power supply

Abstract

To easily switch the connection state of a power supply whose connection state is changeable with a simple configuration. [Solution] The device comprises a first power supply unit 110 and a second power supply unit 110 capable of supplying DC power and changing the output voltage, a first connector 120 connected to the first power supply unit 110, a second connector 120 connected to the second power supply unit 110, an information acquisition unit 140 that acquires connection information regarding the external connection state of the first connector 120 and the second connector 120, the information including at least one of information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in series, information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in parallel, and information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are not connected, and a control unit 150 that controls the first power supply unit 110 and the second power supply unit 110 based on the connection information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a conventional technology for connecting power supplies in parallel. Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply device that can reliably detect wiring errors, such as missing or incorrect connections to terminal blocks, in a parallel inverter device consisting of multiple inverters. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-113695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, specialized knowledge was required to perform wiring and settings for power supplies that can be connected in parallel.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a power supply whose connection state can be changed, which allows the connection state to be easily switched with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The power supply device of the present disclosure includes a first power supply unit and a second power supply unit capable of supplying DC power and changing the output voltage, a first connector connected to the first power supply unit, a second connector connected to the second power supply unit, an acquisition means for acquiring connection information regarding an external connection state of the first connector and the second connector, the connection information including at least one of information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are connected in series, information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are connected in parallel, and information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are not connected, and a control unit for controlling the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit based on the connection information. In this case, it is possible to switch the operation control of the multiple power supply units in accordance with the external connection states of the multiple connectors corresponding to the multiple power supply units with a simple configuration. Here, when the connection information specifies that the first connector and the second connector are connected in series, the control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit so that the output current of the first power supply unit and the output current of the second power supply unit are the same. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply units corresponding to the multiple connectors connected in series externally. Furthermore, when the connection information specifies that the first connector and the second connector are connected in parallel, the control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit so that the output voltage of the first power supply unit and the output voltage of the second power supply unit are the same. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply units corresponding to the multiple connectors connected in parallel externally. Furthermore, when the connection information is information that specifies that the first connector and the second connector are not connected, the control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit individually, thereby enabling appropriate operation control to be performed on power supply units corresponding to multiple connectors that are individually connected externally. The control unit can execute a first control to supply power from the first power supply unit to the first connector without supplying power from the second power supply unit to the second connector, and the acquisition unit includes a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage of the second connector and a determination unit that determines whether the first connector and the second connector are connected in parallel based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit during the first control. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply unit depending on the external connection status of the multiple connectors identified based on the detection result of the connector voltage. The control unit can execute a first control to supply power from the first power supply unit to the first connector without supplying power from the second power supply unit to the second connector, and the acquisition unit includes a current detection unit that detects a current in the second connector and a determination unit that determines whether the first connector and the second connector are connected in series based on the current value detected by the current detection unit during the second control. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply unit depending on the external connection status of the multiple connectors identified based on the detection result of the connector voltage. The power supply device of the present disclosure further includes a converter circuit connectable to a DC power source, an inverter circuit connectable to an AC power source, and a DC bus connecting the converter circuit and the inverter circuit, wherein the first power supply unit is connected to the DC bus and is capable of converting DC power from the DC bus and supplying the converted power to the first connector, and the second power supply unit is connected to the DC bus and is capable of converting DC power from the DC bus and supplying the converted power to the second connector. In this case, a simple configuration can be used to switch operation control of the multiple power supply units depending on external connection states of the multiple connectors corresponding to the multiple power supply units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a mode in which external devices are individually connected to each of the connectors. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which one external device is connected in parallel to a connector using two connectors. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which one external device is connected in series to a connector using two connectors. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of the power supply device. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing examples of branching a conductor in a connector or harness, where FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a conductor is branched in a connector, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a conductor is branched in a harness. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of branching a conductor using a relay connector, where FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a harness is branched in a relay connector, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a conductor is branched inside a connector connected to a power supply device. [Figure 8] 10 is a table showing a method of controlling a power supply unit according to a connection mode of a power supply device to a connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for feeding back a current value of a connector to a control unit. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a method for controlling the output current of a power supply unit, where FIG. 10A shows a position where a current value is acquired and a control command, and FIG. 10B shows a method for controlling the current value. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a method for controlling the output current of a power supply unit when controlling the output voltage for one power supply unit, where FIG. 11A shows the position where the current value is acquired and the control command, and FIG. 11B shows a method for controlling the current value. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of an information acquisition unit. [Figure 13] 10 is a timing chart showing an operation when external devices are individually connected to all connectors. [Figure 14]10 is a timing chart showing an operation in a case where one external device is connected in parallel to some connectors and different external devices are individually connected to other connectors. [Figure 15] 10 is a timing chart showing an operation when one external device is connected in parallel to all connectors. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of an information acquisition unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a current path when a plurality of connectors are connected in series. [Figure 18] 10 is a timing chart showing an operation when external devices are individually connected to all connectors. [Figure 19] 10 is a timing chart showing an operation in a case where one external device is connected in series to some connectors and different external devices are individually connected to other connectors. [Figure 20] 10 is a timing chart showing an operation when one external device is connected in series to all connectors. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for acquiring information through communication. [Figure 22] 22(A) and 22(C) are diagrams showing examples of a method for acquiring information based on connector shape, where FIG. 22(A) is a diagram showing an example of a connector shape for individual connection, FIG. 22(B) is a diagram showing an example of a connector shape for parallel connection, and FIG. 22(C) is a diagram showing an example of a connector shape for series connection. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information acquisition method using image recognition. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the power supply device. [Figure 25] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating application examples of a power supply device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Power supply configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power supply device according to this embodiment. The power supply device 100 is connected to an AC power supply 300 and a DC power supply 400. The AC power supply 300 is, for example, a system power supply. The DC power supply 400 is, for example, a solar panel or a storage battery.

