JP2023146828A - Power monitoring control device - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress wasteful gas consumption in an idling state, which is not reflected in household power consumption due to power generation.SOLUTION: In addition to the current power generation control, which sets the power generation of a cogeneration device 10 to an idling state when route B communication is not possible, when power information is acquired from a smart meter 36 through the B route communication at communication intervals at each fixed time (for example, 30 seconds), when the route B communication is not possible for a certain number of times (when communication is not possible for a longer period of time than a period used to determine the idling state), power generation is stopped. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary gas consumption.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a power monitoring and control device that acquires power information such as current, power, and power amount necessary for controlling the operation of distributed power supply equipment, such as a household fuel cell cogeneration system.

In addition to commercial power sources, overcurrent and reverse power flow can occur in houses that are installed with so-called distributed power sources such as cogeneration systems that generate electricity using solar power generation, storage batteries, gas engines, and fuel cells, and utilize waste heat. It is important to monitor such matters.

In conventional home power generation systems, a CT (Current Transformer) clamp is attached to the home distribution board to obtain the home power load and perform load following control (hereinafter referred to as the wired system).

On the other hand, as wireless methods, there are a method using wireless CT and a method of remotely acquiring power load from power information from a smart meter. The wired method requires CT wiring work and has the disadvantage of requiring construction costs for drilling holes in the outer wall, so a wireless method is desired.

As methods for performing load following control without CT wiring, there are a method using a wireless CT and a method of remotely acquiring the power load from power information from a smart power meter (route B).

Smart meter information acquisition has communication paths of A route, B route, and C route. Route A is a communication route that connects the smart meter and the power company, route B is a communication route that connects the smart meter and HEMS, etc., and route C is the communication route that connects the smart meter and HEMS, etc., and route C is the communication route that connects the smart meter and the power company. This is a communication route for providing information to three parties (retail electricity companies, etc.).

Patent Document 1 describes the provision of a distribution board that can be prevented from increasing in size even when it accommodates equipment that manages both power consumption data of a branch power line and power amount data from a smart meter.

In addition, in Patent Document 1, the power information transmitting unit installed in the distribution board performs B route communication with the smart meter using either G3PLC or Wi-SUN wireless communication, but the power information transmitting unit and cogeneration There is no description of the relationship with the device.

Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses that power information is acquired from a smart meter via the B route communication path, and it is possible to roughly follow the ever-changing power usage in a house and perform control that approximates the power transition characteristics of the home. It is stated that.

However, the timing of communication in the cogeneration device overlaps with the timing of communication of other devices (A route communication, B route communication with other devices (HEMS etc.), specified low power wireless of other devices, etc.), Communication may fail due to radio wave interference or communication standby control (carrier sense) to avoid radio wave interference.

If this communication failure occurs, it may not be possible to accurately control the amount of power generated, so the cogeneration system enters a power generation idling state and stops the external output of power generation. (consumption by power sources, etc.). During that time, household power consumption is no longer supplemented by power generation, and gas consumption for idling becomes wasteful energy consumption.

Here, as a reference document regarding gas consumption due to idling, Patent Document 3 describes micro leakage monitoring control of a gas microcomputer meter attached to a gas pipe that is an energy source for power generation in a cogeneration system.

Specifically, after the cogeneration system has been in continuous operation for 27 days (including idling as described above), a 24-hour (one day) shutdown period is established to prevent false detections caused by the power generation function that continues to consume gas. Recognize that there is no trace leakage. Additionally, if there is a small amount of leakage, a warning will be issued.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-075895 JP 2021-164198 Publication Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-16344

However, since a home power generation system basically operates continuously (including an idling state), gas is constantly consumed, which may lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency.

An object of the present invention is to obtain a power monitoring and control device that can suppress wasteful consumption of gas during idling, which is not reflected in household power consumption due to power generation.

