阅读说明：本技术 电源装置及其控制方法 (Power supply device and control method thereof ) 是由 矢吹正德 于 2021-05-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供电源装置及其制造方法,在停电时能够更适当地启动。本实施方式的电池装置进行与电力系统连接的系统连接运转以及与独立负载连接的独立运转,具备发电部、辅机、连接切换部、信息取得部以及控制部。发电部产生电。辅机使发电部动作。连接切换部切换发电部、辅机、电力系统、独立负载、以及在电力系统处于异常状态的情况下使发电部启动的启动电源之间的电连接。信息取得部取得与启动电源的状态相关的信息。控制部基于启动电源的状态对连接切换部进行控制。控制部在启动电源处于运转状态的情况下使辅机与启动电源电连接,在发电部开始发电时使发电部与独立负载电连接。(The invention provides a power supply device and a manufacturing method thereof, which can be started more appropriately when power is cut off. The battery device of the present embodiment performs a system connection operation connected to a power system and an independent operation connected to an independent load, and includes a power generation unit, an auxiliary machine, a connection switching unit, an information acquisition unit, and a control unit. The power generation unit generates electricity. The auxiliary machine operates the power generation unit. The connection switching unit switches electrical connections between the power generation unit, the auxiliary machine, the power system, the independent load, and a start-up power supply that starts up the power generation unit when the power system is in an abnormal state. The information acquisition unit acquires information related to a state of the power supply. The control unit controls the connection switching unit based on the state of the startup power supply. The control unit electrically connects the auxiliary machine to the start-up power supply when the start-up power supply is in an operating state, and electrically connects the power generation unit to the independent load when the power generation unit starts power generation.)

1. A power supply device that performs a system connection operation connected to a power system and an independent operation connected to an independent load, the power supply device comprising:

a power generation unit that generates electricity;

an auxiliary machine for operating the power generation unit;

a connection switching unit that switches electrical connections between the power generation unit, the auxiliary machine, the power system, the independent load, and a start power supply that starts up the power generation unit when the power system is in an abnormal state;

an information acquisition unit that acquires information relating to a state of the startup power supply; and

a control unit for controlling the connection switching unit based on the state of the start power supply,

the control unit electrically connects the auxiliary device to the start-up power supply when the start-up power supply is in an operating state, and electrically connects the power generation unit to the independent load when the power generation unit starts power generation.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1,

the connection switching unit includes:

a 1 st switch having one end connected to the power generation unit and the other end connected to the starting power supply and the power system;

a 2 nd switch provided between the other end of the 1 st switch and the power system, one end of the 2 nd switch being connected to the other end of the 1 st switch, and the other end thereof being connected to the power system;

a 3 rd switch, one end of which is connected with the independent load and the other end of which is connected with the power generation part; and

an auxiliary switching unit connected to the auxiliary and connecting the auxiliary to one end of the 1 st switch or the other end of the 1 st switch,

the control unit controls the 1 st switch, the 2 nd switch, the 3 rd switch, and the auxiliary device switching unit based on a state of the startup power supply.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2,

further comprising a 1 st output unit electrically connected to the other end of the 2 nd switch for outputting electric power to the power system,

the other end of the 2 nd switch is electrically connected to the starting power supply via the 1 st output unit.

4. The power supply device according to claim 2,

the connection switching unit further includes a 4 th switch, the 4 th switch being provided between the other end of the 1 st switch and the starting power supply, one end of the 4 th switch being connected to the other end of the 1 st switch and one end of the 2 nd switch, the other end of the 4 th switch being connected to the starting power supply,

the control unit controls the 4 th switch based on a state of the start power supply.

5. The power supply device according to claim 4, further comprising:

a 1 st output unit electrically connected to the other end of the 1 st switch and outputting electric power to the electric power system; and

and a 1 st input unit electrically connected to the other end of the 4 th switch and receiving power from the starting power supply.

6. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

further comprises a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the starting power supply,

the information acquisition unit acquires the voltage of the starting power supply,

the control unit determines whether the starting power supply is in an operating state or a stopped state based on a voltage of the starting power supply.

7. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

further comprises a system state detection unit for detecting whether the power system is in a normal state or an abnormal state,

the control unit controls the connection switching unit based on a state of the power system.

8. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the power generation system further includes an inverter that converts dc power generated by the power generation of the power generation unit into ac power and is connected to the power system or supplies power to the independent load.

9. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the control unit electrically connects the auxiliary unit to the start-up power supply and electrically disconnects the power generation unit from the auxiliary unit and the start-up power supply when the start-up power supply is in an operating state.

10. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the control unit electrically connects the power generation unit to the independent load and electrically disconnects the start-up power supply when the power generation unit starts power generation.

11. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the control unit electrically disconnects the auxiliary device from the starting power supply and electrically connects the auxiliary device to the power generation unit when the power generation unit starts power generation, and causes the starting power supply to be in a stopped state from an operating state.

12. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the control unit electrically disconnects the power generation unit from the independent load and electrically connects the power generation unit to the power grid when the power grid changes from an abnormal state to a normal state.

13. The power supply device according to claim 12,

the control unit electrically disconnects the power generation unit from the independent load and electrically connects the power generation unit to the power grid after a connection prohibition period in which the grid connection operation is prohibited ends when the power grid changes from an abnormal state to a normal state.

14. A control method of a power supply device, wherein,

the power supply device performs a system connection operation connected to an electric power system and an independent operation connected to an independent load,

the power supply device includes:

a power generation unit that generates electricity;

an auxiliary machine for operating the power generation unit; and

a connection switching unit that switches electrical connections between the power generation unit, the auxiliary machine, the power system, the independent load, and a startup power supply that starts up the power generation unit when the power system is in an abnormal state,

the control method of the power supply device comprises the following steps:

acquiring information related to the state of the startup power supply by an information acquisition unit;

controlling the connection switching unit by a control unit based on the state of the startup power supply; and

when the start-up power supply is in an operating state, the auxiliary device is electrically connected to the start-up power supply by the control unit, and when the power generation unit starts power generation, the power generation unit is electrically connected to the independent load by the control unit.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a power supply device and a control method thereof.

Background

As an example of a power supply device capable of performing a system connection operation and an independent operation, a fuel cell system is known. Unlike a solar power generation system and a wind power generation system, a fuel cell system requires operation of internal auxiliary machines such as a blower for reacting hydrogen as a fuel with oxygen in the air and a pump for circulating cooling water, and therefore requires power to be started before power generation is started. When a fuel cell system having such characteristics is started from a state in which there is no system power to generate power (referred to as a power-supply-less start), it is necessary to supply power from a starting power supply such as an engine generator or a battery system.

However, when the starting electric power is supplied from the outside of the fuel cell system, the electric power from the fuel cell system may flow back to the starting power source when the fuel cell system starts generating electric power. At this time, there is a possibility that the starting power source may fail or the fuel cell system stops generating power.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a power supply device which can be started more appropriately when power is off and a control method thereof.

The battery device of the present embodiment is a battery device that performs a system connection operation connected to a power system and an independent operation connected to an independent load, and includes a power generation unit, an auxiliary machine, a connection switching unit, an information acquisition unit, and a control unit. The power generation unit generates electricity. The auxiliary machine operates the power generation unit. The connection switching unit switches electrical connections between the power generation unit, the auxiliary machine, the power system, the independent load, and a start-up power supply that starts up the power generation unit when the power system is in an abnormal state. The information acquisition unit acquires information related to a state of the power supply. The control unit controls the connection switching unit based on the state of the startup power supply. The control unit electrically connects the auxiliary machine to the start-up power supply when the start-up power supply is in an operating state, and electrically connects the power generation unit to the independent load when the power generation unit starts power generation.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power supply device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power supply device according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device according to embodiment 3.

Description of the symbols

1: a power supply device; 1 a: a 1 st output unit; 1 b: a 2 nd output unit; 1 c: 1 st input part; 2: an electric power system; 3: an independent load; 4: starting a power supply; 10: a power generation unit; 20: PCS; 30: an auxiliary machine; 40: a connection switching unit; 41: a 1 st switch; 42: a 2 nd switch; 43: a 3 rd switch; 44: an auxiliary machine switching unit; 45: a 4 th switch; 50: a transmitting/receiving unit; 60: a control unit; 70: a voltage detection unit.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment does not limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual drawings, and the scale of each part and the like are not necessarily limited to the same as in the actual case. In the description and the drawings, the same elements as those described with reference to the already-shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

(embodiment 1)

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply device 1 according to embodiment 1.

