. The factor information affects the life of an electric power converter 15. The processor 32 creates life information on the basis of the factor information. The life information relates to the life of the electric power converter 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a processor, a power management apparatus, and an EMS server.

  In the consumer who consumes electric power, the introduction of the distributed power source is progressing. The distributed power supply is provided with a power conversion device that converts DC power into AC power in order to cooperate with a power system that supplies AC power. For example, in a distributed power source using a solar battery, wind power generation, and a storage battery as a power source, a power conversion device called a power conditioner is used (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2006-063713 A JP 2006-063714 A

  The power conversion device has a lifetime due to aging. The lifetime can vary due to various factors such as, for example, operating time per day and ambient temperature. Therefore, in a general power conversion device, an estimated lifetime is defined as an expected lifetime when each of various variable factors is maintained in a specific state. However, the actual life often varies from the expected life. On the other hand, for users and manufacturers, life information relating to actual life has been required.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention, which has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, is to provide a processor, a power management apparatus, and an EMS server that generate life information relating to the actual life of the power conversion apparatus. .

In order to solve the above-described problems, the processor according to the first aspect is
Obtain factor information that affects the life of the power converter,
Based on the factor information, life information relating to the life of the power conversion device is generated.

The power management device according to the second aspect is
Obtaining a factor information that affects the life of the power converter, and based on the factor information, comprising a processor that generates life information on the life of the power converter,
The processor acquires the factor information directly from the power conversion device or from the power conversion device via an EMS server, and notifies the life information to at least one of a display device and an EMS server. It is.

The EMS server according to the third aspect is
Obtaining a factor information that affects the life of the power converter, and based on the factor information, comprising a processor that generates life information on the life of the power converter,
The processor acquires the factor information of each of the plurality of power converters, generates the life information of each, and creates image data indicating the life information of each of the plurality of power converters. It is what.

  According to the processor, the power management device, and the EMS server according to the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to generate lifetime information according to the usage status of the power conversion device.

It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the power control system containing a power management apparatus provided with the processor which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention from 3rd. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the power control system containing a power management apparatus provided with schematic structure of the power converter device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the DC / DC converter of FIG. 2. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the power management apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the lifetime determination process which the processor which the power management apparatus of 1st Embodiment has performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the lifetime determination process which the processor which the power management apparatus of 2nd Embodiment has performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the lifetime determination process which the processor which the power management apparatus of 3rd Embodiment has performed. It is a functional block diagram which shows the modification of a power control system containing a power management apparatus provided with the processor which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention from 3rd.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a processor to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a power management system 10 including a power management apparatus including a processor according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a smart meter 11, a distribution board 12, a load device 13, an independent power supply 14, and power conversion. The device 15 is configured to include a power management device 16 and a display device 17. In FIG. 1 and the following description, only one set of the power conversion device 15 and the independent power source 14 is described, but two or more sets may be used. When there are two or more sets, the types of independent power sources 14 may be the same or different.

  In the subsequent drawings, a solid line connecting the functional blocks indicates the flow of power. In FIG. 1, a broken line connecting each functional block indicates a control signal or a flow of information to be communicated. The communication indicated by the broken line may be wired communication or wireless communication.

  Various systems can be employed for communication of control signals and information. For example, for communication between the power management device 16 and each device such as the smart meter 11, the power conversion device 15, and the display device 17, communication using a short-range communication method such as ZigBee (registered trademark) can be employed. Further, for communication between the power management apparatus 16 and the load device 13, communication by various methods such as infrared communication, power line communication (PLC), ZigBee, and Echonet Lite (registered trademark) may be employed. it can.

  The power management system 10 can supply the power output from the independent power source 14 to the load device 13 from the power converter 15 in addition to the power supplied from the power system 18. In general, the independent power source 14 cannot supply power without the power conversion device 15, and therefore, the combined use of the independent power source 14 and the power conversion device 15 is a general enemy, and the combination may be referred to as a distributed power source. In addition, when the independent power source 14 has a power converter inside, the independent power source 14 may be replaced with a distributed power source.

  The smart meter 11 is connected to the power system 18 and measures the power supplied from the power system 18. Further, the smart meter 11 can measure the power supplied from the distributed power source to the power system 18 when the sale of power from the distributed power source to the power system 18 is permitted. The smart meter 11 may notify the power management device 16 of the measured power.

  The distribution board 12 branches the power supplied from the power system 18 and the distributed power supply to a plurality of branches and distributes the power to the load equipment 13.

  The load device 13 is a power load that consumes power, and includes, for example, office equipment such as lighting equipment, personal computers, and multifunction devices used in customer premises, as well as air conditioners, microwave ovens, and televisions. Various electrical products.

