JP2009064809A - Photovoltaic generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record power generation quantity data on which calculations of suitable values are based, for each solar battery modules 110. <P>SOLUTION: A photovoltaic generation system includes a solar battery string 102 of a plurality of solar battery modules 110 connected in series, an inverter 104 connected to the solar battery string 102, a switch 105 connected to the inverter 104, a plurality of transmission devices 216, a transfer device 304, and a management device 307. The inverter 104 converts DC electric power generated by the plurality of solar battery modules 110 into AC electric power. Each transmission device 216 transmits identification information on one of the solar battery modules 110 which are generating electric power. The transfer device 304 transfers pieces of identification information that the plurality of transmission devices 216 transmit by using a supply electric wire as a transmission line. The management device 307 receives the identification information that the transfer device 304 transfers to manage output of the AC electric power. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a solar power generation system, and more particularly to a solar power generation system capable of recording power generation amount data.

  Currently, global warming is progressing due to carbon dioxide released from thermal power generation, automobiles, factories, and the like. For this reason, solar power generation is attracting attention as clean energy that does not emit carbon dioxide.

  A photovoltaic power generation system is installed as a distributed power source on the roof of a general household or the site of a factory. The solar power generation system has a function of connecting the generated power to a commercial system and causing a reverse power flow.

  Normally, once installed, the solar power generation system automatically reverses power to the commercial system during the time when sunlight is poured into the solar cell module, and at night time when the solar cell module does not receive sunlight. The belt is automatically disconnected from the commercial system.

  FIG. 19 shows a configuration example of such a photovoltaic power generation system. The DC power generated by the solar cell string 101 is converted into AC power by the inverter 104. The inverter 104 is connected to the commercial system 106 via a switch 105. A control device 107 for controlling the inverter 104 and the switch 105 is installed.

  In the solar power generation system of FIG. 19, when the control device 107 detects that any of the solar cell strings 101 has started power generation, the control device 107 activates the inverter 104 and closes the switch 105.

  In such a solar power generation system, there is a high need for knowing the actual power generation amount. For this reason, various techniques for notifying the user of the power generation amount of the solar power generation system have been proposed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a power measurement unit connected to a power line or a distribution board for a power measurement data storage server connected to a network and receiving and storing power data. The power measurement unit includes an interface circuit and a connection connector for exchanging a communication circuit corresponding to the type of communication line for communication purposes, and Internet communication using a TCP-IP (Transmission Control Protocol-Internet Protocol) communication protocol. The measurement data is transferred to the power measurement data storage server through a communication line connected to the exchangeable communication circuit.

  According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, an appropriate statistical value can be obtained by widely collecting the amount of power of the power facility in which the solar cell power generator is installed.

  Patent Document 2 has an inverter device body that converts the output of a solar cell string into alternating current power and outputs it to the grid power line, and a remote operation unit that remotely operates the inverter device body and displays information on the inverter device body. A method is disclosed. In this method, communication data for remote operation or information display between the inverter device main body and the remote operation unit is encoded by adding redundant bits for error detection / correction, and modulated into a high-frequency signal, Superimposed on the system power line and transmitted, the modulated communication data is received from the system power line, demodulated to the original frequency, errors are detected and corrected, and decoded.

  According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, a dedicated signal line is not required for remote operation or information display, communication data transmission errors can be prevented, and the inverter body is disconnected from the system power line. Can also communicate.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a power measurement unit connected to a power line or a distribution board for a power measurement data storage server connected to a network and receiving and storing power data. The power measurement unit has a circuit for storing data in a removable memory medium, transfers data to the computer used by the user by the memory medium, and receives measurement data from the computer to the power measurement data storage server via the Internet. hand over.

  According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3, an appropriate statistical value can be obtained by widely collecting the power amount of the power equipment in which the power saving device is installed.

  In Patent Document 4, the operation of a stationary power conversion device of a plurality of distributed power sources connected to a system is controlled by a common control device, and the output of the solar cell of each distributed power source is converted to AC power. Disclosed is a solar power generation device that supplies power to a system load. The solar power generation device is provided with a distribution line carrier communication device that is connected to the control device and each distributed power source and is connected to the power line of the system and exchanges operation control information of the power conversion device between the control device and each distributed power source. The device controls the power conversion device of each distributed power source via the distribution line of the system.

  According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 4, when controlling the operation of the power converters of a plurality of distributed power sources configured by solar cells with a single common control device, each between the control device and each of the distributed power sources. Operation control information can be transmitted without installing a dedicated signal line.

