JP6498567B2 - Power control apparatus and software program update method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power control apparatus and a software program update method thereof.

  In recent years, photovoltaic power generation systems that are linked to commercial power systems are becoming increasingly popular. For example, the solar power generation system of Patent Document 1 includes a power conditioner (PCS) that converts DC power generated by a solar cell string into AC power, and outputs the AC power to a power load or a commercial power system. .

  By the way, when the software program of the PCS is updated, the PCS cannot perform power conversion, and the solar power generation system cannot be connected to the commercial power system. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the power generation of the solar cell string during the execution of the update.

JP 2001-161032 A

  However, if power generation is stopped during the day to update the software program, the daily power generation amount of the solar cell string is greatly reduced. Further, since the PCS normally uses a solar cell string as its power source, it is completely turned off at night from sunset to the next sunrise. Therefore, when updating can be performed at night in order to avoid a decrease in the amount of power generation, it is necessary to continue to purchase power supplied to the PCS from the commercial power system at least until the updating is completed. However, since the software program is not regularly updated, if it is not updated, the nighttime power purchased as described above is wasted. Patent document 1 makes no mention of these problems.

  An object of this invention is to provide the electric power control apparatus which can suppress the fall of the electric power generation amount accompanying the update of a software program, and the update method of the software program in view of said situation.

  In order to achieve the above object, a power control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a power control apparatus for a distributed power source that includes a power generation apparatus and is operated in an interconnected manner with a power system. A power source switching unit that switches a power source to one of the power generation device and the power system, an information acquisition unit that acquires update information of a software program of the power control device, and an update of the software program using the update information An update unit that executes, the power source switching unit switches the power source to the power system before a first period in which the generated power of the power generation device cannot be equal to or higher than the operating power of the power control device, The update unit is configured to execute the update in a second period at least partially overlapping with the first period.

  The power control apparatus further includes a timekeeping unit that counts a current time, the power supply switching unit switches the power source to the power system at a switching determination time, and the switching determination time is earlier than the first period. The configuration may be such that the time is set.

  In addition, the power control device further includes a timekeeping unit that counts the current time, and the power source switching unit connects the power source to the power system when a third period in which the generated power is equal to or less than a set value reaches a set time. The setting value may be larger than the operating power of the power control apparatus.

  In the power control apparatus, the third period may be a period in which the generated power of the power generation apparatus is not increasing.

  In the power control apparatus, the information acquisition unit further acquires an update notification of the software program, and the power supply switching unit switches the power source to the power system when the update notification is acquired, and the update The unit may be configured to execute the update in the first period.

  In the power control device, the power generation device may be a solar cell string, and the first period may be night.

  In the power control apparatus, the power supply switching unit may be configured to switch the power source to the power generation apparatus after the second period.

  In order to achieve the above object, a method for updating a software program according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for updating a software program for a power control device for a distributed power source that has a power generation device and is interconnected with a power system. And the step of acquiring the update information of the software program of the power control device and the power control before the first period during which the generated power of the power generation device cannot exceed the operating power of the power control device. A step of switching the power source of the apparatus to the power system; and a step of executing the update of the software program using the update information in a second period at least partially overlapping the first period. It is said.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generated due to the update of the software program.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a solar energy power generation system. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the update process in 1st Embodiment. The power source switching schedule on the day when there is no update notification is shown. The switching schedule of the electric power source in the day with an update notification in 1st Embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the update process in 2nd Embodiment. The switching schedule of the electric power source in the day with an update notification in 2nd Embodiment is shown. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the update process in 3rd Embodiment. The switching schedule of the electric power source in the day with an update notification in 3rd Embodiment is shown.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the solar power generation system 100. The photovoltaic power generation system 100 is a distributed power source capable of grid-connected operation with the commercial power system CS and includes a solar cell string PV. The photovoltaic power generation system 100 is electrically connected to the commercial power system CS via, for example, a single-phase three-wire energization path P1. In this solar power generation system 100, the generated power of the solar cell string PV is converted from direct current to alternating current, and power is transmitted from the solar power generation system 100 to the commercial power system CS via the energization path P1 (ie, reverse power flow). The electric power can be sold to an electric power company or the like. It is also possible to purchase power from an electric power company or the like by receiving power from the commercial power system to the power supply path P1. Hereinafter, power that is reversely flowed (sold) into the commercial power system CS is referred to as reverse power flow, and power that is supplied from the commercial power system CS to the energization path P1 is referred to as received power.

