Power generation unit

Abstract

A power generation unit (1) is provided with: a natural energy power generation device including solar panels (4a, 4b); and a power supply device (6) for supplying the power generated by the natural energy power generation device to the electrical equipment (5). The solar cell panel has a first solar cell panel (4a) provided on a portion of the structure and a second solar cell panel (4b) disposed on another portion of the structure. The power supply device (6) is provided with a changeover switch (11) that can be switched between a first changeover mode in which the first and second solar panels (4a, 4b) can be used, and a second changeover mode in which any one of the first and second solar panels (4a, 4b) can be used.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-086907, filed on May 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a power generation unit including a natural energy power generation device including a solar cell panel and the like. Background Art

[0004] Structures such as unit houses and container houses are movable and can be installed as temporary facilities even in places with incomplete infrastructure such as construction sites. Since grid power cannot be used in places with incomplete infrastructure, it is necessary to provide power by installing natural energy power generation devices such as wind turbines and solar panels on the structures. For example, solar panels can be considered to be installed on the roof and side surfaces of a rectangular parallelepiped structure (Patent Document 1).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-35181 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] There are also cases where structures equipped with solar panels are installed in mountainous areas where infrastructure is not well developed. When there is snow in the mountainous areas in winter, the snow will accumulate on the solar panels installed on the roof of the structure (called "roof panels"). Figure 7 As shown, all solar panels on the roof and sides can be connected in parallel. However, the solar panels installed on the sides (called "side panels") PV(4), PV(5), PV(6) and the roof panels PV(1), PV(2), PV(3) have different power generation capacities, which can easily cause imbalance. Therefore, they are not connected in parallel in many cases.

[0010] In this case, if Figure 8 As shown, the roof panels PV (1), PV (2), PV (3) and the side panels PV (4), PV (5), PV (6) are connected in series, and the wiring method is usually such that the power generation between the parallel lines is unlikely to become unbalanced. However, if snow accumulates on the roof panels PV (1), PV (2), PV (3), the roof panels PV (1), PV (2), PV (3) will not be able to generate electricity, which will in turn affect the power generation of the side panels PV (4), PV (5), PV (6).

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a power generation unit which aims to improve the power generation amount and does not affect the power generation of other solar cell panels when some solar cell panels cannot generate power.

[0012] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0013] The power generation unit of the present invention comprises a solar cell panel and a power supply device, the power supply device supplies the power generated by the solar cell panel to the electrical equipment, the solar cell panel comprises a first solar cell panel provided on a part of the structure and a second solar cell panel arranged on the other part of the structure or around the structure, characterized in that:

[0014] The power supply device includes a panel switching mechanism that can switch between a first conversion mode that can use the first solar panel and the second solar panel and a second conversion mode that can use either the first solar panel or the second solar panel.

[0015] According to this structure, a first solar cell panel and a second solar cell panel are provided, and by setting a first conversion mode that can utilize the first solar cell panel and the second solar cell panel, for example, compared with a structure in which the solar cell panel is arranged only on a part of the structure, it is possible to seek to increase the amount of power generation. When either the first solar cell panel or the second solar cell panel cannot generate power due to the influence of snow or the like, power generation can be performed by switching to the second conversion mode that can utilize the other solar cell panel.

[0016] Alternatively, when the power supply device is in the first conversion mode, the power supply device is switched to the second conversion mode by the battery panel switching mechanism when a switching determination condition is satisfied based on the determined detection output.

[0017] The detection output indicates a snowfall schedule that is preset based on sensor values ​​of various sensors or a timer or the like.

[0018] The switching determination condition is a condition arbitrarily determined by design or the like, and is determined by obtaining an appropriate condition through, for example, one or both of experiments and simulations.

[0019] Based on the detection output, the conversion mode can be automatically switched without human intervention, so the convenience can be improved.

[0020] Alternatively, when the power supply device is in the second conversion mode, the power supply device switches to the first conversion mode through the battery panel switching mechanism when a recovery condition is satisfied based on the determined detection output.

[0021] The detection output indicates a snowfall schedule that is preset based on sensor values ​​of various sensors or a timer or the like.

[0022] The recovery condition is a condition arbitrarily determined by design or the like, and is determined by obtaining appropriate conditions through, for example, one or both of experiments and simulations.

[0023] In this case, since the first conversion mode can be automatically restored based on the detection output, the power generation characteristics of the solar cell panel can be maximized.

[0024] The panel switching mechanism may also be a switch capable of manually switching between the first and second conversion modes. In the event of an abnormality in the detection output for switching the conversion mode, the power generation characteristics of the solar panel can be maximized by manually switching between the first and second conversion modes.

[0025] According to the power generation unit of the present invention, the power supply device has a panel switching mechanism, and the panel switching mechanism can switch between a first conversion mode that can use the first and second solar panels and a second conversion mode that can use either the first and second solar panels. Therefore, while seeking to increase the amount of power generation, when some solar panels cannot generate power, other solar panels can be used to generate power.