The power supply apparatus 1 performs a system connection operation connected to the power system 2 and an independent operation connected to the independent load 3. The power supply device 1 is, for example, a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system requires operation of internal auxiliary equipment such as a blower for reacting hydrogen as a fuel with oxygen in the air and a pump for circulating cooling water, and therefore requires starting up electric power before starting power generation. When the fuel cell system is started from a state where there is no system power to generate power (referred to as a power-supply-less start), it is necessary to supply power from a starting power supply (starting power supply 4) such as an engine generator or a battery system. Further, the independent load 3 is a load separate from the power system 2. The independent load 3 is, for example, an emergency light at the time of power failure.

The Power supply device 1 includes a Power generation unit 10, a PCS (Power Conditioning System) 20, an auxiliary unit 30, a 1 st output unit 1a, a 2 nd output unit 1b, a connection switching unit 40, a transmission/reception unit 50, and a control unit 60.

The power generation unit 10 generates direct-current power (electricity). The power generation unit 10 is, for example, a fuel cell. Thus, the power generation section 10 generates electricity using hydrogen and oxygen.

The PCS20 includes an inverter and a system state detection unit.

The inverter converts dc power generated by the power generation unit 10 into ac power. The inverter is connected to the power system 2, or supplies power to the independent load 3. That is, the inverter transmits power to the power system 2 or the independent load 3. The control unit 60 switches the control method (power generation mode setting) of the inverter (PCS20) in, for example, the independent operation mode or the system connection operation mode. The PCS20 synchronizes the output of the PCS20 with the voltage and frequency of the power system 2, for example, in the system connection operation mode. The PCS20 sets the output of the PCS20 to a fixed voltage and frequency, for example, in the independent operation mode.

The system state detection section of the PCS20 detects whether the power system 2 is in a normal state or an abnormal state. The abnormal state is, for example, a state in which a power failure, a system abnormality, or the like has occurred. The system abnormality is, for example, a disturbance in voltage or frequency. The normal state is a state of the power system 2 in a case where it is not in the abnormal state. The system state detection unit measures the voltage, frequency, and the like of the power system 2 in, for example, the system connection operation mode, and determines whether the power system 2 is in a normal state or an abnormal state based on the measured voltage or frequency. The system state detection unit transmits information relating to the state of the power system 2 to the control unit 60.

The auxiliary machine 30 operates the power generation unit 10 or assists the power generation of the power generation unit 10. The auxiliary device 30 receives the electric power supply, starts the power generation unit 10, and continues the power generation by the power generation unit 10. When the power generation unit 10 is a fuel cell, the auxiliary device 30 is, for example, a pump, a blower, or a valve for flowing a fluid to the fuel cell. The auxiliary device 30 may be a heater for temperature control, or the like.

The 1 st output unit 1a is electrically connected to the connection switching unit 40, and outputs electric power to the power grid 2. The 1 st output unit 1a is, for example, a terminal for connection.

The 2 nd output unit 1b is electrically connected to the connection switching unit 40, and outputs electric power to the independent load 3. The 2 nd output unit 1b is, for example, a terminal for connection.

The connection switching unit 40 switches the electrical connection between the power generation unit 10, the auxiliary device 30, the power system 2, the independent load 3, and the starter power supply 4 that starts up the power generation unit 10 when the power system 2 is in an abnormal state. In addition, details about the connection switching section 40 will be described later.

The transmitter/receiver 50 as an information acquiring unit acquires information related to the state of the power supply 4. The state in which the power supply 4 is activated is, for example, an operating state or a stopped state. The operating state is a state in which the starter power supply 4 is operating, and is, for example, a state in which the starter power supply 4 is generating power. The stop state is a state in which the starter power supply 4 is stopped, and is, for example, a state in which the starter power supply 4 stops generating power. The transceiver 50 communicates with the starting power supply 4 by wireless or wired communication, for example. The transmitter/receiver unit 50 receives a signal (operation state signal) indicating the state of the startup power supply 4 transmitted from the startup power supply 4, for example. The method of acquiring the information on the state of the starting power source 4 is not limited to the above method. The operation state signal may be, for example, a contact signal of a contact that is turned on (closed state) only during power generation, an analog signal, or the like. The transceiver unit 50 also transmits a signal (stop command) for stopping the power supply to the starter power supply 4. When the starting power source 4 is a generator, the stop command is, for example, a power generation stop command. The transmission/reception unit 50 may be included in the control unit 60.