  Patent Document 5 discloses a power monitoring system including a distribution board and a power monitoring device. The distribution board obtains an instantaneous value and an integrated value of DC power generated by the solar cell and an instantaneous value and an integrated value of AC power consumption. The power monitoring device displays each instantaneous value and integrated value obtained by the distribution board in real time.

According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 5, a consumer can grasp the DC power generation amount and the AC power consumption amount in real time and visually.
JP 2003-315362 A JP-A-10-150778 JP 2002-372555 A JP-A-10-201105 JP 2000-314752 A

  However, the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5 have a problem that it is difficult to buy and sell solar cell strings used for power generation in the second-hand market. This will be described below.

  The solar power generation system can continue to generate power over a long period of time. Because such a possibility is possible, it is conceivable that ownership of the photovoltaic power generation system passes from the current user to another user. If ownership passes from the current user to another user, it is usually necessary to pay consideration.

  However, in the current solar power generation system transaction, the calculation criteria for consideration are not clear. For this reason, it is not easy to buy and sell solar power generation systems at an appropriate price. When a part of the solar cell module included in the solar power generation system is replaced, the calculation of the price becomes more difficult.

  In the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 5, since the power generation amount is not measured in the first place, or only the power generation amount in the entire photovoltaic power generation system is measured at most, an appropriate calculation reference for the price It is difficult to obtain the power generation data.

  If a watt-hour meter is attached to each solar cell module and the data measured by them is accumulated, it is considered possible to obtain power generation amount data that is an appropriate calculation basis for consideration. However, a considerable number of solar cell modules are included in one set of photovoltaic power generation systems. For this reason, it is practically difficult to transmit power generation amount data measured for each solar cell module to a server or the like.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a photovoltaic power generation system capable of recording power generation amount data, which is a calculation reference for appropriate compensation, for each solar cell module. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power generation system includes a solar cell string including a plurality of solar cell modules connected in series, an inverter connected to the solar cell string, and an inverter. A switch, a plurality of transmission devices, a transfer device, and a management device. The inverter converts DC power generated by the plurality of solar cell modules into AC power. While one of the plurality of solar cell modules is generating power, the transmission device transmits the identification information of any of the solar cell modules that are generating power using the supply wire as a transmission path. A supply electric wire is an electric wire which a solar cell module supplies DC power to an inverter. The transfer device transfers the identification information transmitted by each of the plurality of transmission devices using the supply wire as a transmission path. The management device receives the identification information transferred by the transfer device and manages the output of AC power.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described transmission device includes a power input unit for any one of the plurality of solar cell modules to input DC power, a storage unit, an information transmission unit, and a transmission control unit. A memory | storage means memorize | stores the identification information of the solar cell module which inputs DC power. The information transmitting means transmits the identification information using the supply wire as a transmission path. The transmission control unit controls the information transmission unit to transmit the identification information while the magnitude of the DC power input to the power input unit exceeds the threshold value.

  Alternatively, the information transmission unit described above preferably includes a capacitor having one terminal connected to the supply wire and a voltage control unit. The voltage control means controls the fluctuation of the voltage applied to the capacitor through the other terminal according to the content of the identification information.

  Alternatively, the transmission control means described above preferably includes a measurement means and a periodic control means. The measuring means measures the elapsed time. The periodic control unit controls the information transmission unit to transmit the identification information at a constant period based on the time measured by the measurement unit.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the above-described photovoltaic power generation system further includes a command transmission device and a command detection device. The command transmission device repeatedly transmits command information indicating a command using the supply wire as a transmission path. The instruction detection device detects instruction information. In addition, it is desirable that the specific device that is one of the plurality of transmission devices further includes command input means for the command detection device to input a signal indicating that the command information has been transmitted. In addition, it is desirable that the transmission control means of the specific device includes means for controlling the information transmission means to transmit identification information when a signal is input to the command input means.

  The transfer device described above preferably includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, and a transmission control unit. The receiving means receives the identification information. The transmission means transmits information to the management device. The transmission control unit controls the transmission unit to transmit the identification information received by the reception unit.

  Alternatively, it is desirable that the above-described receiving unit includes a capacitor having one terminal connected to the supply wire and a generation unit. The generating means generates a signal indicating identification information based on the voltage fluctuation applied to the capacitor.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the above-described management apparatus includes a receiving unit, a communication unit, an output unit, and a control unit. The receiving means receives the identification information from the transfer device. The communication means communicates the identification information and reply information indicating a reply to the transmission of the identification information with the power generation monitoring apparatus. The output means outputs a control signal to at least one of the inverter and the switch. The control unit controls the communication unit and the output unit. The control means preferably includes a transmission control means and a stop control means. The transmission control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the identification information to the power generation monitoring device when the receiving unit receives the identification information. The stop control unit controls the output unit to output a control signal for stopping the output of the AC power when the period from the transmission of the identification information to the reception of the return information corresponding to the identification information exceeds a threshold value.

