JP7172572B2 - Power supply, power conditioner and power supply - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power supply device, a power conditioner, and a power supply device.

In recent years, an inspection using an EL (electroluminescence) method (hereinafter referred to as "EL inspection") has been proposed as a method for inspecting the quality of outdoor solar cell modules.
The EL inspection utilizes a phenomenon in which the battery cells of the solar cell module emit light (hereinafter referred to as "EL light emission") by supplying a current to the solar cell module. The captured image is used to inspect the quality of the solar cell module.

Here, in performing the EL test, a diesel generator is used to supply a current to a solar cell module installed outdoors.

Japanese Patent No. 5683738

However, the imaging of EL light emission in the EL inspection is often performed at night, and the noise of the diesel generator poses a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce noise when supplying a current to a solar cell module to generate EL light emission in the solar cell module to be inspected in the EL inspection. It is to suppress.

In one aspect of the present invention, an image of electroluminescence generated in one or more solar cell modules is captured by an imaging device by supplying a current to the solar cell module, and the quality of the solar cell module is evaluated using the captured image. A power supply device for supplying the electric current to the solar cell module to generate the electroluminescence when diagnosing, wherein the solar cell module is powered by a commercial power supply or a battery without using power from a diesel generator. The power supply device is characterized by supplying the electric current to the battery module or the string.

One aspect of the present invention includes the power supply device described above, and an inverter that converts the power generated by the solar cell module using the commercial power supply as an operating power source into predetermined AC power, wherein the power supply device includes a switch a converter that converts an alternating current from the commercial power source into a direct current; and a controller that supplies the direct current to the solar cell module by controlling the switch from an off state to an on state. is na.

One aspect of the present invention is the power conditioner described above, wherein the power supply device includes an operation unit, and the control unit turns on the switch when an operation is performed on the operation unit. to control the state.

One aspect of the present invention is the power conditioner described above, wherein the power supply device includes a voltage sensor that measures voltage input from the solar cell module to the inverter, and the control unit includes the operation unit When the voltage measured by the voltage sensor exceeds the threshold when an operation is performed on the switch, the switch is held in an off state.

One aspect of the present invention includes the power supply device described above and the battery, and the power supply device is a power supply device that supplies direct current from the battery to the solar cell module.

One aspect of the present invention is the power supply device described above, wherein the power supply device includes a switch and a control unit that supplies the direct current to the solar cell module by controlling the switch from an off state to an on state. and, wherein the control unit synchronizes the imaging timing of the imaging device with the timing of controlling the switch from an off state to an on state.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, noise can be suppressed when current is supplied to a solar cell module to generate EL light emission in the solar cell module to be inspected in the EL inspection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the photovoltaic power generation system A which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of PCS3 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the photovoltaic power generation system B which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

A power supply device, a power conditioner, and a power supply device according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system A according to the first embodiment. A photovoltaic power generation system A according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules installed outdoors, such as on the roof of a building such as a factory or office building or on the roof of a house. Then, the photovoltaic power generation system A converts the DC power generated by the plurality of solar cell modules into AC power with a power conditioner and connects it to the commercial power system, or the AC power is used for electrical appliances, storage batteries, etc. It has a power generation mode that supplies the load. This power generation mode includes a so-called grid-connected operation mode and an isolated operation mode.

Further, the photovoltaic power generation system A has an inspection mode for supplying current to the solar cell module in order to induce EL (electroluminescence) emission in the solar cell module when inspecting the quality of the solar cell module by EL (electroluminescence) inspection. . The EL inspection is an inspection using the EL method, and utilizes EL light emission generated in one or more solar cell modules by supplying a current to the solar cell module, and emits the EL light emission to the imaging device C (for example, , an infrared camera or a CCD camera), and the captured image is used to inspect the quality of the solar cell module.

A schematic configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system A according to the first embodiment will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, a solar power generation system A includes a plurality of solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), a junction box 2 and a PCS (Power Conditioning Subsystem) 3. Prepare. Note that the photovoltaic power generation system A may include an imaging device C. FIG.

Solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n are connected in parallel.
Each solar cell string 1-1 to 1-n includes a plurality of solar cell modules 10 connected in series. Incidentally, when the plurality of solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "solar cell string 1".