The control unit 60 controls various operations of the power supply device of fig. 1. Examples of the control unit 60 include a processor, a control circuit, and a computer. The control unit 60 controls the power generation operation of the power generation unit 10, or outputs various information related to the power supply apparatus 1, such as displaying, storing, and transmitting information indicating the state of the power supply apparatus 1. This information may be output to a device inside the power supply apparatus 1 or may be output to a device outside the power supply apparatus 1.

The control unit 60 controls the connection switching unit 40 based on the state of the startup power supply 4.

The power supply device 1 is sometimes used as an emergency power supply. That is, the power supply device 1 starts and generates power in a state where power is not supplied from the power grid 2, and supplies power to the independent load 3. In this case, in order to start the power supply apparatus 1, it is necessary to receive power supply from a starting power supply 4 such as an engine generator or a battery system.

However, when the power generation unit 10(PCS20) starts generating power in the system connection operation mode when the power supply device 1 is connected to the starting power supply 4, power may flow back from the power supply device 1 to the starting power supply 4. In this case, there is a possibility that the starting power supply 4 fails and the power supply device 1 stops generating power.

Therefore, the control unit 60 causes the power generation unit 10(PCS20) to start power generation in the independent operation mode at the time of power failure. That is, the control unit 60 outputs the output power from the power generation unit 10(PCS20) to the individual load 3. Thus, the power supply apparatus 1 can be started more appropriately when the power system 2 is in an abnormal state during a power failure or the like.

More specifically, when the starter power supply 4 is in an operating state, the control unit 60 electrically connects the auxiliary device 30 to the starter power supply 4, and when the power generation unit 10 starts power generation, electrically connects the power generation unit 10(PCS20) to the independent load 3. More specifically, the "case where the starter power supply 4 is in the operating state" is the "case where the power system 2 is in the abnormal state and the starter power supply 4 is in the operating state". Further, "when the power generation unit 10 starts generating power" may be "substantially simultaneously with the start of power generation by the power generation unit 10", for example, several seconds after the start of power generation. Further, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 10 is wasted during a period from the start of power generation to the connection to the independent load 3. Therefore, the power generation unit 10 is preferably connected to the independent load 3 in a short time from the start of power generation. In addition, since the power failure occurs, the connection switching unit 40 and the starting power source 4 are electrically disconnected from the power grid 2.

More specifically, the control unit 60 controls the connection switching unit 40 based on the state of the power grid 2. The states of the power system 2 are, for example, a normal state and an abnormal state. When the power grid 2 changes from the abnormal state to the normal state, the control unit 60 electrically disconnects the power generation unit 10 from the independent load 3 and electrically connects the power grid 2. Thereby, the power supply apparatus 1 generates power in the system connection operation mode. More specifically, when the power grid 2 is changed from the abnormal state to the normal state, the control unit 60 electrically disconnects the power generation unit 10 from the individual load 3 and electrically connects the power grid 2 after the connection prohibition period (reconnection prohibition period) in which the grid connection operation is prohibited ends.

In addition, details of the switching of the connection by the control section 60 will be described later with reference to fig. 2.

Next, the connection switching unit 40 will be described in detail.

The connection switching unit 40 includes a 1 st switch 41, a 2 nd switch 42, a 3 rd switch 43, and an auxiliary switching unit 44.

The 1 st switch 41 has one end connected to the power generation unit 10(PCS20) and the other end connected to the starting power supply 4 and the power system 2. The 1 st switch 41 has one end connected to the node N2 and the other end connected to the node N1. The 1 st switch 41 is a switch that can be switched to an open state (open) or a closed state (short-circuited). The 1 st switch 41 can prevent the electric power of the power system 2 and the starting power source 4 from flowing into (flowing back to) the power generation unit 10 before the power generation unit 10 starts power generation. This is because, when the power generation unit 10 is a fuel cell, reverse reaction of the fuel cell progresses due to the reverse flow, and the fuel cell sometimes malfunctions.

