JP7452490B2 - power supply system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a power supply system.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a power supply device such as a power conditioner has a function of operating in a connected manner with a commercial power grid and a function of operating independently when commercial power is not supplied from the commercial power grid. A power conditioner is equipped with a storage battery, and converts the power of the storage battery into alternating current and supplies it to the self-sustaining load (electrical equipment) used during self-sustaining operation.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a power conditioner that includes a display and displays the available power supply time during self-sustaining operation during which power can be continuously supplied from a storage battery to a self-sustaining load. This power conditioner stores the power consumption of the standalone load during grid-connected operation. When switching to self-sustaining operation, the display displays the available power supply time calculated based on the output voltage of the storage battery and the stored power consumption.

JP 2021-002935 Publication

By the way, the above-mentioned power supply available time is also the usable remaining time during which the self-sustaining load can be used. During self-sustaining operation, turning on/off the power supply of the self-sustaining load affects the remaining usable time. Therefore, it is required to easily check the usable time during self-sustaining operation.

A power supply system that is one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power conditioner that supplies AC voltage to a load, a display unit that displays information about the power conditioner, and a controller that is connected to the power conditioner. The power conditioner includes a storage battery, an inverter that converts the output voltage of the storage battery into the AC voltage, a power consumption calculation unit that calculates power consumption for the load, and the storage battery. a time calculation unit that calculates a storage battery usable time for supplying the AC voltage to the load using the storage battery based on the amount of stored electricity and the power consumption; and a time calculation unit that detects whether the power source of the load is turned on or off. a load detection section, the controller displays the storage battery usable time on the display section when the power of the load is turned on or off, based on the detection result of the load detection section.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power supply system that allows easy confirmation of the storage battery usable time.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a power supply system. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the controller. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power conditioner and controller of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing related to displaying the storage battery usable time in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on the controller. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing processing related to displaying the storage battery usable time in the second embodiment. FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing processing related to displaying the storage battery usable time in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on the controller. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the controller. FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of a modified example of the power supply system. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power conditioner and a controller according to a modified example.

Each form will be explained below.
(First embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described below.

The power supply system shown in FIG. 1 is installed in facilities such as general houses, commercial facilities, and factories. Commercial AC voltage is supplied to the facility from a commercial power system 100. That is, the power supply system is interconnected with the commercial power system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system includes a power conditioner (PCS: Power Conditioning System) 10, a solar panel 20 connected to the power conditioner 10, and a controller 60. The power supply system of this embodiment includes three power conditioners 10. Note that the power supply system can be configured to include one or more power conditioners 10. In order to distinguish the three power conditioners 10 from each other, they are referred to as power conditioners 11, 12, and 13.

The solar panel 20 is connected to each power conditioner 11, 12, 13, respectively. That is, the power supply system of this embodiment includes a plurality of solar panels 20. In order to distinguish between the plurality of solar panels 20, the solar panels 20 connected to each power conditioner 11, 12, 13 are referred to as solar panels 21, 22, 23. The solar panels 21 to 23 are a solar cell string formed by connecting a plurality of solar cells (cells) in series, a solar cell array formed from a plurality of solar cell strings connected in parallel, and the like. Solar panels 21 to 23 include a solar cell string and one or more bypass diodes that connect a plurality of cells making up the solar cell string. Note that the configurations of the solar panels 21 to 23 may be different or may be the same. Moreover, a plurality of solar panels may be connected to one power conditioner 10.

The power conditioners 11 to 13 are connected to an AC power line 101 to which commercial AC voltage is supplied from a commercial power system 100. The AC power line 101 is, for example, a single-phase three-wire power line. The AC power line 101 is provided with power meters 102 and 103, a main breaker 104, current transformers (CT) 105 to 107, and an earth leakage breaker 108. The watt-hour meter 102 measures the amount of power supplied from the commercial power system 100, that is, the amount of purchased power. The power meter 103 measures the amount of power output to the commercial power system 100, that is, the amount of power in reverse power flow. The amount of power measured by this power meter 103 is the amount of power sold to the commercial power grid 100. Current transformers 105 to 107 are used, for example, to monitor reverse power flow to commercial power system 100.

Further, the AC power line 101 is connected to a general connection section 110 within the facility. The general connection section 110 includes a distribution board of the commercial power system 100, an indoor wiring outlet, an extension cable connected to the indoor wiring outlet, and the like. General loads 201 to 203 are connected to the general connection section 110. General loads 201 to 203 are loads that are normally used within the facility. Furthermore, branch breakers 121, 122, and 123 for loads (specific loads) with higher priority than the general loads 201 to 203 are connected to the general connection section 110. Each branch breaker 121-123 is connected to a specific connection part 111-113 for a specific load by a branch power line, respectively.

The specific connection parts 111 to 113 include a distribution board for a specific load, an indoor wiring outlet, an extension cable connected to the indoor wiring outlet, and the like. Note that the specific connections 111 to 113 may include a device such as an earth leakage breaker. The specific connections 111, 112, and 113 include switches 111a, 112a, and 113a, respectively. First switching terminals of the switching devices 111a to 113a are connected to branch breakers 121 to 123 via branch power lines. The branch power line is, for example, a single-phase two-wire power line. Through this branch power line, commercial AC voltage is supplied to the first switching terminals of the switching devices 111a to 113a. Second switching terminals of the switching devices 111a to 113a are connected to the power conditioners 11 to 13 via specific power lines. The special electric power line is, for example, a single-phase two-wire power line. Through this specific power line, the AC voltage output from the power conditioners 11 to 13 during self-sustaining operation is supplied to the second switching terminals of the switching devices 111a to 113a.

In FIG. 1, loads 211 to 214 as specific loads are connected to the specific connection section 111. These loads 211 to 214 are supplied with the commercial AC voltage of the commercial power system 100 or the AC voltage of the power conditioner 11 by the switch 111a of the specific connection section 111. In other words, these loads 211 to 214 are loads that are used with the commercial AC voltage from the commercial power system 100 or the AC voltage from the power conditioner 11. The loads 211 to 214 are loads that are operated during so-called self-sustaining operation, and have a higher priority than general loads.

Similarly, loads 221 and 222 are connected to the specific connection section 112. That is, these loads 221 and 222 are loads that are used by the commercial AC voltage from the commercial power system 100 or the AC voltage from the power conditioner 12. Further, loads 231 and 232 are connected to the specific connection section 113. That is, these loads 231 and 232 are loads that are used with the commercial AC voltage from the commercial power system 100 or the AC voltage from the power conditioner 13. Like the loads 211 to 214, the loads 221, 222, 231, and 232 are loads that are operated during so-called self-sustaining operation, and have a higher priority than general loads.

The power conditioner 11 includes a control section 11a and a storage battery 11b. Note that the storage battery 11b may be connected to the outside of the power conditioner 11. Further, the storage battery 11b may include a storage battery built into the power conditioner 11 and a storage battery connected to the power conditioner 11.

