JP2011101523A - Power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply device wherein the specification of a power distribution system is changed easily. <P>SOLUTION: The power supply device 1 is configured by accommodating power converters in a board device 10 as module devices 2a-2d respectively and connecting each module device 2a-2d to bus lines 11 provided in the board device 10. Each of the module devices 2a-2d is constituted by incorporating the internal circuit in the body which is set to the default unit size. The connecting ports for connecting the bus lines 11 are provided in the body of each module device 2a-2d, and the shape of the connecting port is common among all module devices 2a-2d. The internal circuitry of each module device 2a-2d has functions of: controlling each output power autonomously so that a load is supplied with power corresponding to the power demanded from the load by being connected to the bus lines 11; and operating according to an instruction provided externally through the channel 11b. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device having a power converter that converts input power into desired output power.

  Conventionally, AC power from a commercial power source is converted into DC power by a large-capacity and high-efficiency AC / DC converter (AC / DC converter) disposed in a distribution board such as a house, and a DC load (DC A distribution system that distributes DC power from a distribution board via a power supply line to a load that operates upon receiving power supply has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The power distribution system described in Patent Document 1 uses not only DC power obtained by converting power from a commercial power supply but also DC power obtained from these distributed power supplies by using a secondary battery, a solar battery, or the like as a distributed power supply. Electricity can also be used together. These distributed power supplies are provided with a DC / DC converter as a power converter for stepping up or stepping down the output voltage. That is, power is supplied to the load from a plurality of power converters (AC / DC converter, DC / DC converter, etc.).

  Here, it is known that a general power converter changes the power conversion efficiency according to the magnitude of its output current (output power). Therefore, Patent Document 1 adopts a configuration in which the output of another distributed power source is controlled so that an AC / DC converter as a power converter is operated in a state close to the maximum conversion efficiency. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 also describes that a plurality of AC / DC converters are provided side by side in accordance with the magnitude of power supplied to the load.

JP 2009-153301 A

  However, in the conventional power distribution system, for example, if the power supplied to the load changes due to the addition of the load or the replacement of the load, the existing power converter alone may not be able to cover the power supplied to the load. In addition, when the specifications of the power distribution system are determined so that the power conversion efficiency increases in accordance with the power supplied to the load, the power conversion efficiency can be improved by changing the power supplied to the load significantly. It may decrease. In order to solve these problems, it is necessary to change the specifications of the power distribution system according to the load, but to do so, the entire power distribution system must be replaced, so that the existing power distribution system is wasted and the cost is reduced. But there is a problem that it becomes uselessly expensive.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said reason, Comprising: It aims at providing the electric power supply apparatus which can implement | achieve the change of the specification of a power distribution system easily.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of module devices composed of a plurality of power converters each converting input power into desired output power, and a trunk that is composed of a power path and a communication path and is electrically connected to the module apparatus. A power supply device that supplies power to a load through a power supply line connected to the main trunk, each module device having a connection port for connecting the main trunk, each as a unit dimension Formed in an external dimension that corresponds to a plurality of module devices of specified external dimensions or unit dimensions arranged side by side, and is detachably attached to the main trunk via the connection port, and stored in the internal body And an internal circuit connected to the main road, and the internal circuit autonomously controls each output power so that power corresponding to the power required from the load is supplied to the load. And having a capacity and a function of operating in accordance with a command from the outside through the communication channel.

  According to this configuration, the power converter has an external dimension corresponding to an external dimension defined as a unit dimension or a module device having an external dimension equivalent to a plurality of unit devices arranged in parallel, and an internal circuit connected to the main trunk. Therefore, it is possible to easily add or replace power converters. Therefore, there is an advantage that the specification of the power distribution system can be easily changed according to the load. In addition, the internal circuit of the module device has a function of autonomously controlling each output power so that power corresponding to the power required from the load is supplied to the load, so only connecting the module device to the main trunk line The module device enables power supply to the load. Furthermore, since the internal circuit of the module device also has a function of operating in accordance with an external command via the communication path, complicated control by an external command is also possible.

  The invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of module devices connected to the main trunk constitute a group of converters, and The sum of the supply currents output from all the module devices is supplied to the load as the total output current, and the power conversion efficiency in each module device changes according to the magnitude of each supply current, and is supplied for each module device An efficiency storage unit in which a correspondence relationship between the current and the conversion efficiency is stored in advance, and a pattern storage unit in which a plurality of allocation patterns representing a rule of allocation of the total output current to each module device of the converter group are stored in advance The total output instruction unit for instructing the total output current required for the converter group, the total output current instructed by the total output instruction unit, and the conversion efficiency stored in the efficiency storage unit An assignment determination unit that selects one allocation pattern in the pattern storage unit as an application pattern, and an allocation control unit that controls the output of each module device so that a total output current is allocated to each module device according to the selected application pattern; And the sharing determination unit assigns the total output current to the module devices of the converter group according to each allocation pattern in the pattern storage unit, and calculates the conversion efficiency in the efficiency storage unit when the total power is input to the entire converter group. The calculation is performed for each allocation pattern, and an allocation pattern that minimizes the sum of the input power is selected as an application pattern.