The power monitoring and control device according to the present invention is a power monitoring and control device that acquires information regarding the power load and controls load-following power generation by a distributed power source facility that generates power using fuel gas, and which operates at a constant communication interval. If a communication unit that executes communication for acquiring information regarding power consumption by wireless communication at each communication time and a period during which communication is unavailable between the communication unit and the communication unit at each communication interval exceed a predetermined first period, When the distributed power supply equipment is operated in an idling state in which the amount of power generated is less than the amount of power self-consumed by the distributed power supply equipment, and the communication unavailable period exceeds a second period that is longer than the first period. a power generation control unit that causes the distributed power supply equipment to stop power generation or suppress the power generation to a smaller amount than the idling state, and restarts the load following power generation of the distributed power supply equipment when the wireless communication is restored. are doing.

According to the present invention, the communication unit performs communication for acquiring the information regarding the power consumption by wireless communication at every communication time of a fixed communication interval.

In the power generation control unit, if the communication unavailable period by the communication unit for each communication interval exceeds a predetermined first period, the power generation control unit reduces the amount of power generated by the distributed power supply equipment to the amount of power that is self-consumed by the distributed power supply equipment. When the communication disabled period exceeds a second period which is longer than the first period, power generation of the distributed power supply equipment is stopped or the power generation is suppressed to a smaller amount than in the idling state.

Then, when the wireless communication is restored, the load following power generation of the distributed power supply equipment is restarted. This makes it possible to suppress wasteful consumption of fuel gas during idling, which is not reflected in domestic power consumption due to power generation.

For example, part of the function of a gas microcomputer meter is reset every preset judgment period, and if it detects that the fuel gas has been continuously supplied during the judgment period, there is a possibility that the fuel gas has leaked. There is a leak monitoring control unit that issues an alarm to notify the leakage.

In the present invention, the fuel gas is supplied via a gas microcomputer meter installed in a gas supply pipe, and the power generation control unit is configured to control the power generation control unit during a third period until a leakage monitoring control unit of the gas microcomputer meter is reset. is shorter than a predetermined period, even if the wireless communication is restored after stopping or suppressing the power generation, the power generation unit waits until the next reset time in the leakage monitoring control unit is reached, and the power generation unit The present invention is characterized in that the load following power generation is restarted.

Further, in the present invention, the power generation is suppressed by reducing the power generation amount at a gas consumption amount that is smaller than the gas consumption amount in the idling state and smaller than the fuel gas consumption amount that can detect leakage in the leakage monitoring control section. It is characterized by certain things.

According to the present invention, if it is determined that the communication failure state of the power information request is over a long period of time, power generation is stopped, or power generation is suppressed to a gas usage amount below the minimum pulse of the flow rate count of the gas microcomputer meter (flow rate is not detected). Quantity.

Note that a long period of time refers to, for example, a period of time during which the idling state continues to such an extent that the amount of fuel gas usage increases compared to a state where the cogeneration device is not installed. By stopping or suppressing power generation, wasteful consumption of fuel gas can be suppressed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress wasteful consumption of fuel gas during idling, which is not reflected in household power consumption due to power generation.

1 is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a house in which the cogeneration device is installed. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a controller of the cogeneration device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for communication interval adjustment control in the controller of the cogeneration device according to the present embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a communication interval adjustment control routine executed by the controller of the cogeneration device according to the present embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing an idling control routine for power generation that is executed for each B route communication. It is a timing chart of trace leak monitoring control in a gas microcomputer meter. It is a flowchart which shows the communication interval adjustment control routine performed by the controller of the cogeneration device concerning a modification.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a household fuel cell cogeneration system (hereinafter simply referred to as "cogeneration system 10" in this embodiment) as an example of distributed power supply equipment according to the present embodiment. has been done.

The cogeneration device 10 is a system that includes a tank unit and a fuel cell unit. Note that coexisting does not mean that they are physically adjacent, but rather that they cooperate with each other. That is, the tank unit and the fuel cell unit may be installed separately and connected by piping, electrical wiring, or the like.

The fuel cell unit takes in gas (for example, city gas 13A) from the gas supply pipe 50, refines hydrogen, and generates electricity through a process centered on reforming hydrogen and oxygen.

