JP2002091586A - Solar light power generating device and its controlling method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems that the operation of a power conditioner stops in case a ground fault takes place and that the open circuit voltage of a solar-cell array is maintained and the danger of an electric shock fault remains even though the linking breaker of a distribution board is opened. SOLUTION: When a ground shock detector 23 detects the ground shock in a solar cell string, the open circuit voltage of the solar cell string can be suppressed low by opening switches 21 provided between a plurality of solar panels (substring) constituting the solar cell string where the ground shock is detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation apparatus and a control method thereof, for example, a photovoltaic power generation system having a photovoltaic string including a plurality of photovoltaic panels arranged on a roof of a building and a control method thereof. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the recent increase in power demand, a grid-connected solar power generation system having a role of complementing a large-scale power plant has begun to spread. However, in order to operate a grid-connected photovoltaic power generation system, strict management is required as specified in the electrical equipment technical standards. Also,
It is preferable to perform the same management even when the photovoltaic power generation system is used independently without being connected to the grid.

In order to further spread the photovoltaic power generation system to ordinary households in the future, it is necessary that stable power supply be possible and that a safe state be maintained without the user's awareness. A system with various functions is required.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a photovoltaic power generation system. In general, a photovoltaic power generation system includes a solar cell array 101 that is a DC power supply, a current collection box 102 that collects the output of the solar cell array 101, a power conditioner 103 that is a power conversion device, and a load 104. .
The solar cell array 101 is obtained by connecting a plurality of strings in which a plurality of solar cell panels (or modules) are connected in series, in parallel.

The power conditioner 103 includes a non-insulated (transformerless) inverter circuit 106 and an interconnection protection relay 107. The output voltage of the solar cell array 101 may be appropriately configured such that a voltage required for a solar power generation system is obtained. Normally, single-phase 20 for private residences
In a system that performs an interconnected operation with a 0 V output of 3 kW, it is preferable that the input voltage of the power conditioner 103 be configured to be about 200 V in consideration of the conversion efficiency of the power conditioner 103.

In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG.
04 or when an abnormality such as a ground fault occurs in the power path, the operation of the inverter circuit 106 is stopped, and
The interconnection protection relay 107 is opened. Therefore, by the function of the interconnection protection relay 107, the photovoltaic power generation system is separated from the electric power system corresponding to the load 104, and no electric leakage accident or electric shock accident from the electric power system occurs. However, since the solar cell array 101 is connected to the solar power generation system,
Just opening the interconnection protection relay 107, the solar cell array 1
The electric shock accident due to the open voltage of 01 cannot be prevented.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-18423 discloses a short-circuit switch 111 for short-circuiting the output of a solar cell array 101 when the operation of a power conditioner 103 is stopped, as shown in FIG.
Is described, for example, when a ground fault is detected
It is disclosed to close 111. With the configuration shown in FIG. 2, when an abnormality such as a ground fault is detected, the output of the solar cell array 101 is short-circuited by opening the interconnection protection relay and closing the short-circuit switch 111. The output voltage of 101 can be made almost zero, and it is possible to prevent an electric shock accident.

[0008]

As described above, FIG.
In the configuration shown in Fig.
Even if the operation of 103 is stopped and the interconnection protection relay 107 is opened, the open voltage for the number of solar cell panels connected in series is maintained, and the risk of electric shock remains. It is also possible to configure a photovoltaic power generation system in which the output voltage of the photovoltaic array 101 is lowered to eliminate the risk of electric shock. However, when the power conditioner 103 is connected to a 200 V power system, the boosting ratio of the power conditioner 103 is increased, and conversion efficiency is deteriorated.

In addition, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 has a disadvantage that even when an abnormality occurs in one string, the short-circuit switch 111 is closed, so that the operation of the entire photovoltaic power generation system must be stopped. Furthermore, if a short circuit occurs due to severe damage to the power path cable, etc.,
Even if the short-circuit switch 111 is closed, the short-circuit current may continue to flow through the damaged portion of the cable due to the power generated by the solar cell array, and the damaged portion may generate heat.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems individually or collectively, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce the open voltage of a solar cell string when an abnormality occurs in the solar cell string.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic power generator and a control method thereof, in which the operation of the photovoltaic power generator does not need to be stopped when an abnormality occurs in some of the photovoltaic strings.

