JPWO2018066693A1 - Judgment device and monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

The determination device (181) is a determination device (181) used in a monitoring system in a solar power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar battery panels are electrically connected to power conversion devices, respectively. Comprises a collection device (101) and a monitoring device for transmitting measurement information indicating the measurement result relating to the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line, and is periodically or unsatisfactory from the monitoring device. The monitoring unit (41) that monitors the reception status of the collection device (101) of the information that is periodically transmitted to the collection device (101) via the output line, and the monitoring unit (41) was monitored. A determination unit (48) that performs a determination process for determining an abnormality related to the transmission of the information based on the reception status;

Description

The present invention relates to a determination device and a monitoring device.
This application claims the priority on the basis of Japanese application Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-198790 for which it applied on October 7, 2016, and takes in those the indications of all here.

  Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-112545 (Patent Document 1) discloses the following solar power generation system. That is, the solar power generation system includes a solar cell group configured by dividing a plurality of solar cells provided for each group having equivalent output characteristics, and a corresponding solar cell group provided for each solar cell group. A maximum power point tracking control means for performing tracking control of the maximum power point in a DC state, and a DC / AC conversion means for converting the output of the maximum power point tracking control means into alternating current.

JP 2000-112545 A

  (1) The determination device according to the present disclosure is a determination device used in a monitoring system in a solar power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar battery panels are electrically connected to power conversion devices, respectively. Comprises a collection device and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result related to the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line, and the monitoring device periodically or irregularly transmits the measurement information. A monitoring unit that monitors the reception status of the information transmitted to the collection device via the output line, and an abnormality related to the transmission of the information is determined based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit A determination unit that performs a determination process.

  (7) The monitoring device of the present disclosure is a monitoring device used in a solar power generation system in which an output line from a solar cell panel is electrically connected to a power converter, and shows a measurement result related to the solar cell panel. A communication unit that transmits measurement information by power line communication via the output line, the monitoring device is operable using a first voltage supplied from the output line as a power supply voltage, and the output The second voltage supplied from other than the line can be used as the power supply voltage.

  One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a determination apparatus including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a monitoring system including a determination apparatus, or as a method using such characteristic processing as a step. It can be realized, or can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such steps. Further, one embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the determination device.

  Further, one aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a monitoring apparatus including such a characteristic processing unit but also as a monitoring system including a monitoring apparatus, or as a method using such characteristic processing as a step. It can be realized, or can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such steps. Further, one embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the monitoring device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the current collecting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the solar cell unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the monitoring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the collection device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reception log updated by the monitoring unit in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a current collection box in a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the repeater in the modification of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of the collection device and the determination device in a modification of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In recent years, techniques for improving the power generation efficiency of solar power generation systems have been developed.

[Problems to be solved by the present disclosure]
In the solar power generation system described in Patent Document 1, generated power is transmitted from a plurality of solar battery panels configured by a collection of cells as a minimum unit to a power conversion device via a power transmission cable. Yes.

  When installing a solar power generation system, a large site for installing a plurality of solar battery panels is required, so it is often installed in a place with few traffic such as in the mountains. For this reason, for example, it is not easy to immediately find abnormalities such as theft and disconnection of power transmission cables.

  This indication was made in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, and the object is to provide the judgment device and monitoring device which can detect abnormalities in a photovoltaic power generation system quickly.

[Effects of the present disclosure]
According to the present disclosure, it is possible to quickly detect an abnormality in the photovoltaic power generation system.

[Description of Embodiment of Present Invention]
First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described.

  (1) A determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a determination device used in a monitoring system in a solar power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar battery panels are electrically connected to power conversion devices, respectively. The monitoring system includes a collection device and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result related to the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line, and is periodically transmitted from the monitoring device. Alternatively, a monitoring unit that monitors reception status of the information that is transmitted to the collection device via the output line irregularly, and the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit, the information of the information A determination unit that performs a determination process for determining an abnormality related to transmission.

  In this way, by the configuration for monitoring the reception status in the collection device of information transmitted from the monitoring device to the collection device periodically or irregularly via the output line, abnormalities related to the transmission of information, such as theft and disconnection of the output line, In addition, when a failure or theft of the monitoring device occurs, information is not transmitted from the monitoring device to the collection device, so that the determination device can immediately find the abnormality. Therefore, it is possible to quickly detect an abnormality in the solar power generation system.

  (2) Preferably, the said determination part determines with the said abnormality having generate | occur | produced when the said information from the said several monitoring apparatus has interrupted in the said reception condition.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a specific abnormality when information from a plurality of monitoring devices is interrupted. Specifically, for example, since there is a low possibility that a plurality of monitoring devices break down in parallel, if information from a plurality of monitoring devices is disrupted, theft of a plurality of monitoring devices, or theft of an output line or It can be determined with higher accuracy that the cutting has occurred.

  (3) Preferably, the determination unit can determine a plurality of types of abnormality, and determines the type according to the number of the monitoring devices in which the information is interrupted in the reception situation.

  With this configuration, for example, it is unlikely that multiple monitoring devices will fail in parallel, so if information from multiple monitoring devices is disrupted, theft of multiple monitoring devices or theft of output lines Alternatively, it can be determined with higher accuracy that the cutting has occurred. Further, for example, when information from one monitoring device is interrupted, an abnormality including a failure of the monitoring device can be determined.

  (4) More preferably, when the monitoring unit determines that the information from the plurality of monitoring devices is interrupted, the information from the first monitoring device arrives at the collection device for a predetermined time. If the information from the first monitoring device has been interrupted, and the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices does not arrive at the collection device for a predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time, It is determined that the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices has been interrupted.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to carefully determine whether or not the information from the first monitoring device is interrupted, and quickly determine whether or not the information from the second monitoring device is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required to detect the theft of a plurality of monitoring devices or the occurrence of theft or disconnection of an output line.

  (5) Preferably, the determination device further includes an alarm unit that outputs an alarm when the determination unit determines that the abnormality has occurred.

  Such a configuration can warn an intruder who wants to steal the output line or the monitoring device, so that the intruder can be given psychological pressure to be expelled from the site of the solar power generation system. . In addition, since it is possible to notify the administrator of the occurrence of an abnormality, it is possible to prompt the administrator to deal with the abnormality.