The 2 nd switch 42 is provided between the other end of the 1 st switch 41 and the power system 2. Further, the 2 nd switch 42 has one end connected to the other end of the 1 st switch 41 and the other end connected to the power system 2. The 2 nd switch 42 has one end connected to the node N1 and the other end connected to the 1 st output unit 1 a. The 2 nd switch 42 is a switch that can be switched to an open state or a closed state.

The 1 st output unit 1a is electrically connected to the other end of the 2 nd switch 42, and outputs electric power to the power grid 2. The other end of the 2 nd switch 42 is electrically connected to the startup power supply 4 via the 1 st output unit 1 a. The 1 st output unit 1a is connected to the node N4. The startup power source 4 and the power system 2 are connected to the node N4, respectively.

The 3 rd switch 43 has one end connected to the independent load 3 and the other end connected to the power generation unit 10. The 3 rd switch 43 has one end connected to the 2 nd output unit 1b and the other end connected to the node N3. Further, a PCS20 (power generation unit 10) and a node N2 are connected to the node N3. The 3 rd switch 43 is a switch that switches the connection between the power generation section 10 and the independent load 3.

The 2 nd output unit 1b is electrically connected to one end of the 3 rd switch 43, and outputs electric power to the independent load 3. One end of the 3 rd switch 43 is electrically connected to the independent load 3 via the 2 nd output unit 1 b.

The auxiliary switching unit 44 is connected to the auxiliary 30, and connects the auxiliary 30 to one end of the 1 st switch 41 or the other end of the 1 st switch 41. The 1 st end 441 of the slave switching unit 44 is connected to the slave 30, the 2 nd end 442 is connected to the node N2, and the 3 rd end 443 is connected to the node N1. The auxiliary switching unit 44 switches the connection so that the 1 st end portion 441 is electrically connected to either the 2 nd end portion 442 or the 3 rd end portion 443. The auxiliary machinery switching unit 44 selects a power supply line to the auxiliary machinery 30.

The control unit 60 controls the 1 st switch 41, the 2 nd switch 42, the 3 rd switch 43, and the auxiliary switching unit 44 based on the state of the startup power supply 4. The control unit 60 controls opening and closing of the 1 st switch 41, the 2 nd switch 42, and the 3 rd switch 43. Further, control unit 60 switches the connection of auxiliary device switching unit 44.

Next, a method of controlling the power supply device 1 will be described.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power supply apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 shows an operation in the case where the startup power supply 4 starts up after the power supply apparatus 1 stops. In the initial state, the power system 2 is in an abnormal state, and the power generation unit 10 is stopped. The 1 st switch 41, the 2 nd switch 42, and the 3 rd switch 43 are, for example, in an open state.

First, the user separates (disconnects) the power system 2 from the power supply apparatus 1 and the starting power supply 4 by the breaker 2a (S10). The user turns off (open state) the circuit breaker 2a shown in fig. 1, for example. This can prevent the starting power supply 4 that is started later from being connected to the power system 2 in an abnormal state.

Next, the starting power supply 4 is started (S20). For example, the user starts the starting power supply 4. Further, the user sets the breaker 4a shown in fig. 1 to a closed state, for example.

Next, the transmission/reception unit 50 acquires the operation state signal (S30). The transceiver 50 transmits the operation state signal received from the starting power supply 4 to the controller 60.

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether or not the starter power supply 4 is in an operating state (S40). If the starting power source 4 is in the stopped state (no in step S40), step S30 is executed again. Therefore, steps S30 and S40 are repeatedly executed until the startup power supply 4 is in the operating state.

On the other hand, when the startup power supply 4 is in the operating state (yes in step S40), the control unit 60 starts up the power generation unit 10 (S50). The control unit 60 turns on the 1 st switch 41 and the 3 rd switch 43 shown in fig. 1, turns on the 2 nd switch 42, and switches the auxiliary switching unit 44 to the other end side (the side of the startup power supply 4) of the 1 st switch 41, for example. The electric power for the auxiliary device 30 required for starting the power generation unit 10 is supplied from the start power supply 4 on the 1 st output unit 1a side via the 2 nd switch 42 and the auxiliary device switching unit 44. Further, the 1 st switch 41 can suppress the reverse flow of the electric power of the starting power supply 4 to the PCS20, i.e., the power generation unit 10.