Further, even when a short circuit occurs due to severe damage to a cable or the like in a power path, a short-circuit current does not continue to flow to a damaged portion of the cable due to power generated by the solar cell string, and a solar cell power generation device. It is another object to provide a control method.

[0013]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

A photovoltaic power generation device according to the present invention is a photovoltaic power generation device for supplying power output from a string in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series to a load. And a switch provided between the solar cell panels constituting the string and opened when the detector detects an abnormality.

[0015] Further, there is provided a photovoltaic power generator for supplying power output from a plurality of strings to a load, in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series, wherein each of the plurality of strings detects an abnormality in the string. And a first switch for separating the string from the photovoltaic power generator, and a second switch provided between solar cell panels constituting the string, the first and second Is opened when the detector detects an abnormality.

A control method according to the present invention is a control method for a solar power generation apparatus for supplying power output from a string in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series to a load, and detects an abnormality in the string. When an abnormality is detected, a switch provided between the solar cell panels constituting the string is opened.

Also, there is provided a method for controlling a photovoltaic power generator, in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series and supplying power output from a plurality of strings to a load, wherein each of the plurality of strings connects the string to a solar cell. A first switch for disconnecting from the photovoltaic device, and a second switch provided between solar cell panels constituting the string, detecting an abnormality in each of the strings, and detecting an abnormality, The first and second switches of the string in which an abnormality is detected are opened.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019]

First Embodiment [System Configuration] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a grid-connected solar power generation system according to a first embodiment. The building in which the photovoltaic power generation system of this embodiment is installed receives power supply from the commercial power supply system 4 and performs self-supply by the photovoltaic power generation system and reverse power flow to the power supply commercial power supply system 4. Hereinafter, the components shown in FIG. 3 will be described in order.

Solar Cell Array The solar cell array 1 is formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell strings in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series. As the solar cell panel, a panel using an amorphous silicon-based photoelectric conversion unit, a panel using polycrystalline silicon, or a crystal silicon are preferably used.

The number of solar cell panels connected in series may be appropriately configured so as to obtain a voltage required for a solar power generation system. Normally, it is preferable that a 3 kW output solar power generation system for a private house be configured to have an output voltage of about 200 V.

The solar cell panel according to the present embodiment includes:
An amorphous solar cell panel having the following characteristics is used. Maximum output operating voltage and current per panel
12V, 4A, nominal power is 48W. The open circuit voltage when the output terminal is open is 15V. By connecting 16 solar cell panels in series, a solar cell string having a maximum output operation voltage of 192 V is formed. Therefore, the output power during the maximum output operation of the solar cell strings is 768 W, and the open-circuit voltage is 240 V. Four sets of these solar cell strings are arranged on the roof surface (same surface) of a building to constitute a solar power generation system with a maximum output of about 3 kW.

● Current Collection Box A plurality of solar cell strings constituting the solar cell array 1 are connected by a current collection box 2 and collected. The current collection box 2 is installed at a place where a user or an inspector of the photovoltaic power generation system can inspect. The current collection box 2 houses a switch, a backflow prevention diode, and a ground fault detecting means, which will be described later.

Power Conditioner The power generated by the solar cell array 1 is collected in the current collection box 2 and then guided to the power conditioner 3. The output of the power conditioner 3 is consumed by the load via the distribution board 6.

The power conditioner 3 converts DC power output from the solar cell array 1 into AC power. Further, there is also a power conditioner 3 that controls a DC voltage or a DC current output from the solar cell array 1 so as to maintain an operating point of the solar cell at maximum power.
Further, a system for charging / discharging the storage battery via a charge controller in addition to or instead of the power conversion means of the power conditioner 3 may be used. Note that the inverter used for the power conditioner 3 is a non-insulated type.

[Load] In a photovoltaic power generation system that performs system interconnection, a combination of the commercial power system 4 and other electric loads can be used as a load. In the present embodiment, a load is a combination of the commercial power system 4 via the integrating wattmeter 5 and the electric equipment 7 in the building.

In addition, although not shown in the present embodiment, in a photovoltaic power generation system that is not connected to a system, a load is a power device such as a motor, a light source such as a light, or a heat source such as a heater. Alternatively, a load may be a combination of a storage battery such as a lead battery, a nickel hydride battery, a lithium secondary battery, and a lithium ion secondary battery, and an electric device.

