Power supply system

Abstract

Provided is a power supply system capable of efficiently supplying power to a load using a plurality of power sources. A power supply system (1) that supplies power to an external load is provided with: a power generation unit (10) that generates power; a power storage unit (30) having a plurality of power storage devices (31); and a switching unit (40) that switches the connection state of the plurality of power storage devices (31). The power obtained by the power generation unit 10 is supplied to the power storage unit 30 in a state in which the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series by means of the switching unit 40. The power stored in the power storage unit (30) is supplied to the load (100) in a state in which at least one of the plurality of power storage devices (31) is used and at least some of the plurality of power storage devices (31) are connected in parallel, by means of the switching unit (40), can be switched between a state in which at least one of the plurality of power storage devices (31) is used and a state in which at least some of the plurality of power storage devices (31) are connected in parallel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system and the like. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as in Patent Document 1, a charging and discharging device for an electric vehicle has been proposed that stores electric power and supplies the stored electric power to an electric vehicle or the like.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-208132 Summary of the invention

[0006] However, charge and discharge control of a plurality of power storage devices is not considered.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply system or the like capable of efficiently supplying power to a load using a plurality of power sources.

[0008] A power supply system according to the present invention supplies power to an external load, wherein the power supply system includes: a power generation unit that generates power; a power storage unit that includes a plurality of power storage devices; and a switching unit that switches connection states of the plurality of power storage devices.

[0009] The power generated by the power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit in a state where the plurality of power storage devices are connected in series via the switching unit.

[0010] The power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the load in a state in which at least one of the plurality of power storage devices is used and at least some of the plurality of power storage devices are connected in parallel, which can be switched by the switching unit.

[0011] In the charging mode, a plurality of power storage devices are connected in series.

[0012] Thus, compared with a method of connecting a plurality of power storage devices in parallel in the charging mode, the current flowing from the power generation unit through the power line connecting the power storage units can be reduced, and a cable with a small diameter can be used as the power line.

[0013] In addition, in the discharge mode, all of the plurality of power storage devices are connected in parallel, or in the discharge mode, one of the plurality of power storage devices is used.

[0014] Thus, compared with a method in which a plurality of power storage devices are connected in series in the discharge mode, low-voltage electric power can be supplied to the load.

[0015] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the discharge mode, some of the plurality of power storage devices are connected in series and some are connected in parallel.

[0016] Thus, compared with a method in which all of the plurality of power storage devices are connected in parallel in the discharge mode, high-voltage electric power can be supplied to the load.

[0017] That is, it is possible to provide a power supply system or the like that can efficiently supply power to a load using a plurality of power sources.

[0018] Preferably, the plurality of power storage devices include a first power storage device and a second power storage device.

[0019] The power storage unit includes a first charge control device connected in parallel with the first power storage device and a second charge control device connected in parallel with the second power storage device.

[0020] The first charging control device monitors a first charging rate of the first power storage device.

[0021] The second charging control device monitors a second charging rate of the second power storage device.

[0022] The first charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the first power storage device when the first charging rate is equal to or higher than a first charging rate threshold value.

[0023] The second charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the second power storage device when the second charging rate is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold.

[0024] The power from the power generation unit is supplied to the power storage device with a lower charge rate and not to the power storage device with a higher charge rate. Therefore, the power storage device with a higher charge rate can be prevented from being deteriorated, and the power storage device with a lower charge rate can be charged earlier.

[0025] Preferably, the power supply system further includes a monitoring unit that monitors information related to the power supplied from the power generation unit to the power storage unit.

[0026] When the first charging rate is less than a first charging rate threshold and equal to or greater than a second charging rate threshold lower than the first charging rate threshold, the first charging control device suppresses power supply from the power generation unit to the first power storage device based on information obtained by the monitoring unit.

[0027] When the second charging rate is lower than the first charging rate threshold and equal to or higher than the second charging rate threshold, the second charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the second power storage device based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit.

[0028] The power from the power generation unit is supplied to the power storage device with a lower charge rate, but not to the power storage device with a higher charge rate. Based on the information related to the power supplied from the power generation unit to the power storage unit, the power generation unit is controlled to supply power to the power storage device with a medium charge rate. Therefore, the power storage device with a lower charge rate can be charged in advance according to the power supply status.

[0029] In addition, preferably, the power supply system further includes an operation unit.

[0030] The plurality of power storage devices include a third power storage device.

[0031] The power storage unit includes a third charge control device connected in parallel with a third power storage device.

[0032] The third charging control device monitors a third charging rate of the third power storage device.

[0033] The third charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the third power storage device when the third charging rate is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold.

[0034] One or more power storage devices among the first to third power storage devices whose charging rates are less than the first charging rate threshold value are supplied with electric power from the power generating unit according to the load amount set by means of the operating unit so as to perform a load test of the power generating unit, and the power supply from the power generating unit to the other power storage devices is suppressed by any one of the first to third charging control devices.

[0035] The load test of the power generation unit can be performed by selecting the amount of the power storage device to be charged through manual operation using the operation unit.

[0036] In addition, preferably, the switching unit has a plurality of switches.

[0037] When the electric power obtained by the electric power generation unit is supplied to the electric power storage unit, the normally closed contacts of the plurality of switches are connected to the fixed contacts.

[0038] When the electric power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the load, the normally open contact of at least one of the plurality of switches is connected to the fixed contact.

[0039] Regarding each switch of the switching unit, a movable contact connected to a fixed contact in the charging mode is set as a normally closed contact.

[0040] Therefore, when the charging rates of the plurality of power storage devices of the power storage unit are low and the movable contacts cannot be driven, the power generated by the power generation unit can be supplied to the power storage unit while maintaining the charging mode.

[0041] In addition, preferably, the power supply system also includes: a monitoring unit, which monitors at least one of information related to the power supplied from the power storage unit to the load and information related to the charging status of multiple power storage devices; and a control unit, which controls the switching unit when supplying power from the power storage unit to the load based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit.

[0042] The connection state of the plurality of power storage devices when power is supplied from the power storage unit to the load can be optimized based on at least one of information on power supplied from the power storage unit to the load and information on the charge states of the plurality of power storage devices.

[0043] In addition, preferably, the power supply system receives power supply from an external test object power supply.

[0044] The power storage unit is used for a load test of a power source under test.

[0045] According to the power supply system described in technical solution 1, power is supplied from the test object power supply to the power storage unit in a state where the state of using one power storage device among multiple power storage devices, the state of connecting at least a part of the multiple power storage devices in parallel, and the state of connecting the multiple power storage devices in series can be switched by means of a switching unit.

[0046] It is possible to use a plurality of power storage devices and perform a load test on a test target power source while switching the connection states of the plurality of power storage devices, and it is also possible to charge the power storage devices.