The solar cell module 10 has a plurality of solar cells arranged in a panel shape, and receives sunlight to generate DC power by the photovoltaic effect. In the photovoltaic power generation system A, a single solar cell module 10 may be electrically connected in parallel instead of the solar cell string 1 . Moreover, the number of solar cell strings 1 may be any number as long as it is one or more. The number of solar cell modules 10 included in the solar cell string 1 may be any number of two or more.

The junction box 2 electrically connects a plurality of solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n in multiple stages and in parallel. Electric power from each solar cell module 10 is combined into one connection line L in the connection box 2 . The connection line L is connected to PCS3. For example, the connection box 2 converges each connection line connected to each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n into one connection line L and connects it to the PCS3. As a result, the junction box 2 outputs the direct current generated by the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n to the PCS3.

For example, the junction box 2 has a plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n.
The switch 2-1 is connected between the power line W-1 and the connection line L connected to the solar cell string 1-1. When the switch 2-1 is on, the power line W-1 and the connection line L are electrically connected. When the switch 2-1 is in the OFF state, the electrical connection between the power line W-1 and the connection line L is cut off.
The switch 2-2 is connected between the power line W-2 connected to the solar cell string 1-2 and the connection line L. When the switch 2-2 is on, the power line W-2 and the connection line L are electrically connected. When the switch 2-2 is in the OFF state, the electrical connection between the power line W-2 and the connection line L is cut off.
The switch 2-n is connected between the power line Wn connected to the solar cell string 1-n and the connection line L. When switch 2-n is on, power line Wn and connection line L are electrically connected. When the switch 2-n is in the OFF state, the electrical connection between the power line Wn and the connection line L is cut off.
In this embodiment, all the switches 2-1 to 2-n may be controlled to be ON during the power generation mode. The connection box 2 may be integrated with the PCS 3 or may be omitted.

The PCS 3 converts the DC power supplied from the junction box 2 into AC power using the power from the commercial power supply S as an operating power supply, and outputs the converted AC power to the commercial power system P of the commercial power supply S such as transformer equipment. do. In this embodiment, the PCS 3 converts the DC power supplied from the junction box 2 into AC power and outputs the converted AC power to the commercial power system P, which is a so-called interconnected operation mode. but not limited to this. The PCS 3 may convert the DC power supplied from the junction box 2 into AC power and output the converted AC power to a load such as a storage battery or an electronic device. Also, the PCS 3 may electrically disconnect the converted AC power from the commercial power system P to execute a so-called self-sustaining operation mode. Note that the power from the commercial power supply S is power supplied from the commercial power system P to the PCS 3 .

Furthermore, when inspecting the quality of the solar cell module 10 by EL inspection, the PCS 3 applies current (hereinafter referred to as “inspection current”) to the solar cell module 10 in order to induce EL light emission in the solar cell module 10 . supply. In the first embodiment, the PCS 3 supplies an inspection current to each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n.

A schematic configuration of the PCS 3 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the PCS 3 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the PCS 3 comprises a diode 4, a filter 5, an inverter 6, a filter 7, a switch 8 and a power supply device 9.

The diode 4 has an anode connected to the solar cell connection terminal TB1 of the PCS3 and a cathode connected to the filter 5 . A connection line L is connected to the solar cell connection terminal TB1. That is, the connection line L has a first end connected to the solar cell connection terminal TB1 and a second end connected to the junction box 2 .

The filter 5 removes noise from the DC voltage input to the solar cell connection terminal TB1. For example, the filter 5 is a low-pass filter.

The inverter 6 converts the DC power output from the filter 5 into AC power corresponding to the frequency of the commercial power supply system P using the commercial power supply S as an operating power supply. The DC power output from this filter 5 is the power generated by the solar cell module. The inverter 6 outputs the converted AC power toward the power system terminal TB2. The power system terminal TB2 is connected to the commercial power system P.

Filter 7 suppresses noise in the AC power output from inverter 6 . For example, filter 7 is a reactor.