  The energization path P1 includes a first energization path P1a and a second energization path P1b. The first energization path P1a is connected to a power conditioner 1 (described later) of the solar power generation system 100. Hereinafter, the power conditioner 1 is referred to as a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 1.

  The second energization path P1b is connected to the commercial power system CS. An electricity meter M is provided in the second energization path P1b. The watt-hour meter M is a power detector that detects the direction in which power flows in the second energization path P1b, the power amount, and the power value, and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result to the PCS1. For example, the watt-hour meter M indicates that the solar power generation system 100 is selling power to the commercial power grid CS when power flows from the solar power generation system 100 toward the commercial power grid CS in the second conduction path P1b. Detects the amount and value of reverse flow power. The watt-hour meter M further purchases the photovoltaic power generation system 100 from the commercial power grid CS when power flows from the commercial power grid CS to the photovoltaic power generation system 100 and / or the power load grid LS in the second conduction path P1b. It detects that the power is being received and the amount and value of the received power.

  An electric power load system LS is connected between the first energization path P1a and the second energization path P1b. The power load system LS is a power load (equipment) such as a household appliance or a factory equipment, and receives power supplied from at least one of the first current path P1a and the second current path P1b. Consume.

  Next, the solar cell string PV is a power generator including one or a plurality of solar cell modules connected in series, and is connected to the PCS 1 via the output electric circuit P2. The solar cell string PV generates power by receiving sunlight, and outputs the generated DC power (generated power) to the PCS 1. In addition, the number of the solar cell strings PV provided in the solar power generation system 100 is not limited to the illustration of FIG. 1, A plurality may be sufficient. For example, a plurality of solar cell strings PV connected in parallel to each other may be connected to the PCS 1. In this case, each solar cell string PV may be connected to the PCS 1 via a backflow prevention device that prevents a reverse current from flowing through the solar cell string PV.

  PCS1 is a power control device provided between the solar cell string PV and the commercial power system CS. In normal times, the PCS 1 controls the operating voltage (operating point) of the solar cell string PV so that the generated power becomes maximum, for example, by MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) control. However, when it is necessary to limit the power generation amount in the solar cell string PV, the PCS 1 sets the operation voltage of the solar cell string PV to a value that deviates from the maximum output operation voltage, and reduces or adjusts the power generation amount to zero. can do.

  The PCS 1 includes a DC / AC converter 11, a power supply control board 12, a communication unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a CPU (central processing unit) 15.

  The DC / AC converter 11 is a power converter provided between the first energizing path P1a and the output energizing path P2. The DC / AC converter 11 can perform unidirectional power conversion by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control or PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) control. That is, the DC / AC converter 11 performs DC / AC conversion of the generated power input from the output power circuit P2 into AC power having an AC frequency according to the power standards of the commercial power system CS and the power load system LS, and the first power path. Output to P1a. The DC / AC converter 11 also functions as a backflow prevention device that prevents a reverse current from flowing through the solar cell string PV.

  The power control board 12 is a power supply unit that supplies power to each component of the PCS 1, and includes a power switch 121, an AC / DC converter 122, and a constant voltage circuit 123. The power switch 121 is a power supply switching unit that switches the power source of the PCS 1 to one of the solar cell string PV and the commercial power system CS. The power switch 121 is electrically connected to the first current path P1a via the AC / DC converter 122 and electrically connected to the output power path P2 via the constant voltage circuit 123. For example, when an update (update) of the PCS1 software program is executed, the power switch 121 switches the power source of the PCS1 to the commercial power system CS before the update is executed. Switch to battery string PV.

  The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that performs wireless communication or wired communication with the controller 3.