  The independent power source 14 can output DC power to the power converter 15. For example, the independent power source 14 is a solar power generation system, a fuel cell system, a wind power generation system, or an engine power generation system, and generates DC power. Further, for example, the independent power supply 14 is a storage battery system, and discharges charged DC power.

  The power conversion device 15 converts DC power supplied from the independent power supply 14 into AC power. The power converter 15 can change the upper limit output. The change of the upper limit output of the power conversion device 15 is executed in accordance with an upper limit output change command created by the processor of the power management device 16. For example, the power conversion device 15 can perform power conversion in the normal mode and the safe mode in which the upper limit output is lower than that in the normal mode. Lowering the upper limit output reduces the power to be converted. Switching from the normal mode to the safe mode may be performed automatically or manually. As will be described later, when it is determined that the life of the power conversion device 15 is approaching, the switching may be automatically performed, or the user may be prompted to switch to the safe mode. The upper limit output means the upper limit of the current output from the power converter 15 or the upper limit of the power.

  In addition, the power conversion device 15 supplies the converted AC power to each load device 13 through a branch branched into a plurality by the distribution board 12. In addition, when power selling from the independent power source 14 to the power system 18 is permitted and there is a surplus in the power output from the independent power source 14, the converted AC power is supplied to the power company via the distribution board 12. You can also sell electricity. The independent power source capable of selling power may be, for example, any one of a solar power generation system, a fuel cell system, a wind power generation system, and an engine power generation system, or may be a plurality.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the power conversion device 15 in which the independent power source 14 is a solar battery. As shown in FIG. 2, the power conversion device 15 includes a DC / DC converter 19, an inverter 20, a memory 21, a communication unit 22, and a processor 23.

  The DC / DC converter 19 transforms DC power supplied from the independent power source 14. The inverter 20 converts the DC power boosted by the DC / DC converter 19 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the distribution board 12. Further, when the independent power source 14 is a storage battery system, the inverter 20 can convert AC power supplied from the distribution board 12 into DC power.

  The DC / DC converter 19 and the inverter 20 include a capacitor inside. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the DC / DC converter 19 includes an input capacitor 24, a DC reactor 25, a switch 26, a diode 27, an intermediate link capacitor 28, a first temperature sensor 29, and a second temperature sensor 30. Have.

  The DC / DC converter 19 has an independent power supply 14 connected to the input side and an inverter 20 connected to the output side. The DC / DC converter 19 includes an input capacitor 24, a DC reactor 25, a switch 26, a diode 27, and an intermediate link capacitor 28 in order from the input side to the output side. That is, in the DC / DC converter 19, the intermediate link capacitor 28 is provided on the output side. In the DC / DC converter 19, the input capacitor 24, the switch 26, and the intermediate link capacitor 28 are connected in parallel, and the DC reactor 25 and the diode 27 are connected in series. The input capacitor 24 and the intermediate link capacitor 28 are, for example, electrolytic capacitors, but are not limited thereto. The switch 26 includes, for example, a semiconductor switching element and a free-wheeling diode, but is not limited thereto. The first temperature sensor 29 detects the temperature of the input capacitor 24. The second temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature of the intermediate link capacitor 28. The temperature of the input capacitor 24 and the intermediate link capacitor 28 may be the temperature of the capacitor itself, or may be an ambient temperature that changes according to the temperature of the capacitor. In addition, when there is an element that rises in temperature around the capacitor, the ambient temperature at which the capacitor is placed may be used. Further, only one of the first temperature sensor 29 and the second temperature sensor 30 may be provided.

  The memory 21 (see FIG. 2) stores factor information. The factor information is information that affects the life of the power conversion device 15. The memory 21 may store identification information of the power conversion device 15. The identification information uniquely identifies the power conversion device 15 and is given a unique value that is unchanged. As the identification information, for example, a manufacturer code, a product code, a manufacturing number, a manufacturing date, a unique variable, or the like may be used, or a combination thereof may be used. Further, the rated power of the power conversion device 15 may be included in the identification information.

  Further, the memory 21 stores the expected life of the power conversion device 15. The expected life is a time calculated as the life of the power conversion device 15 when it is assumed to be used in a certain use situation.

  The constant usage status is, for example, an operation time per unit time, a stop time per unit time, a temperature of the capacitor in the power conversion device 15 in operation, and a temperature of the capacitor in the stop. For example, assuming that one day is a unit time, the operation time per unit time is 12 hours / day, the temperature of the capacitor during operation and stoppage is 60 ° C. and 25 ° C., and the rated power is output during operation. In this case, 15 years is calculated as the expected life.

  The memory 21 stores a plurality of expected lifetimes that are determined in advance based on the assumption of the temperature of the operating capacitor for each different power including the rated power of the power conversion device 15. The memory 21 stores information necessary for the processor 23 to control the power conversion device 15.

  The communication unit 22 acquires various instructions from the power management device 16 and notifies the power management device 16 of expected life, factor information, identification information, and the like.