A switch 8 is provided between the output of the filter 5 and the power system terminal TB2. That is, the switch 8 is, for example, a relay that turns on or off the electrical connection between the filter 5 and the commercial power system P.

In the inspection mode, the power supply device 9 uses the power of the commercial power supply S, that is, the power from the commercial power system P to supply a direct current as an inspection current to each solar cell module 10 without using the power of the diesel generator. do. For example, this inspection mode is performed at night when the solar cell module 10 does not generate power.

A schematic configuration of the power supply device 9 according to the first embodiment will be described below.
The power supply device 9 includes a converter 11 , a switch 12 , a voltage sensor 13 , an operation section 14 and a control section 15 .

The converter 11 converts alternating current from the commercial power source S into direct current under the control of the control unit 15 . For example, the converter 11 has an input terminal connected between the input terminal of the filter 7 and the output terminal of the inverter 6 and an output terminal connected to the switch 12 . The converter 11 acquires alternating current from the commercial power system P via the power system terminal TB2 at its input terminal. Under the control of the control unit 15, the converter 11 converts the alternating current from the commercial power system P input to the input terminal into a direct current (inspection current) and outputs the direct current from the output terminal.

Switch 12 is connected between the output terminal of converter 11 and power system terminal TB2. For example, switch 12 may be a mechanical switch (eg, relay) or an electrical switch (eg, transistor). Specifically, the switch 12 has a first terminal connected to the output terminal of the converter 11 and a second terminal connected to the anode of the diode 4 and the power system terminal TB2. The switch 12 is controlled to be on or off by the controller 15 . When the switch 12 is on, the first terminal and the second terminal of the switch 12 are electrically connected. Thereby, the inspection current output from the converter 11 is supplied to each solar cell string 1 via the power system terminal TB2. On the other hand, when the switch 12 is in the off state, electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal of the switch 12 is cut off. As a result, the supply of inspection current from converter 11 to each solar cell string 1 is stopped.

Voltage sensor 13 measures voltages input to inverter 6 from a plurality of solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n (a plurality of solar cell modules 10). That is, the voltage sensor 13 measures the voltage of the connection line L (hereinafter referred to as "generated voltage"). In this embodiment, the voltage sensor 13 measures the generated voltage by measuring the voltage at the power system terminal TB2. The voltage sensor 13 outputs the measured generated voltage to the controller 15 .

The operation unit 14 is, for example, a switch operated by the user. The operation unit 14 outputs a first signal to the control unit 15 when the user performs a first operation. This first signal is a signal instructing to start outputting an inspection current. The operation unit 14 outputs a second signal to the control unit 15 when the user performs a second operation. This second signal is a signal instructing to stop the output of the inspection current.

The control unit 15 controls the supply of the inspection current to the solar cell module 10 of each solar cell string by controlling the switch 12 to be on or off.
The control unit 15 controls the switch 12 from the OFF state to the ON state when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14 . On the other hand, when the second operation is performed on the operation unit 14, the control unit 15 controls the switch 12 from the ON state to the OFF state. Here, control unit 15 may stop driving converter 11 when the second operation is performed on operation unit 14 .

Specifically, when the control unit 15 acquires the first signal from the operation unit 14 , the control unit 15 controls the switch 12 from the off state to the on state, thereby starting supply of the inspection current to the solar cell module 10 . do. Further, when the second operation is performed on the operation unit 14, the control unit 15 stops the supply of the inspection current to the solar cell module 10 by controlling the switch 12 from the ON state to the OFF state. .

However, if the inverter 6 is operating when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14, the control unit 15 may keep the switch 12 in the OFF state. Further, when the generated voltage measured by the voltage sensor 13 exceeds the threshold value when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14, the control unit 15 keeps the switch 12 in the OFF state. good too. In addition, when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14, the control unit 15 at least confirms that the inverter 6 is operating and that the generated voltage measured by the voltage sensor 13 exceeds the threshold. If any of the conditions are satisfied, the switch 12 may be held in the off state and the inspection current may not be supplied to the solar cell module 10 .

If the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n are not generating electricity when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14, the control unit 15 controls the switch 12 from the off state to the on state. You may That is, even if the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14, the control unit 15 does not turn on the switch 12 if the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n are not generating electricity. You can keep it as is.
The control unit 15 may be configured by a microprocessor such as a CPU or MPU, a microcontroller such as an MCU, or the like.