Distribution Panel and Meter Box The commercial power system 4 is connected via a power path to a distribution panel 6 that distributes power to electrical equipment in the building. Commercial power system 4
A meter box 5 is provided between the power distribution board 6 and the power distribution board 6. Inside the meter box 5, a purchased power meter that integrates the amount of power supplied from the commercial power system 7 to the building, and a sold power that integrates the amount of power flowing backward from the solar power generation system to the commercial power system 4 Meters are connected in series.

Further, indoor wiring is branched and connected from the distribution board 6 disposed in the building to supply electric power to general loads such as lighting fixtures and outlets installed in various parts of the building. A main breaker is installed on the distribution board 6 for the purpose of separating the commercial power system 4 and the indoor wiring,
A branch breaker is installed on each indoor wiring branching from the distribution board 6. Further, the photovoltaic power generation system and the commercial power system 4 are connected via a connection breaker provided on the distribution board 6. Therefore, the electric power generated by the solar cell string is collected in the current collection box 2, converted from DC power to AC power by the power conditioner 3, and then supplied to the load via the distribution board 6.

[Solar Cell Array and Current Collection Box] FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a solar cell array 1 and a current collection box 2 surrounded by a broken line in FIG. Hereinafter, the components shown in FIG. 4 will be described in order.

Solar Cell String The solar cell array 1 in the present embodiment is configured by connecting four solar cell strings in parallel. Each solar cell string is configured by connecting 16 solar cell panels in series. As described above, the maximum output operation voltage of each solar cell string is 192 V, the output power is 768 W, and the open-circuit voltage is 240 V.

Intermediate Switch In this embodiment, as described later, the solar cell string is divided into several substrings, and the intermediate switch is arranged between the substrings. The intermediate switch 21 has a remote controllable input and uses a type that can be tripped by an external signal. Intermediate switch 21
2 can be opened by an external trip signal or manually, and the closing is performed manually. Further, the current that can be cut off by the intermediate switch 21 must be equal to or greater than the maximum current that can be supplied by the solar cell string.

In this embodiment, a string switch 22 is provided for each solar cell string. The string switch 22 has a remote controllable input and uses a type that can be tripped by an external signal. String switch 22
Can be opened by an external trip signal or manually, and closing is performed manually.

The string switch 22 is provided to disconnect the string from the circuit at the time of maintenance and inspection of the solar cell string or when some of the solar cell panels have a problem. Of course, the current that can be cut off by the string switch 22 must be greater than or equal to the maximum current that the solar cell string can supply.

In this embodiment, a ground fault detector 23 is provided for each solar cell string. The ground fault detector 23 is a clamp-type current sensor that detects a difference current flowing between both wires by a magnetic field generated from the forward and return wires of the current. It is something to convert. In the present embodiment, a current sensor that outputs an abnormal signal when the difference current is equal to or more than a certain value is used.

● Backflow prevention diode A backflow prevention diode 24 is provided for each solar cell string. Solar cells in the shadows of buildings rarely generate power. When the solar cell array is configured by a parallel circuit of a plurality of strings, an output voltage mismatch occurs between the solar cell strings. When the voltage mismatch exceeds a predetermined value, a current flows from another string into the shaded string, and a current flows in a direction opposite to the original. The backflow prevention diode 24 is for preventing this reverse current.

Main Switch The main switch 25 is inserted in the middle of a path for supplying power to the power conditioner 3 after the output of the solar cell strings 11 to 14 is collected. As the main switch 25, it is necessary to use a switch that can tolerate the maximum voltage and the maximum current of the solar cell array 1 and that can be opened and closed.

[Division of Strings] FIG. 5 shows a wiring diagram of the strings 11 between the solar cell array 1 and the current collection box 2. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 111 to 114 are assigned to each substring composed of four solar cell panels.

As shown in FIG. 5, the string 11 is divided into four substrings 111 to 114, and one substring is composed of four solar cell panels. The wiring from both electrodes of each substring is led into the current collection box 2, and the four substrings are electrically connected in series via the intermediate switch 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the wirings from both electrodes of the four strings are respectively drawn into the current collecting box 2 and then connected to the string switch 22, and are connected to the ground fault detector 23 and the backflow prevention diode. Connected to the current collection point via 24.