A gas microcomputer meter 52 is attached to the gas supply pipe 50. The downstream side of the gas microcomputer meter 52 is branched, one branch pipe is a pipe line that supplies gas to the fuel cell unit of the cogeneration system 10, and the other branch pipe is a pipe line that supplies gas to the gas equipment (stove, gas stove, etc.) of the house 12. This is a conduit that supplies gas to fans (fan heaters, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, the cogeneration device 10 is installed along the outer wall of a house 12, and a worker goes to the site and performs the installation work.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the installation work has been completed, the test run has been completed, and the system can be operated steadily in cooperation with various equipment (electrical equipment, hot water supply equipment, etc.) on the house 12 side.

(Configuration of cogeneration device 10)
Although not shown, the fuel cell unit of the cogeneration system 10 includes a hot module, a power conditioner, an exhaust heat recovery device, a heat storage tank, a radiator, a heat exchanger, etc., each of which is controlled by a controller 14 related to hot water supply. The control unit 27 and the power generation related control unit 29 (both shown in FIG. 2) are controlled in cooperation with each other.

The hot module is a fuel processing device to which gas (for example, city gas 13A) is supplied from the gas supply pipe 50, extracts hydrogen from the gas, supplies the extracted hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, and generates a direct current using oxygen in the air. Generate electricity.

A power conditioner converts the generated DC power into AC power and supplies it to a house.

The exhaust heat recovery device recovers heat from exhaust heat gas generated by power generation.

A heat storage tank can store heat recovered via a heating medium at high temperatures, and the stored heat is used when hot water is supplied.

The radiator radiates heat and cools the heat medium. A radiator is not required.

The heat exchanger uses the high temperature heat medium from the heat medium tank to heat the tap water. A heat exchanger is not required.

Further, the cogeneration device 10 can also send the generated power to the heat source device 16 via the power line 15. The heat source device 16 further heats the hot water heated by the cogeneration device 10 by burning city gas (for example, 13A) as needed, and supplies the heated water to the house 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 14 includes a microcomputer 28 composed of a CPU 18, a RAM 20, a ROM 22, an I/O 24, and a bus 26 such as a data bus or a control bus that connects these.

A hot water supply related control section 27 and a power generation related control section 29 are connected to the I/O 24, and operations associated with hot water supply and power generation are controlled by the controller 14.

Further, a large-scale storage device 30 is connected to the I/O 24, and stores processing programs related to power generation and hot water supply executed by the controller 14, as well as history information based on power generation (for example, in this embodiment, , communication interval adjustment information, etc.) are stored.

Furthermore, a remote control 32 is connected to the I/O 24. The remote control 32 is installed inside the house 12 where the cogeneration device 10 is installed, and has a function for the user to input commands regarding the cogeneration device 10 (and the heat source device 16), and displays the status of the cogeneration device 10. It has functions such as

As shown in FIG. 1, in the distributed power supply system according to the present embodiment, purchased power from the commercial power source 34 and power generated by the cogeneration device 10 are used as power sources for the house 12.

Commercial power source 34 is connected to smart meter 36 . The smart meter 36 measures electric power information such as the current, electric power, and electric energy of the commercial power source 34, and transmits the measured information to a specific communication destination through the communication paths of route A, route B, and route C. Is possible.

That is, the A route is a communication path that connects the smart meter 36 and the electric power company, and the B route is a communication path that connects the smart meter 36 and the equipment installed in the house 12 (for example, if a HEMS is constructed, its controller, etc. ), and the C route is a communication route for providing data acquired by the power company via the A route to a third party (retail power company, etc.).

A power line 38 output from the smart meter 36 is wired to a distribution board 40 installed in the house 12.

In the distribution board 40, assuming that the smart meter 36 side is the upstream side, a service breaker 42, an earth leakage breaker 46, and a safety breaker 48 are installed in this order from the upstream side.

The service breaker 42 is a circuit breaker for determining contract capacity, but may not be installed.

The earth leakage breaker 46 is a circuit breaker that quickly senses and interrupts earth leakage in the internal wiring and electrical equipment of the house 12 to prevent electrical accidents.