[0047] Furthermore, preferably, the power supply system further includes a bidirectional AC / DC converter.

[0048] When the load is driven by AC power and receives power supply from the power storage unit, the bidirectional AC / DC converter converts the current of the power from the power storage unit from DC to AC.

[0049] When the test target power supply is a device that generates AC power and supplies power to the power storage unit, the bidirectional AC / DC converter converts the current of the power from the test target power supply from AC to DC.

[0050] The load driven by AC power and the test subject power source generating AC power can be replaced without changing the internal structure of the power supply system.

[0051] Preferably, at least two of the plurality of power storage devices are arranged in a stacked state with an insulating member interposed therebetween.

[0052] A plurality of power storage devices can be arranged in a predetermined area while ensuring insulation.

[0053] Furthermore, preferably, the plurality of power storage devices are held in a detachable state.

[0054] In addition, preferably, the power generation unit has a plurality of solar cell panels.

[0055] Multiple solar panels are connected in series.

[0056] Effects of the Invention

[0057] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply system or the like that can efficiently supply power to a load using a plurality of power sources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the main structure of the power supply system according to this embodiment.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system in the charging mode.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system in the first discharge mode.

[0061] Figure 4 It is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system in the second discharge mode.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system in the third discharge mode.

[0063] Figure 6 It is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system in the fourth discharge mode.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system in the load test mode of the DC test target power supply.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system in the load test mode of the AC test target power supply.

[0066] Fig. 9 It is a detailed configuration diagram of the power supply system including the first charging control device, etc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0068] In addition, the embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, the content described in one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments in principle. In addition, the embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined.

[0069] (Power supply system 1)

[0070] The power supply system 1 of the present embodiment includes a power generation unit 10, a power supply unit 20, a power storage unit 30, a switching unit 40, and an operation unit 50 (see Figure 1 to Figure 3 ).

[0071] (Power Generation Unit 10)

[0072] The power generation unit 10 is a generator or the like, and generates power.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the power generation unit 10 includes a power generation device 11 and a charge and discharge controller 13 .

[0074] The power generation device 11 includes a plurality of solar cell panels (a first solar cell panel 11 a to an eighth solar cell panel 11 h ).

[0075] The charge and discharge controller 13 controls the charge and discharge of the power generation device 11 .

[0076] (Power supply unit 20)

[0077] The power supply unit 20 includes a first power line 21 and a second power line 22 .

[0078] The first power line 21 is used as a power supply line from the power generation unit 10 to the power storage unit 30 .

[0079] The first power line 21 connects the plurality of solar cell panels of the power generation unit 10 in series.

[0080] Second power line 22 is used as a power supply line from power storage unit 30 to load 100 .

[0081] The specific routing of the first power line 21 and the second power line 22 will be described later.

[0082] (Electricity Storage Unit 30)

[0083] The power storage unit 30 stores the electric power generated by the electric power generation unit 10 .

[0084] The power storage unit 30 includes a plurality of power storage devices 31 (first power storage device 31a to eighth power storage device 31h) and an insulating member 33. The plurality of power storage devices 31 are each composed of a battery, a capacitor, etc. The plurality of power storage devices 31 may be fixedly installed on a base portion that holds the power storage device 31, or may be installed in a state that can be removed from the base portion.

[0085] The plurality of power storage devices 31 are stacked in the up-down direction.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the fifth power storage device 31 e is installed on the ground with the insulating member 33 interposed therebetween, and the first power storage device 31 a is installed on the fifth power storage device 31 e with the insulating member 33 interposed therebetween.

[0087] Furthermore, the sixth power storage device 31 f is installed on the ground via an insulating member 33 , and the second power storage device 31 b is installed on the sixth power storage device 31 f via an insulating member 33 .

[0088] Furthermore, the seventh power storage device 31 g is installed on the ground with the insulating member 33 interposed therebetween, and the third power storage device 31 c is installed on the seventh power storage device 31 g with the insulating member 33 interposed therebetween.

[0089] Furthermore, the eighth power storage device 31 h is installed on the ground with the insulating member 33 interposed therebetween, and the fourth power storage device 31 d is installed on the eighth power storage device 31 h with the insulating member 33 interposed therebetween.

[0090] However, the number of layers stacked in the vertical direction is not limited to two.

[0091] (Switch section 40)

[0092] The switching unit 40 switches the connection states of the plurality of power storage devices 31 .

[0093] The switching unit 40 has a plurality of double-throw switches (the 11th switch S11, the 12th switch S12, the 21st switch S21, the 22nd switch S22, the 31st switch S31, the 32nd switch S32, the 41st switch S41, the 42nd switch S42, the 51st switch S51, the 52nd switch S52, the 61st switch S61, the 62nd switch S62, the 71st switch S71, the 72nd switch S72, the 81st switch S81, and the 82nd switch S82).

[0094] However, the 21st switch S21 , the 31st switch S31 , the 41st switch S41 , the 51st switch S51 , the 61st switch S61 , the 71st switch S71 , and the 81st switch S81 may be single-throw switches.

[0095] The movable contact of the switch of the switching unit 40 is driven by the electric power of the power storage unit 30 .

[0096] (11th switch S11)

[0097] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the eleventh switch S11 is connected to the positive terminal of the charge and discharge controller 13 .

[0098] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the eleventh switch S11 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0099] The fixed contact of the eleventh switch S11 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the first power storage device 31 a .

[0100] (12th switch S12)

[0101] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the twelfth switch S12 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the second power storage device 31 b and the like.

[0102] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the twelfth switch S12 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0103] The fixed contact of the twelfth switch S12 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the first power storage device 31 a .

[0104] The 11th switch S11 and the 12th switch S12 sandwich the first power storage device 31 a .

[0105] (Switch No. 21 S21)

[0106] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 21st switch S21 is not connected to other equipment.

[0107] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 21st switch S21 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0108] The fixed contact of the 21st switch S21 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the second power storage device 31b and the like.

[0109] (Switch No. 22 S22)

[0110] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 22nd switch S22 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the third power storage device 31c and the like.

[0111] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 22nd switch S22 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0112] The fixed contact of the 22nd switch S22 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the second power storage device 31b.

[0113] The 21st switch S21 and the 22nd switch S22 sandwich the second power storage device 31b.

[0114] (31st switch S31)

[0115] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 31st switch S31 is not connected to other equipment.

[0116] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 31st switch S31 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0117] The fixed contact of the 31st switch S31 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the third power storage device 31c and the like.

[0118] (32nd switch S32)

[0119] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 32nd switch S32 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the fourth power storage device 31d and the like.

[0120] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 32nd switch S32 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0121] The fixed contact of the 32nd switch S32 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the third power storage device 31c.