  The processor 23 controls the DC / DC converter 19, the inverter 20, the memory 21, and the communication unit 22. The processor 23 controls the DC / DC converter 19 to optimize the current or voltage. Further, the processor 23 controls the inverter 20 to convert it into AC power. Further, the processor 23 writes and reads information to and from the memory 21 as necessary. Further, the processor 23 controls the communication unit 22 to acquire and notify information.

  For example, when the independent power supply 14 is connected, the processor 23 reads the expected life determined from the power closest to the rated power of the independent power supply 14 from the memory 21 and notifies the power management apparatus 16 via the communication unit 22. Note that the processor 23 recognizes the rated power of the independent power source 14, in other words, the power receiving specification of the power conversion device 15, either automatically or based on a user's manual input when the independent power source 14 and the power conversion device 15 are connected. . For example, when automatically recognizing, it is only necessary to select a power receiving specification based on the maximum value of the input power received from the independent power source 14, and when the input power increases due to better solar radiation conditions over time. The power reception specifications need only be updated each time.

  The processor 23 manages factor information. For example, the processor 23 creates or acquires factor information, writes it in the memory 21, and notifies the power management apparatus 16 via the communication unit 22. Further, the processor 23 acquires factor information by, for example, user input using an input device, writes the factor information in the memory 21, and notifies the power management apparatus 16 via the communication unit 22.

  In the first embodiment, the factor information includes an actual operation time for performing conversion from DC power to AC power and a conversion from AC power to DC power, and an actual stop time for stopping the conversion. The processor 23 recognizes the actual operation time and the actual stop time based on, for example, time measurement, and creates the actual operation time and the actual stop time as factor information.

  The factor information includes the temperature of at least one of the capacitors used in the power conversion device 15, particularly the DC / DC converter 19. In the present embodiment, as described above, the DC / DC converter 19 includes the input capacitor 24 and the intermediate link capacitor 28, and the processor 23 determines the temperature of each capacitor as the first temperature sensor 29 and the second temperature. Obtained from the sensor 30. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the capacitor is an average value of temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor 29 and the second temperature sensor 30. Or you may use the temperature of the capacitor assumed to be used in the severest situation.

  Further, the processor 23 changes the acquired capacitor temperature to a temperature that is different by 5 ° C. within the range of 0 ° C. to 120 ° C., for example, 0 ° C., 5 ° C., 10 ° C., etc. To do. For example, when the acquired ambient temperature is 22.5 ° C. or more and less than 27.5 ° C., the processor 23 changes the ambient temperature to 25 ° C. Further, the processor 23 changes the ambient temperature to 60 ° C. when the acquired ambient temperature is 57.5 ° C. or more and less than 62.5 ° C. In addition, the precision of lifetime prediction can be improved, so that different temperatures are divided more finely.

  The processor 23 writes factor information into the memory 21. In the factor information, the actual operating time is accumulated for each interval from the reference time of the unit time to the next reference time and for each temperature of the operating capacitor, and is written in the memory 21. Also, in the factor information, the actual stop time is integrated at every interval from the reference time of the unit time to the next reference time and for each temperature of the stopped capacitor, and is written in the memory 21. The operation time and the stop time are associated with each capacitor temperature.

  The processor 23 reads the factor information written in the memory 21 either spontaneously at a constant cycle or when requested by the power management device 16 at a constant cycle. Further, the processor 23 controls the communication unit 22 to notify the power management apparatus 16 of the read factor information. For example, the processor 23 reads factor information from the memory 21 at a predetermined cycle such as one minute or once a day, and notifies the power management device 16 of the factor information. If the notification frequency is increased, it is possible to cope with the memory 21 having a small capacity, which is suitable when the memory 21 is a processor built-in memory. Further, if the notification frequency is lowered, it is possible to take time for recovery in the event of a communication error, and the possibility of information loss may be reduced. Moreover, according to the notification by the request | requirement from the power management apparatus 16, the burden of the processors 23 and 32 (refer FIG. 4) of both the power converter device 15 and the power management apparatus 16 may fall.

  When the processor 23 notifies the power management device 16 of the operation time, the processor 23 controls the communication unit 22 to notify the power management device 16 of the identification information of the power conversion device 15 written in the memory 21. You may let them.

  Further, the factor information includes an expected life extension time when it is assumed that the power management device 16 (described later) is near the end of life and is assumed to be used at the upper limit output in the safe mode. The extended time is written in the memory 21 in advance. Only when switching to the safe mode, the processor 23 reads the extended time from the memory 21 and controls the communication unit 22 to notify the power management device 16 of the extension time.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the power management apparatus 16 includes a communication unit 31 and a processor 32.