Next, an EL test method using the PCS 3 according to the first embodiment will be described.

A user performs a first operation on the operation unit 14 at nighttime, for example, in order to induce EL light emission in the plurality of solar cell modules 10 constituting each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n. For example, when the operation unit 14 is a push button switch, the first operation is an operation of pressing the switch. The operation unit 14 transmits a first signal to the control unit 15 when a first operation is performed. Here, at nighttime, the solar cell module 10 does not generate power. Therefore, driving of the inverter 6 is stopped.

Upon receiving the first signal, the control unit 15 shifts to the inspection mode and determines whether or not the generated voltage measured by the voltage sensor 13 exceeds the threshold. When the control unit 15 determines that the generated voltage measured by the voltage sensor 13 does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 15 controls the switch 12 to the ON state. On the other hand, when the control unit 15 determines that the generated voltage measured by the voltage sensor 13 exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 15 keeps the switch 12 in the off state without turning it on, and drives the inverter 6 . As a result, the generated voltage gradually decreases. While driving the inverter 6, the control unit 15 determines at predetermined intervals whether or not the generated voltage measured by the voltage sensor 13 exceeds the threshold. is stopped, and the switch 12 is turned on.

Control unit 15 drives converter 11 . As a result, converter 11 converts alternating current from commercial power source S (commercial power system P) into direct current. The converter 11 then outputs the converted DC current. As a result, the DC current converted by the converter 11 is output from the solar cell connection terminal TB1 via the switch 12 as an inspection current. Therefore, in performing the EL test, current can be supplied to the solar cell module 10 without using a diesel generator. Therefore, noise can be suppressed when current is supplied to the solar cell module 10 to generate EL light emission in the solar cell module 10 to be inspected in the EL inspection.

Here, when the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n of the junction box 2 are all in the ON state, the inspection current is applied to each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n via the connection line L. supplied. However, it is not necessary that all of the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n are controlled to be in the ON state, and it is sufficient if one or more switches among the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n are in the ON state. For example, among the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n, only the switch electrically connected to the solar cell string 1 on which the user performs the EL test should be in the ON state.

When the inspection current is supplied to the photovoltaic string 1 to be inspected, the imaging device C takes an image of the photovoltaic string 1 . The captured image captured by the imaging device C may be a still image or a moving image. Here, in the solar cell module 10 into which the inspection current is injected, normal solar cells emit light with a predetermined intensity. On the other hand, a solar cell that is not normal either emits light with an intensity lower than the predetermined intensity or does not emit light. For example, abnormal solar cells include solar cells with disconnection or poor connection, solar cells with cracks, and solar cells with reduced output due to progression of PID. is. Therefore, the user can evaluate the quality of the solar cell module 10 by confirming the brightness of the captured image captured by the imaging device C. FIG.

In addition, the image capturing device C may capture images manually or automatically. For example, the imaging device C may image the photovoltaic module 10 to be inspected by operating the imaging device C by the user. Further, the imaging device C may image the solar cell module 10 to be inspected when receiving the first operation signal from a terminal device (not shown). Further, the imaging device C may stop imaging the solar cell module 10 to be inspected when the second operation signal is received from the terminal device.

The terminal device transmits the first operation signal and the second operation signal to the imaging device C wirelessly or by wire when operated by the user. The terminal device may be a remote controller. Also, the terminal device may be a mobile information terminal that is portable by the user, such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal. When the terminal device is a mobile information terminal (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal) having a display unit, the terminal device communicates with the imaging device C wirelessly or by wire, and the captured image captured by the imaging device C (Still images and moving images) may be acquired and displayed on the display unit of the device itself. As a result, the user can easily check the brightness and darkness of the captured image, and can diagnose the deterioration and defect of the photovoltaic cell. Further, the terminal device may perform known image processing on the captured image obtained from the imaging device C, and determine the presence or absence of a photovoltaic cell whose luminance is equal to or less than a predetermined value from the captured image. When the terminal device determines that there is a photovoltaic cell whose brightness is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the terminal device may notify the user. For example, when the terminal device determines that there is a photovoltaic cell whose luminance is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the terminal device may perform a banner notification or a pop-up notification on the display screen of the terminal device, or may perform a voice notification. good.