[0122] The 31st switch S31 and the 32nd switch S32 sandwich the third power storage device 31c.

[0123] (41st switch S41)

[0124] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 41st switch S41 is not connected to other equipment.

[0125] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 41st switch S41 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0126] The fixed contact of the 41st switch S41 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the fourth power storage device 31d and the like.

[0127] (42nd switch S42)

[0128] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 42nd switch S42 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the fifth power storage device 31e and the like.

[0129] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 42nd switch S42 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0130] The fixed contact of the 42nd switch S42 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the fourth power storage device 31d.

[0131] The 41st switch S41 and the 42nd switch S42 sandwich the fourth power storage device 31d.

[0132] (Switch No. 51 S51)

[0133] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 51st switch S51 is not connected to other equipment.

[0134] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 51st switch S51 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0135] The fixed contact of the 51st switch S51 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the fifth power storage device 31e and the like.

[0136] (Switch No. 52 S52)

[0137] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 52nd switch S52 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the sixth power storage device 31f and the like.

[0138] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 52nd switch S52 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0139] The fixed contact of the 52nd switch S52 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the fifth power storage device 31e.

[0140] The 51st switch S51 and the 52nd switch S52 sandwich the fifth power storage device 31e.

[0141] (Switch No. 61 S61)

[0142] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 61st switch S61 is not connected to other equipment.

[0143] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 61st switch S61 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0144] The fixed contact of the 61st switch S61 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the sixth power storage device 31f and the like.

[0145] (Switch No. 62 S62)

[0146] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 62nd switch S62 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the seventh power storage device 31g and the like.

[0147] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 62nd switch S62 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0148] The fixed contact of the 62nd switch S62 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the sixth power storage device 31f.

[0149] The 61st switch S61 and the 62nd switch S62 sandwich the sixth power storage device 31f.

[0150] (Switch No. 71 S71)

[0151] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 71st switch S71 is not connected to other equipment.

[0152] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 71st switch S71 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0153] The fixed contact of the 71st switch S71 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the seventh power storage device 31g and the like.

[0154] (Switch No. 72 S72)

[0155] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 72nd switch S72 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the eighth power storage device 31h and the like.

[0156] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 72nd switch S72 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0157] The fixed contact of the 72nd switch S72 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the seventh power storage device 31g.

[0158] The 71st switch S71 and the 72nd switch S72 sandwich the seventh power storage device 31g.

[0159] (Switch No. 81 S81)

[0160] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 81st switch S81 is not connected to other equipment.

[0161] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 81st switch S81 is connected to the positive terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0162] The fixed contact of the 81st switch S81 is connected to the positive electrode terminal of the eighth power storage device 31h and the like.

[0163] (Switch No. 82 S82)

[0164] One contact point (normally closed contact point) of the movable contact point of the 82nd switch S82 is connected to the negative terminal of the charge and discharge controller 13 .

[0165] The other contact point (normally open contact point) of the movable contact point of the 82nd switch S82 is connected to the negative terminal of the load 100 or the like.

[0166] The fixed contact of the 82nd switch S82 is connected to the negative electrode terminal of the eighth power storage device 31h.

[0167] The 81st switch S81 and the 82nd switch S82 sandwich the eighth power storage device 31h.

[0168] (Details of the First Power Line 21)

[0169] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the first solar cell panel 11 a and the negative electrode terminal of the second solar cell panel 11 b .

[0170] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the second solar cell panel 11 b and the negative electrode terminal of the third solar cell panel 11 c .

[0171] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the third solar cell panel 11 c and the negative electrode terminal of the fourth solar cell panel 11 d .

[0172] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the fourth solar cell panel 11 d and the negative electrode terminal of the fifth solar cell panel 11 e .

[0173] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the fifth solar cell panel 11 e and the negative electrode terminal of the sixth solar cell panel 11 f .

[0174] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the sixth solar cell panel 11 f and the negative electrode terminal of the seventh solar cell panel 11 g .

[0175] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the seventh solar cell panel 11g and the negative electrode terminal of the eighth solar cell panel 11h.

[0176] The first power line 21 connects the positive electrode terminal of the eighth solar cell panel 11 h and the positive electrode terminal of the charge and discharge controller 13 .

[0177] The first power line 21 connects the positive terminal of the charge and discharge controller 13 and one contact (normally closed contact) of the movable contact of the eleventh switch S11 .

[0178] The first power line 21 connects the negative electrode terminal of the first solar cell panel 11 a and the negative electrode terminal of the charge and discharge controller 13 .

[0179] The first power line 21 connects the negative terminal of the charge and discharge controller 13 and one contact (normally closed contact) of the movable contact of the 82nd switch S82 .

[0180] (Details of the Second Power Line 22)

[0181] The second power line 22 connects the other contact (normally open contact) of the movable contact of each of the 11th switch S11, the 21st switch S21, the 31st switch S31, the 41st switch S41, the 51st switch S51, the 61st switch S61, the 71st switch S71 and the 81st switch S81 to the positive terminal of the load 100.

[0182] The second power line 22 connects the other contact (normally open contact) of the movable contact of each of the 12th switch S12, the 22nd switch S22, the 32nd switch S32, the 42nd switch S42, the 52nd switch S52, the 62nd switch S62, the 72nd switch S72 and the 82nd switch S82 to the negative terminal of the load 100.

[0183] (Operation of the Switching Unit 40 in Charging Mode)

[0184] In a state where a plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series via switching unit 40 , the power obtained by power generation unit 10 is supplied to power storage unit 30 .

[0185] Specifically, the normally closed contacts of the switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts (see Figure 2 ).

[0186] Figure 2 The states in which the normally closed contacts of the 11th switch S11, the 12th switch S12, the 21st switch S21, the 22nd switch S22, the 31st switch S31, the 32nd switch S32, the 41st switch S41, the 42nd switch S42, the 51st switch S51, the 52nd switch S52, the 61st switch S61, the 62nd switch S62, the 71st switch S71, the 72nd switch S72, the 81st switch S81, and the 82nd switch S82 are connected to the fixed contacts are shown.

[0187] In this case, electric power is supplied from the electric power generation unit 10 to the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h in a state where the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h are connected in parallel.

[0188] (Operation of Switching Unit 40 in Discharge Mode)

[0189] In a state where a plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in parallel via switching unit 40 , the electric power stored in power storage unit 30 is supplied to load 100 (first discharge mode).

[0190] Specifically, the normally open contacts of the switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts (see Figure 3 ).

[0191] Figure 3 The states in which the normally open contacts of the 11th switch S11, the 12th switch S12, the 21st switch S21, the 22nd switch S22, the 31st switch S31, the 32nd switch S32, the 41st switch S41, the 42nd switch S42, the 51st switch S51, the 52nd switch S52, the 61st switch S61, the 62nd switch S62, the 71st switch S71, the 72nd switch S72, the 81st switch S81, and the 82nd switch S82 are connected to the fixed contacts are shown.