  (6) Preferably, the said determination part performs the said determination process in the state in which the electric power which can operate | move the said monitoring apparatus is not supplied via the said output line from the said solar cell panel.

  Thus, for example, the determination process is performed by a configuration in which the determination process is performed in a state where it is difficult to perform the determination process in a monitoring system that operates depending on the power supplied from the solar cell panel via the output line. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of no blank period.

  (7) A monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a monitoring device used in a solar power generation system in which an output line from a solar cell panel is electrically connected to a power converter, and the solar cell panel The monitoring device is operable using a first voltage supplied from the output line as a power supply voltage. And the second voltage supplied from other than the output line can be used as a power supply voltage.

  With such a configuration, for example, measurement information is transmitted using the voltage from sunrise to sunset when the first voltage is supplied from the output line, and at night when the first voltage is not supplied, during bad weather, or Since the measurement information can be transmitted using the second voltage supplied from other than the output line at the time of maintenance, the measurement information can be received via the output line without being divided between day and night in the destination device. Then, when an abnormality such as theft and disconnection of the output line and the failure or theft of the monitoring device occurs, the measurement information is not transmitted from the monitoring device to the transmission destination device. Based on this, the abnormality can be detected immediately. Therefore, it is possible to quickly detect an abnormality in the solar power generation system.

  (8) Preferably, the communication unit can transmit information regularly or irregularly by power line communication via the output line, and operates using the first voltage as a power supply voltage. In comparison, the information transmission interval is set longer when operating using the second voltage as the power supply voltage.

  With such a configuration, for example, when the output voltage of the battery is used as the second voltage, it is possible to reduce the frequency of transmission of the measurement information, and thus it is possible to suppress battery consumption.

  (9) More preferably, the monitoring device is provided inside the casing, and the second voltage is a system outside the casing or in a state where the first voltage is not supplied from the output line. It is supplied via a power line from a DC power supply outside the casing.

  With such a configuration, for example, the supply of the second voltage can be centrally managed as compared with the case where a battery is provided inside the housing, so that the maintenance load on the monitoring system can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. Moreover, you may combine arbitrarily at least one part of embodiment described below.

<First Embodiment>
[Configuration of Solar Power Generation System 401]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the photovoltaic power generation system 401 includes four current collecting units 60 and a PCS 8. The PCS 8 includes a copper bar 7 and a power conversion unit 9.

  In FIG. 1, four current collecting units 60 are representatively shown, but a larger or smaller number of current collecting units 60 may be provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the current collecting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, current collection unit 60 includes four solar cell units 75 and copper bar 72.

  In FIG. 2, four solar cell units 75 are representatively shown, but a larger or smaller number of solar cell units 75 may be provided.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the solar cell unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, solar cell unit 75 includes four solar cell panels 78 and copper bar 77. Solar cell panel 78 includes a plurality of solar cell panels.

  In FIG. 3, four solar cell panels 78 are representatively shown, but a larger or smaller number of solar cell panels 78 may be provided.

  The solar cell panel 78 is, for example, a string in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series. Note that the solar cell panel 78 is not limited to a configuration including a plurality of solar cell panels, and may include a single solar cell panel.

  In the solar power generation system 401, output lines 1, 5, 2 from the plurality of solar battery panels 78, that is, power lines are electrically connected to the PCS 8, respectively.

  More specifically, output line 1 of solar cell panel 78 has a first end connected to solar cell panel 78 and a second end connected to copper bar 77. Each output line 1 is aggregated to the output line 5 via a copper bar 77. The copper bar 77 is provided, for example, inside a connection box 76 that is an example of a housing.

  When solar panel 78 receives sunlight, it converts the received sunlight energy into DC power, and outputs the converted DC power to output line 1.

  2 and 3, output line 5 has a first end connected to copper bar 77 and a second end connected to copper bar 72 in corresponding solar cell unit 75. Each output line 5 is aggregated into the output line 2 via a copper bar 72. The copper bar 72 is provided, for example, inside a current collection box 71 that is an example of a housing.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, in the photovoltaic power generation system 401, as described above, the output lines 1 from the plurality of solar battery panels 78 are aggregated into the output line 5, and the output lines 5 are aggregated into the output line 2. Each output line 2 is electrically connected to a PCS 8 which is an example of a power converter.

  More specifically, each output line 2 has a first end connected to the copper bar 72 in the corresponding current collecting unit 60 and a second end connected to the copper bar 7. In the PCS 8, the internal line 3 has a first end connected to the copper bar 7 and a second end connected to the power conversion unit 9.

  The PCS 8 is provided, for example, inside the container 6. In the PCS 8, the power conversion unit 9 uses, for example, DC power generated in each solar panel 78 as output line 1, copper bar 77, output line 5, copper bar 72, output line 2, copper bar 7, and internal line 3. When received via, it converts the received DC power into AC power and outputs it to the system.

[Configuration of Monitoring System 301]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the monitoring system 301 includes a plurality of monitoring devices 111 and a collection device (determination device) 101.

  In FIG. 4, four monitoring devices 111 provided corresponding to one current collection unit 60 are representatively shown, but a larger or smaller number of monitoring devices 111 may be further provided. The monitoring system 301 includes one collection device 101, but may include a plurality of collection devices 101.

  The monitoring system 301 is used for the solar power generation system 401. In the monitoring system 301, sensor information in the monitoring device 111 that is a child device is transmitted to the collection device 101 that is a parent device regularly or irregularly.

  The monitoring device 111 is provided in the current collection unit 60, for example. More specifically, four monitoring devices 111 are provided corresponding to the four solar cell units 75, respectively. Each monitoring device 111 is electrically connected to the corresponding output line 1 and output line 5, for example.

  The monitoring device 111 measures the current of each output line 1 in the corresponding solar cell unit 75 with a sensor. Moreover, the monitoring apparatus 111 measures the voltage of each output line 1 in the corresponding solar cell unit 75 with a sensor.

  The collection device 101 is provided in the vicinity of the PCS 8, for example. More specifically, for example, the collection device 101 is provided in correspondence with the PCS 8 inside the container 6 and is electrically connected to the copper bar 7 via the signal line 46. Note that the collection device 101 may be provided outside the container 6.

  The monitoring device 111 and the collection device 101 perform transmission and reception of information by performing power line communication (PLC: Power Line Communication) via the output lines 2 and 5.