Also, the imaging device C may perform wireless communication with the control unit 15 . When the imaging device C receives a signal indicating that the supply of the inspection current has started (hereinafter referred to as an “inspection start signal”) by radio from the control unit 15, the imaging device C displays a still image of the solar cell module 10 to be inspected. Or you may start imaging a moving image. When the imaging device C receives a signal (hereinafter referred to as an “inspection stop signal”) indicating that the supply of the inspection current has been stopped from the control unit 15 by radio, the imaging device C displays a still image of the solar cell module 10 to be inspected. Or you may stop imaging a moving image. In this case, for example, when the control unit 15 controls the switch 12 to the ON state and starts driving the converter 11, the control unit 15 wirelessly transmits an examination start signal to the imaging device C. FIG. Further, the control unit 15 wirelessly transmits an examination stop signal to the imaging device C when the second operation is performed on the operation unit 14 .
Note that the imaging device C may be fixed at a predetermined position, or may be provided in a small moving object such as a drone.

As described above, the power supply device A according to the first embodiment uses the power of the commercial power source S to perform the EL test of the solar cell module 10 without using the power of the diesel generator. A current (inspection current) is supplied to the module 10 .

According to such a configuration, the power supply device 9 can supply current to the solar cell module 10 without using a diesel generator when performing an EL test. Therefore, noise can be suppressed when current is supplied to the solar cell module 10 to generate EL light emission in the solar cell module 10 to be inspected in the EL inspection. Furthermore, since the power supply device A does not use a diesel generator, exhaust gas emissions can be suppressed.

Also, the PCS 3 according to the first embodiment may include a power supply device 9 . The PCS 3 includes an inverter 6 that converts the power generated by the solar cell module 10 using the commercial power source S as an operating power source into a predetermined AC power. The power supply device A may include a switch 12 , a converter 11 and a controller 15 . In this case, the converter 11 converts alternating current from the commercial power source S into direct current. Control unit 15 supplies the direct current converted by converter 11 to solar cell module 10 by controlling switch 12 from an off state to an on state.

Moreover, the power supply device 9 according to the first embodiment may include an operation unit 14 . The power supply device A in this case may be provided integrally with the PCS3, or may be provided separately from the PCS3. Then, the control unit 15 may control the switch 12 to turn on when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14 . Thereby, the power supply device 9 can supply the direct current to the solar cell module 10 at the user's desired timing.

Moreover, the power supply device 9 according to the first embodiment may include a voltage sensor 13 that measures the voltage input from the solar cell module to the inverter. In this case, the power supply device A may be provided integrally with the PCS3, or may be provided separately from the PCS3. The control unit 15 may keep the switch 12 in the OFF state when the voltage measured by the voltage sensor 13 exceeds the threshold when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14 .

(Second embodiment)
Next, a photovoltaic power generation system B according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system B according to the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the photovoltaic power generation system B according to the second embodiment converts the DC power generated by the plurality of solar cell modules into AC power by the power conditioner and connects it to the commercial power system. It has a power generation mode in which the AC power is supplied to a load such as an electric appliance or a storage battery. This power generation mode includes a so-called grid-connected operation mode and an isolated operation mode.

Further, the photovoltaic power generation system B has an inspection mode in which an electric current is supplied to the solar cell module in order to induce EL light emission in the solar cell module when the quality of the solar cell module is inspected by the EL inspection.

A schematic configuration of the photovoltaic power generation system B according to the second embodiment will be described below. In addition, in the components of the photovoltaic power generation system B according to the second embodiment, the same or similar components as those of the photovoltaic power generation system A according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Description may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the photovoltaic power generation system B includes a plurality of solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), a junction box 2, a PCS 3b, a power supply device 20, and an imaging device 30. .