The safety breaker 48 is attached to each of the branch circuits for transmitting power from the distribution board 40 to each usage location of the house 12, and is automatically activated when a short circuit or power usage exceeding a certain level is detected due to a failure of electrical equipment, etc. It is a circuit breaker that protects the circuit.

Here, the power generated by the cogeneration device 10 is combined with the commercial power source 34 via a dedicated safety breaker 48A provided in the distribution board 40, and is used as a power source for electrical equipment inside the house 12. Can be done.

Although not shown in the drawings, the cogeneration device 10 is provided with a power line dedicated to when the commercial power source 34 is out of power, so that the power generated by the cogeneration device 10 can be switched on when power is not supplied from the commercial power source 34 due to a power outage. , can be supplied through a power outage dedicated outlet installed in a part of the house 12.

Here, the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10 needs to control the generated power according to the amount of power used in the house 12, which changes from moment to moment.

In this embodiment, the communication interval for acquiring power information from the smart meter 36 via the B route communication path is set to once every 30 seconds. With this communication interval, it is possible to perform control (load follow control) to roughly follow the constantly changing power consumption of the house 12 without violating various wireless communication standards.

By the way, in addition to communication with the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10 via the B route, the smart meter 36 also performs other communications such as communication via the A route. There is also a period during which communication is not possible, including when the smart meter 36 is updated.

Therefore, when the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10 attempts to acquire power information via the communication route B route at a communication interval of once every 30 seconds, the There is also a possibility that communication for obtaining power information may fail during periods when there is interference from other sources (e.g., specific low-power radios).

In other words, in the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10, there is a possibility that power information cannot be obtained as frequently as necessary only by controlling communication that is obtained at a communication interval once every 30 seconds.

If the cogeneration device 10 continues to be unable to obtain power information at the required frequency, it will not be able to perform stable load following control and will not be able to maintain an appropriate amount of power generation. The device 10 is in an idling state within its internal consumption.

However, if the state in which power information cannot be obtained as frequently as required continues for a longer period of time, gas consumption will increase (for example, gas consumption will increase compared to a state where the cogeneration device 10 is not installed). etc).

Therefore, in this embodiment, a threshold value is set for a period corresponding to the required frequency of power information (for example, the number of acquisition failures, etc.), and when the threshold value is exceeded, the power generation device 10 I tried to stop it.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for communication interval control and power generation availability control in the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10. Each block in this functional block diagram is classified by function, and in this embodiment, control is performed by software operated by the CPU 18 based on a communication interval adjustment program stored in the ROM 22. Note that the operation program shown in some or all of the functional blocks may be operated by incorporating an IC chip such as an ASIC.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless communication unit 54 establishes a communication protocol for acquiring power information via the B route communication path of the smart meter 36. The wireless communication unit 54 is connected to a communication interval timer 56 and receives timing for establishing a communication protocol from the communication interval timer 56. In this embodiment, a communication protocol is established at a communication interval of once every 30 seconds as a default.

The wireless communication section 54 is connected to a power information acquisition section 58. When the communication protocol is established (successfully) in the wireless communication unit 54, the power information acquisition unit 58 acquires power information from the smart meter 36 via the communication route B.

The power information acquisition unit 58 is connected to the system operation control unit 60 and notifies the system operation control unit 60 of the acquired power information.

The system operation control unit 60 calculates power generation output and the like based on the acquired power information, and sends a control instruction signal to the necessary controlled devices of the cogeneration system 10. Thereby, the cogeneration device 10 can be operated with a power generation output that roughly follows the power consumption in the house 12.

In addition to sending a control instruction signal for power generation output to the control device, the system operation control unit 60 may also send a control instruction signal for stopping and restarting power generation, which will be described later.

On the other hand, the wireless communication section 54 is connected to a communication success/failure determination section 62. The communication success/failure determination unit 62 determines whether the wireless communication unit 54 has established a communication protocol at a predetermined communication interval, and sends the result to the continuous failure counter 64 .