  The communication unit 31 acquires factor information directly from the power conversion device 15. Further, the communication unit 31 may acquire identification information of the power conversion device 15 from the power conversion device 15. Further, the communication unit 31 acquires the expected life from the power conversion device 15. Further, the communication unit 31 may send image data created by the processor 32 described later to the display device 17.

  The processor 32 generates lifetime information regarding the lifetime of the power conversion device 15 based on the factor information. In the present embodiment, the lifetime information is a variation amount of the lifetime from the expected lifetime. Further, in the present embodiment, the life information further includes a predicted life described later.

In this embodiment, the processor 32, the actual operating time per unit time _{T Fct_op,} actual stopping time _{T Fct_st} per unit time, _{t Fct_op} ambient temperature of the capacitor during operation, and the capacitor of the stop With the ambient temperature as a function f of t _{fct_st} (T _{fct_op} , T _{fct_st} , t _{fct_op} , t _{fct_st} ), for example, the life fluctuation amount ΔLS is calculated by the following equation (1).

The function f (T _{fct_op} , T _{fct_st} , t _{fct_op} , t _{fct_st} ) can be calculated by the following equation (2), for example.

In equation (2), ΔLS _op is the amount of change in the lifetime due to the change in the ambient temperature of the operating capacitor, and the actual operating time per unit time is T _{fct_op} and the ambient temperature of the operating capacitor is t _{fct_op} . It is a function. In the equation (2), ΔLS _st is the amount of change in the life due to the change in the ambient temperature of the stopped capacitor. The actual stop time per unit time is _expressed as T _{fct_st} and the ambient temperature of the stopped capacitor is expressed as t. It is a function of _{fct_st} . In the equation (2), ΔLS _sft is the amount of change in the life due to replacement of the operation time and the stop time. The actual operation time per unit time is T _{fct_op} , and the actual stop time per unit time is T _{fct_st} The ambient temperature of the _active capacitor is a function of t _{fct_op and} the ambient temperature of the stopped capacitor is a function of t _{fct_st} . These fluctuation amounts ΔLS _op , ΔLS _st , and ΔLS _sft can be calculated using, for example, a conventionally known estimated lifetime equation for capacitors.

  Further, the processor 32 calculates the predicted life based on the expected life and the fluctuation amount of the life. The predicted life is a life that is predicted according to the usage situation from when the power conversion device 15 is installed to the present. For example, the processor 32 calculates the predicted life by adding the integrated value of the fluctuation amount of the life calculated from when the power conversion device 15 is installed to the present to the expected life. Further, the processor 32 creates image data indicating the predicted life.

  Further, the processor 32 determines whether or not the power conversion device 15 has reached the life based on the expected life, the elapsed time since the installation of the power conversion device 15, and the amount of life variation (life information). For example, the processor 32 compares the predicted life (life information) calculated as described above with the elapsed time since the installation of the power conversion device 15 to determine whether or not the power conversion device 15 has reached the life. I do. Alternatively, the processor 32 may determine whether or not the power conversion device 15 has reached the lifetime by comparing the elapsed time obtained by subtracting the integrated value of the fluctuation amount of the lifetime with the expected lifetime.

  Further, the processor 32 determines whether or not the life of the power conversion device 15 is close based on the expected life, the elapsed time since the installation of the power conversion device 15, the first time threshold value, and the amount of life variation (life information). To determine. For example, the processor 32 determines whether the difference obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the installation of the power conversion device 15 from the predicted life (lifetime information) calculated as described above is less than a first time threshold value. It is determined whether or not the lifetime of 15 is near. Alternatively, the processor 32 adds the first time threshold to the elapsed time obtained by subtracting the integrated value, and determines whether or not the life of the power conversion device 15 is close when the difference between the summed values from the expected life is negative. I do.

  Further, when the processor 32 determines that the life of the power conversion device 15 is near, the processor 32 creates a command for switching to the safe mode, that is, changing the upper limit output of the power conversion device 15.

  The generation of life information (calculation of life fluctuation amount and predicted life in the present embodiment) and determination may be performed at a predetermined cycle, for example, once a day or once per hour, or power conversion When the power conversion device 15 is turned on when the device 15 is started or stopped, when the power management device 16 remotely suppresses the output of the distributed power supply, when the power conversion device 15 is stopped, or when power sale is stopped It may be when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In addition, the processor 32 creates image data indicating at least one of a determination result of whether or not the power conversion device 15 has reached the end of life and a determination result of whether or not the life of the power conversion device 15 is near. The processor 32 controls the communication unit 31 to notify the display device 17 of the created image data. In any of the image data, a message that prompts the user to replace the power conversion device 15 such as “It is expected that the device needs to be replaced” may be placed. In addition, the image data indicating that the lifetime is near may include a message element that prompts the user to switch to the safe mode, such as “I recommend driving in the safe mode”. When the life of the power conversion device 15 is far, nothing may be displayed, and an element for displaying that the life is far away as a message or a diagram may be included.