  The storage unit 14 is a storage medium that holds stored information non-temporarily without supplying power. The storage unit 14 stores various information and software programs used by each component (particularly the CPU 15) of the PCS 1.

  The CPU 15 is a computer unit that controls each component of the PCS 1 using information stored in the storage unit 14, a software program, and the like. The CPU 15 includes a power monitoring unit 151, a conversion control unit 152, an information acquisition unit 153, a timer 154, an update unit 155, and a switching control unit 156 as functional elements.

  The power monitoring unit 151 monitors the power (reverse power flow power, received power) flowing through the second energization path P1b. For example, the power monitoring unit 151 detects the direction in which power flows in the second energization path P1b, the power amount, the power value, and the like based on the detection signal output from the watt-hour meter M.

  The conversion control unit 152 controls the DC / AC converter 11. For example, the conversion control unit 152 is based on the state of the photovoltaic power generation system 100 (such as power purchase, power sale, self-consumption of power, and power values thereof), information stored in the storage unit 14, user input, and the like. Thus, the power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is controlled. The power conversion control includes adjustment of the power conversion amount and power conversion stop.

  The information acquisition unit 153 acquires various information through the controller 3 and the network NT described later. For example, the information acquisition unit 153 acquires an update notification of the software program of the PCS 1 and further acquires update data (update information) of the software program based on the update notification. The update notification is information that notifies or discloses that update data for updating the software program of the PCS 1 can be acquired.

  The timer 154 is a timekeeping unit, which measures the current date and time (that is, the current date and current time) or the elapsed time from a predetermined time point to the present time.

  The update unit 155 updates the software program of the PCS 1 based on the update data. For example, the update unit 155 performs the update in a period that overlaps at least partly with a period in which the generated power of the solar cell string PV cannot exceed the operating power of the PCS 1 (for example, at night). If the update is not successful, the update may be terminated or executed again.

  The switching control unit 156 controls the power switch 121 and particularly controls switching of the power source of the PCS 1.

  Next, the controller 3 will be described. The controller 3 includes a display unit 31, an input unit 32, a communication unit 33, a communication I / F 34, and a CPU 35. The display unit 31 displays information on the photovoltaic power generation system 100 on a display (not shown). The input unit 32 receives a user input and outputs an input signal corresponding to the user input to the CPU 35. The communication unit 33 is a communication interface that performs wireless communication or wired communication with the PCS 1. For example, the communication unit 33 transmits information related to the user input received by the input unit 32 to the PCS 1. The communication I / F 34 is a communication interface connected to a network NT (for example, the Internet). The CPU 35 controls each component of the controller 3 using information stored in a memory (not shown) that holds information non-temporarily and a software program.

  Next, software program update processing used by the PCS 1 will be described. In the update process of the present embodiment, the update is executed after the switching determination time. This switching determination time is set to a time before the time (for example, sunset time) when the generated power of the solar cell string PV becomes less than the power required for the operation of the PCS 1 (hereinafter referred to as the operating power of the PCS 1). Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the update processing in the first embodiment. 2 is started when the PCS 1 becomes operable. At the start of this process, the solar cell string PV is a power source for the PCS 1.

  First, the information acquisition unit 153 determines whether there is an update notification (S101). The information acquisition unit 153 makes this determination based on, for example, whether an update notification is distributed to the photovoltaic power generation system 100 or whether an update notification of unacquired update data is published on the network NT. . If there is no update notification (NO in S101), the process proceeds to S105 described later. On the other hand, if there is an update notification (YES in S101), the information acquisition unit 153 acquires update data via the controller 3 and the network NT and stores it in the storage unit 14 (S104). Then, the process proceeds to S105.