The continuous failure counter 64 counts +1 each time communication fails, and when communication is successful, the cumulative failure count is reset. That is, the count value of the continuous failure counter 64 is the number of consecutive communication failures.

The continuous failure counter 64 is connected to the determination section 66, and a count value is sent to the determination section 66 at every communication interval (every 30 seconds).

A failure count threshold storage unit 68 is connected to the determination unit 66, and each time a count value is received from the continuous failure counter 64, the count value and the threshold value are compared.

The determination unit 66 is connected to the system operation control unit 60, and when the determination unit 66 determines that the count value from the continuous failure counter 64 is less than the threshold value, outputs a power generation enable signal to the system operation control unit 60. However, when the count value from the continuous failure counter 64 exceeds the threshold value, a power generation disable signal is output to the system operation control section 60.

Based on the power generation availability information received from the determination unit 66, the system operation control unit 60 determines whether to stop power generation while power is being generated, resume power generation from a state where power generation is currently stopped, continue power generation, continue power generation stop, etc. Sends control instruction signals to stop and restart power generation.

The operation of this embodiment will be explained below according to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a power information acquisition control routine executed by the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10.

Further, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a power generation idling control routine executed for each B route communication.

In step 100, the power generation stop flag F is reset (0), and the process moves to step 102. This power generation stop flag F is a flag that is reset (F=0) when power can be generated, and is set (1) when power cannot be generated.

In step 102, the default value of the communication interval (in this embodiment, once every 30 seconds) is read, and the process moves to step 104.

In step 104, it is determined whether or not the communication interval time has elapsed, and step 104 is repeated until the communication interval time has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in step 104, the process moves to step 106, and it is determined whether or not B route communication is possible.

If an affirmative determination is made in step 106, the process proceeds to step 108, where it is determined whether flag F is set (1). The case where an affirmative determination is made in step 108 will be described later.

If a negative determination is made in step 108, power generation is possible, so the process moves to step 110, where the wireless communication unit 54 requests the smart meter 36 for power information, and the process moves to step 112.

In step 112, it is determined whether power information has been acquired in response to the request in step 110. If a negative determination is made in step 112, the power information could not be acquired, so the process moves to step 114, executes error processing (for example, notifying power information acquisition failure, recording log information, etc.), and returns to step 104. Repeat the above steps.

Further, if an affirmative determination is made in step 112, the process proceeds to step 116, where the operating state of each controlled device is controlled based on the power information, and the process returns to step 104, where the above steps are repeated.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 106, it is determined that B route communication is impossible, and the process proceeds to step 118.

In step 118, it is determined whether flag F is set, and if the determination is affirmative, it is determined that power generation has already been stopped, and the process returns to step 104.

Further, if a negative determination is made in step 118, it is determined that power is currently being generated, and the process proceeds to step 120.

In step 120, it is recognized that the current communication is not possible, and the process moves to step 122. In step 122, it is determined whether communication has been disabled for a certain number of times, and if the determination is negative, it is determined that it is too early to stop power generation, and the process returns to step 104.

In addition, if an affirmative determination is made in step 122, it is determined that further power generation may result in an increase in gas consumption, and the process moves to step 124 to execute the power generation stop process. and moves to step 126.

In step 126, a flag F indicating that power generation has stopped is set (1), and the process returns to step 104.

If this flag F is set (1), an affirmative determination will be made in step 108 described above.

That is, after the power generation is stopped, at step 106, when route B communication becomes possible (affirmative determination), at step 108, an affirmative determination is made, and the process moves to step 128, instructing execution of the power generation startup step, and Move to 130. In step 130, a flag F indicating that power generation is possible is reset (0), and the process proceeds to step 110.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a power generation idling control routine executed for each B route communication.

In step 150, it is determined whether or not the operation is stopped. If an affirmative determination is made in step 150, it is determined that power generation is being stopped using the control shown in FIG. 4, and this routine ends.

If a negative determination is made in step 150, it is determined that the engine is normally generating electricity or idling (both are generating electricity), and the process proceeds to step 152.