[0192] In this case, electric power is supplied from the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h to the load 100 in a state where the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h are connected in parallel.

[0193] (Application Example 1 of Operation of Switching Unit 40 in Discharge Mode)

[0194] The power stored in the power storage unit 30 can be supplied to the load 100 in a state where some of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series and some are connected in parallel by the switching unit 40 (second discharge mode).

[0195] Specifically, the normally closed contacts of some switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts, and the normally open contacts of the remaining switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts (see Figure 4 ).

[0196] Figure 4 The diagram shows a state in which the normally closed contacts of the 12th switch S12, the 21st switch S21, the 32nd switch S32, the 41st switch S41, the 52nd switch S52, the 61st switch S61, the 72nd switch S72 and the 81st switch S81 are connected to the fixed contacts, and the normally open contacts of the 11th switch S11, the 22nd switch S22, the 31st switch S31, the 42nd switch S42, the 51st switch S51, the 62nd switch S62, the 71st switch S71 and the 82nd switch S82 are connected to the fixed contacts.

[0197] In this case, the first power storage device 31a is connected in series with the second power storage device 31b, the third power storage device 31c is connected in series with the fourth power storage device 31d, the fifth power storage device 31e is connected in series with the sixth power storage device 31f, and the seventh power storage device 31g is connected in series with the eighth power storage device 31h. In addition, in a state where the group of the first power storage device 31a and the second power storage device 31b, the group of the third power storage device 31c and the fourth power storage device 31d, the group of the fifth power storage device 31e and the sixth power storage device 31f, and the group of the seventh power storage device 31g and the eighth power storage device 31h are connected in parallel, power is supplied from the first power storage device 31a to the eighth power storage device 31h to the load 100.

[0198] (Application Example 2 of Operation of Switching Unit 40 in Discharge Mode)

[0199] The power stored in the power storage unit 30 can be supplied to the load 100 in a state where some of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in parallel via the switching unit 40 and some are not used (third discharge mode).

[0200] Furthermore, the electric power stored in power storage unit 30 can be supplied to load 100 in a state where one of the plurality of power storage devices 31 is used by switching unit 40 and the remaining power storage devices are not used.

[0201] Specifically, the normally closed contacts of some switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts, and the normally open contacts of the remaining switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts (see Figure 5 ).

[0202] Figure 5 The state in which the normally closed contacts of the 11th switch S11, the 12th switch S12, the 21st switch S21, the 22nd switch S22, the 31st switch S31, the 32nd switch S32, the 41st switch S41, the 42nd switch S42, the 51st switch S51, the 52nd switch S52, the 62nd switch S62, the 72nd switch S72, and the 82nd switch S82 are connected to the fixed contact and the normally open contacts of the 61st switch S61, the 71st switch S71, and the 81st switch S81 are connected to the fixed contact is shown. In addition, the normally open contacts of the 62nd switch S62, the 72nd switch S72, and the 82nd switch S82 may be connected to the fixed contact.

[0203] In this case, with the first to fifth power storage devices 31a to 31e connected in parallel, electric power is supplied from the first to fifth power storage devices 31a to 31e to the load 100. The sixth to eighth power storage devices 31f to 31h are not used.

[0204] (Application Example 3 of Operation of Switching Unit 40 in Discharge Mode)

[0205] In a state where all of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series via the switching unit 40 , the electric power stored in the power storage unit 30 can be supplied to the load 100 (fourth discharge mode).

[0206] Specifically, the normally closed contacts of some switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts, and the normally open contacts of the remaining switches of the switching unit 40 are connected to the fixed contacts (see Figure 6 ).

[0207] Figure 6 The states in which the normally closed contacts of the 12th switch S12, the 21st switch S21, the 22nd switch S22, the 31st switch S31, the 32nd switch S32, the 41st switch S41, the 42nd switch S42, the 51st switch S51, the 52nd switch S52, the 61st switch S61, the 62nd switch S62, the 71st switch S71, the 72nd switch S72 and the 81st switch S81 are connected to the fixed contacts are shown.

[0208] In this case, electric power is supplied from the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h to the load 100 in a state where the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h are connected in series.

[0209] Therefore, in this embodiment, the power stored in the power storage unit 30 is supplied to the load 100 in a state where the state of using one of the multiple power storage devices 31, the state of connecting at least a part of the multiple power storage devices 31 in parallel, and the state of connecting all the multiple power storage devices 31 in series can be switched with the help of the switching unit 40.

[0210] (Operation unit 50)

[0211] The operation unit 50 is a selection switch for selecting a charging mode and a discharging mode.

[0212] When a load test mode described later is performed, it is used instead of the discharge mode and / or in the selection of the load test mode.

[0213] In addition, the operation unit 50 is also used for selecting the first discharge mode to the fourth discharge mode among the discharge modes.

[0214] Furthermore, the operation unit 50 is also used to select the power storage device 31 used in the third discharge mode.

[0215] However, power supply system 1 may include monitoring unit 55 that monitors information on power supplied from power storage unit 30 to load 100 , and control unit 57 that controls switching unit 40 based on information obtained by monitoring unit 55 .

[0216] For example, the monitoring unit 55 includes a first current monitoring device 551 that monitors the current value of the current flowing through the second power line 22 as information on the power supplied from the power storage unit 30 to the load 100 .

[0217] When the resistance value of the load 100 is large and the current value obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (first current monitoring device 551) is smaller than the current threshold, the control unit 57 controls the switches of the switching unit 40 to form the second discharge mode or the fourth discharge mode.

[0218] When the resistance value of the load 100 is small and the current value obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (first current monitoring device 551) is larger than the current threshold, the control unit 57 controls the switches of the switching unit 40 to form the first discharge mode or the third discharge mode.

[0219] (Effects of series connection in charge mode and parallel connection in discharge mode)

[0220] In the present embodiment, a plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series in the charging mode.

[0221] Thus, compared with a method of connecting a plurality of power storage devices 31 in parallel in the charging mode, the current flowing through the first power line 21 can be reduced, and a cable with a small diameter can be used as the first power line 21 .

[0222] In the present embodiment, all of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in parallel in the discharge mode, or one of the plurality of power storage devices 31 is used in the discharge mode.

[0223] Thus, compared with a method in which a plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series in the discharge mode, low-voltage electric power can be supplied to load 100 .

[0224] In the present embodiment, in the discharge mode, some of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series and some are connected in parallel.

[0225] Thus, compared with a method in which all of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in parallel in the discharge mode, high voltage power can be supplied to load 100 .