  According to this configuration, by assigning the total output current according to the application pattern, the power conversion efficiency as a whole of the plurality of module devices constituting the converter group can be improved as compared with the case where assignment is performed according to another assignment pattern. Get higher. As a result, there is an advantage that the loss that occurs during power conversion can be reduced as a whole power supply apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein each module device of the converter group includes a switching power supply in which a correspondence relationship between a supply current and a conversion efficiency changes according to each oscillation control mode, The sharing determination unit selects an application pattern using the conversion efficiency after the change.

  According to this configuration, it becomes possible to select an allocation pattern that minimizes the total sum of input power regardless of the oscillation control mode of the module device as an application pattern, and as a whole, a plurality of module devices constituting the converter group The power conversion efficiency is increased.

  Invention of Claim 4 is used for the power distribution system provided with the solar cell and storage battery as a distributed power supply, and the power conditioner which has the function to convert direct current into alternating current in invention of Claim 1, and the storage battery and power It has a power converter which is the module device between the conditioner, the power converter is connected to the main road, and the power from the solar battery and the storage battery is input to the power conditioner, and the solar battery and the storage battery If there is surplus power at one of the outputs, the surplus power is reversely flowed to the commercial power system via the power conditioner.

  According to this configuration, since the power from the solar battery and the storage battery is used as the input of the power conditioner, the power conditioner is shared between the solar battery and the storage battery, and surplus not only in the solar battery but also in the output of the storage battery. Even when there is power, the surplus power can be reversely flowed to the commercial power system via the power conditioner.

  The invention of claim 5 is the invention of claim 4, wherein the power conditioner is provided between the solar cell and the commercial power system, and a power converter is provided between the solar cell and the main trunk. And the power converter is capable of bidirectional power conversion between the solar battery and the storage battery, and if there is surplus power at the output of the storage battery, the surplus power is commercialized via the power conditioner. It is characterized by causing reverse power flow to the power system.

  According to this configuration, the power converter between the solar cell and the main trunk can be bidirectionally converted, so that the power converter normally outputs the power generated by the solar cell to the main trunk. And when surplus electric power arises in the output of a storage battery, the surplus electric power can be made to flow backward to a commercial power system. Note that the power converter between the solar cell and the main road may be realized by a single bidirectional module device, or by using two unidirectional module devices. Good.

  The present invention provides a power converter having an outer dimension equivalent to an external dimension defined as a unit dimension or a module having an outer dimension equivalent to a plurality of unit devices having a unit dimension, and an internal circuit connected to the main road. Since the module device is modularized, the power converter can be easily added or replaced. Therefore, there is an advantage that the specification of the power distribution system can be easily changed according to the load.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the power distribution system of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other structural example of an electric power supply apparatus same as the above. It is a conversion efficiency-output characteristic figure of the module apparatus used for the same as the above. It is a schematic block diagram of the principal part of a power distribution system same as the above. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the power distribution system of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic circuit diagram which shows the structure of the module apparatus used for the same as the above.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the power distribution system of the present embodiment converts the power from the storage battery 3 and the solar battery 4 as a distributed power source, and the power from the storage battery 3, the solar battery 4, and the commercial power source AC into desired power and outputs the power. A supply device 1 is provided.

  This power distribution system is configured to supply the supply current output from the power supply device 1 to a plurality of loads (not shown) via the power supply line 5. The load connected to the power supply line 5 is a DC load that operates by receiving supply of DC power, and includes, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) lighting device, a home alarm device, or the like. Further, an AC power supply line 7 connected to the commercial power supply AC through the AC distribution board 6 is provided, and the power supply line 7 receives an AC power supply and operates with an AC load (not shown). ) Can be connected. Thereby, it is possible to supply electric power to both the DC load and the AC load.

  The power supply device 1 includes a plurality of power converters that convert input power into desired output power. Here, as a power converter constituting the power supply device 1, both provided between the commercial power supply (AC distribution board 6) AC and the power supply line 5 and capable of mutually converting AC power and DC power. A bidirectional AC / DC converter, a DC / DC converter that boosts or lowers the output of the solar battery 4, and a bidirectional DC / DC converter for charging and discharging the storage battery (secondary battery) 3 are provided. It has been.

  By the way, the power supply device 1 of the present embodiment includes a panel device 10 fixed at a fixed position in the house, and each of the power converters as described above is a module device 2a to 2d (hereinafter, no particular distinction is made). The module device 2 is sometimes housed in the panel device 10 as simply “module device 2” and connected to the bus line (main trunk path) 11 provided in the panel device 10. Here, the DC power supply line 5 is divided into two systems, a high voltage system (for example, DC 350 V) and a low voltage system (for example, DC 48 V). The high voltage system power supply line 5 is directly connected to the bus line 11, The system power supply line 5 is connected to the bus line 11 via a step-down DC / DC converter as the module device 2d.