  More specifically, each monitoring device 111 transmits measurement information indicating the measurement result of the current and voltage of the corresponding output line. The collection device 101 collects the measurement results of each monitoring device 111.

  Hereinafter, the direction from the monitoring device 111 to the collection device 101 is referred to as an upward direction, and the direction from the collection device 101 to the monitoring device 111 is referred to as a downward direction.

  The notification device 171 is a warning light, for example, and is provided in the vicinity of the container 6. The notification device 171 may be provided in the vicinity of the connection box 76 or may be provided in the vicinity of the current collection box 71. Further, the notification device 171 may be an audio output device.

[Configuration of Monitoring Device 111]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the monitoring device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the output line 1, the output line 5 and the copper bar 77 are shown in more detail.

  Referring to FIG. 5, output line 1 includes a positive output line 1p and a negative output line 1n. The output line 5 includes a plus side output line 5p and a minus side output line 5n. The copper bar 77 includes a plus side copper bar 77p and a minus side copper bar 77n.

  The copper bar 72 in the current collection box 71 shown in FIG. 2 includes a plus-side copper bar 72p and a minus-side copper bar 72n corresponding to the plus-side output line 5p and the minus-side output line 5n, respectively.

  The plus side output line 1p has a first end connected to the corresponding solar cell panel 78 and a second end connected to the plus side copper bar 77p. Negative side output line 1n has a first end connected to the corresponding solar cell panel 78 and a second end connected to negative side copper bar 77n.

  The plus side output line 5p has a first end connected to the plus side copper bar 77p and a second end connected to the plus side copper bar 72p in the current collection box 71. The negative output line 5n has a first end connected to the negative copper bar 77n and a second end connected to the negative copper bar 72n in the current collection box 71.

  The monitoring device 111 includes a detection unit 11, four current sensors 16, a voltage sensor 17, and a communication unit 14. Note that the monitoring device 111 may further include a large number or a small number of current sensors 16 depending on the number of output lines 1.

  For example, the monitoring device 111 is provided in the vicinity of the solar cell panel 78. Specifically, the monitoring device 111 is provided, for example, inside a connection box 76 provided with a copper bar 77 to which the output line 1 to be measured is connected. Note that the monitoring device 111 may be provided outside the connection box 76.

  The monitoring device 111 is electrically connected to, for example, the plus side output line 5p and the minus side output line 5n via the plus side power line 26p and the minus side power line 26n, respectively. Hereinafter, each of the plus-side power line 26p and the minus-side power line 26n is also referred to as a power line 26.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the monitoring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 6, monitoring device 111 includes detection unit 11, processing unit 12, counter 13, communication unit 14, storage unit 15, four current sensors 16, voltage sensor 17, DC / And a DC converter 19.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 7, power supply device 121 includes a battery 91 and a charge / discharge control circuit 92.

  5 to 7, the monitoring device 111 can operate using the output voltage of the solar battery panel 78 supplied from the output line 5 as a power supply voltage, and from other than the output lines 1, 2, and 5. Operation is possible using the supplied voltage, in this example, the output voltage of the power supply device 121 as the power supply voltage.

  More specifically, DC / DC converter 19 boosts or reduces the DC voltage of solar cell panel 78 received from negative output line 5n and positive output line 5p via negative power supply line 26n and positive power supply line 26p, respectively. The voltage is stepped down to generate a DC voltage Vc. The DC / DC converter 19 outputs the generated DC voltage Vc to the detection unit 11, the processing unit 12, the counter 13, the communication unit 14, the storage unit 15 and the voltage sensor 17, and the external power supply port 18.

  The power supply device 121 is connected to the external power supply port 18 in the monitoring device 111 via a power supply line. The battery 91 in the power supply device 121 is, for example, a secondary battery.

  The power supply device 121 is in a state in which power that allows the monitoring device 111 to operate is not supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5, for example, at night, during bad weather, or during maintenance (hereinafter also referred to as a non-supply state). The power is supplied to the monitoring device 111.

  Specifically, the charge / discharge control circuit 92 in the power supply device 121 switches charge / discharge according to the level of the DC voltage Vc and the level of the DC voltage Vb of the battery 91, for example. More specifically, for example, when the level of DC voltage Vc is smaller than a predetermined value, charge / discharge control circuit 92 determines that the supply voltage is not supplied and receives DC voltage Vb received from battery 91 as a power supply line and an external power supply port. 18 to the detection unit 11, the processing unit 12, the counter 13, the communication unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the voltage sensor 17. On the other hand, in the charge / discharge control circuit 92, for example, when the level of the DC voltage Vc is higher than a predetermined value, the power that allows the monitoring device 111 to operate is supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5. (Hereinafter, also referred to as a supply state), and the battery 91 is charged using the DC voltage Vc until the battery 91 is fully charged.

  The battery 91 is not limited to a secondary battery, and may be a primary battery. In this case, the charge / discharge control circuit 92 does not perform charge control.

  Moreover, in the monitoring system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, although the power supply device 121 was set as the structure provided in the inside of the connection box 76, it is not limited to this.

  The power supply device 121 may be configured to be provided outside the connection box 76, for example. Specifically, in the monitoring system 301, for example, one or more DC power supply devices are provided outside the connection box 76. For example, the DC power supply device supplies a DC voltage to the monitoring device 111 via a dedicated power line in a non-supply state.

  Moreover, in the monitoring system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, although the power supply device 121 was set as the structure which operate | moves using the battery 91 as a power supply, it is not limited to this.

  The power supply device 121 may be configured to operate using, for example, power from a system outside the connection box 76 as a power source. Specifically, for example, in a non-supply state, the power supply device 121 converts AC power supplied from a system outside the connection box 76 via a dedicated power line into DC power, and monitors the converted DC power. 111.

  The detection unit 11, the processing unit 12, the counter 13, the communication unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the voltage sensor 17 receive from the DC / DC converter 19 in a supply state, that is, in a state where the DC voltage Vc is output from the DC / DC converter 19. It operates with a DC voltage Vc.

  On the other hand, the detection unit 11, the processing unit 12, the counter 13, the communication unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the voltage sensor 17 are not supplied, that is, in a state where the DC voltage Vc is not output from the DC / DC converter 19. It operates with the direct-current voltage Vb received from the power supply device 121 via.