  Further, when the processor 32 obtains the predicted life or expected life extension time due to the transition to the safe mode from the power conversion device 15, the processor 32 adds the predicted life or expected life extension to the life fluctuation amount calculated as described above. Add time. The processor 32 may perform the above-described determination and creation of image data by using the variation amount of the lifetime including the extended time of the predicted lifetime or the expected lifetime.

  The display device 17 displays an image created by the power management device 16, for example, an image indicating a predicted life, an image indicating that the life has been reached, and an image indicating that the life is near, as described above.

  Next, life determination processing executed by the processor 32 of the power management apparatus 16 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The life determination process is started when the power conversion device 15 is newly installed and the power management device 16 can communicate with the power conversion device 15.

  In step S <b> 100, the processor 32 acquires the expected life from the power conversion device 15. After obtaining the expected life, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S <b> 101, the processor 32 acquires the actual operation time, the actual stop time, the temperature of the operating capacitor, and the temperature of the stopped capacitor from the power conversion device 15. After obtaining these factor information, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the processor 32 changes the lifetime (life information) based on the actual operating time, the actual stop time, the temperature of the operating capacitor, and the frequency of the stopped capacitor acquired in step S101. Is calculated. When the fluctuation amount is calculated, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the processor 32 calculates a predicted life (life information) based on the expected life acquired in step S100 and the fluctuation amount (life information) calculated in step S102. Further, the processor 32 creates image data indicating the predicted life. The processor 32 also controls the communication unit 22 to notify the power management apparatus 16 of the image data. After notification, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the processor 32 determines whether or not the life of the power conversion device 15 is near based on the fluctuation amount (lifetime information) calculated in step S102, the expected life acquired in step S100, and the threshold value. When the lifetime is near, the process proceeds to step S105. If the lifetime is not near, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S <b> 105, the processor 32 creates image data indicating that the life of the power conversion device 15 is near, and notifies the display device 17 of the image data. After notification, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S <b> 106, the processor 32 determines whether or not the predicted lifetime or the extended time from the expected lifetime is acquired from the power conversion device 15. When the extension time is acquired, the process proceeds to step S107. If the extension time has not been acquired, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S107, the processor 32 calculates the fluctuation amount based on the acquired extension time. After calculating the fluctuation amount, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S108, the processor 32 determines that the power conversion device 15 is based on the fluctuation amount (lifetime information) calculated in step S102 and the expected life acquired in step S100, or when the fluctuation amount is calculated in step S107, based on the fluctuation amount. It is determined whether or not the lifetime has been reached. If the lifetime has been reached, the process proceeds to step S109. If the lifetime has not been reached, the process returns to step S101.

  In step S109, the processor 32 creates image data indicating that the power conversion device 15 has reached the end of its life, and notifies the display device 17 of the image data. After notification, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the processor 32 stops the operation of the power conversion device 15. When the operation of the power conversion device 15 is stopped, the life determination process ends.

  According to the processor 32 of the first embodiment configured as described above, life information about a life that is more accurate than the expected life is generated based on the factor information.

  Further, according to the processor 32 of the first embodiment, the predicted life (life information) is calculated based on the life variation (life information) calculated using factor information such as actual operating time. The user can be notified of a life close to the actual situation. For example, the expected life is initially displayed, but after the predicted life is calculated, the predicted life is displayed.

  Moreover, according to the processor 32 of 1st Embodiment, since it determines whether the power converter device 15 reached | attained the lifetime based on the fluctuation amount (life information) of a lifetime, a user suddenly detects the power converter device 15. It can be notified whether the state such as the stop is due to the life.

  Moreover, according to the processor 32 of 1st Embodiment, since it is discriminate | determined whether the power converter device 15 is near a lifetime based on the variation | change_quantity (life information) and threshold value of a lifetime, a user's of the power converter device 15 is determined. Preparations for lifetime may be encouraged, such as repair appointments and purchase considerations.

  In addition, since the processor 32 of the first embodiment calculates the amount of life variation (life information) according to the upper limit output of the power converter 15, the power converter 15 outputs the upper limit output as if switching to the safe mode. Even when it is changed, a decrease in the accuracy of the life change can be suppressed.

  In addition, since the processor 32 of the first embodiment obtains the expected life corresponding to the power closest to the rated power of the independent power supply 14 from the power conversion device 15, the independent power supply that does not match the power conversion device 15 and the rated power. Even when 14 is used, it is possible to calculate a life variation (life information) and a predicted life (life information) with high accuracy. Since the variation amount of the life with high accuracy can be calculated, it is possible to notify the user of the suitability for reaching the life with high accuracy and the suitability for approaching the life.