  In the present embodiment, all the module devices 2 used in the power supply device 1 are configured by incorporating an internal circuit (not shown) into a container (not shown) set to a predetermined unit size. The external dimensions and shape are common. The panel device 10 includes a mounting space (not shown) in which a plurality of unit-sized module devices 2 can be mounted side by side, and a connection port (see FIG. 5) for connecting the module device 2 mounted in the mounting space to the bus line 11. Not shown). Each module device 2 is provided with a connection port (not shown) for connecting the bus line 11 to the body thereof, and the shape and arrangement of the connection port are common to all the module devices 2. . Therefore, any module device 2 can be attached to the mounting space and connected to the bus line 11 as long as there is an empty space in the mounting space of the panel device 10.

  In addition to the connection port for the bus line 11, each module device 2 is provided with a connection terminal (not shown) for connecting the commercial power supply (AC distribution board 6) AC, the solar battery 4, and the storage battery 3. ing. Therefore, the wiring from the AC distribution board 6, the solar battery 4, and the storage battery 3 is drawn into the board device 10 and connected to the connection terminal of each module device 2.

  The bus line 11 is divided into a power supply path 11a for power supply and a communication path 11b for communication, and the connection port of the bus line 11 in each module device 2 is separate for the power path 11a and the communication path 11b. It may be common. Here, the power supply device 1 includes a communication interface 12 connected to the communication path 11 b of the bus line 11 in the panel device 10. By connecting an external device to the communication interface 12, the external power supply device 1 Communication is possible between the apparatus and each module apparatus 2 connected to the communication path 11b. It is assumed that a voltage of DC 350V ± 10V is applied to the power path 11a.

  The internal circuit of each module device 2 is connected to the bus line 11 so that each output power is autonomously controlled so that power corresponding to the power requested from the load is supplied to the load, and communication. And a function of operating according to a command from the outside via the path 11b. In other words, in the power supply apparatus 1, if the module apparatus 2 is connected to the bus line 11, each module apparatus 2 starts its own operation without any setting or the like, and can supply power to the load. Become. Furthermore, it becomes possible to control the operation of each module device 2 from the outside by communication with a controller, which will be described later, via the communication interface 12.

  Here, when each module device 2 operates by autonomous control, each module device 2 monitors the voltage on the power path 11a of the bus line 11 in order to see the request from the load, and the magnitude of the output according to the magnitude of the voltage. Operates to determine height and orientation. That is, if the voltage on the power path 11a decreases, the power supplied to the load is insufficient. On the other hand, if the voltage increases, it is estimated that surplus power is generated in the power supplied to the load. Determine the height and orientation.

  For example, the module device 2a composed of an AC / DC converter provided between the commercial power source AC and the power supply line 5 can convert AC power from the commercial power source AC into DC power if the voltage on the power path 11a is less than 350V. If it is 350V or higher, AC power is reversely flowed (sold) to the commercial power source AC. The module device 2c composed of a DC / DC converter that charges and discharges the storage battery 3 discharges the storage battery 3 when the voltage on the power path 11a becomes less than the threshold value, and charges the storage battery 3 when the voltage exceeds the threshold value. The module device 2b composed of a DC / DC converter that steps up and down the output of the solar cell 4 performs known maximum power point tracking control (MPPT control). Moreover, paying attention to the point that the output of the solar cell 4 changes depending on the time zone, the operation characteristics of each module device 2 may be changed according to the time zone.

  According to the power supply device 1 having the above-described configuration, various power converters can be accommodated and connected to the panel device 10 as the module device 2, so that, for example, as shown in FIG. It is possible to add a power converter as a component. In the example of FIG. 2, compared to the example of FIG. 1, the module device 2 e composed of an AC / DC converter for commercial power supply AC, the module device 2 f composed of a DC / DC converter for a solar cell 4, and the storage battery 3 are charged. A module device 2g composed of a bidirectional DC / DC converter for discharging and a module device 2h composed of a DC / DC converter for the high-voltage power supply line 5 are added. In short, in the power supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the module device 2 can be easily added or replaced (exchanged) with the addition or replacement of the load, and the specifications of the power supply device 1 can be easily adjusted according to the load. Can be changed. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, there is no need to replace the entire power distribution system, the existing power distribution system is not wasted, and there is an advantage that the cost can be reduced at a low cost.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that any of the module devices 2 has a common unit size, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and any one of the module devices 2 is divided into a plurality of module devices 2 having a unit size. It is good also as a dimension of. Even in this case, the module device 2 can be attached to an installation space corresponding to a plurality of module devices 2 having a unit size.

  By the way, among the plurality of module devices 2 a to 2 d attached to the panel device 10, the module devices 2 a, 2 b, 2 c that output power on the power path 11 a of the bus line 11 constitute a group of converter groups 20. The sum of the supply currents output from all the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c constituting these converter groups 20 is supplied to the load as a total output current.