  With reference to FIG. 6, an ID of a measurement information packet destination device (hereinafter also referred to as a destination ID) and period information for calculating a transmission possible period of the measurement information packet are registered in the storage unit 15. Has been. In this example, the ID of the destination device is the ID of the collection device 101. In addition, the transmittable period is provided so as not to overlap with the transmittable period of other monitoring apparatuses 111 in the monitoring system 301, for example.

  The period information includes, for example, a reference time ts, a length Lp of the transmittable period, and a cycle Tpd in which the transmittable period is repeated. The start timing of the transmittable period is obtained, for example, by calculating ts + Tpd × K. Here, K is an integer greater than or equal to zero.

  The counter 13 counts clock pulses generated by, for example, an oscillation circuit using a crystal resonator, and holds the counted value. This count value indicates, for example, the current time.

  The processing unit 12 calculates the start timing of the transmittable period based on the period information in the storage unit 15. Then, the processing unit 12 monitors the count value in the counter 13 and outputs a measurement command to the detection unit 11 when a predetermined time before the calculated start timing comes.

  The current sensor 16 measures the current of the output line 1. More specifically, the current sensor 16 is, for example, a Hall element type current probe. The current sensor 16 measures the current flowing through the corresponding negative output line 1n and outputs a signal indicating the measurement result to the detection unit 11. The current sensor 16 may measure a current flowing through the plus side output line 1p.

  The voltage sensor 17 measures the voltage of the output line 5. More specifically, the voltage sensor 17 measures the voltage between the plus-side power supply line 26p and the minus-side power supply line 26n, and outputs a signal indicating the measurement result to the detection unit 11.

  For example, when the measurement unit 11 receives a measurement command from the processing unit 12, the detection unit 11 performs signal processing such as averaging and filtering on each measurement signal received from each current sensor 16 and voltage sensor 17 in accordance with the received measurement command. The converted signal is converted into a digital signal, and the converted digital signal is output to the processing unit 12 as a response to the measurement command.

  The processing unit 12 creates measurement information indicating a measurement result regarding the corresponding solar cell panel 78. More specifically, the processing unit 12 includes the measurement value indicated by each digital signal received from the detection unit 11, the ID of the corresponding current sensor 16 (hereinafter also referred to as current sensor ID), and the ID of the voltage sensor 17 (hereinafter referred to as “current sensor ID”). Measurement information including the voltage sensor ID) and the ID of the own monitoring device 111 (hereinafter also referred to as monitoring device ID) is created.

  When the start timing arrives, the processing unit 12 acquires the destination ID from the storage unit 15, the transmission source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the transmission destination ID is the destination ID, and the data portion is measurement information. Create an information packet. Then, the processing unit 12 outputs the created measurement information packet to the communication unit 14. The processing unit 12 may include a sequence number in the measurement information packet.

  The communication unit 14 transmits measurement information by power line communication via the output lines 5 and 2. More specifically, when receiving the measurement information packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received measurement information packet to the collection device 101 periodically, specifically, every period Tpd.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the collection device in the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the output line 2, the internal line 3 and the copper bar 7 are shown in more detail.

  Referring to FIG. 8, output line 2 includes a positive output line 2p and a negative output line 2n. The internal line 3 includes a positive side internal line 3p and a negative side internal line 3n. The copper bar 7 includes a plus-side copper bar 7p and a minus-side copper bar 7n.

  The plus side output line 2p has a first end connected to the plus side copper bar 72p in the current collection box 71 of the corresponding current collection unit 60, and a second end connected to the plus side copper bar 7p. The minus side output line 2n has a first end connected to the minus side copper bar 72n in the current collection box 71 of the corresponding current collection unit 60, and a second end connected to the minus side copper bar 7n.

  The plus side internal line 3p has a first end connected to the plus side copper bar 7p and a second end connected to the PCS 8. The negative side internal line 3n has a first end connected to the negative side copper bar 7n and a second end connected to the PCS 8.

  The collection apparatus 101 includes a PLC communication unit 42, a processing unit 43, a LAN (Local Area Network) communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, a counter 47, and a determination device 181. The determination device 181 includes a monitoring unit 41, a determination unit 48, and an alarm unit 49.

  The operation of the counter 47 is the same as that of the counter 13 in the monitoring apparatus 111 shown in FIG.

  The collection device 101 is used in a monitoring system 301 in a photovoltaic power generation system 401 that includes a plurality of solar battery panels 78.

  More specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 in the collection device 101 can perform power line communication with the monitoring device 111 via the output lines 2 and 5.

  Specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 can transmit and receive information via the output lines 2 and 5. Specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 performs power line communication with the monitoring device 111 via the signal line 46 and the output lines 2 and 5.

  More specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 is electrically connected to the plus-side copper bar 7p and the minus-side copper bar 7n through the plus-side signal line 46p and the minus-side signal line 46n, which are signal lines 46, respectively. .

  For example, the PLC communication unit 42 receives various packets from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 via the output lines 2 and 5, the copper bars 7 and 72, and the signal line 46.

  The PLC communication unit 42 receives measurement information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111. More specifically, the PLC communication unit 42 receives, for example, measurement information packets periodically transmitted from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 via the output lines 5 and 2 and outputs the received measurement information packets to the processing unit 43. To do.

  When receiving the measurement information packet from the PLC communication unit 42, the processing unit 43 acquires the measurement information from the received measurement information packet. Then, the processing unit 43 acquires a count value indicating the current time from the counter 47, and the measurement information including the acquired count value is an ID of the monitoring device 111 included in the measurement information (hereinafter also referred to as a sender ID). .) Is stored in the storage unit 45 in association with each other.

  The LAN communication unit 44 transmits / receives information to / from the server 151 via the LAN, for example.

  For example, when receiving the measurement information request from the server 151 via the LAN communication unit 44, the processing unit 43 acquires the measurement information stored in the storage unit 45 and the corresponding sender ID and sends it to the server 151 via the LAN communication unit 44. Send.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reception log updated by the monitoring unit in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the monitoring unit 41 in the determination apparatus 181 monitors the reception status in the collection apparatus 101 of the measurement information periodically transmitted from the monitoring apparatus 111 via the output lines 5 and 2.