In step 152, the communication state of route B is confirmed, and then the process proceeds to step 154, where it is determined whether idling is necessary based on the communication state of route B.

If it is determined in step 154 that idling is necessary, the process moves to step 156 to enter an idling state (if idling, the idling state is maintained), and this routine ends. Further, if it is determined in step 154 that idling is not necessary, the routine moves to step 158 to shift to normal power generation (if normal power generation is in progress, the normal power generation state is maintained), and this routine ends.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the current power generation control in which the power generation of the cogeneration device 10 is set to an idling state when communication on route B is disabled, communication intervals are controlled at fixed time intervals (for example, 30 seconds). , when acquiring power information from the smart meter 36 through B route communication, power generation is stopped when B route communication is not possible for a certain number of times (when communication is not possible for a longer period of time than the determination of idling state). I did it like that.

For example, as a comparative example, when B route communication is not possible for a certain number of times, the amount of power generation is reduced to the level that is consumed by the internal equipment (e.g., heater) of the cogeneration device 10, and power generation continues. If the B route communication unavailable period continues for a predetermined period (multiple communication opportunities), the amount of gas consumed may increase on the contrary.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, power generation is stopped when communication becomes unavailable continuously during a plurality of communication opportunities. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary gas consumption.

(Modified example)
In this embodiment, a threshold value is set for a period corresponding to the required frequency of power information (for example, the number of acquisition failures, etc.), and when the threshold value is exceeded, the cogeneration device 10 is stopped. I made it.

Here, as a condition for forcing the cogeneration device 10 to stop gas consumption (stop power generation), there is avoidance of operation of the trace leakage monitoring function of the gas microcomputer meter 52.

The gas microcomputer meter 52 has multiple functions of measuring the flow rate of gas to be supplied and monitoring abnormalities in the gas supply. In addition to the main monitoring functions (abnormal outflow monitoring function, seismic sensing function, pressure monitoring function, long-term use monitoring function), as a safety function, the gas supply is not actively cut off. Equipped with a leak monitoring function.

As shown in FIG. 6, the trace leakage monitoring function issues an alarm (blinking of an alarm lamp, etc.) when leakage continues for a certain period of time (for example, 30 days) (see arrow A in FIG. 6).

Here, the cogeneration device 10 normally continues to consume gas for the purpose of power generation, and in order to prevent the trace leakage monitoring function from working, a certain power generation suspension period is set before 30 days have passed. I have to. As an example, a power generation suspension period of 24 hours (third period) is provided once every 27 days of continuous operation, and the alarm counter of the safety function is reset (see arrow B in FIG. 6).

When the cogeneration device 10 operates continuously for 27 days, a 24-hour (1 day) suspension period is provided to prevent false detection by the power generation function and to recognize that there is no trace leakage if there is no trace leakage. I can do it.

By the way, in the cogeneration device 10 of the present embodiment, a threshold value is set for a period corresponding to the required frequency of power information (for example, the number of acquisition failures, etc.), and when the threshold value is exceeded, the code is The power generation of the generation device 10 is stopped (hereinafter referred to as "power information failure stop control").

On the other hand, in the cogeneration device 10, after 27 days of continuous operation, a 24-hour (1 day) suspension period is provided to prevent false detection of trace leakage (referred to as "microleak detection control").

In the modification according to the present embodiment, we focus on the fact that power generation of the cogeneration device 10 is stopped under different conditions, and in power information failure stop control, power information is acquired when the cogeneration device 10 stops power generation. Even if communication is restored, power generation will not be resumed immediately, but power generation will continue to be stopped until the next alarm counter is reset (up to 24 hours), thereby reducing the chance of power generation being stopped due to trace leakage monitoring control. I made it. Note that, if the reset state is monitored without waiting for a maximum of 24 hours, power generation may be restarted at the time of reset.

The operation according to the modified example of this embodiment will be explained below according to the flowchart of FIG. 7. Note that the same steps as those in the flowchart of FIG. 4, which are the effects of this embodiment, are given the same step numbers, and the explanation of the processing will be omitted.