The junction box 2 electrically connects a plurality of solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n in multiple stages and in parallel. Electric power from each solar cell module 10 is combined into one connection line L in the connection box 2 . The connection line L is connected to the PCS3b. For example, the connection box 2 converges each connection line connected to each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n into one connection line L and connects it to the PCS 3b. As a result, the junction box 2 outputs the direct current generated by the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n to the PCS 3b.
In the power generation mode, all the switches 2-1 to 2-n are controlled to be on. The connection box 2 may be integrated with the PCS 3b or may be omitted.

The PCS 3b uses the power from the commercial power source S as an operating power source, converts the DC power supplied from the junction box 2 into AC power, and outputs the converted AC power to the commercial power system P of the commercial power source S such as transformer equipment. do. In the second embodiment, the PCS 3b converts the DC power supplied from the junction box 2 into AC power and outputs the converted AC power to the commercial power system P, which is a so-called grid-connected operation mode. By way of example, but not by way of limitation. The PCS 3b may convert the DC power supplied from the connection box 2 into AC power and output the converted AC power to a load such as a storage battery or an electronic device. Also, the PCS 3b may electrically disconnect the converted AC power from the commercial power system P to execute a so-called self-sustaining operation mode. The power from the commercial power supply S is power supplied from the commercial power system P to the PCS 3b.
The PCS 3b includes a diode 4, a filter 5, an inverter 6, a filter 7 and a switch 8. Also, the PCS 3b does not include the power supply device A as compared to the first embodiment.

When inspecting the quality of the solar cell module 10 by EL inspection, the power supply device 20 supplies an inspection current to the solar cell module 10 in order to induce EL emission in the solar cell module 10 . In the second embodiment, the PCS 3b supplies an inspection current to each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n.

When the inspection current is supplied to the solar cell string 1 to be inspected in the EL inspection, the imaging device 30 captures an image of the solar cell string 1 . For example, the imaging device 30 is an infrared camera or a CCD camera. The captured image captured by the imaging device 30 may be a still image or a moving image.

The imaging device 30 communicates with the power supply device 20 wirelessly or by wire. When the imaging device 30 receives the inspection start signal from the power supply device 20, the imaging device 30 starts imaging a still image or a moving image of the solar cell module 10 to be inspected. Further, when receiving an inspection stop signal from the control unit 15 , the imaging device 30 stops capturing still images or moving images of the solar cell module 10 to be inspected. Note that the imaging device 30 may be fixed at a predetermined position, or may be provided in a small moving object such as a drone.

Next, the power supply device 20 according to the second embodiment includes a battery 21 and a power supply device 22 .

The battery 21 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, or a lead-acid battery. Also, for example, the battery 21 may be a large-capacity capacitor. Also, the battery 21 may include both a secondary battery and a large-capacity capacitor.

The power supply device 22 uses the power of the battery 21 to output a direct current as an inspection current to each solar cell module 10 from the output terminal TB3 without using the power of the diesel generator. For example, the power supply device 22 outputs a direct current as an inspection current at night when the solar cell module 10 does not generate power.

A schematic configuration of the power supply device 22 according to the second embodiment will be described below.
The power supply device 22 has a switch 221 and a control section 222 .

The switch 221 is connected between the positive terminal of the battery 21 and the output terminal TB3. For example, switch 221 may be a mechanical switch (eg, relay) or an electrical switch (eg, transistor). Specifically, switch 221 has a first terminal connected to the positive electrode of converter 11 and a second terminal connected to output terminal TB3.

The switch 221 is controlled to be on or off by the controller 222 . When the switch 221 is on, the first terminal and the second terminal of the switch 221 are electrically connected. Thereby, the direct current output from the battery 21 is supplied to each solar cell string 1 as an inspection current via the output terminal TB3. On the other hand, when the switch 221 is in the off state, electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal of the switch 221 is cut off. Thereby, the supply of inspection current from the battery 21 to each solar cell string 1 is stopped.

The control unit 222 controls the supply of the inspection current to the solar cell module 10 of each solar cell string by controlling the switch 221 to be on or off.
The control unit 222 synchronizes the imaging timing of the imaging device 30 with the timing of controlling the switch 221 from the off state to the on state. For example, when controlling the switch 221 from an off state to an on state, the control unit 222 transmits an examination start signal to the imaging device 30 by wire or wirelessly. When the imaging device 30 receives an inspection start signal from the power supply device 20, the imaging device 30 starts imaging a still image or a moving image of the solar cell module 10 to be inspected. Thereby, the control unit 222 synchronizes the imaging timing of the imaging device 30 with the timing of controlling the switch 221 from the off state to the on state.