  The photovoltaic power generation system according to the present invention makes it possible to record, for each solar cell module, power generation amount data that is an appropriate calculation reference for consideration.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the photovoltaic power generation system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of solar cell strings 102, an inverter 104, a switch 105 connected to inverter 104, a transfer device 304, and a management device 307. And a power generation monitoring server 309 and a communication device 310.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the solar cell string 102 is configured by connecting eight single crystal silicon solar cell modules 110 in series.

  The inverter 104 converts the DC power output from each of the solar cell strings 102 into an effective power form (AC power in this embodiment). The inverter 104 not only converts the DC power output from each of the solar cell strings 102 into an effective power form, but also maximizes the generated power of each solar cell string 102 by the maximum power point tracking control of the management device 307. .

  The switch 105 disconnects the connection point with the commercial system 106 (and consequently the load connected to the commercial system 106). In this embodiment, the switch 105 is a power relay. In this embodiment, “disconnection” means disconnection of a circuit.

  The transfer device 304 transfers the identification information. In the present embodiment, the identification information transferred by the transfer device 304 is the identification information of the solar cell module 110. This identification information will be described later.

  The management device 307 receives the identification information transferred by the transfer device 304 and manages the output of AC power converted by the inverter 104. The management device 307 has a function of communicating with the transfer device 304, a function of outputting a control signal for opening and closing to the switch 105, and a function of outputting a control signal for controlling the inverter 104 to the inverter 104. The management device 307 is equipped with a microcomputer.

  The power generation monitoring server 309 communicates with the communication device 310. Similarly to the management device 307, the power generation monitoring server 309 also includes a microcomputer.

  The communication device 310 relays communication between the management device 307 and the power generation monitoring server 309. The communication protocol is not particularly limited. For example, communication between the management device 307 and the communication device 310 may be performed according to the Internet protocol, and communication between the power generation monitoring server 309 and the communication device 310 may be performed according to Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  In this embodiment, the inverter 104, the switch 105, the management device 307, and the communication device 310 are included in one power conditioner.

  The power generation monitoring server 309 may be near the solar cell string 102 or may be in a remote place.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram specifically showing the configuration of the solar cell string 102 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, solar cell string 102 includes the eight solar cell modules 110 described above, and information detection device 212 and transmission device 216 attached to each of solar cell modules 110. However, out of the eight solar cell modules 110, the solar cell module 110 that is connected to the inverter 104 without passing through the other solar cell module 110 and not connected to the inverter 104 is connected to the transmitting device. Instead of 216, the transmission device 214 is connected, and the information detection device 212 is not connected.

  The transmission device 214 is accommodated in a housing 218 that also serves as a terminal box. The information detection device 212 and the transmission device 216 are also accommodated in the housing 218.

  The information detection device 212 detects that the transmission device 216 or the transmission device 214 other than the transmission device 216 attached with the information detection device 212 has transmitted identification information.

  The transmission device 214 transmits the identification information stored by itself at a constant cycle. When the information detection device 212 attached together with the transmission device 216 detects transmission of identification information, the transmission device 216 transmits identification information stored by itself. In the case of the present embodiment, this identification information is identification information (for example, ID such as “ID301”, “ID302”,...) Of the solar cell module 110 to which it is connected. As a result, the transmission device 214 and the plurality of transmission devices 216 each transmit identification information. The transmission device 214 and the transmission device 216 transmit the identification information using the supply wire that the solar cell module 110 supplies DC power to the inverter 104 as a transmission path.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a microcomputer mounted on the management apparatus 307. Referring to FIG. 3, the microcomputer mounted on management device 307 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 220, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 222, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 224, a keyboard 226, and a display 228. A memory driving device 230, a communication interface 232, and an I / O (Input / Output) port 236.

  CPU220 performs a calculation. The CPU 220 is also a unit that controls each part of the microcomputer. The RAM 222 temporarily stores data used by the CPU 220. The ROM 224 stores a program executed by the CPU 220 and the like. The keyboard 226 is a device for the microcomputer administrator to input information by generating a signal corresponding to the operation of the microcomputer administrator. The display 228 is a device that displays information, which includes a liquid crystal panel or the like. The memory driving device 230 reads information and programs recorded on the memory card 240. The memory driving device 230 is also a device that records information on the memory card 240. The communication interface 232 communicates with the communication device 310. The I / O port 236 receives a signal indicating information and outputs a control signal.