Next, the control unit 60 starts power generation in the independent operation mode (S60). For example, the control unit 60 closes the 3 rd switch 43 shown in fig. 1 at substantially the same time as the power generation unit 10 starts power generation. Thereby, the electric power generated by the power generation section 10 is supplied to the individual load 3. Further, the 1 st switch 41 can prevent the electric power generated by the power generation unit 10 from flowing back to the starting power source 4. Further, the control unit 60 sets the inverter (PCS20) to the power generation mode for the independent operation mode.

Next, after the start of power generation, the control unit 60 connects the auxiliary device 30 to the power generation unit 10(PCS20) and stops the starter power supply 4 (S70). For example, substantially at the same time when the power generation unit 10(PCS20) starts power generation, the control unit 60 switches the auxiliary device switching unit 44 shown in fig. 1 to one end side (power generation unit 10 side) of the 1 st switch 41. The auxiliary machine switching unit 44 can continuously supply electric power from the PCS20 (power generation unit 10) side to the auxiliary machine 30, and the power generation unit 10 can continuously generate power. Thus, since it is not necessary to supply electric power from the starter power supply 4, the control unit 60 stops the starter power supply 4. The control unit 60 transmits a stop command (stop signal) to the start power supply 4 via the transmission/reception unit 50, for example. Since the starting power supply 4 is stopped, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed. Further, the user sets the breaker 4a to an open state, for example.

Step S70 may be performed substantially simultaneously with step S60. The user sets the breaker 2a to the closed state in preparation for the return of the power system 2 to the normal state. Further, the control unit 60 closes the 2 nd switch 42.

Next, the control unit 60 determines whether the power system 2 is in a normal state (S80). The system state detection unit detects, for example, the state of the power system 2, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 60. If the power system 2 is in the abnormal state (no in step S80), step S80 is executed again. Therefore, step S80 is repeatedly executed until the power system 2 becomes a normal state. The power supply apparatus 1 is operated in the independent operation mode until the power system 2 is in the normal state.

On the other hand, if the power system 2 is in the normal state (yes in step S80), the connection to the power system 2 is resumed after the connection prohibition period ends (S90). After the connection prohibition period ends, for example, the control unit 60 closes the 1 st switch 41 shown in fig. 1 and opens the 3 rd switch 43. Thereby, the power supply device 1 operates in the system connection operation mode. Further, the control unit 60 sets the inverter (PCS20) to the power generation mode for the system connection operation mode.

When the power grid 2 is normal, the power supply device 1 receives power supply from the power grid 2 and starts up. In this case, the power supply device 1 starts power generation in the system connection operation mode after the power generation unit 10 is started. In addition, when the power system 2 is normal, the operation state signal is not necessary. When the power generation unit 10 is started, the control unit 60 turns on the 2 nd switch 42 shown in fig. 1, turns on the 1 st switch 41 and the 3 rd switch 43, and switches the auxiliary device switching unit 44 to the other end side (the power system 2 side) of the 1 st switch 41, for example. The control unit 60 closes the 1 st switch 41 substantially at the same time as the start of power generation, for example. Thereby, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 10 is supplied to the power grid 2. That is, the power supply device 1 operates in the system connection operation mode. Thereafter, the auxiliary switching unit 44 is switched to one end side (power generation unit 10 side) of the 1 st switch 41. The auxiliary machine switching unit 44 can continuously supply electric power from the PCS20 (power generation unit 10) side to the auxiliary machine 30, and the power generation unit 10 can continuously generate power.

As described above, according to embodiment 1, the transmission/reception unit 50 acquires information on the state of the startup power supply 4. When the start-up power supply 4 is in an operating state, the control unit 60 electrically connects the auxiliary device 30 to the start-up power supply 4, and when the power generation unit 10 starts power generation, electrically connects the power generation unit 10 to the independent load 3. This enables the power generation to be started in the independent operation mode. That is, when the power generation unit 10 starts power generation, the control unit 60 electrically connects the power generation unit 10 to the independent load 3 and electrically disconnects the starter power supply 4 (and the power system 2). As a result, the power supply apparatus 1 can be started more appropriately at the time of power failure.

When the start-up power supply 4 is in an operating state, the control unit 60 electrically connects the auxiliary device 30 to the start-up power supply 4, and electrically disconnects the power generation unit 10 from the auxiliary device 30 and the start-up power supply 4. This prevents the electric power of the starting power source 4 from flowing back to the power generation unit 10 before the power generation unit 10 generates power.