  Moreover, since the processor 32 of 1st Embodiment acquires identification information from the power converter device 15, even if the power management system 10 contains two or more sets of power converter devices 15 and the independent power supply 14, it becomes identification information. Based on this, lifetime information can be created separately. Moreover, since identification information is acquired, when the power converter device 15 is replaced | exchanged, it is prevented that the lifetime information which continued that it is the same power converter device 15 is produced.

  Next, a processor according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the type of life information to be generated is different from that in the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment.

  The configuration of the power management system 10 including the power management apparatus including the processor according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). In the power management system 10 of the second embodiment, the functions and configurations of the smart meter 11, the distribution board 12, the load device 13, the independent power supply 14, and the display device 17 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the power conversion device 15 uses the actual operation time, the actual stop time, the temperature of the operating capacitor, and the temperature of the stopped capacitor as factor information. The power management apparatus 16 is notified. In the second embodiment, the actual operation time and the actual stop time are not the integrated time per unit time but the integrated time from when the power converter 15 is installed.

  In the second embodiment, the memory 21 (see FIG. 2) of the power conversion device 15 stores a single expected life in advance. Unlike the first embodiment, the expected life in the second embodiment is a life calculated for use that continues to operate in a constant state without being divided into cases. For example, in the second embodiment, the expected life is 2000 hours, which is a guaranteed operation time for 105 ° C. continuous operation.

  In 2nd Embodiment, the processor 32 (refer FIG. 4) of the power management apparatus 16 calculates the converted time demonstrated below as lifetime information. Further, the processor 32 may calculate a predicted life as life information based on the converted time. The converted time means the actual temperature from the installation of the power converter 15 so that the temperature of the operating and stopped capacitors, which are factor information, matches the temperature used as the assumption of the expected life (calculation). This is the time converted from operating time and actual stop time. More specifically, the converted time means that at the actual capacitor temperature, the actual degradation time is the same as the actual operating time and the actual shutdown time, and the capacitor temperature assumed in the calculation of the expected life is reached. It takes time.

  Moreover, the processor 32 of 2nd Embodiment determines whether the power converter device 15 reached the lifetime based on the expected lifetime and the converted time. For example, the processor 32 determines that the power conversion device 15 has reached the life when the converted time exceeds the expected life or when the difference (life information) obtained by subtracting the converted time from the expected life is negative.

  Further, the processor 32 of the second embodiment determines whether or not the life of the power conversion device 15 is near based on the expected life, the second time threshold, and the converted time. For example, the processor 32 converts the power when the converted time exceeds the difference obtained by subtracting the second time threshold from the expected life or when the difference obtained by subtracting the converted time from the expected life becomes less than the second time threshold. It is determined that the life of the device 15 is near.

  Next, life determination processing executed by the processor 32 of the power management apparatus 16 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The life determination process is started when the power conversion device 15 is newly installed and the power management device 16 can communicate with the power conversion device 15.

  In step S <b> 200, the processor 32 acquires the expected life from the power conversion device 15. After obtaining the expected life, the process proceeds to step S201.

  In step S201, the processor 32 acquires the actual operating time, the actual stop time, the temperature of the operating capacitor, and the temperature of the stopped capacitor from the power conversion device 15. After obtaining these factor information, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the processor 32 performs conversion when operating at 105 ° C. based on the actual operating time, the actual stop time, the temperature of the operating capacitor, and the temperature of the stopped capacitor acquired in step S201. Calculate time. After calculating the converted time, the process proceeds to step S203.

  Thereafter, the processor 32 executes the same processes as steps S104, S105, and S108 to S110 in the life determination process of the first embodiment in steps S203 to 207, and ends the life determination process.

  Also by the processor 32 of the second embodiment configured as described above, life information on a life that is more accurate than the expected life is generated based on the factor information. The processor 32 of the second embodiment also determines whether or not the power conversion device 15 has reached the life based on the life information, and determines whether or not the power conversion device 15 has a near life based on the life information. Is determined. Also, the processor 32 of the second embodiment can generate life information separately for two or more sets of power conversion devices 15 based on the identification information.

  Next, a processor according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the type of lifetime information to be generated is different from that in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The third embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment.

  The configuration of the power management system 10 including the power management apparatus including the processor according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). In the power management system 10 of the third embodiment, the functions and configurations of the smart meter 11, the distribution board 12, the load device 13, the independent power supply 14, and the display device 17 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the power conversion device 15 notifies the power management device 16 of at least one of the temperature of the operating capacitor and the temperature increase rate of the operating capacitor as factor information.