[0026] The present invention includes any combination of at least two configurations disclosed in the claims and / or the specification and / or the drawings. In particular, any combination of two or more of the claims in the claims is included in the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are only for illustration and description and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the claims. In the accompanying drawings, the same part numbers in multiple drawings represent the same parts.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a power generation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a switching circuit of a solar cell panel of the power generation unit.

[0030] Figure 3 A block diagram for detecting whether snow is accumulated in the power generation unit.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the switching determination conditions and the like of the conversion mode of the power generation unit.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a power generation unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a power generation unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the parallel connection of solar panels.

[0035] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a series connection of solar cell panels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] [First embodiment]

[0037] and Figures 1 to 4 A power generation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described together.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the power generation unit 1 of the first embodiment includes: a structure 2, two natural energy power generation devices, a wind power generation device 3 and a solar power generation device 4, and Figure 2 The illustrated electrical device 5 is supplied with power supply equipment 6 that supplies power generated by a natural energy power generation device. Figure 1 The structure 2 is box-shaped, movable and equipped with electrical equipment 5 ( Figure 2 ), having space for living or at least one of business, work, rest, shop, charging facilities, warehouse, parking lot and medical treatment.

[0039] <Structure>

[0040] The structure 2 has a substantially rectangular top wall 2a and a bottom wall 2b, and four peripheral walls 2c disposed between the top wall 2a and the bottom wall 2b, and is formed as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped as a whole. The structure 2 is provided with a door (not shown) through which a person can enter and exit the space, a window that can be opened and closed, etc. on at least one peripheral wall 2c. In this embodiment, the structure 2 is not a structure that is automatically moved by having a driving source for movement, but a structure that can be transported and moved by other transport mechanisms, etc.

[0041] The structure 2 is, for example, a transport container or a unit house. As the transport container, a container of a standard size for cargo transport is preferred, such as a container of a domestic standard size for transport containers. The "standard size" here may be, for example, a size specified by an administrative agency in the country or an international organization such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), or a JR container which is an actual standard size for domestic railway cargo transport containers in Japan. Alternatively, it may be changed to a size that can be loaded on a cargo bed of a general cargo transport truck.

[0042] By using a transport container to form the structure 2, the structure 2 can be moved using various transport methods such as cars, railways, ships, and airplanes, and can be installed using a crane (not shown). Since the transport container is highly sturdy, it is possible to prevent abnormalities in internal equipment and the like caused by vibrations and shocks during transportation. In the space inside the structure 2, for example, electrical equipment 5 (such as air conditioner indoor units, lighting fixtures, and office equipment such as printers) is stored. Figure 2 In the structure 2, for example, an air-conditioning outdoor unit (not shown) is sometimes provided on the outer side of the peripheral wall 2c, but the outdoor unit also corresponds to the electrical device 5 ( Figure 2 ).

[0043] <Wind power generation equipment>

[0044] The wind power generation device 3 has a windmill 16 and a generator 17 driven by the windmill 16 to generate electricity. The windmill 16 is configured as a vertical axis windmill. Specifically, the windmill 16 has a plurality of (two in this example) blades 16a and a blade support body 16b supporting these blades 16a. Each blade 16a extends in the up-down direction, and the blade support body 16b is supported on the upper end of a support column 18 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis via a bearing not shown. The two blades 16a are arranged at positions that are 180 degrees out of phase with the axis of the support column 18 as the center. The support column 18 is supported at the upper center of a peripheral wall 2c of the structure 2.

[0045] <Solar power generation equipment>

[0046] The solar power generation device 4 has a first and a second solar cell panel 4a, 4b that receives sunlight and performs photoelectric conversion, and a panel stand 4c for mounting the first and the second solar cell panels 4a, 4b on the structure 2. In this example, a plurality of (three in this example) first solar cell panels 4a are arranged on the top wall 2a that is a part of the structure 2 by the panel stand 4c. A plurality of (three in this example) second solar cell panels 4b are arranged on the peripheral wall 2c that is another part of the structure 2 by the panel stand 4c. The first and the second solar cell panels 4a, 4b and the panel stand 4c are, for example, stored in the structure 2 for transportation and installed at the installation site.

[0047] <About the installation ideas of solar panels>

[0048] The figure shows the concept of solar panel installation adopted in the power generation unit 1. Considering the relaxation of the strength conditions of the solar panel stand 4c and the structure 2 due to the suppression of wind load, and the interference with other important structures during transportation, the solar panel angle, that is, the elevation angle of the first solar panel (referred to as "roof solar panel") 4a installed on the top wall 2a is set to 0°. The elevation angle of the roof solar panel 4a is based on 0°, but a smaller angle can also be set.

[0049] On the other hand, a second solar panel (referred to as a "side panel") 4b is provided on the peripheral wall 2c at an elevation angle of 90°. In addition to effectively utilizing the side of the unit housing or container, this also has the advantage of large power generation in winter, so the side panel 4b is provided at an elevation angle of 90°. In particular, in winter when the sun's latitude is low, there are many cases where the power generation of the side panel 4b contributes more than the power generation of the roof surface. In unit housings that operate using natural energy and require the same amount of electricity throughout the year, there are many cases where power generation is insufficient in winter when the amount of sunshine is low, so the side panel 4b becomes very effective.