When the operation state signal is not used, the power supply apparatus cannot distinguish between the supply of power from the startup power supply 4 and the supply of power from the power grid 2 because power is supplied from the startup power supply 4 and the power grid 2 through the same wiring. Therefore, even when the power generation section is started by starting the power supply 4, the power supply device recognizes that the power system 2 is restored. In this case, the power supply device performs the system connection operation with respect to the starting power supply 4 substantially simultaneously with the start of power generation by the power generation unit, and transmits electric power. That is, there is a case where power flows back from the power supply device to the starting power supply 4. In this case, the starter power supply 4 may malfunction. Further, the voltage and frequency of the power supply 4 may fluctuate due to the reverse flow, and the system state detection unit in the PCS20 may detect a system abnormality and stop the power generation of the power supply device. To cope with such a problem, for example, it is known that after power generation is started, the power supply apparatus is set to an idle operation state, and during this time, a user performs a task such as stopping the start power supply. The idling state is a state in which electric power is not output to the power grid 2 while maintaining the power generation state. The electric power generated by the power generation unit during the idling operation is consumed by the auxiliary equipment inside the power supply device. Alternatively, in order to cope with the above-described problem, it is known to use a high-function or expensive starting power supply which does not fail even when the reverse current flows and can be reversely charged.

In contrast, in embodiment 1, the power supply device 1 can receive the operation state signal and distinguish between the supply of electric power from the startup power supply 4 and the supply of electric power from the power system 2. Therefore, when receiving the power supply from the startup power supply 4, the power supply device 1 generates power in the independent operation mode without the system connection operation mode. Since the power system 2 is not connected in the independent operation mode, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 10 can be prevented from flowing back to the starting power source 4. Therefore, the start-up power supply 4 can be prevented from malfunctioning and the voltage and frequency of the start-up power supply 4 can be prevented from varying. Further, since it is not necessary to stop the starter power supply 4 during the idling operation in order to prevent the backflow, the trouble of the operation can be simplified. The starting power supply 4 may be a low-cost starting power supply as long as it can transmit the operation state signal, for example.

In embodiment 1, when power generation unit 10 starts power generation, control unit 60 electrically disconnects auxiliary device 30 from start power supply 4 and electrically connects start power supply 4 to power generation unit 10, and sets start power supply 4 from an operating state to a stopped state. The control unit 60 can stop the starter power supply 4 by, for example, transmitting a power generation stop instruction. This can suppress the user from bothering to start the power supply 4. Since the auxiliary device 30 can receive power supply from the power generation unit 10 after the start of power generation, energy is wasted when the operation of the power supply 4 is started. Therefore, the starter power supply 4 is preferably stopped in a short time from the start of power generation.

(embodiment 2)

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 1 according to embodiment 2. Unlike embodiment 1, embodiment 2 is provided with a terminal for connection to the starting power source 4, which is different from the terminal for connection to the power system 2.

The power supply device 1 further includes a 1 st input unit 1 c.

The 1 st input unit 1c is electrically connected to the connection switching unit 40 and receives power supply from the starting power source 4. The 1 st input unit 1c is, for example, a terminal for connection.

The connection switching unit 40 further includes a 4 th switch 45.

The 4 th switch 45 is provided between the other end of the 1 st switch 41 and the starting power source 4. One end of the 4 th switch 45 is connected to the other end of the 1 st switch 41 and one end of the 2 nd switch 42, and the other end is connected to the starting power source 4. The 4 th switch 45 has one end connected to the node N1 and the other end connected to the 1 st input unit 1 c. The 4 th switch 45 is a switch that can be switched to an open state or a closed state.

The 1 st input unit 1c is electrically connected to the other end of the 4 th switch 45 and receives power supply from the starting power source 4.

The control unit 60 controls the 4 th switch 45 based on the state of the startup power supply 4.

Other configurations of the power supply apparatus 1 according to embodiment 2 are the same as those of the power supply apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted.

Next, a method of controlling the power supply device 1 will be described.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power supply device 1 according to embodiment 2. In the initial state, the 4 th switch 45 is, for example, in an open state. Steps S20 to S40, S60, and S80 are the same as those in fig. 2.