The control unit 11a determines whether the commercial power system 100 is normal or abnormal based on the power amount of the commercial AC voltage measured by the power meter 102, for example. The sensor 43 and the power meter 102 are sensors including, for example, a voltage sensor and a current sensor. Note that the state of the commercial power system 100 can also be determined by, for example, the sensor 43 shown in FIG. 3. The sensor 43 is, for example, a voltage sensor connected between wires. This can be determined based on the voltage value when the relays 34, 35, and 38 shown in FIG. 3 are in the open state (off state).

When the commercial power system 100 is normal, the control unit 11a controls the power conditioner so that the power generated by the solar panel 21 connected to the power conditioner 11 is converted into AC voltage and output to the AC power line 101. 11. Further, the control unit 11a charges the storage battery 11b using the voltage supplied from the solar panel 21 or the voltage supplied from the commercial power system 100.

When the commercial power system 100 is abnormal, the DC voltage of at least one of the solar panel 21 and the storage battery 11b is converted into an AC voltage and output to a specific power line. Then, by switching the switch 111a of the specific connection section 111, the loads 211 to 214 connected to the specific connection section 111 can be used by the AC voltage from the power conditioner 11.

The power conditioner 12 includes a control section 12a and a storage battery 12b. The power conditioner 13 includes a control section 13a and a storage battery 13b. The processing in these control sections 12a and 13a is the same as the processing in the control section 11a of the power conditioner 11 described above. Moreover, the connection form of the storage batteries 12b and 13b is the same as the connection form of the storage battery 11b in the power conditioner 11 described above.

Each power conditioner 11 to 13 is connected to a controller 60. The controller 60 and the power conditioners 11 to 13 are configured to be able to communicate, for example, serially. The controller 60 and each power conditioner 11 to 13 are connected by wire or wirelessly. The controller 60 has a function of supplying control signals such as start and stop of operation to each power conditioner 11 to 13. Further, the controller 60 has a function of displaying information about each power conditioner 11 to 13. The information on the power conditioners 11 to 13 includes, for example, the amount of power generated by the solar panels 21 to 23, the amount of electricity stored in the storage batteries 11b to 13b, and the like. Further, the controller 60 is connected to the power meters 102 and 103, and has a function of displaying the amount of power thereof, that is, the amount of power purchased and sold.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a front view of the controller 60.
The controller 60 includes a display section 63 and an operation section 64. The display section 63 includes a numerical value display section 631, a power sale display section 632, a power purchase display section 633, a unit display section 634, and selection state display sections 635, 636, and 637. The numerical value display section 631 displays numerical values such as electric energy. In this embodiment, the numerical display section 631 displays five alphanumeric characters in seven segments. Note that the numerical display section 631 is composed of, for example, five 7-segment displays, and is configured to display alphanumeric characters and points.

The selection state display sections 635 to 637 indicate selection targets displayed on the numerical display section 631 by operating the operation section 64. The power selling display section 632 and the power purchasing display section 633 indicate a power purchasing state or a power selling state. The unit display section 634 displays the unit of the numerical value displayed on the numerical display section 631.

The operation section 64 includes a plurality of operation buttons 641 to 649. The operation buttons 641, 642, and 643 are main buttons for selecting any one of the solar panel 20 (21 to 23), the commercial power system 100, and the storage batteries 11b to 13b. The operation buttons 645 to 649 are sub-buttons for instructing control etc. to the power conditioners 11 to 13 shown in FIG. 1. The operation section 64 has status display sections 645a to 649a corresponding to operation buttons 645 to 649, which are sub-buttons. The operation button 644 is a menu button.

[Conditioner configuration]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the power conditioner 11 and the controller 60.
The power conditioner 11 includes a PV converter (PVC: photovoltaic converter) 31, an inverter 32, a filter 33, and a control section 11a. The power conditioner 11 also includes a grid interconnection relay (simply written as "relay") 34, a self-sustaining relay (simply written as "relay") 35, and a bypass relay (simply written as "relay") 38. There is. A solar panel 21 is connected to the PV converter 31. PV converter 31 is connected to inverter 32 via DC voltage bus 37. The inverter 32 is connected to the grid connection terminal T1 via a filter 33 and a grid connection relay 34. Further, the inverter 32 is connected to the self-sustaining output terminal T2 via a filter 33 and a self-sustaining relay 35. Bypass relay 38 is connected between grid connection terminal T1 and standalone operation output terminal T2.

Furthermore, the power conditioner 11 includes a DC-DC converter 36 and a storage battery 11b. The storage battery 11b is connected to a DC voltage bus 37 via a DC-DC converter 36.

The control unit 11a controls the PV converter 31, the inverter 32, the grid connection relay 34, the self-sustaining relay 35, and the bypass relay 38. The power conditioner 11 has a power supply circuit (not shown) that generates an operating voltage for the control section 11a. The power supply circuit generates an operating voltage for the control unit 11a using the DC voltage of the DC voltage bus 37 or the AC voltage of the commercial power system 100.

PV converter 31 is a DC-DC converter controlled by control section 11a. The PV converter 31 of this embodiment is a booster circuit. Note that the PV converter 31 may be a step-down circuit or a step-up/down circuit as a DC-DC converter.

The PV converter 31 has a function of converting the voltage supplied from the solar panel 21 into a predetermined voltage and outputting the voltage to the DC voltage bus 37. Furthermore, the PV converter 31 has a function of smoothing the generated DC voltage. The predetermined voltage is, for example, 360V.

PV converter 31 includes switching elements. The control unit 11a adjusts the pulse width of a control signal that turns on and off the switching elements of the PV converter 31 using, for example, a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. Then, the control unit 11a controls the PV converter 31 using the control signal so that a predetermined voltage is output from the PV converter 31 to the DC voltage bus 37.

The inverter 32 is a DC/AC conversion circuit that operates according to a control signal from the control unit 11a. The inverter 32 is operated by a control signal from the control unit 11a, and converts the DC voltage of the DC voltage bus 37 into an AC voltage.

In the interconnection operation mode, the control unit 11a controls the inverter 32 to convert the DC voltage into an AC voltage that can be interconnected with the commercial power system 100. Filter 33 reduces high frequency components of the AC voltage output from inverter 32. The control unit 11a closes the grid interconnection relay 34 and the bypass relay 38 (on state), and opens the self-sustaining relay 35 (off state). The AC voltage output from the inverter 32 is output to the grid connection terminal T1 via the filter 33 and the grid connection relay 34 in a closed state, and is output from the grid connection terminal T1 to the AC power line 101. The AC voltage is then supplied to general loads 201 to 203 connected to the AC power line 101.

Further, the AC voltage output from the inverter 32 is output to the self-sustained operation output terminal T2 via the filter 33 and the closed bypass relay 38. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, by switching the switch 111a to the power conditioner 11 side, AC voltage is supplied to the loads 211 to 214. Note that the bypass relay 38 in the closed state connects the grid connection terminal T1 and the independent operation output terminal T2. Grid connection terminal T1 is connected to commercial power grid 100. Therefore, when inverter 32 does not output AC voltage, commercial AC voltage can be supplied from commercial power system 100 to loads 211 to 214 via bypass relay 38 of power conditioner 11. Note that by switching the switch 111a to the general connection section 110 side, the commercial AC voltage can be supplied from the commercial power system 100 to the loads 211 to 214 without going through the power conditioner 11.