Furthermore, the control unit 222 synchronizes the timing when the imaging device 30 stops imaging with the timing when the switch 221 is controlled from the ON state to the OFF state. For example, when controlling the switch 221 from an ON state to an OFF state, the control unit 222 transmits an inspection stop signal to the imaging device 30 by wire or wirelessly. When the imaging device 30 receives the inspection stop signal from the control unit 222, the imaging device 30 stops imaging the still image or moving image of the solar cell module 10 to be inspected.
Thereby, the control unit 222 can synchronize the timing when the imaging device 30 stops imaging and the timing when the switch 221 is controlled from the ON state to the OFF state. In this case, the control unit 222 may control the switch 221 from the ON state to the OFF state by receiving a predetermined operation from the user. For example, the power supply device 22 may include the operation unit 14 . Then, the control unit 222 may control the switch 221 from the OFF state to the ON state when the first operation is performed on the operation unit 14 . On the other hand, the control unit 15 may control the switch 221 from the ON state to the OFF state when the second operation is performed on the operation unit 14 .

The control unit 222 may be configured by a microprocessor such as a CPU or MPU, a microcontroller such as an MCU, or the like.

Next, an EL test method using the power supply device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, in the following description, the power supply device 22 includes the operation unit 14 . An output terminal TB3 of the power supply device 20 is connected to the connection line L. As shown in FIG.

A user performs a first operation on the operation unit 14 at nighttime, for example, in order to induce EL light emission in the plurality of solar cell modules 10 constituting each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n. For example, the operation unit 14 transmits a first signal to the control unit 15 when a first operation is performed. Here, at nighttime, the solar cell module 10 does not generate power. Therefore, driving of the inverter 6 is stopped.

The control unit 222 turns on the switch 221 and transmits an examination start signal to the imaging device 30 by wire or wirelessly. As a result, the DC current from the battery 21 is output from the output terminal TB3, and the imaging by the imaging device 30 is started.
The DC current output from the output terminal TB3 is supplied to the solar cell module 10 to be inspected via the connection line L as an inspection current. Therefore, in performing the EL test, current can be supplied to the solar cell module 10 without using a diesel generator. Therefore, noise can be suppressed when current is supplied to the solar cell module 10 to generate EL light emission in the solar cell module 10 to be inspected in the EL inspection.

Here, when the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n of the junction box 2 are all in the ON state, the inspection current is applied to each of the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n via the connection line L. supplied. However, it is not necessary that all of the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n are controlled to be in the ON state, and it is sufficient if one or more switches among the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n are in the ON state. For example, among the plurality of switches 2-1 to 2-n, only the switch electrically connected to the solar cell string 1 on which the user performs the EL test should be in the ON state.

In addition, the imaging device 30 starts imaging at the same time as the inspection current flows through the solar cell module 10 to be inspected, or at a timing that can be regarded as the same time. Thereby, the imaging device 30 can efficiently image the solar cell module to be inspected.

Note that the imaging device 30 of the second embodiment may start imaging manually. For example, the imaging device 30 may image the photovoltaic module 10 to be inspected by the user performing a predetermined operation on the imaging device 30 . For example, the predetermined operation is an operation of pressing the imaging switch of the imaging device 30 . This imaging switch is a switch that causes the imaging device 30 to start imaging. In this case, when a predetermined operation is performed, the imaging device 30 transmits a signal indicating to start imaging (hereinafter referred to as an “imaging start signal”) to the control unit 222 of the power supply device 20 by wire or wirelessly. Send. Further, the imaging device 30 may start imaging the solar cell module 10 to be inspected when receiving the first operation signal from the terminal device. Then, when the imaging device 30 receives the first operation signal from the terminal device, the imaging device 30 may transmit the imaging start signal to the control unit 222 of the power supply device 20 by wire or wirelessly. A terminal device according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

The control unit 222 may control the switch 221 to the ON state when receiving the imaging start signal from the imaging device 30 . Thereby, the control unit 222 can synchronize the imaging timing of the imaging device 30 and the timing of controlling the switch 221 from the off state to the on state.