  Next, the timer 154 determines whether or not the current time has reached the switching determination time (S105). The switching determination time is a time when the power switch 121 determines whether to switch the power source of the PCS 1 to the commercial power system CS. The switching determination time is set to a time before a predetermined time (for example, 1 [hr]) from the sunset time (that is, the time when the generated power becomes 0) on the day when this processing is performed, and is set in the update setting information and stored in the storage unit 14. If it is not determined that the switching determination time has been reached (NO in S105), the process returns to S101. on the other hand. When it is determined that the switching determination time has been reached (YES in S105), the information acquisition unit 153 determines whether or not update data has been acquired (S108). If it is not determined that the update data has been acquired (NO in S108), the process in FIG. 2 ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the update data has been acquired (YES in S108), the power switch 121 switches the power source of the PCS1 to the commercial power system CS based on the control of the switching control unit 156 (S109). The power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is stopped by the control of the conversion control unit 152 (S110). The update unit 155 updates the software program of the PCS 1 using the update data stored in the storage unit 14 (S111). When the update is completed (YES in S112), power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is started under the control of the conversion control unit 152 (S113), and the power switch 121 turns on the power source of the PCS1 based on the control of the switching control unit 156. Switch to the solar cell string PV (S114). Then, the process of FIG. 2 ends.

  Next, an example of switching the power source in the PCS 1 in this embodiment will be described. 3A and 3B show the power source switching schedule of the PCS 1 for one day. FIG. 3A shows a power source switching schedule on a day when there is no update notification. FIG. 3B shows a power source switching schedule on the day when there is an update notification in the first embodiment. In FIG. 3B, the upper diagram is a power source switching schedule, and the lower diagram is a schedule for downloading (acquiring) update data and updating (updating) a software program. Further, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the sunrise is around 6 o'clock and the sunset is around 18 o'clock.

  First, since there is no solar radiation in the time zone before midnight, from 0 o'clock to 6 o'clock, the solar cell string PV cannot generate generated power. Therefore, PCS1 cannot operate and is in the OFF state. When the sunrise time (around 6 o'clock) is exceeded, generated power is generated according to solar radiation incident on the solar cell string PV. For example, when the generated power of the solar cell string PV rises as the amount of solar radiation increases and exceeds the operating power of the PCS 1, the PCS 1 is turned on and operates using the solar cell string PV as a power source.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, the update process is not executed on the day when there is no software program update notification during the operation of the PCS 1. Accordingly, when the generated power decreases as it approaches sunset and falls below the operating power of PCS1, PCS1 is turned off.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, on the day when there is an update notification of the software program during the operation of the PCS 1, update data is acquired when the update notification is confirmed (13:00). Note that the PCS 1 cannot convert the generated power during the execution of the update. Therefore, the PCS 1 does not update the software program until the switching determination time before sunset (17:00) in order to prevent the power generation amount of the solar cell string PV from being reduced as much as possible. Moreover, the power source is set to the solar cell string PV.

  When the PCS 1 reaches the switching determination time (17:00), the PCS 1 switches the power source to the commercial power system CS and stops the power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11. Further, the PCS 1 installs update data and updates the software program. When this update is completed, the PCS 1 starts power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 and switches the power source to the solar cell string PV. In FIG. 3B, the solar cell string PV cannot generate generated power because the sunset has already been completed at the update completion time (19:00). For this reason, the PCS 1 cannot operate and is turned off.

  In the present embodiment, the update is executed immediately after switching the power source of the PCS 1 to the commercial power system CS, but is not limited to this example, and may be executed after a predetermined time from the switching. For example, the switching may be performed at the switching determination time (17:00), and the update may be performed at night after sunset (that is, after 18:00). In this case, the power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is stopped immediately before the execution of the update, and is started after the completion of the update.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the power control device 1 is the power control device 1 of the distributed power source 100 that has the power generation device PV and is connected to the power system CS. The power source switching unit 121 that switches the power source of the power source to one of the power generation device PV and the power system CS, the information acquisition unit 153 that acquires update information (update data) of the software program of the power control device 1, and the update information (update And an update unit 155 that updates the software program using the data), and the power supply switching unit 121 switches the power source to the power system CS before the first period (for example, at night), and updates the update unit 155. In the second period (update period) at least partly overlaps the first period in which the generated power of the power generator PV cannot exceed the operating power of the power control apparatus 1. It is configured to run the new.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the method of updating the software program of the power control device 1 of the distributed power source 100 that has the power generation device PV and is operated in an interconnected manner with the power system CS is the software program of the power control device 1. Before the step of obtaining the update information and the first period (for example, at night) when the generated power of the power generation device PV cannot exceed the operating power of the power control device 1, the power source of the power control device 1 is connected to the power system CS. And a step of updating the software program using the update information in a second period (update period) at least partially overlapping with the first period.