First, the control unit 60 disconnects the power system 2 from the power supply device 1 and the starting power supply 4 by the 2 nd switch 42 (S11). In the initial state, for example, the 2 nd switch 42 shown in fig. 3 is in the on state. Unlike embodiment 1, the user does not need to set the breaker 2a to the open state. This is because the wiring of the starting power source 4 is different from the wiring of the power grid 2, and even when the breaker 2a is kept in the closed state, the starting power source 4 can be prevented from being connected to the power grid 2 in the abnormal state. That is, the control unit 60 can be disconnected from the power grid 2 by turning the 2 nd switch 42 on. Therefore, the user can be prevented from performing the disconnecting operation using the circuit breaker 2 a.

In step S50, the control unit 60 turns on the 1 st switch 41, the 2 nd switch 42, and the 3 rd switch 43 shown in fig. 3, turns on the 4 th switch 45, and switches the auxiliary switching unit 44 to the other end side of the 1 st switch 41 (the side of the startup power supply 4), for example. Unlike the embodiment 1, the 2 nd switch 42 is kept in the open state. This is because the power is supplied from the starting power source 4 via the 4 th switch 45.

In step S70, after the startup power supply 4 is stopped, the control unit 60 may turn on the 4 th switch 45. The control unit 60 turns on the 4 th switch 45 in response to the operation state signal, for example. Thereafter, in preparation for the return of the power system 2 to the normal state, the control unit 60 closes the 2 nd switch 42.

When the power system 2 is in the normal state (yes in step S80), after the connection prohibition period ends, the control unit 60 is connected again to the power system 2 via the 2 nd switch 42 (S91). After the connection prohibition period ends, for example, the control unit 60 closes the 1 st switch 41 shown in fig. 3 and opens the 3 rd switch 43. Unlike embodiment 1, the user does not need to set the breaker 2a to the closed state. Therefore, the user can be prevented from having to perform the reconnection operation using the breaker 2 a.

The power supply device 1 according to embodiment 2 can obtain the same effects as those of embodiment 1.

(embodiment 3)

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 1 according to embodiment 3. The difference between embodiment 3 and embodiment 2 is that the voltage of the starting power supply 4 is detected. In embodiment 3, the startup power supply 4 does not transmit the operation state signal.

The power supply device 1 further includes a voltage detection unit 70.

The voltage detection unit 70 detects the voltage of the starting power supply 4. In more detail, the voltage detection unit 70 is provided between the connection switching unit 40 (the other end of the 4 th switch 45) and the 1 st input unit 1 c. The voltage detection unit 70 is connected to a node N5 provided between the other end of the 4 th switch 45 and the 1 st input unit 1 c. The voltage detection unit 70 transmits the detection result of the voltage to the transmission/reception unit 50.

The transceiver 50 obtains the voltage for starting the power supply 4. The transceiver 50 transmits the voltage of the starting power source 4 to the controller 60.

The control unit 60 determines whether the starter power supply 4 is in an operating state or in a stopped state based on the voltage of the starter power supply 4. More specifically, the control unit 60 determines that the starter power supply 4 is in the operating state when the voltage of the starter power supply 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and determines that the starter power supply 4 is in the stopped state when the voltage of the starter power supply 4 is less than the predetermined value. Therefore, the state of the starter power supply 4 can be recognized according to the presence or absence of a voltage (generated voltage), and the starter power supply 4 does not need to transmit an operation state signal. As the starting power source 4, an inexpensive power source (generator) having no function of outputting the operation state signal can be used.

Other configurations of the power supply apparatus 1 according to embodiment 3 are the same as those of the power supply apparatus 1 according to embodiment 2, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted.

The power supply device 1 according to embodiment 3 can obtain the same effects as those of embodiment 2.

At least a part of the power supply device 1 and the control method thereof according to the present embodiment may be configured by hardware or software. In the case of being constituted by software, a program for realizing at least a part of the functions of the power supply device 1 and the control method thereof may be stored in a storage medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM, and may be read and executed by a computer. The storage medium is not limited to a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and may be a fixed storage medium such as a hard disk device or a memory. Further, the program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the power supply device 1 and the control method thereof may be distributed via a communication line (including wireless communication) such as the internet. Further, the program may be encrypted or modulated and distributed in a compressed state via a wired line such as the internet, a wireless line, or stored in a recording medium.

The present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, which are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.