[0226] That is, it is possible to provide a power supply system or the like that can efficiently supply power to a load using a plurality of power sources.

[0227] (The effect of setting the charging switch to a normally closed contact)

[0228] In the present embodiment, regarding each switch (the eleventh switch S11 and the like) of the switching unit 40 , a movable contact connected to a fixed contact in the charging mode is a normally closed contact.

[0229] Therefore, when the charging rates of power storage devices 31 of power storage unit 30 are low and the movable contacts cannot be driven, the power obtained by power generation unit 10 can be supplied to power storage unit 30 while maintaining the charging mode.

[0230] (Effects of Providing the Monitoring Unit 55 and the Control Unit 57)

[0231] Based on the information on the electric power supplied from the power storage unit 30 to the load 100 , it is possible to optimize the connection state of the plurality of power storage devices 31 when the electric power is supplied from the power storage unit 30 to the load 100 .

[0232] (Effect of stacking the power storage devices 31 in the vertical direction via the insulating member 33)

[0233] A plurality of power storage devices 31 can be arranged in a predetermined area while ensuring insulation.

[0234] (Number of solar panels)

[0235] In the present embodiment, an example in which the power generating device 11 of the power generating unit 10 includes eight solar cell panels (the first solar cell panel 11 a to the eighth solar cell panel 11 h ) has been described.

[0236] However, the number of solar panels is not limited to eight.

[0237] (Application example of power generation device)

[0238] In the present embodiment, an example in which the power generating device 11 of the power generating unit 10 is a solar cell panel has been described.

[0239] However, the power generation device 11 may be another power generation device such as a fuel cell.

[0240] When the other power generation device is an AC power generation device, an AC / DC converter is provided between the power generation device 11 and the power storage unit 30 .

[0241] (Number of power storage devices)

[0242] In the present embodiment, an example in which the power storage unit 30 includes eight power storage devices 31 (first power storage device 31 a to eighth power storage device 31 h ) has been described.

[0243] However, the number of power storage devices 31 is not limited to eight.

[0244] (Application Example to Which Electric Power is Supplied from Power Storage Unit 30)

[0245] In the present embodiment, an example in which electric power is supplied from power storage unit 30 to load 100 is described.

[0246] The load 100 is an electrical device driven by direct current.

[0247] However, the load 100 may also be an electrical device driven by an alternating current.

[0248] In this case, a DC / AC inverter is provided between load 100 and power storage unit 30 .

[0249] In addition, the load 100 may be composed of a plurality of loads, and the plurality of loads may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0250] (Application Example of Load Test Using Power Storage Unit 30)

[0251] In the present embodiment, an example in which the power storage unit 30 receives power supply from the power generation unit 10 has been described (charging mode).

[0252] In the present embodiment, an example in which power storage unit 30 supplies electric power to load 100 has been described (discharge mode).

[0253] However, in order to perform a load test on the test object power supply 200 , the power storage unit 30 may receive power supply from the test object power supply 200 (load test mode).

[0254] In the discharge mode, the power supply system 1 is connected to the load 100, but in the load test mode, the power supply system 1 is connected to the test object power supply 200 (see Figure 7 ).

[0255] In this case, the load 100 is replaced with the test object power supply 200 .

[0256] In the discharge mode, power is supplied from power storage unit 30 to load 100 , whereas in the load test mode, power is not supplied from power storage unit 30 but is supplied from test object power supply 200 to power storage unit 30 .

[0257] (Operation 1 of the Switching Unit 40 in the Load Test Mode)

[0258] Power is supplied from the test power supply 200 to the power storage unit 30 while only one of the plurality of power storage devices 31 is used or two or more of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in parallel by the switching unit 40 .

[0259] Specifically, among the switches of the switching unit 40 , the normally open contact and the fixed contact of the switch corresponding to the power storage device 31 to be used are connected.

[0260] The number of power storage devices used increases or decreases according to the load amount.

[0261] The eleventh switch S11 and the twelfth switch S12 of the switches of the switching unit 40 correspond to the first power storage device 31 a .

[0262] Of the switches of the switching unit 40 , the 21st switch S21 and the 22nd switch S22 correspond to the second power storage device 31 b .

[0263] Of the switches of the switching unit 40, the 31st switch S31 and the 32nd switch S32 correspond to the third power storage device 31c.

[0264] Of the switches of the switching unit 40, a 41st switch S41 and a 42nd switch S42 correspond to the fourth power storage device 31d.

[0265] Of the switches of the switching unit 40, the 51st switch S51 and the 52nd switch S52 correspond to the fifth power storage device 31e.

[0266] Of the switches of the switching unit 40, the 61st switch S61 and the 62nd switch S62 correspond to the sixth power storage device 31f.

[0267] Of the switches of the switching unit 40, the 71st switch S71 and the 72nd switch S72 correspond to the seventh power storage device 31g.

[0268] Among the switches of the switching unit 40, the 81st switch S81 and the 82nd switch S82 correspond to the eighth power storage device 31h.

[0269] Figure 7 The state in which the normally closed contacts of the 11th switch S11, the 12th switch S12, the 21st switch S21, the 22nd switch S22, the 31st switch S31, the 32nd switch S32, the 41st switch S41, the 42nd switch S42, the 51st switch S51, the 52nd switch S52, the 62nd switch S62, the 72nd switch S72, and the 82nd switch S82 are connected to the fixed contacts and the normally open contacts of the 61st switch S61, the 71st switch S71, and the 81st switch S81 are connected to the fixed contacts is shown. In addition, the normally open contacts of the 62nd switch S62, the 72nd switch S72, and the 82nd switch S82 may be connected to the fixed contacts.

[0270] In this case, electric power is supplied from the test object power supply 200 to the first to fifth power storage devices 31a to 31e while the first to fifth power storage devices 31a to 31e are connected in parallel. The sixth to eighth power storage devices 31f to 31h are not used.

[0271] (Application Example 1 of Operation of Switching Unit 40 in Load Test Mode)

[0272] The power supply from the test object power supply 200 to the power storage unit 30 can be performed in a state where some of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series and some are connected in parallel via the switching unit 40 .

[0273] (Application Example 2 of Operation of Switching Unit 40 in Load Test Mode)

[0274] The power supply from the test object power supply 200 to the power storage unit 30 can be performed in a state where all of the plurality of power storage devices 31 are connected in series via the switching unit 40 .

[0275] Therefore, in this embodiment, power is supplied from the test object power supply 200 to the power storage unit 30 in a state in which a state of using one of the multiple power storage devices 31, a state of connecting at least a part of the multiple power storage devices 31 in parallel, and a state of connecting the multiple power storage devices 31 in series can be switched with the help of the switching unit 40.