  According to these configurations, the power source of the power control apparatus 1 of the distributed power source 100 is switched to the power system CS before the software program is updated. In addition, the software program is updated in a second period (update period) at least partially overlapping with a first period (for example, at night) in which the generated power of the power generation device PV cannot exceed the operating power of the power control apparatus 1. The Accordingly, the power control device 1 cannot operate the power generation device PV in conjunction with the power system CS or use the power generation device PV as a power source during the execution of the update. The software program can be updated based on the update notification without significantly reducing the power generation amount of the apparatus PV. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation accompanying the update of the software program.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the power control apparatus 1 further includes a timekeeping unit 154 that measures the current time, and the power supply switching unit 121 switches the power source to the power system CS at the switching determination time, and the switching determination time is It is set as the structure set to the time before a 1st period (for example, night).

  According to this configuration, before the power control device 1 is stopped due to power reduction of the power source, the power control device 1 is switched from the power source to the power system CS and interrupted to update the software program. Can be executed reliably.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in the power control device 1, the power generation device PV is a solar cell string PV, and the first period is night.

  According to this configuration, the power control apparatus 1 can update the software program by switching the power source to the power system CS before nighttime when the power generation of the solar cell string PV stops. Therefore, the power control apparatus 1 can execute the update without significantly reducing the daily power generation amount of the solar cell string PV.

  Furthermore, if the software program is updated while avoiding the daytime in which the solar cell string PV can generate power, the power control device 1 waits for the power grid CS as a power source before starting the update at night. Will be consumed. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption at night such as standby power.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the power supply switching unit 121 is configured to switch the power source to the power generator PV after the second period.

  According to this configuration, the power source of the power control device 1 is switched to the power generation device PV after the update of the software program is completed. Accordingly, when the generated power of the power generation device PV becomes equal to or higher than the operating power of the power control device 1, the power control device 1 can be automatically operated. Furthermore, for example, when the update of the software program is completed in the first period (nighttime or the like), the power control device 1 can be automatically stopped by switching the power source of the power control device 1 to the power generation device PV. .

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the power source of the PCS 1 is commercial when the generated power of the solar cell string PV does not increase and the elapsed period in which the power value is continuously lower than the set value Wa reaches the set time ta. It is switched to the power system CS. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure part similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description may be abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the update processing in the second embodiment. Note that the processing of FIG. 4 is started when the PCS 1 becomes operable. At the start of this process, the solar cell string PV is a power source for the PCS 1.

  The processes of S101 and S104 are the same as the update process (see FIG. 2) in the first embodiment. That is, it is determined whether there is an update notification (S101). If there is an update notification (YES in S101), the update data is acquired and stored in the storage unit 14 (S104).

  Next, the power monitoring unit 151 determines whether or not the generated power of the solar cell string PV has increased (S205). If it is determined that the generated power is increasing (YES in S205), the process returns to S101. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the generated power is increasing (NO in S205), the timer 154 determines whether or not the elapsed time in which the generated power is continuously lower than the set value Wa has reached the set time ta. Is determined (S206). The set value Wa is set to a value larger than the operating power of the PCS 1 in the ON state. The setting value Wa and the setting time ta are set in the update setting information and stored in the storage unit 14. If it is not determined that the elapsed period has reached the set time ta (NO in S206), the process returns to S101.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the elapsed period has reached the set time ta (YES in S206), the same processes as S108 to S113 in the update process (see FIG. 2) in the first embodiment are executed. That is, it is determined whether or not update data has been acquired (S108). If it is not determined that the update data has been acquired (NO in S108), the processing in FIG. 4 ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the update data has been acquired (YES in S108), the power source of PCS1 is switched to the commercial power system CS (S109), and the power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is stopped (S110). The software program of PCS1 is updated (S111). When the update is completed (YES in S112), power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is started (S113), and the power source of PCS1 is switched to the solar cell string PV (S114). Then, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