[0009] The power supply device 100 includes a plurality of power supply units 110, a plurality of connectors 120, a plurality of switches 130, an information acquisition unit 140, a control unit 150, an AC / DC converter (inverter circuit) 161, and a DC / DC converter (converter circuit) 162. The plurality of power supply units 110, the plurality of connectors 120, and the plurality of switches 130 are provided in individual correspondence.

[0010] The power supply device 100 is connected to an AC power supply 300 via an AC / DC converter 161, and is connected to a DC power supply 400 via a DC / DC converter 162. The power supply unit 110 is also connected to the AC / DC converter 161 and the DC / DC converter 162 via a DC bus 190, and is supplied with DC power from the DC bus 190.

[0011] The power supply unit 110 is provided with a DC / DC converter 111. The power supply unit 110 converts the supplied DC power using the DC / DC converter 111 and supplies the converted power to the connector 120 via the switch 130. The power supply unit 110 is configured to be able to change the output voltage or output current. The power supply unit 110 is configured to be able to supply DC power in only one direction, from the power supply unit 110 to the connector 120. The outputs of the multiple power supply units 110 are electrically insulated from each other.

[0012] The connector 120 is connected to an external device as a load. The external device can receive power by connecting to the connector 120. The external devices can be connected to the multiple connectors 120 individually, or can be connected to the multiple connectors 120 by parallel or serial wiring. The connection mode (individually, in parallel, or in series) of the external devices to the connector 120 will be described later.

[0013] The switch 130 switches between supplying (ON) and cutting off (OFF) the power from the power supply unit 110 to the connector 120. The control unit 150 controls the switch 130 to switch between ON and OFF.

[0014] The information acquiring unit 140 acquires information for identifying the connection state of the external device to the connector 120. Based on the acquired information, the information acquiring unit 140 determines the connection state of the external device connected to the connector 120, and sends information indicating the determination result (hereinafter referred to as "connection information") to the control unit 150.

[0015] The control unit 150 controls each of the multiple power supply units 110 based on the connection information acquired from the information acquisition unit 140. Specifically, the control unit 150 controls the output voltage and output current of each power supply unit 110. The control unit 150 also individually controls the multiple switches 130 to switch ON / OFF the power supply from each power supply unit 110 to each connector 120. The control unit 150 is realized, for example, by a memory that stores a program and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory.

[0016] <Connection to power supply> Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the manner in which external devices are connected to the power supply device 100 will be described. For simplicity, the manner in which external devices are connected to two connectors 120 connected to two power supply units 110 is shown here. Furthermore, when distinguishing between the power supply units 110 and the connectors 120, suffixes A and B are added, and they are written as power supply unit 110A, connector 120A, etc. In Figures 2 to 4, the external device 210 is connected to the connector 120 of the power supply device 100 by connector 201.

[0017] Fig. 2 shows a state in which external devices 210 are individually connected to each of connectors 120A and 120B. In the example shown in Fig. 2, one external device 210 is connected to connector 120A via connector 201. Furthermore, another external device 210 is connected to connector 120B via connector 201.

[0018] Fig. 3 shows an example in which one external device 210 is connected in parallel to connectors 120A and 120B using two connectors 201. In the example shown in Fig. 3, two connectors 201 of one external device 210 are connected to connectors 120A and 120B, respectively. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the wires from the two connectors 201 to the external device 210 are joined and connected to the external device 210, forming a parallel connection.

[0019] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which one external device 210 is connected in series to connectors 120A and 120B using two connectors 201. In the example shown in Fig. 4, two connectors 201 of one external device 210 are connected to connectors 120A and 120B, respectively. In the example shown in Fig. 4, a portion of the conductors connected to the two connectors 201 is connected between one connector 201 and the other connector 201, resulting in a series connection.

[0020] <Appearance of the power supply unit> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the power supply device 100. The power supply device 100 has a plurality of connectors 120 arranged side by side. An external device can be connected to the plurality of connectors 120 to receive power. As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, connection methods for connecting to the plurality of connectors 120 include parallel connection and series connection. To achieve parallel connection or series connection, for example, a configuration can be adopted in which a conductor is branched in a connector or harness on the external device side and connected to the plurality of connectors 120.

[0021] Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing configuration examples for connecting to multiple connectors. Figure 6 shows an example of branching a conductor in a connector or harness, with Figure 6(A) showing an example of branching a conductor in a connector and Figure 6(B) showing an example of branching a conductor in a harness.

[0022] In the example shown in Fig. 6(A), a harness 202 connected to an external device (not shown) has two connectors 201a and 201b. The conductors gathered in the harness 202 are branched at one connector 201a, one of which is connected to the external device and the other of which is connected to another connector 201b. By connecting the connectors 201a and 201b to two connectors 120 of the power supply device 100, respectively, power is supplied from the two connectors 120 to the external device via the connectors 201a and 201b and the harness 202. Note that in Fig. 6(A), the connectors 120 to which the connectors 201a and 201b are connected are not shown.

[0023] In the example shown in Fig. 6(B), a harness 202 connected to an external device (not shown) has two connectors 201a and 201b. The harness 202 connected to the external device branches midway and is connected to the two connectors 201a and 201b, respectively. By connecting the connectors 201a and 201b to two connectors 120 of the power supply device 100, respectively, power is supplied from the two connectors 120 to the external device via the connectors 201a and 201b and the harness 202. Note that in Fig. 6(B), the connectors 120 to which the connectors 201a and 201b are connected are not shown.

[0024] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of branching a conductor using a relay connector, where FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a harness is branched in a relay connector, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a conductor is branched inside a connector connected to the power supply device 100.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 7(A), the relay connector 203 comprises a connector 203A on the power supply device 100 side and a connector 203B on the external device side. The conductor is branched inside the connector 203A and connected to two connectors 201a and 201b via two harnesses 202. The connectors 201a and 201b are respectively connected to two connectors 120 of the power supply device 100. The connector 203B is connectable to the connector 203A and is connected to an external device (not shown) via the harness 202. By connecting the connectors 201a and 201b to the two connectors 120 of the power supply device 100, respectively, and connecting the connectors 203A and 203B, power is supplied from the two connectors 120 to the external device. Note that in FIG. 7(A), the connectors 120 to which the connectors 201a and 201b are connected are not shown.