  The I / O port 236 includes a plurality of input terminals 2362 and a plurality of output terminals 2364. The input terminal 2362 receives identification information from the transfer device 304, and receives a signal indicating that from a sensor (not shown) that detects that the solar cell string 102 has started power generation. The output terminal 2364 outputs a control signal to the inverter 104 or the switch 105. One output terminal 2364 outputs a control signal only to one of the inverter 104 or the switch 105.

  In this embodiment, the type of information recorded on the memory card 240 includes data on the total usage time of the solar cell module 110. The memory card 240 records time data associated with the identification information of the solar cell module 110 as total usage time data of the solar cell module 110.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the CPU 220 according to FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, the functions of CPU 220 according to the present embodiment include a transmission control unit 2202, an operation control unit 2204, and a stop control unit 2206.

  When any of the input terminals 2362 receives the identification information, the transmission control unit 2202 controls the communication interface 232 so as to transmit the identification information to the power generation monitoring server 309.

  When the voltage of the DC power output from the solar cell string 102 exceeds the threshold value, the operation control unit 2204 outputs a control signal for starting operation to the inverter 104, and outputs a control signal for closing the circuit to the switch 105. The I / O port 236 is controlled to output to

  When the period from the transmission of the identification information to the reception of the reply information corresponding to the identification information exceeds the threshold value, the stop control unit 2206 outputs a control signal for stopping the output of the AC power from any of the output terminals 2364 The I / O port 236 is controlled to do so.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the transfer device 304. Referring to FIG. 5, transfer device 304 includes a reception unit 3042, a transmission unit 3044, a storage unit 3046, and a transmission control unit 3048.

  The receiving unit 3042 receives identification information. The transmission unit 3044 transmits identification information to the management device 307. The storage unit 3046 temporarily stores identification information. The transmission control unit 3048 controls the transmission unit 3044 so that the identification information received by the reception unit 3042 is transmitted.

  The receiving unit 3042 includes a capacitor 3060 in which one of terminals is connected to a supply wire, and a signal generation unit 3062. The signal generation unit 3062 generates a signal indicating identification information based on the fluctuation of the voltage applied to the capacitor 3060.

  Transmission control unit 3048 includes a storage control unit 3070, a reading unit 3072, and a procedure control unit 3074.

  The storage control unit 3070 controls the storage unit 3046 so as to store the identification information indicated by the signal generated by the signal generation unit 3062.

The reading unit 3072 reads the identification information stored in the storage unit 3046.
The procedure control unit 3074 controls the transmission procedure of the identification information read by the reading unit 3072.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a microcomputer mounted on the power generation monitoring server 309. Referring to FIG. 6, the microcomputer mounted on power generation monitoring server 309 includes CPU 220, RAM 222, ROM 224, keyboard 226, display 228, memory drive device 230, communication interface 232, and wireless communication device 238. And an I / O port 236.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the wireless communication device 238 communicates with the communication device 310 wirelessly. The communication device 310 communicates with the management device 307. As a result, the power generation monitoring server 309 communicates indirectly with the management device 307.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the CPU 220 according to FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, the function of CPU 220 according to the present embodiment includes a signal generation unit 2210, a counting unit 2212, a transmission control unit 2214, and an update control unit 2216.

  The signal generator 2210 generates a signal at a constant period. The counter 2212 counts the number of signals generated by the signal generator 2210 while the communication interface 232 receives the identification information. The transmission control unit 2214 transmits the return information to the management device 307 when the number of signals counted by the counting unit 2212 is equal to or less than the threshold, and stops when the number of signals counted by the counting unit 2212 exceeds the threshold. The communication interface 232 is controlled to transmit information to the management device 307. The update control unit 2216 controls the memory driving device 230 so as to update the time data stored in the memory card 240.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the transmission device 214. Referring to FIG. 8, transmission device 214 includes a power input unit 2142, an identification information storage unit 2144, an information transmission unit 2146, and a transmission control unit 2148.

  The power input unit 2142 is a unit that receives an input of DC power from any of the plurality of solar cell modules 110 included in the solar cell string 102.

  The identification information storage unit 2144 stores the identification information of the solar cell module 110 that inputs DC power among the solar cell modules 110 included in the solar cell string 102.

The information transmission unit 2146 transmits the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 2144.
The transmission control unit 2148 controls the information transmission unit 2146 to repeatedly transmit the identification information while the magnitude of the DC power input to the power input unit 2142 exceeds the threshold value.

  Information transmission unit 2146 includes a capacitor 2160 having one terminal connected to the supply wire, and a voltage control unit 2162. The voltage control unit 2162 controls the voltage fluctuation applied to the capacitor 2160 through a terminal not connected to the supply wire in accordance with the content of the identification information. By this control, the voltage fluctuation pattern of the supply wire corresponds to the content of the identification information. When such a correspondence occurs, a signal indicating identification information is transmitted using the supply wire as a transmission path.