[0276] (Effect of connecting the test object power supply 200 to the power supply system 1)

[0277] By using a plurality of power storage devices 31 , it is possible to perform a load test on the test object power supply 200 while switching the connection states of the plurality of power storage devices 31 , and it is also possible to charge the power storage devices 31 .

[0278] (Test object power supply 200)

[0279] The test object power supply 200 is a device such as a generator that generates direct current power.

[0280] The test object power supply 200 may be a device that generates AC power. In this case, a device (AC / DC converter) 60 that converts AC power into DC power is provided between the test object power supply 200 and the power storage device 31 .

[0281] Only one conversion device 60 may be provided. In this case, after the conversion device 60 converts the AC power from the test object power supply 200 into DC power, the DC power is supplied to the plurality of power storage devices 31 .

[0282] The conversion device 60 may be provided for each power storage device 31 . In this case, after the AC power from the test object power source 200 is supplied to each conversion device 60 and converted into DC power, the DC power is supplied from each conversion device 60 to the plurality of power storage devices 31 .

[0283] (Application Example of Converter 60)

[0284] The conversion device 60 is preferably a bidirectional AC / DC converter.

[0285] When load 100 is connected to power supply system 1 , the bidirectional AC / DC converter converts the current form of the power from power storage unit 30 to load 100 from direct current to alternating current.

[0286] When the test object power supply 200 is connected to the power supply system 1 , the bidirectional AC / DC converter converts the current form of the power from the test object power supply 200 to the power storage unit 30 from AC to DC.

[0287] (Effect of the conversion device 60 including a bidirectional AC / DC converter)

[0288] The load 100 driven by AC power and the test object power supply 200 generating AC power can be replaced without changing the internal structure of the power supply system 1 .

[0289] (Application example of AC test object power supply 200)

[0290] The test object power supply 200 may be a device that generates single-phase AC power or a device that generates three-phase AC power.

[0291] When the test power supply 200 is a device that generates three-phase AC power, power is supplied to each power storage device 31 via the conversion device 60 using two of the three power lines (U phase line, V phase line, W phase line) from the test power supply 200.

[0292] (Application Example of Power Storage Device 31)

[0293] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which electric power is supplied from the electric power generation unit 10 to all of the plurality of power storage devices 31 in the charging mode.

[0294] However, the supply of electric power to some of the plurality of power storage devices 31 may be suppressed based on the state of charge (see Fig. 9 ).

[0295] In this case, the power storage unit 30 includes first to eighth charging control devices 32a to 32h.

[0296] (First Charging Control Device 32a)

[0297] The first charging control device 32a is connected in parallel with the first power storage device 31a.

[0298] The first charging control device 32a monitors the charging rate (first charging rate R1) of the first power storage device 31a.

[0299] The first charging control device 32a includes a resistor, and when the first charging rate R1 is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the first charging control device 32a suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit 10 to the first power storage device 31a and supplies electric power to the resistor.

[0300] Therefore, when the first charging rate R1 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the first power storage device 31a, and when the first charging rate R1 is greater than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the first charging control device 32a.

[0301] The first charging control device 32a functions as a battery management system for the first power storage device 31a.

[0302] (Second charging control device 32b)

[0303] The second charging control device 32b is connected in parallel with the second power storage device 31b.

[0304] The second charging control device 32b monitors the charging rate (second charging rate R2) of the second power storage device 31b.

[0305] The second charge control device 32b includes a resistor, and when the second charge rate R2 is equal to or higher than the first charge rate threshold Thr1, suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit 10 to the second power storage device 31b and supplies electric power to the resistor.

[0306] Therefore, when the second charging rate R2 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the second power storage device 31b, and when the second charging rate R2 is greater than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the second charging control device 32b.

[0307] The second charging control device 32b functions as a battery management system for the second power storage device 31b.

[0308] (Third Charging Control Device 32c)

[0309] The third charging control device 32c is connected in parallel to the third power storage device 31c.

[0310] The third charging control device 32c monitors the charging rate (third charging rate R3) of the third power storage device 31c.

[0311] The third charging control device 32c includes a resistor, and when the third charging rate R3 is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the third charging control device 32c suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit 10 to the third power storage device 31c and supplies electric power to the resistor.

[0312] Therefore, when the third charging rate Rc is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the third power storage device 31c, and when the third charging rate R3 is greater than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the third charging control device 32c.

[0313] The third charging control device 32c functions as a battery management system for the third power storage device 31c.

[0314] (Fourth charging control device 32d)

[0315] The fourth charging control device 32d is connected in parallel with the fourth power storage device 31d.

[0316] The fourth charging control device 32d monitors the charging rate (fourth charging rate R4) of the fourth power storage device 31d.

[0317] The fourth charge control device 32d includes a resistor, and when the fourth charge rate R4 is equal to or higher than the first charge rate threshold Thr1, suppresses the supply of electric power from the power generation unit 10 to the fourth power storage device 31d and supplies electric power to the resistor.

[0318] Therefore, when the fourth charging rate R4 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the fourth power storage device 31d, and when the fourth charging rate R4 is greater than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the fourth charging control device 32d.

[0319] The fourth charging control device 32d functions as a battery management system for the fourth power storage device 31d.

[0320] (Fifth charging control device 32e)

[0321] The fifth charging control device 32e is connected in parallel with the fifth power storage device 31e.

[0322] The fifth charging control device 32e monitors the charging rate (fifth charging rate R5) of the fifth power storage device 31e.

[0323] The fifth charge control device 32e includes a resistor, and when the fifth charge rate R5 is equal to or higher than the first charge rate threshold Thr1, the power supply from the power generation unit 10 to the fifth power storage device 31e is suppressed and the power is supplied to the resistor.

[0324] Therefore, when the fifth charging rate R5 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the fifth power storage device 31e, and when the fifth charging rate R5 is greater than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the fifth charging control device 32e.

[0325] The fifth charging control device 32e functions as a battery management system for the fifth power storage device 31e.

[0326] (Sixth charging control device 32f)

[0327] The sixth charging control device 32f is connected in parallel to the sixth power storage device 31f.

[0328] The sixth charging control device 32f monitors the charging rate (sixth charging rate R6) of the sixth power storage device 31f.

[0329] The sixth charging control device 32f includes a resistor, and when the sixth charging rate R6 is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power supply from the power generation unit 10 to the sixth power storage device 31f is suppressed and the power is supplied to the resistor.

[0330] Therefore, when the 6th charging rate R6 is less than the 1st charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the 6th power storage device 31e, and when the 6th charging rate R6 is greater than the 1st charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the 6th charging control device 32e.

[0331] The sixth charging control device 32e functions as a battery management system for the sixth power storage device 31e.

[0332] (Seventh charging control device 32g)

[0333] The seventh charging control device 32g is connected in parallel with the seventh power storage device 31g.