[0026] 7(B), the relay connector 204 is made up of a connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side and a connector 204B on the external device side. The connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side has two connection ports that connect to the two connectors 120 of the power supply device 100 and one connection port that connects to the connector 204B on the external device side. The conductors are branched inside the connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side and connected to the connection ports on the power supply device 100 side. The connection ports on the power supply device 100 side of the connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side are respectively connected to the two connectors 120 of the power supply device 100. The connector 204B on the external device side is connected to the connection ports on the external device side of the connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side. By connecting the connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side to the two connectors 120 of the power supply device 100 and also connecting the connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side to the connector 204B on the external device side, power is supplied to the external device (not shown) from the two connectors 120. Note that in Fig. 7(B), the connector 120 to which the connector 204A on the power supply device 100 side is connected is not shown.

[0027] <Power supply unit control method> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a method of controlling the power supply unit 110 according to the connection state of the connector 120 of the power supply device 100. As shown in Fig. 8, when a plurality of connectors 120 are individually connected to a plurality of external devices, the plurality of power supply units 110 corresponding to the plurality of connectors 120 are individually controlled (individual operation).

[0028] When a plurality of connectors 120 are connected in parallel to one external device, a plurality of power supply units 110 corresponding to the plurality of connectors 120 are controlled so that the output voltages are the same (parallel operation).

[0029] When a plurality of connectors 120 are connected in series to one external device, the plurality of power supply units 110 corresponding to the plurality of connectors 120 are controlled so that the output currents are the same (series operation).

[0030] The control of the power supply unit 110 when multiple connectors 120 are connected in parallel to one external device will now be described. When multiple connectors 120 are connected in parallel, it is desirable to control the multiple power supply units 110 corresponding to each connector 120 connected to the external device so that current is evenly divided. To achieve this, for example, it is possible to feed back the current value in the parallel-connected connectors 120 to the control unit 150 and control the output current of each power supply unit 110.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for feeding back the current value of connector 120 to control unit 150. In Fig. 9, the output current value of each of power supply units 110A, 110B connected in parallel is fed back to control unit 150. Control unit 150 controls the output current value of each of power supply units 110A, 110B based on the acquired current value information.

[0032] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a method for controlling the output current of the power supply unit 110, where FIG. 10A shows the position where the current value is acquired and the control command, and FIG. 10B shows the method for controlling the current value. As a premise, let us say that the output voltage value of the power supply unit 110A is V1, the output voltage value of the power supply unit 110B is V2, and the voltage value supplied to the load (external device) 210 is V. L Since they are connected in parallel, they all have the same value (V1=V2=V L )

[0033] As shown in FIG. 10A, the output current value at the operating point of the power supply unit 110A is I1. The output current value at the operating point of the power supply unit 110B is I2. The current value supplied to the load (external device) is I L A command to control the power supply unit 110 to output a current value I is given as I * As shown in FIG. 10(B), the control unit 150 determines whether V1=V2=V L In I1+I2=I L A current command I1 is given to the power supply units 110A and 110B so that * , I2 * to control the power supply units 110A and 110B.

[0034] However, in reality, it is difficult to control the output voltages of multiple power supply units 110 to be equal. Therefore, a control method can be considered in which the output voltage of only one power supply unit 110 is controlled, and the output current of the other power supply units 110 is controlled.

[0035] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a method for controlling the output current of a power supply unit 110 when controlling the output voltage for one power supply unit 110, where Figure 11(A) is a diagram showing the current value acquisition position and control command, and Figure 11(B) is a diagram showing the current value control method.

[0036] In FIG. 11A, the current values ​​I1, I2, and I L is defined, and a command to control the power supply unit 110 to output a current value I is given as I* In addition, a command to control the power supply unit 110 to output a voltage value V is given as V * Let's say.

[0037] The control unit 150 issues a voltage command V1 to the power supply unit 110A. * On the other hand, the control unit 150 transmits a current command I2 to the power supply unit 110B, and performs voltage control on the power supply unit 110A so that the output voltage value becomes V1. * and performs current control on the power supply unit 110B so that the output current becomes I2.

[0038] When controlled in this way, first, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the power supply unit 110B has an output current of I2 and an output voltage of V2 (=V1=V L When the operating point of the power supply unit 110B is determined, I1+I2=I L The output current value I1 of the power supply unit 110A that satisfies the relationship is determined.

[0039] <Determination of parallel connection by the information acquisition unit> FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the information acquisition unit 140. The information acquisition unit 140 acquires information for determining whether the multiple connectors 120 are connected in parallel. The information acquisition unit 140 includes a detection unit 141 and a determination unit 142. The detection unit 141 detects the terminal voltage of each of the multiple connectors 120 provided in the power supply device 100. The terminal voltage of each connector 120 is detected at a position between the switch 130 and the connector 120. The determination unit 142 determines, based on the detection result by the detection unit 141, whether an external device connected to one of the multiple connectors 120 is connected in parallel with one or more other connectors 120. The determination unit 142 is realized by, for example, a processor. The control unit 150 is capable of executing a first control in which power is not supplied from one or more power supply units 110 to the connector 120, but power is supplied from the other power supply units 110 to the connector 120. Then, the information acquisition unit 140 determines whether or not these connectors are connected in parallel based on the terminal voltage of the connector 120 to which power is not being supplied, which is acquired during the first control.