  Here, each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c is a so-called switching power supply device, and the conversion efficiency of power when converting AC power to DC power as shown in FIG. It has a conversion efficiency-output characteristic that changes depending on the length. In the present embodiment, each module device 2 is configured to have a conversion efficiency-output characteristic (conversion efficiency curve) that maximizes the conversion efficiency when the supplied current is the maximum efficiency value Ip lower than the rated current value. It shall be. In other words, the power conversion efficiency in the module device 2 is maximized when the supply current is at the maximum efficiency value Ip, and decreases with increasing or decreasing from the maximum efficiency value Ip. Hereinafter, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that all the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20 have a common conversion efficiency-output characteristic.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the output of the solar battery 4 and the remaining capacity of the storage battery 3 are sufficient. However, in actuality, for example, the output of the solar cell 4 decreases at night, and the supply current output from the module device 2b including the DC / DC converter that boosts or lowers the output of the solar cell 4 is the solar cell 4 It will be limited within the limit according to the output of. That is, the outputs of the module devices 2b and 2c are limited within the limits corresponding to the output of the solar cell 4 and the remaining capacity of the storage battery 3, and the shortage is compensated by the other module device 2a.

  The controller 8 (see FIG. 4), which is an external device, is connected to the communication path 11b of the bus line 11 via the communication interface 12, and supplies the current output from each module device 2, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 3, In addition, the power consumed by the load is monitored, and the operation of each module device 2 is controlled. Here, the controller 8 is provided with a communication function so that data can be transmitted to and from each module device 2 via the communication interface 12.

  Next, more specific configurations of the controller 8 and the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c will be described with reference to FIG.

  Each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c includes a communication unit 21 that communicates with the controller 8, a current control circuit 22 that converts input power into desired power, and an output control unit that performs feedback control of the current control circuit 22. 23. In FIG. 4, the internal configuration is shown only for one module device 2a, but the other module devices 2b and 2c have the same configuration.

  The controller 8 includes a communication unit 81 that communicates with the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, and a total output instruction unit 82 that calculates a total output current that needs to be output from the converter group 20. The total output instruction unit 82 is a converter group based on the relationship between the remaining capacity and charge / discharge capacity of the storage battery 3 collected via the communication unit 81, the operating state (power generation amount) of the solar cell 4, and the current consumption at the load. The total output current to be output by the 20 module devices 2a, 2b, 2c is calculated.

  Further, the controller 8 assigns the total output current to the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, and the efficiency storage unit 83 in which the correspondence between the supply current and the conversion efficiency is stored in advance for each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. And a pattern storage unit 84 in which a plurality of types of allocation patterns representing the rules are stored in advance. The controller 8 also includes an assignment determination unit 85 that determines which assignment pattern stored in the pattern storage unit 84 is used to assign the total output current, and the assignment selected by the assignment determination unit 85. An allocation control unit 86 that actually gives an instruction to allocate the total output current according to the pattern is provided.

  Here, based on the conversion efficiency-output characteristic of FIG. 2 described above, for example, an efficiency table indicating a correspondence relationship between the supply current and the conversion efficiency as shown in Table 1 below is stored. In the example of Table 1, the power conversion efficiency corresponding to the supply current up to the rated current value (4.0 [A]) of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c is expressed in increments of 0.1 [A] of the supply current. Has been. That is, each module device 2a, 2b, 2c has the maximum power conversion efficiency (here 75 [%]) when the output current supplied is the maximum efficiency value (here 2.0 [A]) Ip. It becomes. Hereinafter, description will be made on the assumption that the efficiency table of Table 1 is used.

  The allocation pattern stored in the pattern storage unit 84 is the total output for each of the plurality of module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20 when the total output current is output from the converter group 20. It specifies how the current is allocated. That is, the allocation pattern is a supply current that needs to be output to each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c constituting the converter group 20 in order to cause the converter group 20 to output a total output current of a certain magnitude. Represents a rule for determining the size of. In the present embodiment, the pattern storage unit 84 stores six types of allocation patterns “No. 1” to “No. 6” shown in Table 2 below. Note that the allocation patterns of “No. 1” to “No. 6” are merely examples, and only a part of them can be used as an allocation pattern, or other allocation patterns can be used.

  Each allocation pattern in Table 2 will be described below. The “assignment example” column at the right end of Table 2 shows an example of current values assigned to the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c according to each assignment pattern when the total output current is 5.0 [A]. Yes.

  The six types of allocation patterns “No. 1” to “No. 6” include the uneven distribution patterns of “No. 1” and “No. 2” and the total average of “No. 3” and “No. 4”. The patterns are roughly classified into “No. 5” and “No. 6” quasi-averaged patterns.

  First, the bias pattern (Nos. 1 and 2) assigns a total output current to each at least one module device 2 in the converter group 20 by a supply current (maximum efficiency value Ip) that maximizes each conversion efficiency. In addition, this is a pattern in which the remainder of the total output current is assigned to any one of the module devices 2. Therefore, in this uneven weight pattern, an emphasis is placed on increasing the conversion efficiency of the individual module devices 2a, 2b, 2c.