  Next, an example of switching the power source in the PCS 1 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 shows a power source switching schedule on the day when there is an update notification in the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the upper diagram is a graph showing changes in the generated power of the solar cell string PV in one day, the middle diagram is a power source switching schedule, and the lower diagram is download (acquisition) of update data and a software program This is an update schedule. Further, in FIG. 5, sunrise is around 6:00, and sunset is around 18:00.

  First, since there is no solar radiation in the time zone before midnight of 0 to 6 o'clock, the solar cell string PV cannot generate generated power. Therefore, PCS1 cannot operate and is in the OFF state. When the sunrise time (around 6 o'clock) is exceeded, generated power is generated according to solar radiation incident on the solar cell string PV. For example, when the generated power of the solar cell string PV rises as the amount of solar radiation increases and exceeds the operating power of the PCS 1, the PCS 1 is turned on and operates using the solar cell string PV as a power source. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, on the day when there is an update notification of the software program during the operation of the PCS 1, the update data is acquired when the update notification is confirmed (13:00).

  Next, during the execution of the update, the PCS 1 cannot convert the generated power. Therefore, in order to prevent the power generation amount of the solar cell string PV from being reduced as much as possible, the PCS 1 continues until the time (17:00) when the elapsed time in which the generated power continuously becomes a low value equal to or lower than the set value Wa reaches the set time ta. Do not update software programs. Further, until this time, the power source is set to the solar cell string PV.

  When the PCS 1 reaches the time (17:00), the PCS 1 switches its power source to the commercial power system CS and stops the power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11. Further, the PCS 1 installs update data and updates the software program. When this update is completed, the PCS 1 starts power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 and switches the power source to the solar cell string PV. In FIG. 5, the solar cell string PV cannot generate generated power because the sunset has already been completed at the update completion time (19:00). For this reason, the PCS 1 cannot operate and is turned off.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the power control apparatus 1 further includes the timekeeping unit 154 that measures the current time, and the power supply switching unit 121 is in the third period (elapsed period) in which the generated power is equal to or less than the set value Wa. When the power reaches the set time ta, the power source is switched to the power system CS, and the set value Wa is configured to be larger than the operating power of the power control device 1.

  According to this configuration, when the third period (elapsed period) in which the generated power is continuously lower than or equal to the set value Wa reaches the set time ta, the power control apparatus 1 stops due to the power reduction of the power source. Because of fear, the power control device 1 switches the power source to the power system CS. Therefore, the power control apparatus 1 can reliably execute the update of the software program without being interrupted.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, in the electric power control apparatus 1, the said elapsed period is set as the structure which is a period when the electric power generation of the electric power generating apparatus PV is not increasing further.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the software program from being updated during a period such as the start of power generation that tends to increase even if the generated power is low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in the amount of power generated by the power generator PV due to the execution of the update.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, the power source of the PCS 1 is switched to the commercial power system CS when the PCS 1 obtains the update notification. The update period during which the software program is updated is night. Hereinafter, a configuration different from the first and second embodiments will be described. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component similar to 1st and 2nd embodiment, and the description may be abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the update process in the third embodiment. The process of FIG. 6 is started when the PCS 1 becomes operable. At the start of this process, the solar cell string PV is a power source for the PCS 1.