[0040] A method for determining parallel connection by the determination unit 142 will be described below with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 13 to 15. The timing charts of FIGS. 13 to 15 respectively show the operating state of the power supply unit 110, the ON / OFF state of the switch 130, and the terminal voltage of the connector 120 for four groups each consisting of a power supply unit 110, a connector 120, and a switch 130. In the example shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the same numbers 1 to 4 are assigned to the corresponding power supply units 110, connectors 120, and switches 130 in each group to distinguish them from one another. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, for each group of the power supply unit 110, connector 120, and switch 130, when the control unit 150 of the power supply device 100 turns on the switch 130, the power supply device 100 starts up and a terminal voltage is applied to the connector 120. The power supply unit 110 starts up under the control of the control unit 150, and after the output voltage stabilizes, the power supply device 100 transitions to steady, normal operation. 13 to 15, when distinguishing between sets of power supply unit 110, connector 120, and switch 130, the set numbers shown in Figures 13 to 15 will be used instead of the reference numerals 110, 120, and 130. Specifically, they will be referred to as power supply unit (1), connector (1), switch (1), etc.

[0041] 13 is a diagram showing the operation when external devices are individually connected to all of the connectors 120. As a control for determining whether or not they are connected in parallel, the control unit 150 turns on the switches (1) to (4) in order at different timings. As shown in FIG. 13, in a group including a connector 120 to which an external device is individually connected, the power supply unit 110 starts up and the terminal voltage of the connector 120 rises according to the timing when the switch 130 turns on. Therefore, the timing when the power supply units (1) to (4) start up and the timing when the terminal voltage of the connectors (1) to (4) rises differ depending on the timing when the switches (1) to (4) turn on.

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 13, switch (1) is turned on just before time t1, power supply unit (1) starts up at time t1, and the terminal voltage of connector (1) rises. At this time, the terminal voltages of connectors (2) to (4) are constant and do not change. Similarly, switch (2) is turned on just before time t2, power supply unit (2) starts up at time t2, and the terminal voltage of connector (2) rises. At this time, the terminal voltages of connectors (1), (3), and (4) are constant and do not change. Also, switch (3) is turned on just before time t3, power supply unit (3) starts up at time t3, and the terminal voltage of connector (3) rises. At this time, the terminal voltages of connectors (1), (2), and (4) are constant and do not change. Also, switch (4) is turned on just before time t4, power supply unit (4) starts up at time t4, and the terminal voltage of connector (4) rises. At this time, the terminal voltages of the connectors (1) to (3) are constant and do not change. From the above operations, the determination unit 142 determines that external devices are individually connected to all of the connectors (1) to (4). Then, the control unit 150 individually controls each of the power supply devices (1) to (4) based on the determination result of the determination unit 142.

[0043] 14 is a diagram showing the operation when one external device is connected in parallel to connectors (1) and (2), and separate external devices are individually connected to connectors (3) and (4). As in the example shown in FIG. 13, control unit 150 turns on switches (1) to (4) in sequence, with staggered timing. As shown in FIG. 14, each set of power supply units 110 starts up in accordance with the timing at which switch 130 is turned on.

[0044] In contrast, the timing at which the terminal voltage of the connector 120 rises is different for connectors (1) and (2) to which external devices are connected in parallel from that for connectors (3) and (4) to which external devices are connected individually. Specifically, for multiple connectors 120 connected in parallel, the terminal voltage of all connectors 120 rises when the switch 130 corresponding to one connector 120 is turned ON and the power supply unit 110 starts up.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 14, switch (1) is turned on just before time t1, power supply unit (1) starts up at time t1, and the terminal voltage of connector (1) rises. Also, switch (2) is turned on just before time t2, and power supply unit (2) starts up at time t2. Meanwhile, the terminal voltage of connector (2) rises together with the terminal voltage of connector (1) at timing (t1) when power supply unit (1) corresponding to connector (1) starts up. The terminal voltages of connectors (3) and (4) are constant at both timing (t1) and timing (t2) and do not change.

[0046] The connectors (3) and (4) to which external devices are individually connected are the same as in Figure 13. That is, just before time t3, switch (3) is turned on, and at time t3, power supply unit (3) starts up, and the terminal voltage of connector (3) rises. At this time, the terminal voltages of connectors (1), (2), and (4) are constant and do not change. Also, just before time t4, switch (4) is turned on, and at time t4, power supply unit (4) starts up, and the terminal voltage of connector (4) rises. At this time, the terminal voltages of connectors (1) to (3) are constant and do not change.

[0047] From the above operations, the determination unit 142 determines that one external device is connected in parallel to the connectors (1) and (2), and that separate external devices are connected individually to the connectors (3) and (4). Then, based on the determination result of the determination unit 142, the control unit 150 controls the power supply units (1) and (2) so that the output voltages are the same. The control unit 150 also controls the power supply units (3) and (4) individually.

[0048] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the operation when one external device is connected in parallel to all connectors (1) to (4). As in the example shown in Fig. 13, the control unit 150 turns on the switches (1) to (4) in order at different timings. As shown in Fig. 15, each set of power supply units 110 starts up according to the timing when the switch 130 is turned on.

[0049] In contrast, the terminal voltages of the connectors 120 connected in parallel to external devices rise at the same time. Specifically, when the switch 130 corresponding to one connector 120 is turned on and the power supply unit 110 starts up, the terminal voltages of all the connectors 120 connected in parallel rise.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 15, switch (1) is turned ON just before time t1, power supply unit (1) starts up at time t1, and the terminal voltage of connector (1) rises. Also, switch (2) is turned ON just before time t2, and power supply unit (2) starts up at time t2. Also, switch (3) is turned ON just before time t3, and power supply unit (3) starts up at time t3. Also, switch (4) is turned ON just before time t4, and power supply unit (4) starts up at time t4. Meanwhile, the terminal voltages of connectors (2) to (4) rise together with the terminal voltage of connector (1) at timing (t1) when power supply unit (1) corresponding to connector (1) starts up.

[0051] From the above operation, the determination unit 142 determines that one external device is connected in parallel to the connectors (1) to (4). Then, based on the determination result of the determination unit 142, the control unit 150 controls the power supply units (1) to (4) so ​​that the output voltages are the same.