Transmission control unit 2148 includes a regular control unit 2170 and a measurement unit 2172.
The regular control unit 2170 controls the transmission unit 3044 to transmit the identification information at a constant period based on the time measured by the measurement unit 2172.

The measurement unit 2172 measures the elapsed time.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the transmission device 216. Referring to FIG. 9, transmission apparatus 216 includes a power input unit 2142, an identification information storage unit 2144, an information transmission unit 2146, a transmission control unit 2150, and a signal input unit 2152.

  The transmission control unit 2150 transmits the identification information every time a signal is input to the signal input unit 2152 while the magnitude of the DC power input to the power input unit 2142 exceeds the threshold value. 2146 is controlled.

  The signal input unit 2152 receives a signal input by the information detection device 212. This signal indicates that some information is being transmitted through the supply wire.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the information detection device 212. Referring to FIG. 10, information detection device 212 includes a signal detection unit 2120, a signal output unit 2122, and a power input unit 2142.

  The signal detection unit 2120 includes a relay (not shown), and detects that information is being transmitted in the supply wire based on the output of the relay. When the signal detection unit 2120 detects that information is being transmitted in the supply electric wire, the signal output unit 2122 outputs a signal indicating that to the transmission device 214.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing transmission of identification information executed by the transmission device 214. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing signal detection performed by the information detection device 212. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating transmission of identification information performed by the transmission device 216. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing identification information transfer executed by the transfer device 304. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the update of the total usage time data executed by the management apparatus 307. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the reply of information executed by the power generation monitoring server 309. The operation of the photovoltaic power generation system based on the above structure will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As a result of the light hitting the solar cell string 102 and the solar cell module 110 starting power generation, when power is input to the power input unit 2142 of the transmission device 214, the power input unit 2142 supplies the power to the transmission control unit 2148 and the like. To do.

  When power is supplied, the measurement unit 2172 starts measuring the elapsed time (step S290).

  When the time measurement is started, the periodic control unit 2170 determines whether or not the transmission time of the identification information has arrived based on the time measured by the measurement unit 2172 (step S292).

  Initially, since the transmission time of the identification information has not arrived (NO in step S292), the processes in step S290 and step S292 are repeated.

  Thereafter, when the transmission timing of the identification information comes (YES in step S292), periodic control unit 2170 reads the identification information from identification information storage unit 2144 (step S294).

  When the identification information is read, the periodic control unit 2170 outputs a control signal corresponding to the content of the identification information to the voltage control unit 2162. Voltage control unit 2162 controls fluctuations in voltage applied to capacitor 2160 in accordance with the control signal. Thereby, the signal which shows identification information is transmitted by using a supply electric wire as a transmission line (step S296).

  The signal detection unit 2120 of the information detection device 212 waits for signal transmission (step S300). When the signal is transmitted, the signal output unit 2122 inputs the signal to the signal input unit 2152 of the transmission device 216 (step S302).

  The signal input unit 2152 of the transmission device 216 waits for input of a signal by the signal output unit 2122 of the information detection device 212 (step S310).

  When a signal is input by the signal output unit 2122, the transmission control unit 2150 reads identification information from the identification information storage unit 2144 (step S312).

  When the identification information is read, the transmission control unit 2150 outputs a control signal having contents corresponding to the read identification information to the voltage control unit 2162. The voltage control unit 2162 controls the fluctuation of the voltage applied to the capacitor 2160 according to the content of the control signal. Thereby, a signal indicating identification information is transmitted (step S314).

  In the case of this embodiment, the time from when a signal is input to the signal input unit 2152 to when the information transmission unit 2146 transmits a signal indicating identification information due to a change in voltage applied to the capacitor 2160 is different for each transmission device 216. Different. As a result, the signals transmitted by the transmission device 216 are not transmitted redundantly, and the signal transmitted by the transmission device 214 and the signal transmitted by the transmission device 216 are not transmitted redundantly.

  While the signal indicating the identification information is transmitted, the voltage of the supply wire fluctuates. The capacitor 3060 of the transfer device 304 transmits the voltage fluctuation to the signal generation unit 3062. The signal generation unit 3062 generates a signal indicating identification information based on the variation. Thereby, the receiving unit 3042 receives the identification information (step S320).

  When the identification information is received, the signal generation unit 3062 outputs a signal indicating the identification information to the storage control unit 3070. The storage control unit 3070 controls the storage unit 3046 so as to store the identification information indicated by the signal. Thereby, the identification information is stored in the storage unit 3046 (step S322).