[0334] The seventh charging control device 32g monitors the charging rate (seventh charging rate R7) of the seventh power storage device 31g.

[0335] The seventh charging control device 32g includes a resistor, and when the seventh charging rate R7 is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit 10 to the seventh power storage device 31g and supplies electric power to the resistor.

[0336] Therefore, when the seventh charging rate R7 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the seventh power storage device 31g, and when the seventh charging rate R7 is greater than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the seventh charging control device 32g.

[0337] The seventh charging control device 32g functions as a battery management system for the seventh power storage device 31g.

[0338] (Eighth charging control device 32h)

[0339] The eighth charging control device 32h is connected in parallel with the eighth power storage device 31h.

[0340] The eighth charging control device 32h monitors the charging rate (eighth charging rate R8) of the eighth power storage device 31h.

[0341] The eighth charging control device 32h includes a resistor, and when the eighth charging rate R8 is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, suppresses the supply of electric power from the power generation unit 10 to the eighth power storage device 31h and supplies electric power to the resistor.

[0342] Therefore, when the eighth charging rate R8 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the eighth power storage device 31h, and when the eighth charging rate R8 is greater than the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the power from the power generating unit 10 is supplied to the resistor of the eighth charging control device 32h.

[0343] The eighth charging control device 32h functions as a battery management system for the eighth power storage device 31h.

[0344] (Effects of Providing the First to Eighth Charging Control Devices 32a to 32h)

[0345] Electric power from power generation unit 10 is supplied to the power storage device with a lower charge rate, but not to the power storage device with a higher charge rate. Therefore, degradation of the power storage device with a higher charge rate can be prevented, and the power storage device with a lower charge rate can be charged earlier.

[0346] In addition, the resistors provided in the first to eighth charging control devices 32a to 32h may be omitted. However, in this case, when the power from the power generation unit 10 is not supplied to all of the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h but is supplied to all of the first to eighth charging control devices 32a to 32h, a resistor is provided in the circuit including the first power line 21 in order to prevent a large current from flowing through the first power line 21.

[0347] Furthermore, even in the discharge mode, the first charging rate R1 and the like can be utilized.

[0348] For example, in the third discharge mode, the control unit 57 can also control each switch of the switching unit 40 so as to preferentially use the resistors in the plurality of power storage devices 31 whose charging rates (the first charging rate R1 to the eighth charging rate R8) are higher than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 to supply power to the load 100.

[0349] When the first to eighth charging control devices 32 a to 32 h are provided, the monitoring unit 55 may further monitor information on the electric power supplied from the electric power generation unit 10 to the electric power storage unit 30 .

[0350] For example, the monitoring unit 55 includes a second current monitoring device 552 that monitors the current value of the current flowing through the first power line 21 as information on the power supplied from the power generation unit 10 to the power storage unit 30 .

[0351] In this case, the control unit 57 controls the first to eighth charging control devices 32 a to 32 h based on the information obtained from the second current monitoring device 552 .

[0352] When the power generation amount of the power generation device 11 is large and the current value obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552) is less than the current threshold, the control unit 57 controls the first to eighth charging control devices 32a to 32h so as to suppress the power supply to the plurality of power storage devices 31, that is, to supply power only to the power storage devices whose charging rates R are lower than the second charging rate threshold Thr2. The second charging rate threshold Thr2 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 (Thr1>Thr2).

[0353] When the power generation of the power generation device 11 is small and the current value obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552) is greater than the current threshold, the control unit 57 controls the first charging control device 32a to the eighth charging control device 32h to supply power to multiple power storage devices 31, that is, to supply power to the power storage devices whose charging rate R is lower than the first charging rate threshold Thr1.

[0354] That is, when the first charging rate R1 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the first charging control device 32a suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the first power storage device 31a regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the first charging rate R1 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the first charging control device 32a suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the first power storage device 31a based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0355] Similarly, when the second charging rate R2 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the second charging control device 32b suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the second power storage device 31b regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the second charging rate R2 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the second charging control device 32b suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the second power storage device 31b based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0356] Similarly, when the third charging rate R3 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the third charging control device 32c suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the third power storage device 31c regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the third charging rate R3 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the third charging control device 32c suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the third power storage device 31c based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0357] Similarly, when the fourth charging rate R4 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the fourth charging control device 32d suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the fourth power storage device 31d regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the fourth charging rate R4 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the fourth charging control device 32d suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the fourth power storage device 31d based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0358] Similarly, when the fifth charging rate R5 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the fifth charging control device 32e suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the fifth power storage device 31e regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the fifth charging rate R5 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the fifth charging control device 32e suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the fifth power storage device 31e based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0359] Similarly, when the sixth charging rate R6 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the sixth charging control device 32f suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the sixth power storage device 31f regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the sixth charging rate R6 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the sixth charging control device 32f suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the sixth power storage device 31f based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0360] Similarly, when the seventh charging rate R7 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the seventh charging control device 32g suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the seventh power storage device 31g regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the seventh charging rate R7 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the seventh charging control device 32g suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the seventh power storage device 31g based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0361] Similarly, when the eighth charging rate R8 is greater than or equal to the first charging rate threshold Thr1, the eighth charging control device 32h suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the eighth power storage device 31h regardless of the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552). When the eighth charging rate R8 is less than the first charging rate threshold Thr1 and greater than or equal to the second charging rate threshold Thr2, the eighth charging control device 32h suppresses the supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the eighth power storage device 31h based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit 55 (the second current monitoring device 552).

[0362] (Effects of Providing the First to Eighth Charging Control Devices 32a to 32h and the Second Current Monitoring Device 552)

[0363] The power from the power generation unit 10 is supplied to the power storage device with a lower charge rate, but not to the power storage device with a higher charge rate. The presence or absence of power supply from the power generation unit 10 to the power storage device with a medium charge rate is controlled based on information related to the power supplied from the power generation unit 10 to the power storage unit 30. Therefore, the power storage device with a lower charge rate can be charged in advance according to the power supply status.

[0364] Fig. 9 The state in which power supply is performed to the first power storage device 31a, the second power storage device 31b, the fifth power storage device 31e, the sixth power storage device 31f, and the eighth power storage device 31h, and power supply to the third power storage device 31c, the fourth power storage device 31d, and the seventh power storage device 31g is suppressed is shown.

[0365] (Application Examples of First to Eighth Charging Control Devices 32a to 32h)

[0366] Hereinafter, the example in which the first to eighth charging control devices 32 a to 32 h control the supply of electric power to the corresponding power storage devices 31 based on the charging rates R of the corresponding power storage devices 31 has been described.

[0367] However, the first to eighth charging control devices 32 a to 32 h may suppress the supply of electric power to the corresponding power storage device 31 based on the manual operation using the operation unit 50 in addition to the charging rate R.