[0052] In the examples shown in the timing charts of FIGS. 13 to 15, the timings at which the switches (1) to (4) are turned on and the timings at which the power supply units (1) to (4) start are staggered. More specifically, in the examples shown, the intervals between time t1 and time t2, between time t2 and time t3, and between time t3 and time t4 are constant. However, these timings are merely examples, and other timings may be used. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the interval between time t1 and time t2 may be shorter than the intervals between time t2 and time t3 and between time t3 and time t4. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the switches (2) to (4) are turned on at different times. Alternatively, all of the switches (2) to (4) may be configured to turn on at the same time. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the power supply units (2) to (4) start at different times. Alternatively, all of the power supply units (2) to (4) may be configured to start at the same time.

[0053] <Determination of series connection by information acquisition unit> FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the information acquisition unit 140. The information acquisition unit 140 acquires information for determining whether the multiple connectors 120 are connected in series. The information acquisition unit 140 includes a detection unit 143 and a determination unit 144. The detection unit 143 detects the current flowing through each of the multiple connectors 120 provided in the power supply device 100. The current through each connector 120 is detected at a position between the switch 130 and the connector 120. The determination unit 142 determines, based on the detection result by the detection unit 141, whether an external device connected to one of the multiple connectors 120 is connected in series with one or more other connectors 120. The determination unit 144 is realized by, for example, a processor. The control unit 150 is capable of executing second control in which power is not supplied from one or more power supply units 110 to the connector 120, but power is supplied from the other power supply units 110 to the connector 120. Then, the information acquisition unit 140 determines whether or not these connectors are connected in series based on the current flowing through the connector 120 to which power is not being supplied, which is acquired during the second control.

[0054] 17 is a diagram showing a current path when multiple connectors 120 are connected in series. Here, a current path will be described when one switch 130 among multiple switches 130 and multiple power supply units 110 corresponding to multiple connectors 120 connected in series is turned ON and the power supply unit 110 corresponding to this switch 130 is operating. At this point, the other switches 130 are OFF and the other power supply units 110 are not operating, but because the connectors 120 are connected in series, current flows to the external device 210.

[0055] For simplicity, FIG. 17 illustrates an example in which two connectors 120A and 120B are connected in series. Connector 120A is connected to power supply unit 110A via switch 130A. Connector 120B is connected to power supply unit 110B via switch 130B. Furthermore, in the conductors closer to connectors 120A and 120B than switches 130A and 130B, backflow prevention diodes 171A and 171B are provided on one of the two conductors, and anti-parallel diodes 172A and 172B are provided across the two conductors. The backflow prevention diodes 171A and 171B are provided to prevent power supply from connectors 120A and 120B to power supply units 110A and 110B. The anti-parallel diodes 172A and 172B are provided to turn ON when a voltage is applied in the opposite direction to the output voltage of power supply units 110A and 110B.

[0056] 17, switch 130A is ON and switch 130B is OFF. Connector 201a on the external device 210 side is connected to connector 120A of power supply device 100. Connector 201b on the external device 210 side is connected to connector 120B of power supply device 100. Connectors 201a and 201b on the external device 210 side are linked together.

[0057] The current output from power supply unit 110A flows through switch 130A, backflow prevention diode 171A, connector 120A, connector 201a connected to connector 120A, and external device 210. Next, the current output from external device 210 flows through connector 201b, connector 120B, anti-parallel diode 172B, connector 120B, connector 201b, connector 201a, connector 120A, switch 130A, and power supply unit 110A. In this way, if switch 130A is ON and power supply unit 110A is operating, current flows to external device 210 even if switch 130B is OFF and power supply unit 110B is not operating.

[0058] A method for determining a series connection by the determination unit 144 will be described below with reference to the timing charts in FIGS. 18 to 20. The timing charts in FIGS. 18 to 20 respectively show the operating state of the power supply unit 110, the ON / OFF state of the switch 130, and the current flowing through the connector 120 for four groups each consisting of a power supply unit 110, a connector 120, and a switch 130. In the example shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the same numbers 1 to 4 are assigned to the corresponding power supply units 110, connectors 120, and switches 130 in each group to distinguish them from one another. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, for each group of a power supply unit 110, a connector 120, and a switch 130, when the control unit 150 of the power supply device 100 turns on the switch 130, the power supply device 100 starts up and a current flows through the connector 120. The power supply unit 110 starts up under the control of the control unit 150, and after the output current stabilizes, the power supply device 100 transitions to steady, normal operation. 18 to 20, when distinguishing between sets of power supply unit 110, connector 120, and switch 130, the set numbers shown in Figures 13 to 15 will be used instead of the reference numerals 110, 120, and 130. Specifically, they will be referred to as power supply unit (1), connector (1), switch (1), etc.

[0059] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the operation when external devices are individually connected to all of the connectors 120. As a control for determining whether they are connected in series, the control unit 150 turns on the switches (1) to (4) in order at different timings. As shown in FIG. 18, in a group including a connector 120 to which an external device is individually connected, the power supply unit 110 starts up and current begins to flow to the connector 120 according to the timing when the switch 130 is turned on. Therefore, the timing when the power supply units (1) to (4) start up and the timing when current begins to flow to the connectors (1) to (4) differ depending on the timing when the switches (1) to (4) are turned on.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 18, switch (1) is turned on just before time t1, power supply unit (1) starts up at time t1, and current begins to flow through connector (1). At this time, the currents in connectors (2) to (4) are constant and do not change. Similarly, switch (2) is turned on just before time t2, power supply unit (2) starts up at time t2, and current begins to flow through connector (2). At this time, the currents in connectors (1), (3), and (4) are constant and do not change. Also, switch (3) is turned on just before time t3, power supply unit (3) starts up at time t3, and current begins to flow through connector (3). At this time, the currents in connectors (1), (2), and (4) are constant and do not change. Also, switch (4) is turned on just before time t4, power supply unit (4) starts up at time t4, and current begins to flow through connector (4). At this time, the currents in connectors (1) to (3) are constant and do not change. From the above operation, the determination unit 144 determines that an external device is individually connected to each of the connectors (1) to (4). Then, the control unit 150 controls each of the power supply devices (1) to (4) individually based on the determination result of the determination unit 144.