  Here, the first pattern of “No. 1” and the second pattern of “No. 2” are different in the handling of the remaining of the total output current. That is, in the first pattern, the remaining current is assigned to one module device 2 other than the module device 2 to which the supply current of the maximum efficiency value Ip has already been assigned. Therefore, if the surplus current is equal to or less than the maximum efficiency value Ip, the module device 2 to which the surplus current is assigned outputs a supply current that is equal to or less than the maximum efficiency value Ip. For this reason, for example, when the total output current is 5.0 [A], the total output current is 2 [A], 2 [A], 1 [ A] are assigned one by one.

  On the other hand, in the second pattern, the remaining current is added to any one of the module devices 2 to which the supply current of the maximum efficiency value has already been assigned. Therefore, a supply current larger than the maximum efficiency value Ip is output from the module device 2 to which the remaining current is allocated. Therefore, for example, when the total output current is 5.0 [A], the total output current is 3 [A], 2 [A], 0 [0] in each module device 2a, 2b, 2c in the allocation pattern of “No. 2”. A] are assigned one by one.

  Further, the total average pattern (No. 3, 4) is the total output current for all the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20, and the supply current between the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c. This pattern is assigned evenly as much as possible so that the variation in the number is small. In short, in the total averaging pattern, the magnitude of the total output current is divided by the number of module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20, and the result is assigned to each module device 2a, 2b, 2c. Therefore, in this total averaging pattern, the conversion efficiency of the individual module devices 2a, 2b, 2c is not emphasized, and emphasis is placed on the balance of the operations of the plurality of module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20. Will be placed.

  Here, the uniform pattern of “No. 3” and the residual pattern of “No. 4” differ depending on whether they are equally allocated at the decimal level or even at the integer level. That is, in the uniform pattern, when the total output current is allocated to all the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, the supply current of each module device 2a, 2b, and 2c is set to the decimal point (here, up to the first decimal place). ) Is assigned so as to be equal to the value of). Here, when a remainder after the decimal point is generated, the remaining current is also allocated to all the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c as evenly as possible. Therefore, for example, when the total output current is 5.0 [A], the total output current is 1.7 [A] and 1.7 [A] in each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c in the “No. 3” allocation pattern. ] 1.6 [A].

  On the other hand, in the residual pattern, when assigning the total output current to all the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c, the assignment is made so that only the integer part of the supply current of each module device 2a, 2b, 2c is equal. Do. Here, when a residue occurs, only an integer part of the remaining current is allocated to all the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c as evenly as possible. Therefore, for example, if the total output current is 5.0 [A], the total output current is 2 [A], 2 [A], 1 [ A] are assigned one by one. When the remaining current includes a value after the decimal point, the value after the decimal point is added to any one of the module devices 2 and assigned. At this time, as the module device 2 to which the current value after the decimal point is assigned, it is desirable to select one that increases the power conversion efficiency by adding the current value.

  Further, the quasi-averaged pattern (Nos. 5 and 6) is obtained by changing the total output current between these module devices 2 with respect to a part of the module devices 2 constituting the converter group 20 (two in this case). This is a pattern that is assigned as evenly as possible so as to reduce the variation in the supply current. In short, in the quasi-averaged pattern, the magnitude of the total output current is divided by the number (two in this case) of some of the module devices 2 constituting the converter group 20, and the result is the result of these some of the module devices 2. Allocated to Therefore, in this quasi-averaged pattern, at least one module device 2 stops operating. The control of the output of each module device 2 performed by the allocation control unit 86 includes not only controlling the magnitude of the supply current but also controlling the operation of the module device 2 in this way. Here, the relationship between the uniform pattern of “No. 5” and the residual pattern of “No. 6” is the same as that of the above-described all average pattern (No. 3, 4). Omitted.

  Therefore, for example, when the total output current is 5.0 [A], the total output current is 2 [A], 2 [A], 1 [1] in each module device 2a, 2b, 2c in the allocation pattern of “No. 5”. A] is allocated, and in the allocation pattern 2a, 2b, 2c of “No. 6”, 2 [A], 2 [A], and 1 [A] are allocated.

  By the way, the assignment determination unit 85 of the controller 8 allocates the total output current using each of the six types of allocation patterns in the pattern storage unit 84, and all the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c of the converter group 20 are allocated. Of the input power (hereinafter referred to as “total input power”). Furthermore, the sharing determination unit 85 determines the total conversion power in the entire converter group 20 from the relationship between the total input power and the sum of the output powers of all the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c (hereinafter referred to as “total output power”). The power conversion efficiency (hereinafter referred to as “total conversion efficiency”) is calculated, and an allocation pattern that maximizes the total conversion efficiency is obtained. The allocation pattern having the maximum total conversion efficiency obtained in this manner is an application pattern used for actual total output current allocation.