[Operation] The operation when an abnormality occurs in the photovoltaic power generation system configured as described above is as follows.

For example, assuming that a ground fault occurs at some point in the string 11 shown in FIG. 5, the ground fault detection sensor 23 provided on the wiring of the string 11 outputs an abnormality detection signal. The abnormality detection signal is sent to the string switch 22 and the intermediate switch 21, and both switches are opened. At this time, the three strings 12 to 14 other than the string 11 in which the ground fault has occurred continue to operate as usual. Therefore, the inverter 3
The power generated by (14) is converted into AC power and supplied to the load.

The open voltage of the short-circuited string 11 is determined by the opening of the string switch 22 and the opening of the intermediate switch 21.
, The voltage does not reach 240 V, but is suppressed to 60 V, which is the open voltage of each substring.

The abnormality detection signal of the geographical position detection sensor 23 is also sent to an alarm 26 provided in the current collection box 2. The alarm 26 is for notifying a user of the solar power generation system that an abnormality such as a ground fault has occurred and at least a part of the solar cell string has been disconnected from the solar power generation system. . The user of the photovoltaic power generation system can recognize from the alarm 26 that an abnormality such as a ground fault has occurred, and request the photovoltaic power generation system builder or contractor for repair.

At the time of repair, since the intermediate switch 21 is in an open state, the open voltage of the solar cell string in which a ground fault has occurred is kept relatively low. And so on.

After repairing the ground fault, the operator manually closes the string switch 22 and the intermediate switch 21 of the solar cell string in which the ground fault has occurred, and restarts the operation of the stopped solar cell string. .

In the above description, an example was described in which the open-circuit voltage of a solar cell string having an open-circuit voltage of 240 V was reduced to 60 V. However, the voltage value after the reduction should be appropriately determined according to the use environment and purpose of use. is there. Of course, the number of the intermediate switches 21 can be further increased to further reduce the open voltage of the substring, but should be determined in consideration of cost, installation space, and the like.

Further, in the above description, an example has been described in which the string is equally divided into four parts. However, the division part may be selected for the sake of wiring, etc., and the open voltage of the substring after division becomes equal to or less than the target value. What should I do?

In the above description, the ground fault detector 23 is provided in the current collection box 2 for each string, and the intermediate switch and the string switch are opened for each string by the output thereof. The intermediate switch 21 and the string switch according to the abnormal signal from
23 may be opened. However, in such a configuration, it is not possible to determine which string has an abnormality, so that all the intermediate switches 21 and the string switches 23 are opened in accordance with the abnormality signal from the power conditioner 3, and The power generation operation of the power generation system is completely stopped.

[0050]

Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a solar power generation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the intermediate switch 21 and the string switch 22 use switches having the same current interrupting capability. This is because when the ground fault detector 23 generates an abnormality detection signal, the string switch 22 and the intermediate switch
This is due to the structure that 21 is opened at the same time. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which a switch having a small current interrupting capability is used for the intermediate switch 21.

FIG. 6 shows a wiring diagram of the string 11 between the solar cell array 1 and the current collection box 2 of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

That is, in the second embodiment, the delay circuit 27 is provided so that the intermediate switch 21 is opened after the string switch 22 is opened. Therefore, since the intermediate switch 22 is opened after the string switch 22 is completely opened and the current of the string 11 is completely interrupted, it is necessary to use a switch having a low current interrupting capability for the intermediate switch 21. Becomes possible. The delay circuit 27 includes a string switch.
What is necessary is just to set the delay time until 22 is completely released.

For example, assuming that a ground fault has occurred somewhere in the string 11 shown in FIG. 6, the ground fault detection sensor 23 provided on the wiring of the string 11 outputs an abnormality detection signal. The abnormality detection signal is sent to the string switch 22 and the delay circuit 27, and the string switch 22 is first opened. At this time, the three strings 12 to 14 other than the string 11 in which the ground fault has occurred continue to operate as usual. Therefore, the power conditioner 3 continues converting the power generated by the strings 12 to 14 into AC power and supplying the AC power to the load.