  More specifically, the monitoring unit 41 monitors, for example, the communication operation of the PLC communication unit 42, acquires the count value from the counter 47 each time the PLC communication unit 42 receives the measurement information packet, and acquires the acquired count value. Is written in the reception log LR1 in association with the sender ID included in the measurement information packet.

  For example, the monitoring unit 41 determines whether the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 is interrupted based on the contents of the reception log LR1.

  Specifically, for example, when the measurement information from the first monitoring device 111 does not arrive at the collection device 101 for a predetermined time Tw1, the monitoring unit 41 interrupts the measurement information from the first monitoring device 111. Judge.

  More specifically, the monitoring unit 41 monitors, for example, the count value in the counter 47 and the addition status of the time stamp corresponding to each sender ID.

  When there is a sender ID to which a new time stamp is not added before the predetermined time Tw1 elapses from the time indicated by the latest time stamp, the monitoring unit 41 discontinues measurement information from the monitoring device 111 having the sender ID. Judge that

  For example, when the monitoring unit 41 determines that the measurement information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted, the measurement information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111 is shorter than the predetermined time Tw1 in the collection device 101. When the predetermined time Tw2 does not arrive, it is determined that the measurement information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111 has been interrupted.

  More specifically, when the monitoring unit 41 determines that the measurement information from the first monitoring device 111 has been interrupted, a new time stamp is generated until a predetermined time Tw2 elapses from the time indicated by the latest time stamp. When there is another sender ID that is not added, it is determined that the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 having the other sender ID, that is, the second monitoring device 111 is interrupted.

  Each time the monitoring unit 41 determines that the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 is interrupted, the monitoring unit 41 outputs the determination result to the determination unit 48.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit 41, the determination unit 48 performs a determination process for determining an abnormality in the solar power generation system 401, specifically an abnormality related to information transmission.

  More specifically, for example, the determination unit 48 determines whether the monitoring device 111 is abnormal and the output lines 2 and 5 are abnormally connected based on the content of the determination result received from the monitoring unit 41 in both the supply state and the non-supply state. Determine. Specifically, the determination unit 48 determines abnormalities such as failure and theft of the monitoring device 111 and disconnection and theft of the output lines 2 and 5.

  The determination unit 48 can determine, for example, a plurality of types of abnormalities related to information transmission. Specifically, for example, the determination unit 48 determines the type of abnormality in the photovoltaic power generation system 401 according to the number of monitoring devices 111 whose measurement information has been interrupted in the reception situation.

  Specifically, for example, when the measurement information from one monitoring device 111 is interrupted in the reception state, the determination unit 48 causes a failure or theft of the monitoring device 111 or a disconnection or theft of the output line 5. It is determined that

  On the other hand, for example, when the measurement information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted in parallel in the reception situation, the determination unit 48 is unlikely to break down in parallel. It is determined that the monitoring device 111 is stolen, the plurality of output lines 5 are disconnected or stolen, or the output line 2 is disconnected or stolen.

  The determination target of the determination unit 48 is not limited to the failure and theft of the monitoring device 111 and the disconnection and theft of the output lines 2 and 5, but may be the theft of the connection box 76 and the current collection box 71.

  If the determination unit 48 determines that a failure or theft of the monitoring device 111 or a disconnection or theft of the output lines 2 and 5 has occurred, the determination unit 48 outputs determination information indicating the determination result to the alarm unit 49.

  For example, when the determination unit 48 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the solar power generation system 401, the alarm unit 49 outputs an alarm.

  More specifically, upon receiving the determination information from the determination unit 48, the alarm unit 49 transmits the received determination information to the wireless terminal device held by the user via the LAN communication unit 44. Thereby, the user can recognize that abnormality has occurred in the photovoltaic power generation system 401.

  Further, the alarm unit 49 transmits an alarm command to the notification device 171 according to the determination information.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, when receiving a warning command from the collection device 101, the notification device 171 turns on a warning lamp.

[Variation 1 of the monitoring system 301]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a monitoring system 302 that is a modified example of the monitoring system 301 further includes a repeater 131 as compared with the monitoring system 301 illustrated in FIG. 4.

  The operations of the collection apparatus 101 and the monitoring apparatus 111 in the monitoring system 302 are the same as those of the collection apparatus 101 and the monitoring apparatus 111 in the monitoring system 301 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, the storage unit 15 registers the ID of the relay 131 of the measurement information packet (hereinafter also referred to as a relay ID), the destination ID, and the period information.

  The processing unit 12 acquires the relay ID and the destination ID from the storage unit 15, the transmission source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the transmission destination ID is the destination ID, the relay destination is the relay ID, and the data portion is A measurement information packet that is measurement information is created. Then, the processing unit 12 outputs the created measurement information packet to the communication unit 14.

  When the communication unit 14 receives the measurement information packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received measurement information packet to the repeater 131 every cycle Tpd.

[Configuration of repeater 131]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a current collection box in a modified example of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the output line 2, the output line 5, and the copper bar 72 are shown in more detail.

  Referring to FIG. 11, the current collection box 71 is provided with a copper bar 72, a power supply device 122, and a relay 131. The operation of the power supply device 122 is the same as that of the power supply device 121 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the repeater in the modification of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, repeater 131 includes a processing unit 82, a communication unit 84, and a DC / DC converter 89.

  The operations of the communication unit 84 and the DC / DC converter 89 are the same as those of the communication unit 14 and the DC / DC converter 19 in the monitoring device 111 shown in FIG.

  The repeater 131 can operate using the output voltage of the solar cell panel 78 supplied from the output line 5 as a power supply voltage, and is supplied from other than the output lines 1, 2, 5, in this example, the power supply device Operation is possible using the output voltage 122 as a power supply voltage.

  More specifically, DC / DC converter 89 boosts or reduces the DC voltage of solar cell panel 78 received from minus-side copper bar 72n and plus-side copper bar 72p via minus-side power line 36n and plus-side power line 36p, respectively. The voltage is stepped down to generate a DC voltage Vc. The DC / DC converter 89 outputs the generated DC voltage Vc to the processing unit 82, the communication unit 84, and the external power supply port 88.

  The power supply device 122 is connected to the external power supply port 88 via a power line, for example.

  The processing unit 82 and the communication unit 84 operate with the DC voltage Vc received from the DC / DC converter 89 when the DC voltage Vc is output from the DC / DC converter 89.