  More specifically, the assignment determination unit 85 first receives an instruction of the total output current value from the total output instruction unit 82, and each of the converter groups 20 constituting the converter group 20 when the total output current is allocated according to each allocation pattern. The supply current of the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c is obtained. Then, the sharing determination unit 85 converts the power in each module device 2a, 2b, 2c based on the efficiency table in the efficiency storage unit 83 using the supply current of each module device 2a, 2b, 2c thus obtained. Seeking efficiency. As a result, the supply current and the conversion efficiency are obtained for each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, and the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c are used using these and the known output voltage (voltage applied to the power path). Input power can be calculated. The total sum of the input powers for all the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c thus obtained becomes the total input power, and the total conversion efficiency can be obtained from the relationship between the total input power and the known total output power. The sharing determination unit 85 stores the obtained total conversion efficiency in a temporary storage unit (not shown) for each allocation pattern.

  The application pattern (any allocation pattern) selected by the assignment determination unit 85 as described above is notified to the allocation control unit 86. Upon receiving the notification of the application pattern, the allocation control unit 86 assigns the total output current according to the application pattern, and obtains the magnitude of the supply current to be output from each module device 2a, 2b, 2c. The allocation control unit 86 transmits a current command representing the obtained magnitude of the supplied current to each module device 2a, 2b, 2c through the communication unit 81.

  In the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c that have received the current command from the controller (assignment control unit 86) 8 at the communication unit 21, the output control unit 23 controls the current control circuit 22 according to the current command. Thereby, the supply current designated by the current command is output from each of the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c.

  The controller 8 selects an application pattern each time the magnitude of the total output current changes beyond a predetermined allowable range, and reassigns the total output current to each module device 2a, 2b, 2c. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the selection of the application pattern and the reallocation of the total output current may be performed periodically.

  According to the configuration described above, each module device 2a, 2b, 2c of the converter group 20 outputs a supply current having a magnitude allocated to each module device 2a, 2b, 2c according to the application pattern. Become. Here, since the application pattern is an assignment pattern selected so as to maximize the total conversion efficiency from among a plurality of types of assignment patterns, the module devices 2a and 2b constituting the converter group 20 by following the application pattern. , 2c as a whole has a relatively high power conversion efficiency. As a result, there is an advantage that the loss generated during the power conversion in the converter group 20 can be reduced, and the power conversion efficiency of the entire power supply apparatus can be improved.

  By the way, when the conversion efficiency-output characteristics are common in all the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20 as in the present embodiment, each module device is assigned with each supply current assigned according to the application pattern. The total conversion efficiency is constant even if it is assigned to 2a, 2b, 2c. That is, as long as the combination of supply currents follows the application pattern, the total conversion efficiency does not change even if the assignment destinations of the supply currents are exchanged between the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. For example, in the allocation pattern of “No. 1”, when the total output current of 5 [A] is allocated 2 [A], 2 [A], and 1 [A] at a time, the module device sets the supply current to 1 [A]. Regardless of 2a, 2b, 2c, the total conversion efficiency is the same.

  Therefore, as another configuration example of the present embodiment, a combination determination unit (not shown) that determines a combination of supply currents to be assigned to the sharing determination unit 85, and each module device 2a, 2b, 2c It is conceivable to have a configuration including a unique allocation unit (not shown) for determining whether to allocate to each other. In this configuration, the combination determining unit first determines the combination of supply currents that maximizes the total conversion efficiency according to the allocation pattern, and then the specific allocation unit determines the application pattern including the supply current allocation destination. .

  In this case, it may be possible to randomly determine the supply current allocation destination to be allocated by the specific allocation unit, but priorities are given to the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, and a large supply current increases in descending order of priority. It is desirable to be assigned. Here, the priority is not fixedly determined, but is variably determined so that the load is not biased to some of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c.

  Specifically, an integrated monitoring unit (not shown) that monitors the integrated value of the amount of current supplied from each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c for each module device 2a, 2b, and 2c, and the monitoring result of the integrated monitoring unit A priority determining unit (not shown) for determining the priority based on the controller 8 is provided in the controller 8.

  The integration monitoring unit monitors the supply current for each of the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20, and manages the integration value [Ah] of the supply current amount on the table. Integration is performed periodically (for example, every second). Note that the integrated value of the supplied current amount may be determined by each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c instead of the controller 8. The priority determination unit determines the priorities of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c so that the priorities increase in ascending order of the integrated values. The priority is updated regularly.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the allocation destination is determined based on the priority of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, since the large supply current is allocated in order from the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c having the smallest integrated value of the supply current amount, the module Variations in the amount of supplied current among the devices 2a, 2b, 2c can be reduced. That is, by distributing the operating time evenly and averaging the operating rates of the plurality of module devices 2a, 2b, 2c, it is possible to prevent the burden on some of the module devices 2a, 2b, 2c from being biased. Therefore, it is possible to avoid shortening the service life of some of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c due to overuse, and a period in which the power distribution system can be continuously used without requiring replacement of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. Becomes longer.