  In 3rd Embodiment, the processor 32 (refer FIG. 4) of the power management apparatus 16 produces the determination result whether the power converter device 15 reached | attained the lifetime as lifetime information. Generally, the capacitor temperature rises to a temperature exceeding the upper limit value of the allowable temperature when the lifetime is reached. Therefore, the processor 32 determines that the power conversion device 15 has reached the end of its life when the ambient temperature of the operating capacitor exceeds the temperature threshold that is the allowable upper limit temperature. In general, when the temperature rise rate of the capacitor reaches the end of its life, it exceeds the allowable ripple current (allowable ripple current), so that the temperature increase rate due to the ripple current exceeds the normal increase rate. Therefore, the processor 32 determines that the power conversion device 15 has reached the end of its life when the rate of increase in the ambient temperature of the operating capacitor exceeds the speed threshold corresponding to the allowable ripple current. When at least one of the number of times the ambient temperature exceeds the temperature threshold and the number of times the temperature rise rate exceeds the speed threshold exceeds a predetermined number, or based on the combination, it is determined that the power converter 15 has reached the end of its life May be.

  Next, life determination processing executed by the processor 32 of the power management apparatus 16 in the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The life determination process is started when the power management device 16 can communicate with the power conversion device 15.

  In step S <b> 300, the processor 32 acquires the temperature of the capacitor and the temperature increase rate from the power conversion device 15. After acquisition, the process proceeds to step S301.

  In step S301, the processor 32 determines whether or not the temperature acquired in step S300 exceeds a temperature threshold value. If the temperature is below the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step S302. If the temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, the process skips step S302 and proceeds to step S303.

  In step S302, the processor 32 determines whether or not the temperature increase rate acquired in step S300 exceeds the speed threshold value. If the temperature rise rate is less than or equal to the speed threshold, the process returns to step S300. When the rate of temperature rise exceeds the speed threshold, the process proceeds to step S303.

  Thereafter, the processor 32 executes the same processing as the processing in steps S109 and S110 in the life determination processing of the first embodiment in steps S303 and S304, and ends the life determination processing.

  Also by the processor 32 of the third embodiment configured as described above, life information on a life that is more accurate than the expected life is generated based on the factor information. Further, the processor 32 of the third embodiment also determines whether or not the power conversion device 15 has reached the lifetime based on the lifetime information.

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, although the first to third embodiments are described as the processor 32 that performs the above-described operation, these embodiments may be implemented as a method.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, the power management device 16 is configured to communicate directly with the power conversion device 15, but may communicate via the network 33 as shown in FIG. . Alternatively, the power management device 16 and the power conversion device 15 may further communicate with the EMS server 34 via the network 33.

  If the power management device 16 is configured to communicate with the EMS server 34, the power management device 16 can notify the EMS server 34 of the life information together with the identification number of the power conversion device 15. According to such a configuration, the EMS server 34 can be used as a backup for the power management apparatus 16 or the power conversion apparatus 15.

  Alternatively, the power conversion device 15 may notify the EMS server 34 of the factor information once, and the EMS server 34 may notify the power management device 16 of the factor information. According to such a configuration, even if there is no dedicated communication line between the power conversion device 15 and the power management device 16, it is possible to execute the life determination processing of the first to third embodiments. It is.

  In the first to third embodiments, the life information is generated based on the factor information by the processor 32 of the power management apparatus 16, but the life information is generated by the processor 32 of the power management apparatus 16. It is not limited to. For example, the generation of life information based on the factor information may be performed by the processor 23 of the power conversion device 15 or the processor of the EMS server 34.

  For example, when the processor of the EMS server 34 generates life information based on each factor information for the plurality of power conversion devices 15, the power that needs to be replaced in the plurality of power conversion devices 15. A list showing the life information of the conversion device 15 can be created. According to such a configuration, sales information useful for a dealer of the power conversion device 15 and the like can be created. The same effect can be obtained even when the processor of the EMS server 34 obtains the life information generated by the plurality of power management apparatuses 16 and creates the above-described list.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, only the processor 32 of the power management apparatus 16 generates life information based on factor information, calculates a predicted life, determines life arrival based on life information, and life information. Whether or not the lifetime is near and generation of the image data of the determination result are performed, but these operations are performed by the respective processors of the power conversion device 15, the power management device 16, and the EMS server 34 divided. Also good.

  For example, the processor of the EMS server 34 generates life information based on the factor information, determines the end of life based on the life information, and determines whether the life is near, and the processor 32 of the power management apparatus 16 creates image data of the determination result. It may be configured to. According to such a configuration, since the EMS server 34 can generally handle a larger amount of data at a higher speed than the power management apparatus 16, recalculation and correction of life information based on accumulated past factor information, and life time Further processing of information is easy. Further, according to such a configuration, a low-capacity memory can be applied as the memory of the power management apparatus 16.

  In the first embodiment, the life fluctuation amount ΔLS includes the life fluctuation amount due to the temperature fluctuation of the operating capacitor, the life fluctuation amount due to the temperature fluctuation of the stopped capacitor, and the operation time and the stop time. Although three kinds of fluctuation amounts of the lifetime fluctuation amount due to the replacement of are included, at least one of them may be included. The accuracy of the life fluctuation amount increases as the types of fluctuation amounts to be included increase. In addition, the calculation burden decreases as the types of fluctuation amounts to be included decrease.