[0061] 19 is a diagram showing the operation when one external device is connected in series to connectors (1) and (2), and separate external devices are individually connected to connectors (3) and (4). As in the example shown in FIG. 18, control unit 150 turns on switches (1) to (4) in sequence, with staggered timing. As shown in FIG. 19, each set of power supply units 110 starts up in accordance with the timing at which switch 130 is turned on.

[0062] In contrast, the timing at which current begins to flow through connectors 120 is different for connectors (1) and (2) to which external devices are connected in series than for connectors (3) and (4) to which external devices are connected individually. Specifically, for multiple connectors 120 connected in series, current begins to flow through all connectors 120 when switch 130 corresponding to one connector 120 is turned ON and power supply unit 110 starts up.

[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 19, switch (1) turns ON just before time t1, power supply unit (1) starts up at time t1, and current begins to flow through connector (1). Also, switch (2) turns ON just before time t2, and power supply unit (2) starts up at time t2. Meanwhile, current begins to flow through connector (2) at timing (t1) when power supply unit (1) corresponding to connector (1) starts up, just like connector (1). Note that the currents through connectors (3) and (4) are constant and do not change at both timing (t1) and timing (t2).

[0064] The connectors (3) and (4) to which external devices are individually connected are the same as those in FIG. 18. That is, just before time t3, switch (3) turns ON, and at time t3, power supply unit (3) starts up and current begins to flow to connector (3). At this time, the currents in connectors (1), (2), and (4) are constant and do not change. Also, just before time t4, switch (4) turns ON, and at time t4, power supply unit (4) starts up and current begins to flow to connector (4). At this time, the currents in connectors (1) to (3) are constant and do not change.

[0065] From the above operations, the determination unit 144 determines that one external device is connected in series to the connectors (1) and (2), and that separate external devices are connected individually to the connectors (3) and (4). Then, based on the determination result of the determination unit 144, the control unit 150 controls the power supply units (1) and (2) so that the output currents are the same. The control unit 150 also controls the power supply units (3) and (4) individually.

[0066] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the operation when one external device is connected in series to all connectors (1) to (4). As in the example shown in Fig. 18, the control unit 150 turns on the switches (1) to (4) in order at different timings. As shown in Fig. 20, each set of power supply units 110 starts up according to the timing at which the switch 130 is turned on.

[0067] In contrast, current begins to flow at the same time through each connector 120 to which an external device is connected in series. Specifically, when the switch 130 corresponding to one connector 120 is turned on and the power supply unit 110 starts up, current begins to flow through all of the connectors 120 connected in series.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 20, switch (1) is turned ON just before time t1, power supply unit (1) starts up at time t1, and current begins to flow through connector (1). Also, switch (2) is turned ON just before time t2, and power supply unit (2) starts up at time t2. Also, switch (3) is turned ON just before time t3, and power supply unit (3) starts up at time t3. Also, switch (4) is turned ON just before time t4, and power supply unit (4) starts up at time t4. Meanwhile, current begins to flow through connectors (2) to (4) in the same way as connector (1) at timing (t1) when power supply unit (1) corresponding to connector (1) starts up.

[0069] From the above operation, the determination unit 142 determines that one external device is connected in series to the connectors (1) to (4). Then, based on the determination result of the determination unit 142, the control unit 150 controls the power supply units (1) to (4) so ​​that the output currents are the same.

[0070] In the examples shown in the timing charts of FIGS. 18 to 20, the timings at which the switches (1) to (4) are turned on and the timings at which the power supply units (1) to (4) start are staggered. More specifically, in the examples shown, the intervals between time t1 and time t2, between time t2 and time t3, and between time t3 and time t4 are constant. However, these timings are merely examples, and other timings may be used. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the interval between time t1 and time t2 may be shorter than the intervals between time t2 and time t3 and between time t3 and time t4. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the switches (2) to (4) are turned on at different times. Alternatively, all of the switches (2) to (4) may be configured to turn on at the same time. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the power supply units (2) to (4) start at different times. Alternatively, all of the power supply units (2) to (4) may be configured to start at the same time.

[0071] In the above description, a method for acquiring information about a parallel connection based on the terminal voltage of the connector 120 and a method for acquiring information about a series connection based on the current flowing through the connector 120 have been described separately. However, in an actual power supply device 100, in order to determine both a parallel connection and a direct connection, the information acquisition unit 140 may be configured to include the detection unit 141 and the determination unit 142 shown in FIG. 12 and the detection unit 143 and the determination unit 144 shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, an actual power supply device 100 may be configured to be capable of determining only a parallel connection or only a series connection. When a series connection can be determined, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the power supply unit 110 is configured to supply DC power in only one direction from the power supply unit 110 to the connector 120. The outputs of the multiple power supply units 110 are electrically insulated from each other. On the other hand, when only a parallel connection can be determined, the power supply unit 110 may be configured to supply DC power in both directions between the power supply unit 110 and the connector 120. Furthermore, when only parallel connection can be distinguished, the outputs of the multiple power supply units 110 may be electrically connected to each other at their respective reference potentials.

[0072] <Other examples of information acquisition methods> 12 to 20, it is determined whether or not there is an external device connected in parallel or in series to the multiple connectors 120, based on the terminal voltage and current values ​​of the connectors 120. However, it is sufficient for the control unit 150 to identify the connectors 120 that are connected in parallel or in series among the multiple connectors 120, and the method of acquiring information used for such identification is not limited to the method described with reference to Figs. 12 to 20. Other methods for identifying the connectors 120 that are connected in parallel or in series will be described below.