  Further, the conversion efficiency-output characteristic (conversion efficiency curve) of each module device 2a, 2b, 2c may change depending on the switching oscillation control mode of each module device 2a, 2b, 2c. For example, when the output of each module device 2a, 2b, 2c is controlled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, if the switching frequency changes, the conversion efficiency-output characteristics also change. Further, when performing burst control in which an oscillation period in which output is performed by PWM control and an oscillation stop period in which output is stopped are alternately repeated, conversion efficiency-output characteristics change with a change in timing of burst control. Therefore, the controller 8 stores in advance the conversion efficiency-output characteristics of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c after the change in the oscillation control mode in association with the change in the oscillation control mode, and responds to the change in the oscillation control mode. It is desirable to make the conversion efficiency-output characteristics variable.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the conversion efficiency-output characteristics of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c are stored in the efficiency storage unit 83 as an efficiency table is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. An arithmetic expression indicating the correspondence relationship may be stored in the efficiency storage unit 83. In this case, the sharing determination unit 83 can obtain the conversion efficiency of each of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c using the arithmetic expression.
(Embodiment 2)
The power distribution system of the present embodiment is different from the power distribution system of the first embodiment in that the surplus power of the storage battery 3 can be reversely flowed to the commercial power source AC side (commercial system).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the solar cell 4 is connected to the AC distribution board 6 via a power conditioner 9 having a function of converting direct current to alternating current. It is configured so that it can be converted into alternating current by the power conditioner 9 and reversely flowed (sold) into the commercial system.

  Here, the power supply device 1 includes a module device 2a ′ that is provided between the commercial power supply AC and the power path 11a, and that includes an AC / DC converter that converts AC power into DC power, a solar cell 4, and a power path 11a. A module device 2b ′ composed of a bidirectional DC / DC converter provided between the two and a module device 2c composed of a bidirectional DC / DC converter provided between the storage battery 3 and the power path 11a. Have.

  The module device 2b ′ between the solar cell 4 and the power path 11a includes, for example, a first full bridge circuit including first to fourth switching elements Q1 to Q4 and fifth to eighth switching elements Q5 as shown in FIG. The second full bridge circuit consisting of ~ Q8 is provided approximately symmetrically across the transformer T1. A series circuit of an inductor L1 and a capacitor C1 is inserted between the output of the first full bridge circuit and the transformer T1. With this configuration, when the storage battery 3 is charged, the first full bridge circuit is operated, and the output of the solar battery 4 (the voltage across the smoothing capacitor C10) V1 is passed through the transformer T1 and the parasitic diode of the second full bridge circuit. To the side. On the other hand, when the storage battery 3 is discharged, the second full bridge circuit is operated, and the output (the voltage across the smoothing capacitor C20) V2 of the storage battery 3 is transferred to the solar battery 4 side via the transformer T1 and the parasitic diode of the first full bridge circuit. introduce.

  Furthermore, the power supply device 1 has a controller 8 mainly composed of a CPU and a display unit 13 capable of various displays in the panel device 10, and the controller 8 and the display unit 13 have a communication path 11b. And connected to each module device 2. A connection terminal 15 for power distribution is connected to the power path 11a via a circuit protector 14, and a connection terminal 16 for communication is connected to the controller 8.

  As described above, the module device 2b 'between the solar cell 4 and the power path 11a is a bidirectional DC / DC converter, so that the output of the solar cell 4 can be charged to the storage battery 3, while the load side When there is surplus power, it is possible to reversely flow from the storage battery 3 to the commercial power supply AC via the power conditioner 9. That is, since the power from the solar battery 4 and the storage battery 3 is used as the input of the power conditioner 9, the power conditioner 9 is shared by the solar battery 4 and the storage battery 3. Therefore, when sufficient output can be obtained from the solar battery 4 such as during the day, the storage battery 3 is charged with the output of the solar battery 4, and when the output of the solar battery 4 is reduced, a reverse power flow from the storage battery 3 to the commercial power supply AC is possible. It becomes.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the bidirectional DC / DC converter provided between the solar cell 4 and the power path 11a is realized by one module device 2b ′ is not limited to this example. Alternatively, bidirectional power conversion may be realized between the solar cell 4 and the storage battery 3 by using two module devices each including a unidirectional DC / DC converter.

  Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
The power distribution system of this embodiment is characterized in that at least one of the plurality of module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20 has a conversion efficiency-output characteristic (conversion efficiency curve) different from the others. This is different from the power distribution system of the first embodiment.

  That is, in this embodiment, the total conversion efficiency is not only determined by the combination of supply currents assigned to the plurality of module devices 2a, 2b, 2c, but also by which module device 2a, 2b, 2c is assigned to each supply current. Change. For example, in the allocation pattern of “No. 1” described in the first embodiment, when the total output current of 5 [A] is allocated 2 [A], 2 [A], and 1 [A] each, the supply current is The total conversion efficiency varies depending on which of the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c is 1 [A].

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, six types of allocation patterns (hereinafter referred to as “upper pattern”) of “N0.1” to “No. 6” in Table 2 described in the first embodiment are further assigned to supply currents. The patterns finely classified (hereinafter referred to as “lower pattern”) are used as allocation patterns. The assignment determination unit 85 calculates the total conversion efficiency for each of the allocation patterns finely classified in this way, and selects the allocation pattern having the maximum total conversion efficiency as an application pattern.