In the modified example, if it is determined that B route communication is possible (affirmative determination in step 106), and if it is determined in step 108 that power generation is stopped (affirmative determination in step 108), the process moves to step 130. , obtains the reset timing tr of the alarm counter for leakage monitoring control due to power generation stoppage, and proceeds to step 132. The reset time tr may be set to 24 hours from the stop of power generation, or it may be determined whether or not the alarm counter for the trace leakage monitoring control has been reset as long as the reset state of the alarm counter can be monitored.

In step 132, it is determined whether the reset time tr has been reached, and if the determination is negative, step 132 is repeated.

If an affirmative determination is made in step 132, it is determined that the interruption of route B due to power information failure stop control has been canceled and the alarm counter for the trace leakage monitoring control has been reset, and the process proceeds to step 128.

As a result, the power generation stop period due to the B route communication interruption based on the power information failure stop control can be used as the power generation stop period for resetting the alarm counter based on the trace leak detection control.

Note that in this embodiment and the modified example, power generation is stopped if communication continues to be unavailable for a certain number of times during the communication interval, but power generation is continued at a smaller amount than the amount of power generated in the idling state. You can also do this. In this case, as a modification, it is preferable to generate electricity in a state where the gas consumption is reduced to below the minimum flow rate count pulse of the gas microcomputer meter 52 for monitoring minute leaks (flow rate is not detected).

In this embodiment (including variations), the idling state is set in the first period, and the power generation is stopped (or the level of leakage is below detection) in the second period, but the stepwise process of the first period and the second period is performed. For example, if communication becomes unavailable for a predetermined period of time, power generation may be directly stopped (or when a small amount of leakage is detected).

10 Cogeneration device 12 House 14 Controller 15 Power line 16 Heat source device 18 CPU
20 RAM
22 ROM
24 I/O
26 Bus 27 Hot water supply related control unit 28 Microcomputer 29 Power generation related control unit 30 Large scale storage device 32 Remote control 34 Commercial power supply 36 Smart meter 38 Power line 40 Distribution board 42 Service breaker 46 Earth leakage breaker 48 Safety breaker 48A Safety breaker 50 Gas Supply pipe 52 Gas microcomputer meter 54 Wireless communication section (communication section)
56 Communication interval timer (communication section)
58 Power information acquisition unit 60 System operation control unit (power generation control unit)
62 Communication success/failure determination unit (power generation control unit)
64 Continuous failure counter (power generation control section)
66 Judgment unit (power generation control unit)
68 Failure count threshold storage unit (power generation control unit)

Claims (4)

A power monitoring and control device that acquires information regarding power loads and controls load-following power generation by distributed power generation equipment that generates power using fuel gas,
a communication unit that executes communication for acquiring information regarding power consumption through wireless communication at each communication time of a certain communication interval;
idling, in which the amount of power generated by the distributed power supply equipment is set to be less than the amount of power self-consumed by the distributed power supply equipment, if the period during which communication by the communication unit is unavailable for each communication interval exceeds a predetermined first period; when the communication disabled period exceeds a second period that is longer than the first period, the power generation of the distributed power supply equipment is stopped or suppressed to a smaller amount of power than in the idling state; a power generation control unit that restarts the load following power generation of the distributed power supply equipment upon recovery of wireless communication;
A power monitoring and control device with The fuel gas is supplied via a gas microcomputer meter installed in a gas supply pipe,
The power generation control section includes:
If it is determined that the period until the leak monitoring control section of the gas microcomputer meter is reset is shorter than the predetermined period,
Even if the wireless communication is restored after the power generation is stopped or suppressed, the leakage monitoring control unit waits until the next reset timing is reached, and the power generation unit restarts the load following power generation. 1. The power monitoring and control device according to 1. 3. The suppression of the power generation is the amount of power generated at a gas consumption amount that is smaller than the gas consumption amount in the idling state and smaller than the fuel gas consumption amount that can detect leakage in the leakage monitoring control section. power monitoring and control equipment. The power monitoring and control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power generation control unit has a function of setting or canceling the setting of the first period.