For example, after the abnormality detection signal is input,
If the delay circuit 27 is set to output a signal one second later, the intermediate switch 21 starts tripping by a signal output from the delay circuit 27 about one second after the string switch 22 trips. become. When the string switch 22 is in the open state, the string 11 reaches the open voltage 240 V, but after about 1 second, the intermediate switch 21 is also opened, so that the open voltage of each substring is suppressed to 60 V. .

The delay circuit 27 may be configured so that the delay time can be arbitrarily set by a combination of a timer, a dip switch and a counter, or may be an analog circuit constituted by a time constant circuit combining a capacitor and a register. A delay circuit having a fixed delay time, such as a delay circuit of the formula, may be used.

[0057]

Third Embodiment Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in the present embodiment,
Components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The third embodiment is characterized in that an intermediate switch connecting the substrings is not provided in the current collection box 2 but is provided near the solar cell array 1, for example, in the attic. Compared with the first and second embodiments in which the intermediate switch is provided in the current collection box 2, the wiring connecting the substring and the intermediate switch can be shortened. Of course, the wiring connecting the intermediate switch and the ground fault detector 23 is laid from the current collection box 2 to the attic, etc., and becomes longer.However, since it is a signal wiring, a thin wire is sufficient. Wiring is also easy.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the third embodiment, in which the circuit portion of the string 11 between the solar cell array 1 and the current collection box 2 is extracted and shown. An intermediate switch 29 arranged near the solar cell array 1 such as an attic is arranged between the substrings.

When a ground fault occurs in the solar cell string 11 and the ground fault detector 23 outputs an abnormality detection signal, the string switch 22 is opened and the abnormality detection signal is also supplied to the intermediate switch 29. The intermediate switch 29 is also opened. The other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description is omitted. If the delay circuit 27 used in the second embodiment is added to the third embodiment, a switch having a low current interrupting capability can be used as the intermediate switch 29.

[0061]

[Solar Cell Panel] In each of the above embodiments, the shape of the solar cell panel was not touched. Hereinafter, the solar cell panel used in the present embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, since the string is divided by an appropriate number of panels, the solar cell panel can be divided into one by bringing the division point to the physical end of the string.
Configure by type.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a directional solar cell panel.

8A and 8B, reference numeral 121 denotes a negative electrode connector of the solar cell panel, and reference numeral 122 denotes a positive electrode connector of the solar cell panel. Reference numeral 123 denotes a ridge-side locking portion, and reference numeral 124 denotes an eave-side locking portion.

When the solar cell panel shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is installed on the roof surface, the positive electrode connector 122 and the negative electrode connector 121 of the adjacent solar cell panel are connected, and the solar cell panel is vertically arranged. Ridge side locking part 12
3 and the eaves side locking part 124 are set.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a general method of arranging a solar cell panel using a directional solar cell panel and a wiring path. In the method shown in FIG. 9, there are two types of directional solar panels, namely the type and the
The type shown in 8B is used. This means that when one type of solar panel is used, the electrode connector of the solar panel at the end in the row (horizontal) direction is connected to the electrode connector of the solar panel at the opposite end below or above one row. There is a need. On the other hand, if two types of solar cell panels are used, the electrode connector of the solar cell panel at the end in the row direction and the electrode connector of the solar cell panel at the same end below or above one row are connected. That's all.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an arrangement of solar cell panels and wiring paths in the first and second embodiments.
According to the arrangement shown in FIG. 10, by arranging one row of the solar cell panel as a substring, the division point of the string comes to the physical end of the arrangement of the solar panel, and the solar cell used Only one type of panel is required. Therefore,
One type of solar cell panel is handled, which facilitates management of production and sales, and handling of the solar cell panel during construction. In other words, ordering mistakes and confusion during construction can be prevented, contributing to a reduction in system price.