[0073] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring information through communication. The information acquisition method shown in Fig. 21 is a method for performing communication between power supply device 100 and external device 210 and acquiring connection method information from external device 210. In the configuration shown in Fig. 21, external device 210 includes a transmitter 211. Information acquisition unit 140 of power supply device 100 includes a receiver 145 corresponding to transmitter 211. The means of communication between transmitter 211 and receiver 145 is not particularly limited. For example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication), infrared communication, or wired communication may be used.

[0074] 21, the transmitting unit 211 of the external device 210 is a communication device (transmitter) of a predetermined type. The receiving unit 145 of the power supply device 100 is a communication device (receiver) of a type corresponding to the transmitting unit 211. The transmitting unit 211 may be an IC chip capable of transmitting information on the connection method of the external device 210. In this case, the receiving unit 145 may be a reading device capable of reading information stored in the IC chip.

[0075] FIG. 22 shows an example of a method for acquiring information based on connector shape, where FIG. 22(A) shows an example of a connector shape for individual connection, FIG. 22(B) shows an example of a connector shape for parallel connection, and FIG. 22(C) shows an example of a connector shape for series connection. The information acquisition method shown in FIG. 22 is a method for acquiring information that identifies the connection method (individual, parallel, series) based on the shape of the connector 201, which differs depending on the connection method. In this method, the connector 201 on the external device 210 has different shapes for individual connection, parallel connection, and series connection. However, any type of connector 201 must be connectable to one connector 120 of the power supply device 100.

[0076] As an example of a method for realizing this, for example, holes for inserting pins are provided in connector 120 of power supply device 100. Meanwhile, pins are provided in different positions in connector 201 on the external device 210 side depending on the type of connection method. Then, information acquisition unit 140 of power supply device 100 identifies the type of connection method of connector 201 connected to connector 120 depending on the position of the hole in connector 120 into which the pin is inserted.

[0077] In the example shown in Fig. 22, connector 120 of power supply device 100 is provided with connection port 121 for power supply and insertion hole 122 for identifying the connection method. Connector 201 on the external device 210 side is provided with a power receiving pin at a position corresponding to connection port 121 of connector 120. As shown in Fig. 22(A), connector 201 for individual connection is provided with only a power receiving pin. As shown in Fig. 22(B), connector 201 for parallel connection is provided with only one pin that is inserted into insertion hole 122, along with the power receiving pin. As shown in Fig. 22(C), connector 201 for series connection is provided with two pins that are inserted into insertion hole 122, along with the power receiving pin.

[0078] When the connector 120 and connector 201 configured as described above are connected, the manner in which the pins are inserted into the insertion holes 122 of the connector 120 differs depending on the connection method of the external device 210. That is, in the case of an individual connection, no pins are inserted into the insertion holes 122. In the case of a parallel connection, a pin is inserted into only one of the insertion holes 122. In the case of a series connection, a pin is inserted into both of the insertion holes 122. The information acquisition unit 140 determines the connection method of the external device 210 depending on the manner in which the pins are inserted into the insertion holes 122 of the connector 120. Note that the configurations of the connectors 120 and 201, such as the shapes and pin arrangements, are not limited to the example described above with reference to FIG. 22 . Various shapes and configurations are possible as long as the connectors 120 and 201 can be connected and the connection method can be identified.

[0079] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a method for acquiring information by image recognition. The information acquisition method shown in Fig. 23 is a method in which power supply device 100 is provided with image acquisition means, and information on the connection method is acquired from an image obtained by photographing connector 201 on the external device 210 side. In the example shown in Fig. 23, a code image (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) 205 in which the connection method is recorded is added to connector 120 of power supply device 100. In addition, a camera 146 is provided near connector 120 of power supply device 100 as an imaging means.

[0080] When connector 201 is connected to connector 120 of power supply device 100, camera 146 captures code image 205 and sends the captured image to information acquisition unit 140. Information acquisition unit 140 analyzes the captured image, reads the connection method information recorded in code image 205, and sends the image to control unit 150. Note that in this example, information acquisition unit 140 reads the code image recording the connection method information, but the method of information extraction by information acquisition unit 140 is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a different predetermined mark for each type of connection method is attached to connector 201, and the connection method is identified based on the type of mark identified from the image captured by camera 146. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 22 , a configuration may be adopted in which the shape, pin arrangement, and other configurations of connector 201 are varied depending on the connection method, and the connector configuration is identified from the image captured by camera 146 to determine the connection method.

[0081] <Other power supply configuration examples> Fig. 24 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the power supply device 100. In the example shown in Fig. 24, only an AC power supply 300 is shown as the power supply. Note that in Fig. 24, the information acquisition unit 140, the control unit 150, etc. are the same as those shown in Fig. 1, and are therefore not shown.

[0082] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1 , the power supply unit 110 has only a DC / DC converter 111. The power supply device 100 is configured to convert AC power supplied from the AC power supply 300 into DC power using the AC / DC converter 161 and then distribute the DC power to each power supply unit 110. In contrast, in the configuration shown in FIG. 24 , each power supply unit 180 has an AC / DC converter 181 and a DC / DC converter 182. The power supply device 100 is configured to distribute the AC power supplied from the AC power supply 300 to each power supply unit 180 as is. Each power supply unit 180 converts the supplied AC power into DC power using the AC / DC converter 181, and then further converts the DC power using the DC / DC converter 182. Each power supply unit 180 then supplies the converted DC power to the connector 120.

[0083] In the power supply device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 24, the power supply units may be configured to share boards and components, or may be configured with separate boards and components for each power supply unit. Alternatively, the power supply device 100 may be provided with slots into which the power supply units are detachably attached. With such a configuration, if an individual power supply unit fails, it can be easily addressed by simply replacing the power supply unit. Various other modifications and alternative configurations that do not depart from the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure are also included in this disclosure.