[0368] Specifically, one or more power storage devices of the first to eighth power storage devices 31a to 31h having a charge rate R less than the first charge rate threshold Thr1 are supplied with power from the power generation unit 10 according to the load amount set by the operation unit 50 so as to perform a load test of the power generation unit 10. The supply of power from the power generation unit 10 to the other power storage devices 31 is suppressed by any one of the first to eighth charge control devices 32a to 32h (corresponding charge control device).

[0369] When the selection of suppressing charging to a plurality of power storage devices 31 is made by manual operation using the operating unit 50, the control unit 57 controls the first charging control device 32a to the eighth charging control device 32h so as to suppress the supply of power to the plurality of power storage devices 31, that is, to supply power only to the power storage devices having a charging rate R lower than the second charging rate threshold Thr2.

[0370] When charging of multiple power storage devices 31 is selected by manual operation using the operating unit 50, the control unit 57 controls the first charging control device 32a to the eighth charging control device 32h to supply power to the multiple power storage devices 3, that is, to supply power to the power storage devices whose charging rate R is lower than the first charging rate threshold Thr1.

[0371] (Application example of load test mode)

[0372] In this case, the load test of the power generation unit 10 can be performed by selecting the amount of the power storage device 31 to be charged by manual operation using the operation unit 50 .

[0373] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the invention and its equivalent scope recorded in the claims, as are those included in the scope of the invention and its purport.

[0374] Description of Reference Numerals

[0375] 1 Power supply system

[0376] 10 Power generation unit

[0377] 11 Power generation device

[0378] 11a~11h1st solar panel~8th solar panel

[0379] 13. Charge and discharge controller

[0380] 20 Power supply unit

[0381] 21 No.1 Power Line

[0382] 22 2nd Power Line

[0383] 30 Power storage unit

[0384] 31. Power storage device

[0385] 31a to 31h: first to eighth power storage devices

[0386] 32a to 32h 1st to 8th charging control device

[0387] 33 Insulation

[0388] 40 Switching unit

[0389] 50 Operation Department

[0390] 55 Monitoring Department

[0391] 551 No.1 current monitoring device

[0392] 552 Second current monitoring device

[0393] 57 Control Department

[0394] 60 Conversion device

[0395] 100 load

[0396] 200 test object power supply

[0397] R1~R8 1st charging rate~8th charging rate

[0398] S11 switch 11

[0399] S12 12th switch

[0400] S21 Switch 21

[0401] S22 Switch 22

[0402] S31 Switch 31

[0403] S32 32nd switch

[0404] S41 No. 41 switch

[0405] S42 No. 42 switch

[0406] S51 No. 51 switch

[0407] S52 No. 52 switch

[0408] S61 No. 61 switch

[0409] S62 No. 62 switch

[0410] S71 No. 71 switch

[0411] S72 No. 72 switch

[0412] S81 No. 81 switch

[0413] S82 No. 82 switch

[0414] Thr1 1st charging rate threshold

[0415] Thr2 2nd charging rate threshold

Claims

1. A power supply system for supplying power to an external load, characterized in that: The power supply system comprises: a power generation unit that generates power; a power storage unit having a plurality of power storage devices; and a switching unit configured to switch connection states of the plurality of power storage devices, The power generated by the power generating unit is supplied to the power storage unit in a state where the plurality of power storage devices are connected in series via the switching unit. The power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the load in a state in which at least one of the plurality of power storage devices is used and at least some of the plurality of power storage devices are connected in parallel, which can be switched by the switching unit.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of power storage devices include a first power storage device and a second power storage device, The power storage unit includes: a first charge control device connected in parallel to the first power storage device; and a second charge control device connected in parallel to the second power storage device. The first charging control device monitors a first charging rate of the first power storage device. The second charging control device monitors a second charging rate of the second power storage device. When the first charging rate is equal to or higher than a first charging rate threshold, the first charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the first power storage device. The second charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the second power storage device when the second charging rate is equal to or higher than the first charging rate threshold.

3. The power supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The power supply system further includes: a monitoring unit that monitors information related to the power supplied from the power generation unit to the power storage unit. When the first charging rate is less than the first charging rate threshold and is greater than a second charging rate threshold that is lower than the first charging rate threshold, the first charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the power generating unit to the first power storage device based on information obtained by the monitoring unit. When the second charging rate is lower than the first charging rate threshold and equal to or higher than the second charging rate threshold, the second charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the second power storage device based on information obtained by the monitoring unit.

4. The power supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The power supply system further includes an operating unit. The plurality of power storage devices include a third power storage device, The power storage unit includes: a third charging control device connected in parallel with the third power storage device; The third charging control device monitors a third charging rate of the third power storage device. When the third charging rate is equal to or higher than a first charging rate threshold, the third charging control device suppresses the supply of electric power from the electric power generation unit to the third power storage device. One or more of the first to third power storage devices whose charging rates are less than the first charging rate threshold value are supplied with electric power from the power generating unit according to the load amount set by means of the operating unit so as to perform a load test on the power generating unit, and the power supply from the power generating unit to the other power storage devices is suppressed by any one of the first to third charging control devices.

5. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching unit has a plurality of switches. When the power generated by the power generation unit is supplied to the power storage unit, the normally closed contacts of the plurality of switches are connected to the fixed contacts. When the electric power stored in the power storage unit is supplied to the load, the normally open contact of at least one of the plurality of switches is connected to a fixed contact.

6. The power supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The power supply system further comprises: a monitoring unit that monitors at least one of information related to the electric power supplied from the power storage unit to the load and information related to the charge states of the plurality of power storage devices; and A control unit controls the switching unit when power is supplied from the power storage unit to the load based on the information obtained by the monitoring unit.

7. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply system receives power from an external test object power supply. The power storage unit is used for a load test of the test object power supply. Electric power is supplied from the test object power supply to the power storage unit in a state in which a state in which one of the plurality of power storage devices is used, a state in which at least some of the plurality of power storage devices are connected in parallel, and a state in which the plurality of power storage devices are connected in series can be switched by the switching unit.

8. The power supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that The power supply system further comprises a bidirectional AC / DC converter, When the load is driven by AC power and receives power from the power storage unit, the bidirectional AC / DC converter converts the current of the power from the power storage unit from DC to AC. When the test object power supply is a device that generates AC power and supplies power to the power storage unit, the bidirectional AC / DC converter converts the current of the power from the test object power supply from AC to DC.

9. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two of the plurality of power storage devices are disposed in a stacked state with an insulating member interposed therebetween.

10. The power supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that The plurality of power storage devices are held in a detachable state.

11. The power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power generation unit includes a plurality of solar panels. The plurality of solar cell panels are connected in series.

Images