  When the identification information is stored, the reading unit 3072 reads the identification information stored in the storage unit 3046. When the identification information is read, the procedure control unit 3074 controls a procedure for the transmission unit 3044 to transmit the identification information. As a result, the identification information is transferred to the management apparatus 307 (step S324).

  On the other hand, when the voltage of the DC power output from the solar cell string 102 exceeds the threshold value, the input terminal 2362 of the management device 307 receives a signal indicating that transmitted via a path (not shown). When the signal is transmitted, CPU 220 operating as operation control unit 2204 detects that solar cell module 110 has started power generation (step S250).

  When detecting that the power generation has started, the CPU 220 operating as the operation control unit 2204 causes the inverter 104 to start operation and causes the switch 105 to close the circuit. For this purpose, the operation control unit 2204 controls the I / O port 236 so as to output control signals to the inverter 104 and the switch 105 (step S252).

  During this time, the input terminal 2362 receives the identification information from the transfer device 304. The CPU 220 operating as the transmission control unit 2202 controls the communication interface 232 so as to transmit the identification information to the power generation monitoring server 309. The communication interface 232 transmits the identification information to the power generation monitoring server 309 via the communication device 310 (step S254). In the present embodiment, the CPU 220 operating as the transmission control unit 2202 controls the communication interface 232 to transmit the identification information as soon as the identification information is received. However, the interval at which the transmission device 214 transmits the identification information is constant. Thus, since the period from when the information detection device 212 detects the identification information transmitted by the transmission device 214 until the transmission device 216 transmits the identification information is predetermined, the communication interface 232 transmits each identification information. The period is naturally constant. In this embodiment, the period is about 1 minute.

  Meanwhile, the signal generation unit 2210 of the power generation monitoring server 309 generates a signal at a predetermined cycle. The counter 2212 counts the number of generated signals (step S270). While the number of signals is counted, the transmission control unit 2214 determines whether or not the communication interface 232 has received the identification information (step S272).

  If communication interface 232 has not yet received the identification information (NO in step S272), transmission control unit 2214 determines whether the number of signals counted by counting unit 2212 (the number of counters) has exceeded a threshold value. (Step S280). If the number of counters has not yet exceeded the threshold value (NO in step S280), the processes in step S270, step S272, and step S280 are repeated.

  Thereafter, every time communication interface 232 receives the identification information (YES in step S272), counting unit 2212 resets the number of counters (step S274). When the number of counters is reset, the transmission control unit 2214 controls the communication interface 232 to send back reply information including the received identification information (step S276). The communication interface 232 returns reply information including the identification information. In the present embodiment, the time from when the identification information is received until the reply information is transmitted is within 5 seconds.

  After returning the reply information, the CPU 220 operating as the update control unit 2216 updates the data associated with the received identification information among the time data stored in the memory card 240 (step S278). As a result of the update, the total usage time of the solar cell module 110 indicated by the data is longer by one minute than before the update. The reason why it becomes longer for one minute is that the communication interface 232 receives the identification information every minute. If the communication interface 232 receives the identification information every 2 minutes, the time increased by this update is 2 minutes.

  On the other hand, the reply information is returned to the communication interface 232 of the management apparatus 307 via the communication apparatus 310. The CPU 220 operating as the stop control unit 2206 is waiting for reply information (step S256).

  Further, the CPU 220 operating as the stop control unit 2206 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in communication based on whether or not reply information has been received (step S258). CPU 220 operating as stop control unit 2206 determines that there is an abnormality in communication if it does not receive reply information for a certain period of time (in this embodiment, 5 minutes) based on the time detected by its own built-in timer. To do. The CPU 220 operating as the stop control unit 2206 determines that there is an abnormality in communication even when it receives stop information that is a signal to stop the operation of the inverter 104 instead of return information.

  In this case, since it is determined that there is no abnormality in communication (NO in step S258), CPU 220 and memory drive device 230 operating as operation control unit 2204 receive received reply information from the time data stored in memory card 240. The data corresponding to the identification information included in is updated (step S262). In the present embodiment, this update increases the time represented by the data by one minute. The increase of 1 minute is because the communication interface 232 transmits identification information every minute. If the communication interface 232 transmits identification information every two minutes, the time increased by this update is two minutes.

  Thereafter, when there is no light in the solar cell string 102 and the solar cell module 110 stops generating power, the transmission device 214 does not transmit the identification information. When the transmission device 214 does not transmit identification information, the transmission device 216 does not transmit identification information. When the transmission device 214 or the transmission device 216 stops transmitting identification information, the CPU 220 operating as the transmission control unit 2202 controls the communication interface 232 so as to stop transmission of identification information to the power generation monitoring server 309. When the transmission of the identification information is stopped, the reply information is not returned.