  On the other hand, the processing unit 82 and the communication unit 84 operate with the DC voltage Vb received from the power supply device 122 via the external power supply port 88 when the DC voltage Vc is not output from the DC / DC converter 89.

  In the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 122 is configured to be provided inside the current collection box 71, but is not limited thereto.

  The power supply device 122 may be configured to be provided outside the current collection box 71, for example. Specifically, in the monitoring system 301, for example, one or a plurality of DC power supply devices are provided outside the current collection box 71. The DC power supply device, for example, applies a DC voltage to the repeater 131 via a dedicated power line in a state where the power that allows the repeater 131 to operate is not supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5, that is, in a non-supply state. Supply.

  In the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 122 is configured to operate using the battery 91 as a power source. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The power supply device 122 may be configured to operate using power from a system outside the current collection box 71 as a power source, for example. Specifically, for example, in a non-supply state, the power supply device 122 converts AC power supplied from a system outside the current collection box 71 via a dedicated power line into DC power, and relays the converted DC power. Supplied to machine 131.

  The communication unit 84 can transmit and receive information via the output lines 5 and 2. Specifically, the communication unit 84 performs power line communication with the collection device 101 and the monitoring device 111 via the power line 36 and the output lines 5 and 2.

  When the processing unit 82 receives the measurement packet from the monitoring device 111 via the output line 5, the power line 36 and the communication unit 84, the processing unit 82 transmits the received measurement packet to the collection device 101 via the communication unit 84, the power line 36 and the output line 2. Perform relay processing for transmission.

[Variation 2 of the monitoring system 301]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating in detail the configuration of the collection device and the determination device in a modification of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 13, the collection apparatus 101 in a modification of the monitoring system 301 includes a PLC communication unit 42, a processing unit 43, a LAN communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a counter 47.

  The operations of the PLC communication unit 42, the processing unit 43, the LAN communication unit 44, the storage unit 45, and the counter 47 in the collection device 101 are the same as the PLC communication unit 42, the processing unit 43, the LAN communication unit 44 in the collection device 101 illustrated in FIG. The same applies to the storage unit 45 and the counter 47, respectively.

  The determination apparatus 181 in the modified example of the monitoring system 301 further includes a LAN communication unit 50 as compared with the determination apparatus 181 illustrated in FIG.

  The operations of the monitoring unit 41, the determination unit 48, and the alarm unit 49 in the determination device 181 are the same as those of the monitoring unit 41, the determination unit 48, and the alarm unit 49 in the determination device 181 shown in FIG.

  The LAN communication unit 50 in the determination device 181 transmits and receives information to and from the collection device 101 and other devices via, for example, a LAN.

  The processing unit 43 in the collection device 101 acquires a count value from the counter 47 each time a measurement information packet is received from the monitoring device 111 via the PLC communication unit 42, for example, and a time stamp indicating the acquired count value, and The reception log information including the sender ID included in the measurement information packet is transmitted to the determination device 181 via the LAN communication unit 44.

  For example, the processing unit 43 periodically transmits count information indicating the count value of the counter 47 to the determination device 181 via the LAN communication unit 44.

  When the monitoring unit 41 in the determination device 181 receives the reception log information from the collection device 101 via the LAN communication unit 50, the monitoring unit 41 associates the time stamp included in the received reception log information with the sender ID included in the reception log information. To write to the reception log LR1.

  For example, the monitoring unit 41 determines whether or not the measurement information from the monitoring device 111 is interrupted based on the count information received from the collection device 101 and the contents of the reception log LR1.

  Although the monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to periodically create measurement information and transmit it to the collection device 101, the present invention is not limited to this. The monitoring device 111 may be configured to create measurement information irregularly and transmit it to the collection device 101.

  In the monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of monitoring devices 111 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The monitoring system 301 may have a configuration in which one monitoring device 111 is provided.

  In the determination apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 48 is configured to perform the determination process in both the supply state and the non-supply state, but the present invention is not limited to this. The determination unit 48 may be configured to perform determination processing in either one of the supply state and the non-supply state.

  By the way, in the solar power generation system described in Patent Document 1, the configuration is such that generated power is transmitted from a plurality of solar battery panels configured by an assembly of cells as a minimum unit to a power conversion device via a power transmission cable. It has become.

  When installing a solar power generation system, a large site for installing a plurality of solar battery panels is required, so it is often installed in a place with few traffic such as in the mountains. For this reason, for example, it is not easy to immediately find abnormalities such as theft and disconnection of power transmission cables.

  On the other hand, the collector according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a photovoltaic power generation system 401 in which the output lines 1, 5, and 2 from the plurality of solar battery panels 78 are electrically connected to the PCS 8, respectively. Used in the monitoring system 301 in FIG. In the monitoring system 301, the monitoring device 111 transmits measurement information indicating the measurement result regarding the corresponding solar battery panel 78 to the collection device 101 via the output lines 5 and 2. The monitoring unit 41 monitors the reception status at the collection device 101 of information transmitted from the monitoring device 111 via the output lines 5 and 2 regularly or irregularly. Then, the determination unit 48 performs determination processing for determining an abnormality related to information transmission based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit 41.

  In this way, an abnormality related to the transmission of information, for example, output due to the configuration in which the reception state in the collection device 101 of information transmitted from the monitoring device 111 to the collection device 101 periodically or irregularly via the output lines 5 and 2 is monitored. When the lines 2 and 5 are stolen and disconnected, and when the monitoring device 111 is faulty or stolen, information is not transmitted from the monitoring device 111 to the collecting device 101. Therefore, the collecting device 101 must immediately detect the abnormality. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to quickly detect an abnormality in the solar power generation system.

  In the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 48 determines that the abnormality has occurred when information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted in the reception state. To do.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a specific abnormality when information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted. Specifically, for example, since there is a low possibility that a plurality of monitoring devices 111 fail in parallel, when the information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is interrupted, the theft of the plurality of monitoring devices 111 or an output line It can be determined with higher accuracy that 2, 5 or 5 thefts or disconnections have occurred.

  Further, in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 48 can determine a plurality of types of abnormalities, and depends on the number of monitoring devices 111 whose information is interrupted in the reception situation. To determine the type of abnormality.