In the self-sustaining mode, the control unit 11a controls the inverter 32 to supply AC voltage to the loads 211 to 214 connected to the self-sustaining output terminal T2. The control unit 11a opens the grid interconnection relay 34 and the bypass relay 38 (off state), and closes the self-sustaining relay 35 (on state). The AC voltage output from the inverter 32 is output to the self-sustaining output terminal T2 via the self-sustaining relay 35 in a closed state, and is supplied to the loads 211 to 214 from the self-sustaining output terminal T2.

In the interconnected operation mode, inverter 32 converts the AC voltage supplied from commercial power system 100 into a desired voltage and outputs it to DC voltage bus 37 . The control unit 11a controls on/off of a plurality of switching elements included in the inverter 32 using a control signal, and outputs a desired voltage from the inverter 32 to the DC voltage bus 37.

DC-DC converter 36 is a bidirectional DC-DC converter. The storage battery 11b is a rechargeable battery (secondary battery). The storage battery 11b is, for example, a lithium ion battery.

The DC-DC converter 36 is, for example, a step-up/down circuit, and converts the DC voltage of the DC voltage bus 37 into a voltage for charging the storage battery 11b. Further, the DC-DC converter 36 converts the DC voltage discharged from the storage battery 11b into a DC voltage corresponding to the DC voltage bus 37. DC-DC converter 36 includes a switching element. The control unit 11a outputs a control signal for driving the switching element on and off, and adjusts the pulse width of the control signal using, for example, a PWM method.

The storage battery 11b has a battery management unit (BMU). The battery management unit calculates the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b. The battery management unit also detects the temperature of the storage battery. The amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b is indicated by the SOC (State of Charge) of the storage battery 11b. Note that the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b may be indicated by, for example, a voltage value between terminals of the storage battery 11b. The battery management unit outputs a detection signal including the amount of stored electricity, temperature, and the like.

The power conditioner 11 converts the DC voltage output from the PV converter 31 into an AC voltage using the inverter 32 and outputs the AC voltage to the commercial power system 100 . Moreover, the power conditioner 11 includes a storage battery 11b. The power conditioner 11 charges the storage battery 11b with DC voltage. The power conditioner 11 converts the voltage discharged from the storage battery 11b into an alternating current voltage using the inverter 32 and outputs it to the commercial power system 100.

The control unit 11a controls the DC-DC converter 36 and the PV so as to charge the storage battery 11b based on the surplus power that is the difference between the power generated by the solar panel 21 and the power consumed by the load connected to the AC power line 101. Controls converter 31 and inverter 32. Further, the DC-DC converter 36 and the inverter 32 are controlled so as to output an AC voltage based on the voltage discharged from the storage battery 11b to the AC power line 101 when the power consumption of the load exceeds the power generated by the solar panel 21. .

The control unit 11a includes a storage unit 51. The storage unit 51 includes a ROM and a RAM. The storage unit 51 stores a processing program executed by the control unit 11a and various data stored by executing the processing program. Furthermore, the storage unit 51 stores various data such as threshold values necessary for processing. Further, the control unit 11a includes a peripheral circuit (not shown). The peripheral circuits include a clock signal generation circuit, a clock circuit, an interface circuit, a communication circuit, and the like. The control unit 11a directly reads information (data) necessary for executing the processing program from the peripheral circuit, or reads information (data) stored in the storage unit 51 from the peripheral circuit. Note that the information (data) stored in the storage unit 51 includes information stored in the storage unit 51 from the outside via peripheral circuits.

The communication unit 52 communicates with the controller 60 . The control unit 11a receives a signal from the controller 60 via the communication unit 52. The signals received by the control unit 11a include a signal for controlling the power conditioner 11, a signal for the controller 60 to acquire various information about the power conditioner 11, and the like. The control unit 11a controls the power conditioner 11 using control signals. For example, the control unit 11a starts and stops the operation of the inverter 32 using a control signal. The control unit 11a causes the storage unit 51 to store various information about the power conditioner 11. Then, the control unit 11a transmits various information about the power conditioner 11 to the controller 60 via the communication unit 52 using a signal for acquisition. For example, identification information is stored in the storage unit 51 described above. The identification information is information for identifying each of the power conditioners 11 to 13 shown in FIG. Note that the identification information may be set in the communication unit 52. The communication unit 52 shown in FIG. 3 transmits various information and identification information about the power conditioner 11. The identification information is set, for example, when each power conditioner 11 to 13 is installed. Note that the identification information may be set by the controller 60 through communication.

The various types of information transmitted by the control unit 11a include generated power, remaining battery power, available battery usage time, load detection results, and the like.
The generated power is the power generated by the solar panel 21 described above. The control unit 11a calculates the amount of power generated by the solar panel 21. To explain in detail, a sensor 41 is connected to the input side of the PV converter 31. The sensor 41 is composed of a voltage sensor and a current sensor. The control unit 11a calculates the amount of power supplied to the PV converter 31, that is, the amount of power generated by the solar panel 21, based on the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor and the current value detected by the current sensor.

The storage battery remaining amount is the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b described above. In this embodiment, the amount of stored electricity is a percentage indicated by the SOC of the storage battery 11b. The control unit 11a acquires the amount of stored electricity from the storage battery 11b.

The storage battery usable time is the time (power supply available time) during self-sustaining operation during which AC voltage can be continuously supplied from the storage battery 11b to the load connected to the self-sustaining output terminal T2. In the self-sustaining mode, the control unit 11a calculates the usable time of the storage battery based on the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b (remaining amount of the storage battery). To explain in detail, the control unit 11a calculates the usable time of the storage battery based on the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b and the amount of power of the AC voltage output to the output terminal T2 for self-sustaining operation. In the self-sustaining mode, the output power of the inverter 32 is supplied to the self-sustaining output terminal T2 from the inverter 32 via the filter 33 and the self-sustaining relay 35. A sensor 42 for detecting the output power of the inverter 32 is connected between the inverter 32 and the filter 33. Sensor 42 includes at least a current sensor. The sensor 42 may include a current sensor and a voltage sensor. The control unit 11a calculates the power consumption of the loads 211 to 214 connected to the self-sustaining output terminal T2 based on the current value detected by the sensor 42. Then, the control unit 11a calculates the usable time of the storage battery based on the calculated power consumption and the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b. The control unit 11a functions as a power consumption calculation unit, a time calculation unit, and a load detection unit. Note that the control unit 11a may calculate the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b based on the voltage between the terminals of the storage battery 11b. In this case, the control unit 11a will function as a storage amount calculation unit.

The load detection information is information indicating whether the connection state of the load has changed with respect to the specific connection section 111 (see FIG. 1) connected to the output terminal T2 for self-sustaining operation. The connection state of the load includes insertion/removal of the plug of the load to/from the specific connection portion 111, on/off operation of the power switch of the connected load, and the like. Note that this information indicates the result of detecting whether or not the above operation has been performed on at least one of the loads to which AC voltage is supplied from the power conditioner 11. This load detection information is detected, for example, based on a change in power consumption. The control unit 11a calculates the power consumption described above at predetermined time intervals and sequentially stores the calculated power consumption in the storage unit 51. Then, when the amount of change in power consumption, that is, the value of the difference between the power consumption calculated at a predetermined time and the power consumption calculated immediately before, is greater than or equal to the threshold, the control unit 11a performs the above-mentioned load operation. Detect what has been done.