[0084] <Application examples of the power supply device 100> FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an application example of power supply device 100. The example shown in FIG. 25 is an example of an indoor power supply system. In FIG. 25, power supply device 100 is supplied with AC power from a system power supply via power meter 301 and distribution board 302. Power supply device 100 is also supplied with DC power from solar panel power supply 401 via connection box 402. Power supply device 100 is also supplied with DC power from storage battery 501. Power supply device 100 receives and converts the AC and DC power, and supplies the DC power to external device 210 connected by various connection methods. In FIG. 25, examples of external device 210 to which power is supplied include a water heater and an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0085] <Effects> The power supply device 100 of the present disclosure includes a first power supply unit 110 and a second power supply unit 110 capable of supplying DC power and changing the output voltage, a first connector 120 connected to the first power supply unit 110, a second connector 120 connected to the second power supply unit 110, an information acquisition unit 140 that acquires connection information regarding the external connection states of the first connector 120 and the second connector 120, the connection information including at least one of information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in series, information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in parallel, and information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are not connected, and a control unit 150 that controls the first power supply unit 110 and the second power supply unit 110 based on the connection information. In this case, switching of operation control of the multiple power supply units 110 can be achieved with a simple configuration depending on the external connection states of the multiple connectors 120 corresponding to the multiple power supply units 110. Here, when the connection information is information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in series, the control unit 150 controls the first power supply unit 110 and the second power supply unit 110 so that the output current of the first power supply unit 110 and the output current of the second power supply unit 110 are the same. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply units 110 corresponding to the multiple connectors 120 connected in series externally. Furthermore, when the connection information is information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in parallel, the control unit 150 controls the first power supply unit 110 and the second power supply unit 110 so that the output voltage of the first power supply unit 110 and the output voltage of the second power supply unit 110 are the same. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply units 110 corresponding to the multiple connectors 120 connected in parallel externally. Furthermore, when the connection information is information specifying that the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are not connected, the control unit 150 individually controls the first power supply unit 110 and the second power supply unit 110. In this case, it is possible to perform appropriate operation control on the power supply units 110 corresponding to a plurality of connectors 120 that are individually connected externally. Furthermore, the control unit 150 can execute a first control in which power is supplied from the first power supply unit 110 to the first connector 120 without supplying power from the second power supply unit 110 to the second connector 120, and the information acquisition unit 140 includes a detection unit 141 that detects the voltage of the second connector 120, and a determination unit 142 that determines whether the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in parallel or not based on the voltage value detected by the detection unit 141 during the first control. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply unit 110 depending on the external connection status of the multiple connectors 120, which is identified based on the detection result of the voltage of the connectors 120. Furthermore, the control unit 150 can execute a first control of supplying power from the first power supply unit 110 to the first connector 120 without supplying power from the second power supply unit 110 to the second connector 120, and the information acquisition unit 140 includes a detection unit 143 that detects a current in the second connector 120, and a determination unit 142 that determines whether the first connector 120 and the second connector 120 are connected in series based on the current value detected by the detection unit 143 during the second control. In this case, appropriate operation control can be performed on the power supply unit 110 depending on the external connection status of the multiple connectors 120, which is identified based on the detection result of the voltage of the connectors 120. Moreover, the power supply device 100 of the present disclosure further includes a DC / DC converter 162 connectable to a DC power supply 400, an AC / DC converter 161 connectable to an AC power supply 300, and a DC bus 190 connecting the DC / DC converter 162 and the AC / DC converter 161, wherein the first power supply unit 110 is connected to the DC bus 190 and is capable of converting DC power from the DC bus 190 and supplying the converted power to the first connector 120, and the second power supply unit 110 is connected to the DC bus 190 and is capable of converting DC power from the DC bus 190 and supplying the converted power to the second connector 120. In this case, switching of operation control of the multiple power supply units 110 can be achieved with a simple configuration depending on external connection states of the multiple connectors 120 corresponding to the multiple power supply units 110.

[0086] Although the embodiments have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that combinations of two or more of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications or improvements to the above-described embodiments, are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100... power supply device, 110... power supply unit, 111... DC / DC converter, 120... connector, 130... switch, 140... information acquisition unit, 150... control unit, 161... AC / DC converter, 162... DC / DC converter, 180... power supply unit, 181... AC / DC converter, 182... DC / DC converter

Claims

1. a first power supply unit and a second power supply unit capable of supplying DC power and capable of changing an output voltage; a first connector connected to the first power supply unit; a second connector connected to the second power supply unit; an acquisition means for acquiring connection information regarding an external connection state of the first connector and the second connector, the connection information including at least one of information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are connected in series, information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are connected in parallel, and information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are not connected; a control unit that controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit based on the connection information; A power supply device comprising:

2. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein, when the connection information is information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are connected in series, the control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit so that an output current of the first power supply unit and an output current of the second power supply unit are the same.

3. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein, when the connection information is information specifying that the first connector and the second connector are connected in parallel, the control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit so that the output voltage of the first power supply unit and the output voltage of the second power supply unit are the same.

4. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit individually when the connection information is information that identifies that the first connector and the second connector are not connected.

5. the control unit is capable of executing first control to supply power from the first power supply unit to the first connector without supplying power from the second power supply unit to the second connector, The acquisition means a voltage detection means for detecting a voltage of the second connector; a determination means for determining whether or not the first connector and the second connector are connected in parallel based on a voltage value detected by the voltage detection means during the first control; The power supply device according to claim 1 or 3, comprising:

6. the control unit is capable of executing second control to supply power from the first power supply unit to the first connector without supplying power from the second power supply unit to the second connector, The acquisition means a current detection means for detecting a current in the second connector; a determination means for determining whether or not the first connector and the second connector are connected in series based on the current value detected by the current detection means during the second control; The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

7. a converter circuit connectable to a DC power source; an inverter circuit connectable to an AC power source; a DC bus connecting the converter circuit and the inverter circuit, the first power supply unit is connected to the DC bus and is capable of converting DC power from the DC bus and supplying the converted power to the first connector; the second power supply unit is connected to the DC bus and is capable of converting DC power from the DC bus and supplying the converted power to the second connector.

5. The power supply device according to claim 1.

Images