  Hereinafter, a specific example will be described. Here, all three module devices 2a, 2b, 2c constituting the converter group 20 have mutually different conversion efficiency-output characteristics, and the supplied currents are 2 [A], 3 [A], 4 [A], respectively. In this case, it is assumed that the power conversion efficiency is maximum (that is, each maximum efficiency value Ip is 2 [A], 3 [A], 4 [A]).

  The assignment determination unit 85 receives the instruction of the total output current, and calculates the total conversion efficiency for each allocation pattern obtained by further classifying the six types of upper patterns “N0.1” to “No. 6” into a plurality of lower patterns. Ask. For example, if the total output current is 7 [A], the uneven weight pattern of “No. 1” indicates that the supply current that provides the maximum efficiency value Ip for any of the three module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. Depending on whether it is assigned, it is classified into three sub patterns. That is, the first sub-pattern that assigns 2 [A], 3 [A], 2 [A] to each module device 2a, 2b, 2c and 0 [A], 3 [A], 4 [A There are second lower patterns to be assigned one by one and third lower patterns to be assigned 2 [A], 1 [A], and 4 [A] one by one. The sharing determination unit 85 calculates the total conversion efficiency for each of these subordinate patterns.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, even when the converter group 20 is configured by combining the module devices 2a, 2b, and 2c having different conversion efficiency-output characteristics, the conversion of the converter group 20 as a whole is performed. Efficiency can be increased. In addition, by using the subordinate pattern that is finely classified in consideration of the supply current allocation destination, there are more choices when selecting the allocation pattern that maximizes the total conversion efficiency than when only the upper pattern is used. . As a result, there is an advantage that the total output current can be allocated with a more optimal application pattern in terms of the total conversion efficiency.

  Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  By the way, in each said embodiment, although the power converter was demonstrated as the module apparatus 2, as a structure which can modularize apparatuses other than a power converter, for example, a power measuring device, etc., and can add to the power supply apparatus 1 as the module apparatus 2. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power supply apparatus 2a-2d Module apparatus 3 Storage battery 4 Solar cell 5 Power supply line 9 Power conditioner 10 Panel apparatus 11 Bus line (main trunk line)
11a Power path 11b Communication path 20 Converter group 82 Total output instruction section 83 Efficiency storage section 84 Pattern storage section 85 Sharing determination section 86 Allocation control section

Claims (5)

  A plurality of module devices each composed of a plurality of power converters that convert input power into desired output power, and a main trunk that includes a power path and a communication path and is electrically connected to the module apparatus. A power supply device that supplies power to a load through a power supply line connected to the module, wherein each module device has a connection port for connecting a main road, and each has an external dimension or unit defined as a unit dimension. It is formed in an external dimension equivalent to multiple modules of the same size, and is mounted in a removable manner to the main trunk via a connection port, and is housed in the main body and connected to the main trunk An internal circuit, and the internal circuit autonomously controls each output power so that power corresponding to the power required by the load is supplied to the load, and via a communication path. Power supply apparatus characterized by and a function of operating in accordance with a command from the outside.   At least two module devices among the plurality of module devices connected to the main trunk constitute a group of converters, and the total output current supplied from all the module devices of the converter group is a total output. It is supplied to the load as a current, and the power conversion efficiency in each module device changes according to the magnitude of the respective supply current, and the correspondence between the supply current and the conversion efficiency is stored in advance for each module device. An efficiency storage unit, a pattern storage unit in which a plurality of assignment patterns representing rules for assigning the total output current to each module device of the converter group are stored in advance, and a total indicating the total output current required for the converter group One allocation pattern in the pattern storage unit using the output instruction unit, the total output current instructed by the total output instruction unit, and the conversion efficiency stored in the efficiency storage unit An assignment determination unit that is selected as an application pattern, and an assignment control unit that controls the output of each module device so that the total output current is assigned to each module device according to the selected application pattern. When the total output current is allocated to the module device of the converter group according to each allocation pattern in the unit, the total input power in the entire converter group is calculated for each allocation pattern using the conversion efficiency in the efficiency storage unit, 2. The power supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an allocation pattern that minimizes a sum of input power is selected as an application pattern.   Each module device of the converter group includes a switching power supply in which a correspondence relationship between a supply current and a conversion efficiency changes according to each oscillation control mode, and the sharing determination unit is applied using the changed conversion efficiency. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein a pattern is selected.   A power converter that is used in a power distribution system including a solar battery and a storage battery as a distributed power source, and a power conditioner having a function of converting direct current to alternating current, and is the module device between the storage battery and the power conditioner The power converter is connected to the main road, the power from the solar battery and storage battery is input to the power conditioner, and if there is surplus power at one output of the solar battery and storage battery, the surplus power is The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein a reverse power flow is made to the commercial power system via the power conditioner. The power conditioner is provided between the solar cell and the commercial power system, and includes a power converter between the solar cell and the main trunk, and the power converter includes the solar cell and the storage battery. The power can be converted bidirectionally between the two, and if there is surplus power in the output of the storage battery, the surplus power is reversely flowed to the commercial power system via the power conditioner. The power supply device described.

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