The configuration of the power conditioners 12 and 13 shown in FIG. 1 has the configuration of the power conditioner 11 shown in FIG. 3, and drawings and explanations showing the configuration will be omitted. Note that the power conditioner 11 may have functions other than those described above. Similarly, power conditioners 12 and 13 shown in FIG. 1 may have the same functions as power conditioner 11 or different functions in addition to the above functions.

[Controller configuration]
The controller 60 includes a control section 61, a communication section 62, a display section 63, an operation section 64, and a storage section 65. The communication unit 62 communicates with the communication unit 52 of the control unit 11a of the power conditioner 11. The storage unit 65 includes ROM and RAM. The storage unit 65 stores a processing program executed by the control unit 61 and various data stored by executing the processing program. Furthermore, the storage unit 65 stores various data such as threshold values necessary for processing.

The control unit 61 transmits a signal for control based on the operation of the operation unit 64 to the power conditioner 11 via the communication unit 62. For example, by operating the "run/stop" operation button 645 shown in FIG. 2, a signal indicating start or stop of operation is transmitted to the control unit 11a of the power conditioner 11. Similarly, control signals are transmitted to the power conditioners 12 and 13 shown in FIG. Note that by transmitting the above transmission together with the identification information of each power conditioner 11 to 13, desired power conditioners 11 to 13 can be controlled. Further, all the power conditioners 11 to 13 can be controlled by adding predetermined identification information, for example, information specifying all the power conditioners 11 to 13.

The control unit 61 acquires the various types of information described above from the power conditioner 11 via the communication unit 62 along with the identification information. Similarly, the control unit 61 acquires various information about the power conditioners 12 and 13 along with identification information from the control units 12a and 13a of the power conditioners 12 and 13 shown in FIG. The control unit 61 causes the storage unit 65 to store the acquired identification information and various information. Further, the control unit 61 acquires the electric energy from the electric energy meters 102 and 103 shown in FIG. 1, and stores it in the storage unit 65. The control unit 61 periodically acquires information. Note that in addition to periodic acquisition of information, information may be acquired from the corresponding power conditioners 11 to 13 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 64.

The control section 61 displays various types of information on the display section 63 in response to operations on the operation section 64 . For example, when the operation button 641 shown in FIG. 2 is operated, the amount of power generated by one of the power conditioners 11 to 13, for example, the solar panel 21 connected to the power conditioner 11, is displayed on the display section 63. . Then, each time the operation button 641 is operated, the target for displaying the power generation amount is switched, for example, in the order of the power conditioners 12, 13, 11, . . . . Then, the control unit 61 displays the power generation amount of the switched target on the display unit 63. Further, the control unit 61 similarly switches the target of the storage battery remaining amount, the storage battery usable time, etc. according to the operation of the operation unit 64, and displays the value of the switched target on the display unit 63.

[Display by operating the operation panel]
An example of a display on the display unit 63 will be explained. Here, a case will be described in which the storage battery usable time is displayed.

Controller 60 is connected to one or more power conditioners 10. The control unit 61 of the controller 60 can recognize the number of power conditioners 10 connected to the controller 60. For example, the control unit 61 transmits a control signal for acquiring identification information via the communication unit 62. The control unit (communication unit) of the connected power conditioner 10 transmits the set identification information in response to the control signal. Thereby, the control unit 61 of the controller 60 recognizes the number of identification information of the power conditioners 10 connected to the controller 60, that is, the number of power conditioners 10 connected to the controller 60.

The control unit 61 displays information acquired from the power conditioner 10 on the display unit 63. At this time, the control unit 61 displays information such that the power conditioner 10 can be identified. Here, a case will be described in which the above storage battery usable time is displayed.

For example, as the power conditioner 10, power conditioners 11 to 13 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to the controller 60. In this case, the control unit 61 displays information for identifying each power conditioner 11 to 13 and the storage battery usable time. As the information displayed to identify each power conditioner 11 to 13, for example, identification information at the time of communication is used. Note that the information displayed for identification and the communication identification information may be different. For example, the information displayed to identify each power conditioner 11, 12, 13 is assumed to be "1", "2", and "3".

FIG. 5 shows a display example of the storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In FIG. The control unit 61 acquires the storage battery usable time from the power conditioner 11. Then, the control unit 61 displays identification information “1” corresponding to the power conditioner 11 and the storage battery available time “270” of the power conditioner 11 on the display unit 63. Note that the storage battery usable time shown in FIG. 5 is displayed in minutes. Note that the unit of the storage battery usable time to be displayed may be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 6 shows a display example of the storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 12 shown in FIG. 1. The control unit 61 acquires the storage battery usable time from the power conditioner 12. Then, the control unit 61 displays identification information “2” corresponding to the power conditioner 12 and the storage battery usable time “85” of the power conditioner 12 on the display unit 63. Note that the storage battery usable time shown in FIG. 6 is displayed in minutes. Note that the unit of the storage battery usable time to be displayed may be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 7 shows a display example of the storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 13 shown in FIG. 1. The control unit 61 acquires the storage battery usable time from the power conditioner 13. Then, the control unit 61 displays identification information “3” corresponding to the power conditioner 13 and the storage battery usable time “100” of the power conditioner 13 on the display unit 63. Note that the storage battery usable time shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in minutes. Note that the unit of the storage battery usable time to be displayed may be changed as appropriate.

The control unit 61 targets one of the power conditioners 11 to 13 and displays the storage battery usable time of the target on the display unit 63. Furthermore, the control unit 61 switches the display target every time the operation button 643 of the operation unit 64 is operated. For example, in the present embodiment, the control unit 61 switches the target power conditioners 11 to 13 in the order of "1" → "2" → "3" → "1". As a result, the storage battery usable time shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is sequentially displayed on the display unit 63.

FIG. 8 shows a display example of the storage battery usable time when only one power conditioner 10, for example, the power conditioner 11 shown in FIG. 3, is connected to the controller 60. When only one power conditioner 11 is connected, there is no need to identify the power conditioner 11 from other power conditioners. Therefore, when the operation button 643 shown in FIG. 2 is operated, the control unit 61 displays only the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 11 on the display unit 63, and does not display information for identification.

When a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, the control unit 61 stops the display on the display unit 63, that is, turns off the display. The termination conditions include, for example, that a power button (not shown) of the controller 60 has been operated, and that the operation unit 64 has not been operated for a predetermined period of time.

[Display depending on whether the load power is turned on or off]
Next, a description will be given of the display caused by turning on/off the power supply of the load.
The control unit 61 of this embodiment has a function of displaying the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 10 (11 to 13) to which the load is connected, based on whether the load is powered on or off. This will be explained in detail.