  Meanwhile, the transmission control unit 2214 of the power generation monitoring server 309 determines whether or not the number of counters exceeds the threshold (step S280). Initially, since the number of counters does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S280), the processes in step S270, step S272, and step S280 are repeated.

  However, since the number of counters eventually exceeds the threshold (YES in step S280), transmission control unit 2214 controls communication interface 232 so as to send back stop information (step S282). The communication interface 232 transmits stop information.

  The stop information is returned to the communication interface 232 of the management device 307 via the communication device 310. The CPU 220 operating as the stop control unit 2206 determines that there is an abnormality in communication when the communication interface 232 receives the stop information.

  In this case (YES in step S258), CPU 220 operating as stop control unit 2206 controls I / O port 236 so as to output a control signal to inverter 104 and switch 105. The output control signals are a signal for stopping the operation of the inverter 104 and a signal for opening the circuit (step S260). Further, the time data stored in the memory card 240 is not updated.

  In addition, even when the communication between the management device 307 and the power generation monitoring server 309 is interrupted and the reply information is not returned, the CPU 220 operating as the stop control unit 2206 determines that the communication is abnormal. . Also in this case (YES in step S258), CPU 220 stops the operation of inverter 104 and causes switch 105 to open the circuit (step S260).

  As described above, the photovoltaic power generation system according to the present embodiment records the power generation time data of the photovoltaic power generation system. The fact that the solar cell module 110 is generating power is notified to the management device 307 by transmitting the identification information of the solar cell module 110 through the supply wire. This eliminates the need to install a dedicated path for communication from each solar cell module 110 to the management device 307.

  In addition, when the power generation monitoring server 309 receives the identification information, the power generation monitoring server 309 updates the data on the total usage time of the solar cell module 110 indicated by the identification information. Thereby, the power generation monitoring server 309 can easily know the total usage time of the solar cell module 110 and can easily record the time.

  Moreover, when reply information is not returned or when stop information is received, the photovoltaic power generation system according to the present embodiment does not convert the generated DC power into AC power. As a result, AC power cannot be obtained if transmission of identification information is blocked or reception of reply information is blocked. If the communication is interrupted, AC power cannot be obtained, so that such interference is prevented. Since the interference is prevented, the memory card 240 records an accurate operation time.

  In addition, since the timings at which each piece of identification information is transmitted are different from each other, the transmission device 214 and the transmission device 216 manage communication compared to the case where the identification information is transmitted to the power generation monitoring server 309 without adjusting the transmission timing. The load on the device 307 is reduced.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a solar power generation system and a recording apparatus that can record power generation amount data that is an appropriate calculation reference for each solar cell module.

  Note that in step S262 according to the first modification of the present embodiment, only one of the signal for stopping the operation of the inverter 104 and the signal for opening the circuit may be output.

  Further, in the second modification example of the present embodiment, in addition to the identification information, data on the accumulated power generation amount, data on the solar cell module 110, and the like may be transmitted from the management device 307 to the power generation monitoring server 309. However, in order to reduce the load on the power generation monitoring server 309, it is desirable that the amount of data to be transmitted is an amount that can be contained in one packet.

  In the third modification of the present embodiment, a command transmission device 306 may be connected to each solar cell string 102. The command transmission device 306 is a device that receives power from the solar cell module 110 and transmits a signal at a constant period.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a photovoltaic power generation system according to this modification. As is clear from FIG. 17, the command transmission device 306 is connected to the inverter 104 without passing through the other solar cell modules 110 among the eight solar cell modules 110, and the transfer device 304 is provided between the command transmission device 306 and the inverter 104. The solar cell module 110 is not connected. The signal transmitted by the command transmission device 306 via the supply wire is a signal for instructing transmission of identification information.

  In this case, the information detection device 212 and the transmission device 216 are connected to all the solar cell modules 110. The transmission device 216 transmits identification information when the information detection device 212 detects a signal transmitted from the command transmission device 306 via the supply wire. FIG. 18 is a diagram specifically showing the configuration of the solar cell string 103 according to this modification.

  In the fourth modification of the present embodiment, when the communication interface 232 receives a stop signal, the CPU 220 operating as the stop control unit 2206 sends a communication confirmation signal (not including identification information) every 5 minutes. The communication interface 232 may be controlled to transmit to the power generation monitoring server 309. In this case, when the communication interface 232 receives a communication confirmation reply signal from the power generation monitoring server 309, the CPU 220 operating as the operation control unit 2204 may resume the process from step S250.