  First, it is determined whether there is an update notification (S101). If there is no update notification (NO in S101), the process proceeds to S105 described later. On the other hand, if there is an update notification (YES in S101), the power switch 121 switches the power source of the PCS1 to the commercial power system CS based on the control of the switching control unit 156 (S302). Then, update data is acquired and stored in the storage unit 14 (S104), and the process proceeds to S105.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current time has reached the update determination time (S105). This update determination time is a time when it is determined whether or not to start updating the software program. The update determination time is set to a time at night (that is, after 18:00) when the generated power of the solar cell string PV cannot be equal to or higher than the operating power of the PCS 1, set in update setting information, and stored in the storage unit 14. If it is not determined that the update determination time has been reached (NO in S105), the process returns to S101. On the other hand, when it is determined that the update determination time has been reached (YES in S105), it is determined whether or not update data has been acquired (S108). If it is not determined that the update data has been acquired (NO in S108), the process in FIG. 6 ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the update data has been acquired (YES in S108), the power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is stopped (S110), and the PCS1 software is used using the update data stored in the storage unit 14. The program is updated (S111). When the update is completed (YES in S112), power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is started by the control of the conversion control unit 152 (S113), and the power source of PCS1 is switched to the solar cell string PV (S114). Then, the process of FIG. 6 ends.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process of S206 of FIG. 4 may be executed instead of S105. That is, the timer 154 executes, instead of S105, a process of determining whether or not the elapsed time in which the generated power continuously becomes a low value equal to or lower than the set value Wa has reached the set time ta, and the determination of the process is YES If YES, the process proceeds to S108, and if the determination of the process is NO, the process may return to S101. In this way, after receiving the update data in S104, the generated power is continuously lower than the set value Wa for the set time ta (for example, when the generated power becomes 0 W at night). Software programs can be updated as triggers. Further, if the generated power is not more than the set value Wa even after the update is completed, the PCS 1 can be automatically stopped after the power source of the PCS 1 is switched to the solar cell string PV.

  Next, an example of switching the power source in the PCS 1 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 shows a power source switching schedule on the day when there is an update notification in the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, the upper diagram is a power source switching schedule, and the lower diagram is a schedule for downloading (acquiring) update data and updating (updating) a software program. In FIG. 7, the sunrise is around 6:00 and the sunset is around 18:00. The update determination time is set to the sunset time (18:00).

  First, since there is no solar radiation in the time zone before midnight, from 0 o'clock to 6 o'clock, the solar cell string PV cannot generate generated power. Therefore, PCS1 cannot operate and is in the OFF state. When the sunrise time (around 6 o'clock) is exceeded, generated power is generated according to solar radiation incident on the solar cell string PV. For example, when the generated power of the solar cell string PV rises as the amount of solar radiation increases and exceeds the operating power of the PCS 1, the PCS 1 is turned on and operates using the solar cell string PV as a power source.

  Next, on the day when there is a software program update notification during the operation of the PCS 1, the PCS 1 downloads (acquires) update data by switching the power source to the commercial power system CS at the time of confirming the update notification (13:00). Here, in the update period during which the software program is updated, the PCS 1 cannot convert the generated power. Therefore, the PCS 1 does not execute the update until the update determination time (18:00) as shown in FIG. 7 in order to prevent the power generation amount of the solar cell string PV from being reduced as much as possible. Further, the power source of the PCS 1 remains set in the commercial power system CS until the update is completed.

  When the update determination time (18:00) is reached, the PCS 1 installs update data and updates the software program. When this update is completed, the PCS 1 starts power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 and switches the power source to the solar cell string PV. In FIG. 7, since the sunset has already been completed at the update completion time (19:00), the solar cell string PV cannot generate generated power. For this reason, the PCS 1 cannot operate and is turned off.

  The update determination time is set to the sunset time (18:00) in FIGS. 6 and 7, but is not limited to these examples, and may be set to a predetermined time at night (after 18:00). . In this case, however, the PCS 1 consumes standby power purchased from the commercial power system CS at night.

  According to the present embodiment described above, in the power control apparatus 1, the information acquisition unit 153 further acquires the update notification of the software program, and when the power supply switching unit 121 acquires the update notification, the power source is switched to the power system CS. The update unit 155 is configured to execute update (update) during a first period (for example, at night).