The control unit 61 determines whether or not there has been a change in the load amount (power consumption) in the power conditioners 11 to 13 based on the load detection information acquired from the power conditioners 11 to 13. If the load amount has changed, the display unit 63 displays the storage battery usable time of the power conditioners 11 to 13 whose load amount has changed. At this time, the control unit 61 displays the storage battery usable time in a format different from the normal display format. The control unit 61 causes the storage battery usable time to blink, for example, as a display format different from the normal display format. Other display formats may include, for example, changing the brightness or changing the color. When displaying the storage battery usable time based on the load detection information, the control unit 61 may notify the outside (user) of the display. As the notification method, for example, voice, buzzer sound, light, etc. can be used. In other words, the control section 61 has a function as a notification section.

The above storage battery usable time is calculated based on the load amount (power consumption) of the power conditioner 11. The amount of load on the power conditioner 11 changes by changing the connection state of the loads 211 to 214 to the power conditioner 11 (insertion/removal of plugs or turning on/off of the power switch). The control unit 61 acquires that the connection state of the load to the power conditioner 11 has been changed based on the load detection information. Then, the control unit 61 displays on the display unit 63 the storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 11 whose connection state has been changed. In other words, the control unit 61 uses a change in the connection state of the load to the power conditioner 11 as a trigger to display the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 11. Thereby, the user can check the storage battery usable time without operating the operation unit 64 of the controller 60.

Although the case where the connection state of the load was changed with respect to the power conditioner 11 has been described, the same applies to the power conditioners 12 and 13 shown in FIG. The control unit 61 acquires various information about each power conditioner 12 and 13. Then, based on the load detection information of each power conditioner 12, 13, the control unit 61 displays the storage battery usable time of the corresponding power conditioner 12, 13 on the display unit 63, using a change in the connection state of the load as a trigger. indicate. Thereby, the user can check the available storage battery usage time of each power conditioner 11 to 13 without operating the operation unit 64 of the controller 60.

FIG. 4 shows a process for displaying storage battery usable time.
The control unit 61 executes steps S101 to S108 in FIG. 4 and displays the storage battery usable time on the display unit 63 in FIG. 2. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which the connection state of the load is changed for the power conditioner 11 shown in FIG. 1.

First, in step S101, the control unit 61 determines whether termination conditions are satisfied. The termination conditions include a condition in which the storage battery usable time is not displayed, for example, a case where the operation unit 64 of the controller 60 starts to display other information by operating the operation unit 64. If the termination condition is not satisfied (determination: NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S102, and if the termination condition is satisfied (determination: YES), it ends the process. That is, the control unit 61 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S101 to S108 until the termination condition is satisfied.

In step S102, the control unit 61 sleeps for a specified time, and then proceeds to step S103.
In step S103, the control unit 61 initializes the count value n (=1), and proceeds to step S104. The count value n is for processing all power conditioners 10 (11 to 13) connected to the controller 60. The count value n corresponds to identification information (“1” to “3”) for display regarding the power conditioners 11 to 13.

In step S104, the control unit 61 compares the count value n and the number of connections N. The number of connections N is the number of power conditioners 10 connected to the controller 60. The number of connections N is set based on the number of responses to signals received by the control unit 61 via the communication unit 62, the number of identification information, and the like. In the power supply system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the number of connections N is set to "3". If the count value n is equal to or less than the number of connections N (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S105. On the other hand, if the count value n is larger than the number of connections N (determination: NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S101.

In step S105, the control unit 61 determines whether the power consumption of the power conditioner (PCS) n has decreased or increased. Here, since n=1 (step S103), PCSn indicates the first power conditioner, that is, the power conditioner 11. An increase or decrease in power consumption can be determined based on load detection information set based on the power consumption detected by the power conditioner 11. If the control unit 61 determines that the power consumption has increased or decreased (determination: YES), the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, when the control unit 61 determines that the power consumption has not increased or decreased (determination: NO), the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S106, the control unit 61 determines whether or not the storage battery usable time of PCSn is not being displayed. If it is not being displayed (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S107. On the other hand, if the display is being displayed (determination NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S108. For example, if the storage battery usable time of the second power conditioner 12 (PCS2) is being displayed, the storage battery usable time of the first power conditioner 11 (PCS1) is not being displayed (determination: YES). ) Therefore, the control unit 61 moves to step S107.

In step S107, the control unit 61 displays the storage battery usable time of the first power conditioner 11 (PCS1). Then, the process moves to step S108.
In step S108, the control unit 61 increments the count value n (+1). The control unit 61 then proceeds to step S104.

The control unit 61 executes the processing for the second power conditioner 12 (PCS2) in steps S104 to S108 in the same manner as described above. In this case, since there is no increase or decrease in the power consumption of the power conditioner 12, the control unit 61 moves to step S108 based on the determination result in step S105 (determination: NO). Further, the control unit 61 executes the processing for the third (PCS3) power conditioner 13 in steps S104 to S108 in the same manner as described above. In this case, since there is no increase or decrease in the power consumption of the power conditioner 13, the control unit 61 moves to step S108 based on the determination result in step S105 (determination: NO).

(effect)
Next, the operation of the power supply system of the first embodiment will be explained.
The power supply system includes three power conditioners 11 to 13 and one controller 60 connected to the power conditioners 11 to 13. Each power conditioner 11-13 has a control section 11a-13a and a storage battery 11b-13b.

Control units 11a to 13a of power conditioners 11 to 13 calculate power consumption by connected loads 211 to 214, 221, 222, 231, and 232 in the self-sustaining mode. Further, each of the control units 11a to 13a calculates the amount of electricity stored in the storage batteries 11b to 13b. Each of the control units 11a to 13a uses storage batteries that can continue to supply AC voltage from the storage batteries 11b to 13b to the loads 211 to 214, 221, 222, 231, and 232 based on the amount of stored electricity and the power consumption. Calculate the possible time. Further, each of the control units 11a to 13a determines whether the power of the load connected to each of the power conditioners 11 to 13 is turned on or off, and sets load detection information.

The control unit 61 of the controller 60 acquires information about each power conditioner 11 to 13. Then, the control unit 61 displays information acquired from each of the power conditioners 11 to 13 on the display unit 63 by operating the operation unit 64. For example, the control unit 61 displays the available storage battery usable time of each power conditioner 11 to 13 on the display unit 63 by operating the operation button 643 shown in FIG. Therefore, by operating the operation button 643 of the controller 60, the user can determine the length of time that the load can be continued to be used (storage battery available) for each power conditioner 11 to 13, as shown in FIGS. time).

It is required to extend the time that the load can continue to be used in the self-sustaining mode. For example, from the storage batteries 11b to 13b of each power conditioner 11 to 13 shown in FIG. can continue to be supplied. In these examples, it is possible to extend the usable time of the storage batteries in the power conditioners 11 to 13.

For example, the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 shown in FIG. 1 is "85" minutes, as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the user considers switching the connection of one of the loads 221 and 222 shown in FIG. 1 from the power conditioner 12 to the power conditioner 11 with a longer storage battery usable time.

The user turns off the power of the load that is thought to be connected to this power conditioner 12. For example, the power to the load 221 shown in FIG. 1 is turned off. The control unit 12a of the power conditioner 12 calculates the usable time of the storage battery based on the power consumption reduced by turning off the power of the load 221 and the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 12b. The control unit 12a also sets load detection information.