  The embodiment disclosed this time 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.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the solar energy power generation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows concretely the structure of the solar cell string which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the microcomputer mounted in the management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of CPU of the management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the microcomputer which the power generation monitoring server which concerns on embodiment of this invention mounts. It is a functional block diagram of CPU of the electric power generation monitoring server which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure which shows the structure of the transmitter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure which shows the structure of the transmitter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the information detection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the transmission process of the identification information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the detection process of the signal of the information detection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the transmission process of the identification information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the transfer process of the identification information of the transfer apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the update process of the data of the total use time which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the reply process of the information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the solar energy power generation system which concerns on the 3rd modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows concretely the structure of the solar cell string which concerns on the 3rd modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of a general photovoltaic power generation system.

Explanation of symbols

  101, 102, 103 Solar cell string, 104 Inverter, 105 Switch, 106 Commercial system, 107 Control device, 110 Solar cell module, 212 Information detection device, 214, 216 Transmitter, 218 Case, 220 CPU, 222 RAM, 224 ROM, 226 keyboard, 228 display, 230 memory drive device, 232 communication interface, 236 I / O port, 238 wireless communication device, 240 memory card, 304 transfer device, 306 command transmission device, 307 management device, 309 power generation monitoring server , 310 communication device, 2120 signal detection unit, 2122 signal output unit, 2142 power input unit, 2144 identification information storage unit, 2146 information transmission unit, 2160, 3060 capacitor, 2162 voltage control unit, 2 70 Periodic control unit, 2172 measurement unit, 2202, 2214, 2148, 2150 transmission control unit, 2152 signal input unit, 2204 operation control unit, 2206 stop control unit, 2210 signal generation unit, 2212 counting unit, 2216 update control unit, 2362 Input terminal, 2364 Output terminal, 3042 Reception unit, 3044 Transmission unit, 3046 Storage unit, 3048 Transmission control unit, 3062 Signal generation unit, 3070 Storage control unit, 3072 Reading unit, 3074 Procedure control unit.

Claims (8)

A solar cell string including a plurality of solar cell modules connected in series;
An inverter connected to the solar cell string and converting DC power generated by the plurality of solar cell modules into AC power;
A switch connected to the inverter;
While any of the plurality of solar cell modules is generating power, the identification information of any of the solar cell modules that are generating power using the supply wire that supplies the DC power to the inverter as a transmission line. A plurality of transmission devices that respectively transmit
A transfer device that transfers the identification information transmitted by each of the plurality of transmission devices using the supply wire as a transmission path;
A photovoltaic power generation system comprising: a management device that receives the identification information transferred by the transfer device and manages the output of the AC power. The transmitter is
Power input means for any one of the plurality of solar cell modules to input the DC power;
Storage means for storing identification information of the solar cell module for inputting the DC power;
Information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information using the supply wire as a transmission path;
The transmission control means for controlling the information transmission means so as to transmit the identification information while the magnitude of DC power input to the power input means exceeds a threshold value. The described solar power generation system. The information transmitting means includes
A capacitor having one of the terminals connected to the supply wire;
The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 2, further comprising: a voltage control unit configured to control a voltage variation applied to the capacitor through the other of the terminals according to the content of the identification information. The transmission control means includes
A measuring means for measuring the elapsed time;
The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 2, further comprising: periodic control means for controlling the information transmission means so as to transmit the identification information at a constant cycle based on the time measured by the measurement means. The solar power generation system is
A command transmission device that repeatedly transmits command information indicating a command using the supply wire as a transmission path;
Further comprising an instruction detection device for detecting the instruction information,
The specific device that is one of the plurality of transmission devices further includes command input means for the command detection device to input a signal indicating that the command information has been transmitted,
The sunlight according to claim 2, wherein the transmission control means of the specific device includes means for controlling the information transmission means to transmit the identification information when the signal is input to the command input means. Power generation system. The transfer device is
Receiving means for receiving the identification information;
Transmitting means for transmitting information to the management device;
The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 1, further comprising: a transmission control unit for controlling the transmission unit so as to transmit the identification information received by the reception unit. The receiving means includes
A capacitor having one of the terminals connected to the supply wire;
The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 6, further comprising: generation means for generating a signal indicating the identification information based on a variation in voltage applied to the capacitor. The management device
Receiving means for receiving the identification information from the transfer device;
A communication means for communicating the identification information and reply information indicating a reply to the transmission of the identification information with a power generation monitoring device;
Output means for outputting a control signal to at least one of the inverter and the switch;
Control means for controlling the communication means and the output means,
The control means includes
A transmission control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the identification information to the power generation monitoring device when the receiving means receives the identification information;
When the period from the transmission of the identification information to the reception of the reply information corresponding to the identification information exceeds a threshold, the output means is controlled to output the control signal for stopping the output of the AC power The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 1, comprising stop control means for

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