  According to this configuration, the power control apparatus 1 switches the power source to the power system CS when it receives the software program update notification, and therefore can reliably execute the software program update without being interrupted. Furthermore, since the power control device 1 executes the update (update) of the software program in the first period (for example, at night) when the power generated by the power generation device PV cannot be equal to or higher than the operating power of the power control device 1, the power control device PV The software program can be updated without reducing the power generation amount.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The above-described embodiment is an exemplification, and various modifications can be made to the combination of each component and each process, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that it is within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the power conversion of the DC / AC converter 11 is stopped after the power source of the PCS 1 is switched to the commercial power system CS. The generated power may be reduced by adjusting the operating voltage of the PV. Alternatively, the generated power may be prevented from being input to the PCS 1 by flowing the generated power to the ground (ground). At this time, the solar battery string PV may remain under MPPT control.

In the first to third embodiments described above, the update unit 155 that executes the update is realized as a functional element of the CPU 15 in the PCS 1, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Functional elements of the CPU 15 (for example, the timer 154 and the update unit 155) may be constituent elements of the controller 3 (or functional elements of the CPU 35). In this case, the PCS 1 itself may be turned off immediately before the update is executed, and the PCS 1 may be turned on after the update is completed. Further, in this case, the setting value Wa of the second embodiment may be set to a value (for example, 0) smaller than the operating power of the PCS 1 in the ON state.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned 1st-3rd embodiment, although the solar cell string PV is used as a power generator, a power generator is not limited to these illustrations. A power generation apparatus that performs power generation using renewable energy other than sunlight (natural energy generation such as wind power, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, solar heat, waste power generation, etc.) may be used.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the commercial power system CS is connected to the power supply path P1, but an AC power source other than the commercial power system CS may be connected to the power supply path P1. For example, another power generation facility may be connected to the energization path P1.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the PCS 1 (particularly the communication unit 13) can communicate with the network NT via the controller 3, but the present invention is not limited to this example. PCS1 may be able to communicate directly with network NT.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the update of PCS1 is performed after the acquisition of update data is completed. However, the period for acquiring update data and the period for updating PCS1 may overlap. . That is, both may be executed in parallel.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, at least some or all of the functional components 151 to 156 of the CPU 15 are realized by physical components (for example, an electric circuit, an element, a device, or the like). May be.

100 Solar power generation system 1 Power conditioner (PCS)
11 DC / AC converter 12 Power control board 121 Power switch 122 AC / DC converter 123 Constant voltage circuit 13 Communication unit 14 Storage unit 15 CPU
151 Power Monitoring Unit 152 Conversion Control Unit 153 Information Acquisition Unit 154 Timer 155 Update Unit 156 Switching Control Unit 3 Controller 31 Display Unit 32 Input Unit 33 Communication Unit 34 Communication I / F
35 CPU
P1 Current path P2 Output path M Energy meter PV Solar cell string CS Commercial power system LS Power load system NT network

Claims (5)

A power control device of a distributed power source having a power generation device and operated in an interconnected manner with a power system,
A power source switching unit that switches a power source of the power control device to one of the power generation device and the power system;
An information acquisition unit for acquiring update information of the software program of the power control device;
An update unit that executes the update of the software program using the update information;
With
The power source switching unit switches the power source to the power system before a first period during which the power generated by the power generation device cannot exceed the operating power of the power control device,
The said update part is a power control apparatus which performs the said update in the 2nd period at least partially overlapping with the said 1st period. It is further equipped with a timekeeping part that keeps the current time,
The power source switching unit switches the power source to the power system at a switching determination time,
The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching determination time is set to a time before the first period. It is further equipped with a timekeeping part that keeps the current time,
The power source switching unit switches the power source to the power system when a third period in which the generated power becomes a set value or less reaches a set time,
The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the set value is larger than the operating power of the power control apparatus. The information acquisition unit further acquires an update notification of the software program,
When the update notification is acquired, the power supply switching unit switches the power source to the power system,
The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update unit executes the update in the first period. A method for updating a software program of a power control device of a distributed power source that has a power generation device and is interconnected with a power system,
Obtaining update information of the software program of the power control device;
The power source of the power control device is switched to the power system before the first period in which the power generated by the power generation device cannot be equal to or higher than the operating power of the power control device;
Updating the software program using the update information in a second period at least partially overlapping the first period;
Software program update method comprising:

Images