The controller 60 displays the storage battery usable time obtained from the power conditioner 12 on the display unit 63 using the power off of the load 221 as a trigger. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 61 displays the identification information “2” of the power conditioner 12 and the storage battery usable time “155” on the display unit 63. Thereby, the user can confirm that the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 has increased without operating the operation unit 64 of the controller 60. In other words, it is possible to omit the trouble for the user to know the storage battery usable time.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 10, a switching display section 638 may be provided to indicate that the display section 63 has been switched. The switching display section 638 may be, for example, one that turns on and off, one that blinks, one that displays characters, or the like.

The user connects the power-off load 221 to the specific connection section 111 shown in FIG. 1, and turns on the power. In this case, the control unit 11a of the power conditioner 11 calculates the usable time of the storage battery based on the power consumption that changes (increases) when the connected load 221 is powered on and the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 11b. The control unit 11a also sets load detection information.

The controller 60 displays the storage battery usable time obtained from the power conditioner 11 on the display unit 63 using the power-on of the load 221 as a trigger. The control unit 61 displays the identification information “1” of the power conditioner 11 and the storage battery usable time on the display unit 63. Thereby, the user can confirm that the load connection change has decreased the storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 11 without operating the operation unit 64 of the controller 60. That is, the user can confirm that the load 221 has been correctly connected to the power conditioner 11.

Further, in the state of the storage battery usable time shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, for example, the user turns off the power of the load 211 connected to the power conditioner 11 shown in FIG. In this case, the identification information "1" of the power conditioner 11 and the available storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 11 are displayed on the display section 63. This allows the user to easily know that the wrong load 211 has been powered off.

The user turns on the power to load 211 and turns off the power to other loads, such as load 221. In this case, the identification information “2” of the power conditioner 12 and the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 are displayed on the display unit 63. This allows the user to easily know that the intended load 221 has been powered off. In this way, the power of the load 221 connected to the power conditioner 12 intended by the user can be turned off.

(effect)
As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.
(1-1) The power supply system includes three power conditioners 11 to 13 and one controller 60 connected to the power conditioners 11 to 13. Each power conditioner 11-13 has a control section 11a-13a and a storage battery 11b-13b.

The control unit 61 of the controller 60 determines whether there has been a change in the load amount (power consumption) in the power conditioners 11 to 13 based on the load detection information acquired from the power conditioners 11 to 13. If the load amount has changed, the display unit 63 displays the storage battery usable time of the power conditioners 11 to 13 whose load amount has changed. Thereby, the user can confirm that the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 has increased without operating the operation unit 64 of the controller 60. In other words, it is possible to omit the trouble for the user to know the storage battery usable time.

(1-2) The controller 60 displays the storage battery usable time obtained from the power conditioner 11 on the display unit 63 using the power-on of the load 221 as a trigger. The control unit 61 displays the identification information “1” of the power conditioner 11 and the storage battery usable time on the display unit 63. Thereby, the user can confirm that the load connection change has decreased the storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 11 without operating the operation unit 64 of the controller 60. That is, the user can confirm that the load 221 has been correctly connected to the power conditioner 11.

(1-3) The user turns off the power of the load 211 connected to the power conditioner 11 shown in FIG. In this case, the identification information "1" of the power conditioner 11 and the available storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 11 are displayed on the display section 63. This allows the user to easily know that the wrong load 211 has been powered off.

(1-4) The user turns on the power to the load 211 and turns off the power to other loads, such as the load 221. In this case, the identification information “2” of the power conditioner 12 and the available storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 12 are displayed on the display unit 63. This allows the user to easily know that the intended load 221 has been powered off. In this way, the power of the load 221 connected to the power conditioner 12 intended by the user can be turned off.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below.
Note that the power supply system of this embodiment has the same configuration as the power supply system of the first embodiment, but the control in the controller 60 is different. Therefore, the power supply system of the second embodiment will be described using the constituent members and symbols of the power supply system of the first embodiment.

The control unit 61 of the controller 60 displays, on the display unit 63, the storage battery usable time of the power conditioners 10 (11 to 13) after the change, for the power conditioners 10 (11 to 13) whose loads are turned off and off. It has the function of The control unit 61 of the present embodiment also determines the storage battery usable time, that is, the storage battery usable time when it is assumed that a power-off load is connected to the power conditioner 10 (11 to 13) specified by the user. It has a function of displaying the predicted value of on the display unit 63. These functions will be explained below.

As described in the first embodiment, the control units 11a to 13a of each power conditioner 11 to 13 transmit information including the generated power, the remaining amount of storage battery, the usable time of the storage battery, the load detection result, and the like. The control unit 61 of the controller 60 sequentially stores information acquired from each power conditioner 11 to 13 in the storage unit 65.

The control unit 61 determines whether the power consumption of each power conditioner 11 to 13 has changed based on the load detection information.
The control unit 61 determines whether the power consumption of each power conditioner 11 to 13 has decreased. When the power consumption decreases, the control unit 61 calculates the decreased power consumption based on the acquired power consumption and the power consumption that was acquired immediately before and stored in the storage unit 65. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as reduced power amount. Then, the control unit 61 saves the calculated power consumption, that is, stores the reduced power amount in the storage unit 65.

The control unit 61 displays various information on the display unit 63 based on the information acquired from each power conditioner 11 to 13. For example, the control unit 61 displays on the display unit 63 the storage battery usable time obtained from each of the power conditioners 11 to 13.

The control unit 61 determines whether the user has operated a dedicated button. Then, when the user operates the dedicated button, the control unit 61 displays the predicted time of the storage battery usable time on the display unit 63 based on the operation. The control unit 61 determines that a dedicated button has been operated by a predetermined operation on a predetermined operation button included in the operation unit 64 . The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation in which the operation button 643 shown in FIG. 2 is held down for a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds) or more, that is, an operation in which the operation button 643 is pressed for a long time.

When the dedicated button is operated, the control unit 61 calculates the estimated storage battery usable time for the power conditioner (second power conditioner) other than the power conditioner whose load power is turned off (the first power conditioner). is displayed on the display section 63. At this time, the control unit 61 selects one of the power conditioners other than the power conditioner whose load power is turned off in a predetermined order, and predicts the available battery usage time of the selected power conditioner. Display time. The predetermined order is, for example, the order of the storage battery usable time of the power conditioner 10 (11 to 13) (for example, in descending order).

More specifically, the control unit 61 calculates the predicted power amount of the selected power conditioner. The predicted power amount is obtained as a value obtained by adding the absolute value of the reduced power amount of the power conditioner whose load is turned off to the power consumption value obtained from the selected power conditioner. Next, the control unit 61 calculates a predicted time of the storage battery usable time of the selected power conditioner based on the calculated predicted power amount and the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery of the selected power conditioner. Then, the control unit 61 displays the calculated predicted time of the storage battery usable time on the display unit 63.

Note that the predicted time displayed on the display unit 63 may be changed. For example, each time a dedicated button is operated, the predicted time may be calculated as described above for the power conditioner selected according to the priority, and the predicted time may be displayed on the display section 63. The priority is, for example, set in advance by the control unit 61 of the controller 60 and stored in the storage unit 65. Further, the power conditioner to be selected may be changed every predetermined time using a timer or the like according to the priority, and the predicted time of the selected power conditioner may be displayed on the display section 63. In addition to the priority, for example, the identification number of the power conditioner 10 (11 to 13) may be used as the predetermined order.