In the first embodiment, the actual operating time T _{fct_op} per unit time is used to calculate the lifetime fluctuation amount ΔLS _op due to the temperature fluctuation of the operating capacitor. Good. As the fixed value, for example, the operating time T _{asp_op} per unit time used in the assumption of the expected life or life information (defined as a precondition) can be applied. For example, the operation time per unit time is calculated in advance for each temperature and stored in the memory 21, and the operation time corresponding to the temperature is read from the memory 21, thereby avoiding complicated function calculation. Thus, if a fixed value is used, the calculation burden on the processor 32 is reduced.

In the first embodiment, the actual stop time T _{fct_st} per unit time is used to calculate the life variation ΔLS _st due to the change in the ambient temperature of the stopped capacitor. Also good. As the fixed value, for example, a stop time per unit time (defined as a precondition) used in the assumption of the expected life or life information can be applied. For example, the operation time per unit time is calculated in advance for each temperature and stored in the memory 21, and the operation time corresponding to the temperature is read from the memory 21, thereby avoiding complicated function calculation. Thus, if a fixed value is used, the calculation burden on the processor 32 is reduced.

In the first embodiment, the actual operating and stopping capacitor temperatures t _{fct_op} and t _{fct_st} are used to calculate the lifetime fluctuation amount ΔLS _sft by exchanging the operating time and the stopping time. It may be. As the fixed value, for example, the temperature of the operating capacitor and the stopped capacitor used in the assumption of the expected lifetime or lifetime information (defined as a precondition) can be applied. If a fixed value is used, the calculation burden on the processor 32 is reduced.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the power conversion device 15 notifies the actual operation time and the actual stop time, but the power management device 16 monitors the operation status of the power conversion device 15. By doing so, the actual operation time and the actual stop time may be acquired.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Power management system 11 Smart meter 12 Distribution board 13 Load apparatus 14 Independent power supply 15 Power converter 16 Power management apparatus 17 Display apparatus 18 Power system 19 DC / DC converter 20 Inverter 21 Memory 22 Communication part 23 Processor 24 Input capacitor 25 DC Reactor 26 Switch 27 Diode 28 Intermediate link capacitor 29 First temperature sensor 30 Second temperature sensor 31 Communication unit 32 Processor 33 Network

Claims (19)

Obtain factor information that affects the life of the power converter,
Based on the factor information, life information on the life of the power converter is generated. The processor of claim 1, wherein
The lifetime information includes a variation amount of lifetime from an expected lifetime of the power conversion device. The processor of claim 1, wherein
The processor is characterized in that the lifetime information is a time obtained by converting an elapsed time from the installation of the power converter so that the factor information matches a precondition for calculating an expected lifetime of the power converter. The processor according to claim 2 or 3,
The factor information includes an actual operation time of the power conversion device. The processor according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The processor is characterized in that the factor information includes a temperature of an operating capacitor in the power converter. The processor according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The factor information includes a temperature of a stopped capacitor in the power conversion device. The processor according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
A processor that determines whether or not the power conversion device has reached the lifetime based on the expected lifetime and the lifetime information. The processor according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
A processor that determines whether or not the life of the power conversion device is near based on the expected life, the threshold value, and the life information. The processor according to claim 7 or 8,
A processor that creates image data indicating the result of the determination. The processor according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
A processor that creates a command to change the upper limit output of the power converter. The processor of claim 10, wherein
The factor information includes an upper limit output of the power converter. The processor according to any one of claims 2 to 11,
The expected life is determined according to a power receiving specification of the power conversion device. The processor according to claims 2 to 12,
The processor, wherein the lifetime information includes a predicted lifetime calculated based on the expected lifetime and the amount of change. The processor of claim 1, wherein
The lifetime information includes a determination result as to whether or not the power converter has reached the lifetime. The processor of claim 14, wherein
The factor information includes a temperature of a capacitor in the power converter,
A processor that determines whether or not the power converter has reached the end of its life based on whether or not the temperature of the capacitor exceeds an allowable upper limit temperature of the capacitor. A processor according to claim 14 or 15,
The factor information includes a temperature rise rate of a capacitor in the power converter,
A processor that determines whether or not the power conversion device has reached the end of its life based on whether or not the temperature increase rate exceeds a temperature increase rate corresponding to an allowable ripple current of the capacitor. The processor according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The processor, wherein the factor information is acquired in association with identification information of the power converter. A processor according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising:
The processor acquires the factor information directly from the power conversion device or from the power conversion device via an EMS server, and notifies the life information to at least one of a display device and an EMS server. Management device. A processor according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising:
The processor acquires the factor information of each of the plurality of power converters, generates the life information of each, and creates image data indicating the life information of each of the plurality of power converters. EMS server.

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