In addition, when the stop switch of the imaging device 30 is pressed, the imaging device 30 controls the power supply device 20 by wire or wirelessly to send a signal (hereinafter referred to as “imaging stop signal”) indicating to stop imaging. It may be sent to section 222 . Further, the imaging device 30 may stop imaging the solar cell module 10 to be inspected when the second operation signal is received from the terminal device. Then, when the imaging device 30 receives the second operation signal from the terminal device, the imaging device 30 may transmit the imaging stop signal to the control unit 222 of the power supply device 20 by wire or wirelessly.

The control unit 222 may control the switch 221 to be turned off when the imaging stop signal is received from the imaging device 30 . Thereby, the control unit 222 can synchronize the timing when the imaging device 30 stops imaging and the timing when the switch 221 is controlled from the ON state to the OFF state.

As described above, the power supply device 22 according to the second embodiment uses the electric power of the battery 21 to perform the EL test of the solar cell module 10 without using the electric power of the diesel generator. 10 is supplied with a current (inspection current).

According to such a configuration, the power supply device 22 can supply current to the solar cell module 10 without using a diesel generator when performing an EL test. Therefore, noise can be suppressed when current is supplied to the solar cell module 10 to generate EL light emission in the solar cell module 10 to be inspected in the EL inspection. Furthermore, since the power supply device B does not use a diesel generator, it is possible to suppress the emission of exhaust gas.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design and the like are included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

(Modification 1) In the first and second embodiments, the case where there is one junction box 2 is described, but depending on the number of solar cell modules 10, a plurality of junction boxes 2 may be provided. At that time, a collector box may be connected between the junction box 2 and the PCS3 (or PCS3b). When a current collection box is used, each junction box 2 outputs direct current supplied from the solar cell strings 1-1 to 1-n to the current collection box. The direct current supplied from each connection box 2 is collected into one connection line in the current collection box. The current collection box outputs the direct current supplied from each junction box 2 to PCS3 (or PCS3b).

(Modification 2) PCS3 and PCS3b may include a boost converter between the inverter 6 and the filter 5 .

(Modification 3) The PCS3 may transition to the inspection mode at a scheduled time or periodically to output the inspection current from the solar cell connection terminal TB1. In this case, the PCS 3 does not necessarily have the operation unit 14 . The PCS 3b may turn on the switch 221 at a scheduled time or periodically to output the inspection current from the output terminal TB3. In this case, the PCS 3b does not necessarily have the operation unit 14. FIG.

(Modification 4) The power supply devices 9 and 22 may supply a pulse current as the inspection current to the solar cell module 10 to be inspected.

(Modification 5) In the second embodiment, the output terminal TB3 of the power supply device 20 may be connected to the power line W connected to the solar cell string 1 including the solar cell module 10 to be inspected.

A, B Photovoltaic power generation system 3, 3b PCS (power conditioner)
6 Inverters 9, 22 Power supply device 13 Voltage sensors 15, 222 Control unit 20 Power supply device 21 Battery S Commercial power supply

Claims (1)

When an image of electroluminescence generated in one or more solar cell modules by supplying a current to the solar cell module is captured by an imaging device, and the captured image is used to diagnose the quality of the solar cell module, the electroluminescence is wherein the current is supplied to the solar module using commercial power or battery power without using diesel generator power to supply the current to the solar module to generate a a power supply device that
an inverter that converts the electric power generated by the solar cell module using the commercial power supply as an operating power supply into a predetermined AC power;
The power supply device includes a switch, a converter that converts an alternating current from the commercial power supply into a direct current, and control to supply the direct current to the solar cell module by controlling the switch from an off state to an on state. a unit, an operation unit, and a voltage sensor that measures the voltage input from the solar cell module to the inverter,
The control unit controls the switch to an ON state when the operation unit is operated, and the voltage measured by the voltage sensor when the operation unit is operated is a threshold. is exceeded, the power conditioner maintains the switch in an off state.

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