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show a process of displaying the storage battery usable time and then displaying the predicted time of only the power conditioner with a high priority.
The control unit 61 executes steps S201 to S215, displays the storage battery usable time, and then displays the predicted time.

First, in step S201, the control unit 61 determines whether termination conditions are satisfied. The termination conditions include a condition in which the storage battery usable time is not displayed, for example, when the operation unit 64 of the controller 60 starts to display other information by operating the operation unit 64. If the termination condition is not satisfied (determination: NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S202, and if the termination condition is satisfied (determination: YES), it ends the process. That is, the control unit 61 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S201 to S215 until the termination condition is satisfied.

In step S202, the control unit 61 determines whether the dedicated button has been pressed. If it is determined that the dedicated button is not pressed (determination: NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S203. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dedicated button has been pressed (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S212.

In step S203, the control unit 61 sleeps for a specified time, and then proceeds to step S204.
In step S204, the control unit 61 initializes the count value n (=1), and proceeds to step S205. The count value n is for processing all power conditioners connected to the controller 60. The count value n corresponds to identification information (“1” to “3”) for display regarding the power conditioners 11 to 13.

In step S205, the control unit 61 compares the count value n and the number of connections N. The number of connections N is the number of power conditioners connected to the controller 60. The number of connections N is set based on the number of responses to signals received by the control unit 61 via the communication unit 62, the number of identification information, and the like. In the power supply system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the number of connections N is set to "3". If the count value n is equal to or less than the number of connections N (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S206. On the other hand, if the count value n is larger than the number of connections N (determination: NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S211.

In step S206, the control unit 61 determines whether the power consumption of the power conditioner (PCS) n has decreased or increased. Here, since n=1 (step S204), PCSn indicates the first power conditioner, that is, the power conditioner 11. An increase or decrease in power consumption can be determined based on load detection information set based on the power consumption detected by the power conditioner 11. When the control unit 61 determines that the power consumption has increased or decreased (determination: YES), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the control unit 61 determines that the power consumption has not increased or decreased (determination: NO), the process proceeds to step S211.

In step S207, the control unit 61 determines whether the power consumption of the PCSn has decreased. If the power consumption has decreased (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S208. On the other hand, if the power consumption has not decreased (determination: NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S209.

In step S208, the control unit 61 retains the reduced power consumption (reduced power amount), that is, stores it in the storage unit 65. After that, the control unit 61 moves to step S209.
In step S209, the control unit 61 determines whether or not the storage battery usable time of PCSn is not being displayed. If it is not being displayed (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S210. On the other hand, if the display is being displayed (determination NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S211. For example, if the storage battery usable time of the second power conditioner 12 (PCS2) is being displayed, the storage battery usable time of the first power conditioner 11 (PCS1) is not being displayed, so the judgment is: If the answer is YES, the control unit 61 moves to step S210.

In step S210, the control unit 61 displays the storage battery usable time of the first power conditioner 11 (PCS1). Then, the process moves to step S211.
In step S211, the control unit 61 increments the count value n (+1). The control unit 61 then proceeds to step S205.

The control unit 61 executes the processes of steps S205 to S211 for the second (PCS2) power conditioner 12 in the same manner as described above. In this case, since there is no increase or decrease in the power consumption of the power conditioner 12, the control unit 61 moves to step S211 based on the determination result (determination: NO) in step S206. Further, the control unit 61 executes the processes of steps S205 to S211 for the third (PCS3) power conditioner 13 in the same manner as described above. In this case, since there is no increase or decrease in power consumption of the power conditioner 13, the control unit 61 shifts to step S211 based on the determination result (determination: NO) in step S206.

In step S202, if it is determined that the dedicated button has been pressed (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S212 in FIG. 11B.
In step S212, the control unit 61 determines whether the reduced power consumption is saved. If the reduced power consumption is saved (determination: YES), the control unit 61 moves to step S213. On the other hand, if the reduced power consumption is not saved (determination: NO), the control unit 61 moves to step S201 in FIG. 11A.

In step S213, the control unit 61 selects the PCS with the highest priority. The control unit 61 then proceeds to step S214.
In step S214, the control unit 61 calculates a predicted storage battery usable time based on the reduced power consumption, and then proceeds to step S215. Specifically, the control unit 61 reads the reduced power consumption from the storage unit 65, adds the reduced power consumption to the power consumption obtained from the selected power conditioner, and connects the load to the selected power conditioner. Calculate the predicted value of power consumption when Then, the control unit 61 calculates a predicted time of the storage battery usable time in the selected power conditioner based on the calculated predicted value and the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery of the selected power conditioner. The control unit 61 then proceeds to step S215.

In step S215, the control unit 61 displays the predicted time calculated in step S214 on the display unit 63 of FIG. 2. The control unit 61 then proceeds to step S201 in FIG. 11A.

(effect)
Next, the operation of the power supply system of the second embodiment will be explained.
5 to 7 show examples of the storage battery usable time of the power conditioners 11 to 13 shown in FIG. 1. The user operates the operation button 643 of the operation section 64 of the controller 60 shown in FIG. In accordance with the operation, the control unit 61 displays on the display unit 63 the identification information and the storage battery usable time obtained from each power conditioner 11 to 13.

As shown in FIG. 5, the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 11 is "270" minutes. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 is "85" minutes. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 13 is "100" minutes.

For the user, it may be preferable for the user to have a small difference in the storage battery usable time of each of the power conditioners 11 to 13. For example, the load may be lighting at night. If even one of the plurality of loads becomes unusable, life will be affected, so it is preferable for the user that there is no difference. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 is the shortest, and the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 11 is the longest. Therefore, the user reconnects the load connected to the power conditioner 12, for example, the load 221 shown in FIG. 1, to the power conditioner 11.

At this time, the control unit 61 of the controller 60 uses the power off (unplugging) of the load 221 as a trigger to maintain the reduced power consumption in the power conditioner 12, and then displays the storage battery usable time on the display unit 63. indicate. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 61 displays the identification information “2” of the power conditioner 12 and the storage battery usable time “155” on the display unit 63.

In this state, the user operates the dedicated button. The control unit 61 of the controller 60 displays, for example, a predicted time of storage battery usable time of a power conditioner with a high priority based on the operation of a dedicated button. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 11 is the longest. Therefore, the control unit 61 of the controller 60 selects the power conditioner 11. The control unit 61 calculates a predicted time of the storage battery usable time of the selected power conditioner 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 61 displays the identification information “1” of the power conditioner 11 and the calculated predicted time “200” on the display unit 63. Thereby, the user can confirm the storage battery usable time (predicted time) when the load 221 is connected to the power conditioner 11.

FIG. 14 shows the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 13. The storage battery usable time of this power conditioner 13 is "100". As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the difference between the storage battery usable time of the power conditioners 12 and 13 and the predicted time of the power conditioner 11 can be reduced.

Note that the predicted time for a desired power conditioner can also be displayed by pressing a dedicated button. For example, FIGS. 15 to 17 show examples in which the storage battery usable time and predicted time are displayed by operating a dedicated button.