FIG. 9 shows a solar cell panel and wiring routes in the third embodiment. Then, the intermediate switch 29 may be inserted into a wiring portion connecting each row of the solar cell panel.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. (1) An intermediate switch is provided so as to divide the plurality of solar cell panels constituting the solar cell string, and the open switch of the abnormal solar cell string is opened to open the intermediate switch of the abnormal solar cell string. Can be suppressed to a relatively low value. Therefore, an electric shock accident or the like due to the open voltage of the solar cell string can be prevented. (2) Since the open voltage of the string is reduced without causing current to flow through the string in which an error has occurred, the power generated by the solar cell array can be obtained even if the power path cable or the like is severely damaged and a short circuit occurs. As a result, the short-circuit current does not continue to flow through the damaged portion of the cable, and the damaged portion does not generate heat. (3) Since only the string in which an abnormality has occurred can be separated, the operation of the photovoltaic power generation system can be continued with the power generated by the normal string. (4) As described in the second embodiment, if the intermediate switch is configured to transition to the open state with a delay after the string switch transitions to the open state, the intermediate switch has a small current interrupting capability. Vessel can be used. (5) According to the configuration described in the first and second embodiments, a single type of solar cell panel can be used, so that the production and sales management, and the solar cell panel during construction Can be easily handled, and ordering mistakes and confusion during construction can be prevented.

As described above, in each of the above embodiments, the intermediate switch is provided in the middle of the solar cell string in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series, and when an abnormality is detected, the intermediate switch is opened. Therefore, the open voltage of the solar cell string in which an abnormality has occurred can be reduced, and the safety of the building in which the photovoltaic power generation system is installed and the safety of the operator who repairs the failed solar cell string can be reduced. Can be enhanced.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When an abnormality occurs in the solar cell string, the open-circuit voltage of the solar cell string can be kept low.

Further, it is possible to provide a photovoltaic power generator and a control method thereof in which the operation of the photovoltaic power generator does not need to be stopped when an abnormality occurs in some of the photovoltaic strings.

Further, even if a short circuit occurs due to severe damage to a cable or the like in a power path, a solar cell power generation device in which short-circuit current does not continue to flow through a damaged portion of the cable due to power generated by the solar cell string, A control method can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a solar power generation system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of the solar power generation system;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a grid-connected solar power generation system according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of a solar cell array and a current collection box surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a wiring diagram of strings between a solar cell array and a current collection box,

FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram of strings between the solar cell array and the current collection box according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a third embodiment;

FIG. 8A illustrates a directional solar cell panel;

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a directional solar cell panel;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a general method of arranging a solar cell panel using a directional solar cell panel, and a wiring path;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an arrangement of solar cell panels and wiring paths in the first and second embodiments.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Naoki Manabe 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2G036 AA20 BB08 CA11 5F051 BA11 JA20 KA03 KA08 KA10 5G053 AA06 BA03 CA01 EB09 EC01 5G058 BB02 BC16 5H420 BB12 CC03 DD03 EB39 FF04 FF21 FF28 LL04

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A photovoltaic power generator for supplying power output from a string in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series to a load, comprising: a detector for detecting an abnormality in the string; and the string. A switch provided between the solar cell panels and opened when the detector detects an abnormality. 2. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 1, wherein the detector detects at least a ground fault. 3. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 1, wherein one type of directional panel is used for the solar cell panel. 4. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 1, wherein the detector and the switch are arranged in a centralized manner. 5. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch is disposed near the solar cell string.
The photovoltaic power generator described in any one of the above. 6. A photovoltaic power generator that supplies power output from a plurality of strings to a load, wherein a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series, wherein each of the plurality of strings detects an abnormality in the string. A first switch for separating the string from the photovoltaic power generator, and a second switch provided between solar cell panels constituting the string, wherein the first and second switches are provided. Wherein the switch is opened when the detector detects an abnormality. 7. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 6, wherein the detector detects at least a ground fault. 8. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 6, wherein the second switch is opened later than the first switch. 9. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 6, wherein one type of directional panel is used for the solar cell panel. 10. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 6, wherein the detector and the first and second switches are centrally arranged. 11. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 6, wherein the second switch is arranged near the solar cell string. 12. A method for controlling a photovoltaic power generator that supplies power output from a string in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series to a load, wherein an abnormality in the string is detected, and the abnormality is detected. And opening a switch provided between the solar cell panels constituting the string. 13. A control method for a photovoltaic power generator that supplies power output from a plurality of strings to a load, in which a plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series, wherein each of the plurality of strings connects the string to a solar cell. A first switch for disconnecting from the photovoltaic device, and a second switch provided between the solar panels constituting the string, detecting an abnormality in each of the strings, A control method comprising: opening the first and second switches of a string in which an abnormality is detected. 14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein the second switch is opened later than the first switch.