  With such a configuration, for example, it is unlikely that the plurality of monitoring devices 111 will fail in parallel, so that when the information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is disrupted, the theft or output of the plurality of monitoring devices 111 It can be determined with higher accuracy that the lines 2 and 5 have been stolen or disconnected. For example, when information from one monitoring device 111 is interrupted, an abnormality including a failure of the monitoring device 111 can be determined.

  Further, in the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the monitoring unit 41 determines that the information from the plurality of monitoring devices 111 is disrupted, the information from the first monitoring device 111 is displayed. Determines that the information from the first monitoring device 111 has been interrupted when it does not arrive at the collection device 101 for a predetermined time Tw1. When the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111 does not arrive at the collection device 101 for a predetermined time Tw2 shorter than the predetermined time Tw1, the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices 111 is interrupted. Judge.

  With this configuration, it is possible to carefully determine whether or not the information from the first monitoring device 111 has been interrupted, and to quickly determine whether or not the information from the second monitoring device 111 has been interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required to detect the theft of a plurality of monitoring devices 111 or the occurrence of theft or disconnection of the output lines 2 and 5.

  In the collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the alarm unit 49 outputs an alarm when the determination unit 48 determines that the abnormality has occurred.

  With such a configuration, a warning can be given to an intruder who intends to steal the output lines 2, 5 or the monitoring device 111, so that the psychological pressure that the intruder is expelled from the site of the solar power generation system 401. Can be given. In addition, since it is possible to notify the administrator of the occurrence of an abnormality, it is possible to prompt the administrator to deal with the abnormality.

  Moreover, in the collection apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, the determination part 48 is a determination process in the state in which the electric power which can operate the monitoring apparatus 111 is not supplied from the solar cell panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5. FIG. I do.

  Thus, for example, the determination process is performed in a state where it is difficult to perform the determination process in a monitoring system that operates depending on the power supplied from the solar battery panel 78 via the output lines 1 and 5. It is possible to prevent a blank period during which no processing is performed.

  Moreover, the monitoring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used in the solar power generation system 401 in which the output lines 1, 5, and 2 from the solar battery panel 78 are electrically connected to the PCS 8. The communication unit 14 transmits measurement information indicating the measurement result regarding the solar battery panel 78 by power line communication via the output lines 5 and 2. The monitoring device 111 can be operated using the first voltage supplied from the output line 5 as the power supply voltage, and the second voltage supplied from other than the output lines 1, 2, 5 is used as the power supply voltage. Can be used to operate.

  With such a configuration, for example, measurement information is transmitted using the voltage from sunrise to sunset when the first voltage is supplied from the output line 5, and the first voltage is not supplied at night or in bad weather. Alternatively, the measurement information can be transmitted using the second voltage supplied from other than the output lines 1, 2, 5 at the time of maintenance. Can be received. Then, when an abnormality such as theft and disconnection of the output lines 2 and 5 and a failure or theft of the monitoring device 111 occurs, the measurement information is not transmitted from the monitoring device 111 to the collection device 101. Can be discovered immediately. Therefore, it is possible to quickly detect an abnormality in the solar power generation system.

  In addition, the monitoring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided inside the housing. In a state where the first voltage is not supplied from the output line 5, the second voltage is supplied via a power line from a system outside the casing or a DC power source outside the casing.

  With such a configuration, for example, the supply of the second voltage can be centrally managed as compared with the case where a battery is provided inside the housing, so that the maintenance load on the monitoring system can be reduced.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

<Second Embodiment>
The present embodiment relates to a monitoring system in which the information transmission interval is variable as compared with the monitoring system according to the first embodiment. The contents other than those described below are the same as those of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of the power supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, power supply device 123 includes a battery 91 and a charge / discharge control circuit 93.

  The operations of battery 91 and charge / discharge control circuit 93 are the same as those of battery 91 and charge / discharge control circuit 92 in power supply device 121 shown in FIG.

  For example, when the DC voltage Vb received from the battery 91 is output to the monitoring device 111, the charge / discharge control circuit 93 transmits the activated discharge signal to the monitoring device 111. On the other hand, for example, when the DC voltage Vb received from the battery 91 is not output to the monitoring device 111, the charge / discharge control circuit 93 transmits an inactivated discharge signal to the monitoring device 111.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, period information including, for example, reference time ts, length Lp of the transmittable period, non-discharge period Tpd, and discharge period Tpn is registered in storage unit 15. Yes. Here, the period Tpn is larger than the period Tpd.

  For example, the processing unit 12 operates using the output voltage of the power supply device 123 as the power supply voltage, compared to when operating using the output voltage of the solar battery panel 78 supplied from the output line 5 as the power supply voltage. Set the transmission interval of information when

  For example, the processing unit 12 switches between a transmission mode during discharge and a transmission mode during non-discharge. More specifically, for example, when the discharge signal received from the power supply device 123 is activated, the processing unit 12 sets the transmission mode during discharge, and when the discharge signal is deactivated, Set to transmission mode during discharge.

  In the non-discharge transmission mode, the processing unit 12 sets a transmittable period for each period Tpd based on the period information, and performs the following process when the start timing of the set transmittable period comes.

  That is, the processing unit 12 acquires a destination ID from the storage unit 15, and creates a measurement information packet in which the transmission source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the transmission destination ID is the destination ID, and the data portion is measurement information. Then, the created measurement information packet is output to the communication unit 14.

  Upon receiving the measurement information packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received measurement information packet to the collection device 101 every period Tpd.

  Further, in the transmission mode during discharge, the processing unit 12 sets a transmittable period for each period Tpn based on the period information, and performs the following process when the start timing of the set transmittable period comes.

  That is, the processing unit 12 creates a connection confirmation packet in which the transmission source ID is its own monitoring device ID, the transmission destination ID is the destination ID, and the data portion is null, and communicates the created connection confirmation packet To the unit 14.

  Here, the data amount of the connection confirmation packet is smaller than the data amount of the measurement information packet. Thereby, the communication load in the monitoring system 301 can be reduced.

  When the communication unit 14 receives the connection confirmation packet from the processing unit 12, the communication unit 14 transmits the received connection confirmation packet to the collection device 101 every period Tpn.

  In addition, although the process part 12 was set as the structure which produces the packet for connection confirmation and transmits via the communication part 14 in the transmission mode at the time of discharge, it is not limited to this. The processing unit 12 may be configured to create a measurement information packet and transmit it via the communication unit 14 in the transmission mode during discharge. However, a configuration using a connection confirmation packet with a small amount of data is preferable because the communication load in the monitoring system 301 can be reduced.