Similarly to the above, the power of the load 221 connected to the power conditioner 12 shown in FIG. 1 is turned off. Using this as a trigger, the control section 61 of the controller 60 displays the identification information of the power conditioner 12 "2" and the storage battery usable time "155" on the display section 63, as shown in FIG.

In this state, the user operates the dedicated button. The control unit 61 of the controller 60 selects the power conditioner 11 based on the operation of a dedicated button, for example, according to the priority. Then, the control unit 61 calculates the predicted time of the storage battery usable time of the selected power conditioner 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 61 displays the identification information “1” of the power conditioner 11 and the calculated predicted time “200” on the display unit 63.

Next, when the user operates the dedicated button again, the control unit 61 of the controller 60 selects the power conditioner 13 according to the priority. Then, the control unit 61 calculates the predicted time of the storage battery usable time of the selected power conditioner 13. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 61 displays the identification information “3” of the power conditioner 13 and the calculated predicted time “30” on the display unit 63.

In this way, the control unit 61 displays on the display unit 63 the available time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 when the power of the load 221 is turned off. Then, the control unit 61 displays on the display unit 63 a predicted time of the storage battery usable time of the power conditioners 11 and 13 when the power-off load 221 is connected. These displays allow the user to confirm that the load 221 should be connected to the power conditioner 11.

(effect)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

(2-1) The user operates a dedicated button. The control unit 61 of the controller 60 displays, for example, a predicted time of storage battery usable time of a power conditioner with a high priority based on the operation of a dedicated button. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 11 is the longest. Therefore, the control unit 61 of the controller 60 selects the power conditioner 11. The control unit 61 calculates a predicted time of the storage battery usable time of the selected power conditioner 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 61 displays the identification information “1” of the power conditioner 11 and the calculated predicted time “200” on the display unit 63. Thereby, the user can confirm the storage battery usable time (predicted time) when the load 221 is connected to the power conditioner 11.

(2-2) The control unit 61 of the controller 60 displays on the display unit 63 the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner 12 when the power of the load 221 is turned off. Next, the control unit 61 displays on the display unit 63 a predicted time of the storage battery usable time of the power conditioners 11 and 13 when the power-off load 221 is connected. These displays allow the user to confirm that the load 221 should be connected to the power conditioner 11.

(Example of change)
Note that each of the above embodiments may be implemented in the following manner.
The above embodiment can be modified as follows, for example. The above embodiment and each modification example below can be combined with each other as long as no technical contradiction occurs. In addition, in the following modified examples, parts common to the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

- You may change the structure of a power supply system and a power conditioner suitably with respect to the said embodiment.
FIG. 18 shows a modified example of the power supply system. FIG. 19 shows a power conditioner 10 as a modified example. As shown in FIG. 18, the specific connection sections 111, 112, 113 include first switches 111b, 112b, 113b and second switches 111c, 112c, 113c. As shown in FIG. 19, in the power conditioner 10 of the modification, the bypass relay 38 is omitted from the configuration of the above embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, the first switch 111b and the second switch 111c of the specific connection section 111 can be switched between a closed state (on state) and an open state (off state) separately. Therefore, for the loads 211 to 214, the power conditioner 11 and the commercial power grid 100 can be set to be connected to both, to either one, or not connected to either. . The first switches 112b, 113b and the second switches 112c, 113c of the specific connection units 112, 113 can also be in the same state as the specific connection unit 111.

- In the power conditioner 11 shown in FIG. 3, the storage battery 11b may be connected to the DC voltage bus 37 via a relay. Similarly to the power conditioners 12 and 13 shown in FIG. 1, the storage batteries 12b and 13b may be connected to the DC voltage bus via relays.

- It may be used as a display unit that displays the status of multiple power conditioners.
- The status of the power conditioner may be displayed on a terminal device that communicates with the control unit 61 of the controller 60 via a network (wired or wireless) or close proximity wireless communication.

- In the above embodiment, the power supply system includes three solar panels 21 to 23 and three power conditioners 11 to 13. The present invention is not limited to this, and the number of solar panels and the number of power conditioners may each be arbitrary numbers. For example, the power supply system may include one solar panel and one power conditioner.

10,11~13 Power conditioner (PCS)
11a to 13a Control unit 11b to 13b Storage battery 20, 21 to 23 Solar panel 31 PV converter 32 Inverter 33 Filter 34 Grid connection relay 35 Self-sustaining relay 36 DC-DC converter 37 DC voltage bus 38 Bypass relay 41 to 43 Sensor 51 Storage unit 52 Communication unit 60 Controller 61 Control unit 62 Communication unit 63 Display unit 64 Operation unit 641-649 Operation buttons 65 Storage unit 100 Commercial power system 201-203 General load (load)
211 to 214, 221, 222, 231, 232 Load T1 Grid connection terminal T2 Output terminal for independent operation

Claims (8)

A power conditioner that supplies AC voltage to a load;
a controller connected to the power conditioner and having a display unit that displays information about the power conditioner;
An electric power supply system comprising:
The power conditioner is
storage battery and
an inverter that converts the output voltage of the storage battery into the AC voltage;
a power consumption calculation unit that calculates power consumption for the load;
a time calculation unit that calculates a storage battery usable time for supplying the AC voltage to the load using the storage battery based on the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery and the power consumption;
a load detection unit that detects whether the power supply of the load is turned on or off;
Equipped with
The controller displays the storage battery usable time on the display unit when the power of the load is turned on or off based on the detection result of the load detection unit.
Power supply system. The controller acquires information about the power conditioner including the amount of stored electricity, the power consumption, and the usable time of the storage battery,
The controller has an operation section,
The controller switches and displays the amount of stored electricity, the power consumption, and the usable time of the storage battery based on the operation of the operation unit.
The power supply system according to claim 1. The controller has a notification section,
The notification unit notifies that the storage battery usable time is displayed on the display unit.
The power supply system according to claim 1 or claim 2. The controller is connected to the plurality of power conditioners,
The controller displays identification information for identifying each of the plurality of power conditioners and the usable time of the storage battery of the power conditioner indicated by the identification information on the display unit.
The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The power supply system according to claim 4, wherein the controller sequentially displays the storage battery usable time of the plurality of power conditioners in accordance with an operation of an operation unit. The controller displays the storage battery usable time of the plurality of power conditioners in order of priority for each of the plurality of power conditioners,
The power supply system according to claim 5. The priority is the storage battery usable time, and the controller displays the storage battery usable time in descending order of the storage battery usable time.
The power supply system according to claim 6. The controller includes a storage unit that stores information about the plurality of power conditioners, and a dedicated button,
The plurality of power conditioners include a first power conditioner connected to the load whose power is turned on and off, and a second power conditioner different from the first power conditioner,
The controller calculates the reduced power consumption of the first power conditioner due to turning off the power of the load and stores it in the storage unit, and when the dedicated button is operated, the power consumption of the second power conditioner is calculated. Calculating the usable time of the storage battery of the second power conditioner based on the power consumption and the power consumption stored in the storage unit and displaying it on the display unit;
The power supply system according to any one of claims 4 to 7.