  Moreover, although the process part 12 was set as the structure which sets the transmission mode at the time of discharge and the non-discharge transmission mode based on the active state of a discharge signal, it is not limited to this. The processing unit 12 may be configured to set a transmission mode during discharge and a transmission mode during non-discharge based on time.

  More specifically, the processing unit 12 is a time zone in which the own monitoring device 111 can operate with the output voltage from the solar battery panel 78 (hereinafter also referred to as an operable time zone), and the self monitoring in the output voltage. A time zone in which the device 111 is difficult to operate (hereinafter also referred to as an operation difficult time zone) is set.

  For example, when the current time indicated by the counter 13 is included in the difficult operation time zone, the processing unit 12 sets the transmission mode during discharge. For example, when the current time indicated by the counter 13 is included in the operable time zone, the processing unit 12 sets the non-discharge transmission mode.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, the monitoring unit 41 monitors the reception status in the collection device 101 of the measurement information packet or the connection confirmation packet periodically transmitted from the monitoring device 111 via the output lines 5 and 2. .

  As described above, in the monitoring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 14 can transmit information regularly or irregularly by power line communication via the output lines 5 and 2. Then, the information transmission interval when operating using the second voltage as the power supply voltage is set longer than when operating using the first voltage as the power supply voltage.

  With such a configuration, for example, when the output voltage of the battery 91 is used as the second voltage, it is possible to reduce the frequency of transmission of the measurement information, so that the consumption of the battery 91 can be suppressed.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Note that some or all of the components and operations of the devices according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention can be combined as appropriate.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The above description includes the following features.

[Appendix 1]
A determination device used for a monitoring system in a photovoltaic power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar battery panels are electrically connected to a power converter,
The monitoring system includes a collection device and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result related to the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line,
A monitoring unit that monitors the reception status in the collection device of information transmitted from the monitoring device to the collection device via the output line regularly or irregularly;
A determination unit that performs a determination process of determining an abnormality related to transmission of the information based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit;
The monitoring unit creates a reception log indicating a reception time when the information is received by the collection device, and determines whether the information is disrupted based on the created reception log,
The determination unit is configured to determine that a failure or theft of the monitoring device or a disconnection or theft of the output line has occurred when the monitoring unit determines that the information is interrupted.

[Appendix 2]
A monitoring device used in a photovoltaic power generation system in which an output line from a solar cell panel is electrically connected to a power converter,
A communication unit that transmits measurement information indicating measurement results regarding the solar cell panel by power line communication via the output line,
The monitoring device can operate using the first voltage supplied from the output line as a power supply voltage, and can operate using the second voltage supplied from other than the output line as a power supply voltage. ,
The voltage source of the first voltage is an output of the solar cell panel,
The voltage source of said 2nd voltage is a monitoring apparatus which is an external power supply based on the electric power from a battery or a system | strain.

1, 2, 5 Output line 3 Internal line 6 Container 7 Copper bar 8 PCS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Power conversion part 11 Detection part 12 Processing part 13 Counter 14 Communication part 15 Storage part 16 Current sensor 17 Voltage sensor 18 External power supply port 19 DC / DC converter 26 Power supply line 36 Power supply line 41 Monitoring part 42 PLC communication part 43 Processing part 44 LAN communication unit 45 Storage unit 46 Signal line 47 Counter 48 Judgment unit 49 Alarm unit 60 Current collection unit 71 Current collection box 72 Copper bar 75 Solar cell unit 76 Junction box 77 Copper bar 78 Solar cell panel 82 Processing unit 84 Communication unit 88 External power supply port 89 DC / DC converter 91 Battery 92, 93 Charge / discharge control circuit 101 Collection device (judgment device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 111 Monitoring apparatus 121,122,123 Power supply apparatus 131 Relay machine 151 Server 171 Notification apparatus 301,302 Monitoring system 401 Solar power generation system

Claims (9)

A determination device used for a monitoring system in a photovoltaic power generation system in which output lines from a plurality of solar battery panels are electrically connected to a power converter,
The monitoring system includes a collection device and a monitoring device that transmits measurement information indicating a measurement result related to the corresponding solar cell panel to the collection device via the output line,
A monitoring unit that monitors the reception status in the collection device of information transmitted from the monitoring device to the collection device via the output line regularly or irregularly;
And a determination unit that performs a determination process for determining an abnormality related to the transmission of the information based on the reception status monitored by the monitoring unit.   The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the abnormality has occurred when the information from a plurality of the monitoring devices is interrupted in the reception state.   3. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit can determine a plurality of types of abnormalities, and determines the type according to the number of the monitoring devices in which the information is interrupted in the reception state. Judgment device.   When the monitoring unit determines that the information from the plurality of monitoring devices has been disrupted, the first monitoring unit receives the first information when the information from the first monitoring device does not arrive at the collection device for a predetermined time. The second and subsequent monitoring devices when it is determined that the information from the second monitoring device has been disrupted and the information from the second and subsequent monitoring devices does not arrive at the collection device for a predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time. The determination apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that the information from is interrupted. The determination device further includes:
The determination apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an alarm unit that outputs an alarm when the determination unit determines that the abnormality has occurred.   6. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit performs the determination process in a state where electric power that allows the monitoring device to operate is not supplied from the solar cell panel via the output line. 7. Judgment device. A monitoring device used in a photovoltaic power generation system in which an output line from a solar cell panel is electrically connected to a power converter,
A communication unit that transmits measurement information indicating measurement results regarding the solar cell panel by power line communication via the output line,
The monitoring device can operate using the first voltage supplied from the output line as a power supply voltage, and can operate using the second voltage supplied from other than the output line as a power supply voltage. , Monitoring device. The communication unit can transmit information regularly or irregularly by power line communication via the output line,
8. The transmission interval of the information when operating using the second voltage as a power supply voltage is set longer than when operating using the first voltage as a power supply voltage. The monitoring device described. The monitoring device is provided inside a housing,
The second voltage is supplied via a power line from a system outside the casing or a DC power source outside the casing in a state where the first voltage is not supplied from the output line. Or the monitoring apparatus of Claim 8.

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