[0050] Table 1 summarizes the comparison between the rooftop solar panels 4a and the side solar panels 4b.

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052]

[0053] <Power supply device>

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the power supply device 6 has a storage battery 9, a control panel 10, and a switch 11 as a panel switching mechanism. The storage battery 9 stores the power generated by the wind power generation device 3 and the solar power generation device 4. In addition to controlling the power generation of the wind power generation device 3 and the solar power generation device 4, the control panel 10 controls the input of the power generated by the wind power and the solar power generation devices 3 and 4 to the storage battery 9, and outputs the power input to the storage battery 9 to the electrical equipment 5. The control panel 10 is composed of a computer, a program executed thereon, and various electronic circuits. The control panel 10 has, for example, an AC / DC converter that converts the alternating current generated by the wind power generation device 3 into a direct current voltage that can be stored in the storage battery 9; an inverter that converts the power stored in the storage battery 9 into a sine wave alternating current or a rectangular wave alternating current that is the same as the alternating current commercial power; and the like.

[0055] A plurality of roof panels 4a are connected in parallel, and a plurality of side panels 4b are connected in parallel. Each of the plurality of roof panels 4a (PV(1), PV(2), PV(3)) and each of the plurality of side panels 4b (PV(4), PV(5), PV(6)) are connected in series via a switch 11 composed of corresponding switches A, B, C, and these panels 4a, 4b are electrically connected to a control panel 10.

[0056] The conversion switch 11 can be in a first conversion mode (the first conversion mode) in which the roof solar panel 4a and the side solar panel 4b can be used. Figure 2 The solid line conversion switch A, B, C) and the second conversion mode (the Figure 2 The dotted line switch A, B, C in the middle can switch between the first and second switching modes. The switching switch 11 can switch between the first and second switching modes manually or automatically (described later). The switching mode is also called "circuit configuration".

[0057] In the first conversion mode, if snow is detected on the rooftop solar panel 4a, it is necessary to switch to the second conversion mode that can only use the side solar panel 4b. Conversely, when the snow on the rooftop solar panel 4a disappears after switching to the second conversion mode, it is necessary to return to the original first conversion mode.

[0058] <Snow accumulation-detection operation block diagram>

[0059] As a snow detection agency, such as Figure 3 As shown, there can be cited a snow detection mechanism 1A that measures snow pressure using a pressure sensor 12, a snow detection mechanism 2A that monitors snow using a camera 13 or the like, a snow detection mechanism 3A that determines whether snow is accumulated based on power data, or a snow detection mechanism 4A that determines whether snow is accumulated based on an annual timer 14. As the pressure sensor 12 in the snow detection mechanism 1A, various pressure sensors such as strain gauge type, film type, and electrostatic capacitance type can be applied, and they can be set on the back of the battery panel. In the snow detection mechanism 2A, the presence or absence of snow is directly confirmed by the camera 13 or the infrared sensor, the laser sensor 15, etc. In the snow detection mechanism 3A, the calculation is performed by comparing the result of the solar radiation meter 19 with the power generation, or comparing the relationship between the time and the input voltage detected by the input voltage sensor 20, or comparing the time and the battery panel temperature detected by the temperature sensor 21.

[0060] The detection value of each sensor or the detection output pre-set by the annual timer 14 as the annual snowfall schedule is transmitted to the control panel 10, and the first and second conversion modes are switched. When the control panel 10 is in the first conversion mode, it switches to the second conversion mode through the conversion switch 11 when the switching judgment condition T1 is satisfied based on the determined detection output. The timing of switching the conversion mode can be a daytime schedule, but there is no problem at night when the detection of each sensor is performed. In this way, by limiting the timing of switching the conversion mode to nighttime, for example, it is possible to perform the switching action without compromising the convenience of people who are active in the structure during the day. When using the pre-set annual snowfall schedule, the conversion mode is switched regardless of the detection value.

[0061] For the recovery condition T2 from the second conversion mode to the first conversion mode, it is effective to directly grasp the method of snow accumulation or the passage of time. When in the second conversion mode, when the recovery condition T2 is satisfied based on the determined detection output, the control panel 10 switches to the first conversion mode, i.e., the normal mode, through the conversion switch 11. For example, in the case of using the detection value of the pressure sensor 12 as the determined detection output, when the detection value as the pressure is below the threshold, the recovery condition is satisfied, the control panel 10 determines that the snow has disappeared, and switches to the normal mode. In this way, it is switched to the second conversion mode when snow accumulates, and can return to the normal mode in cases other than when snow accumulates.

[0062] <Flowchart of switching judgment conditions, etc.>

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the control panel 10 ( Figure 3 ) After the process starts, when in the first switching mode, it is determined whether the switching determination condition is satisfied (step S1). When the switching determination condition is not satisfied (step S1: No), the normal mode without circuit change, i.e., the first switching mode, is maintained. When the switching determination condition is satisfied (step S1: Yes), the control panel 10 ( Figure 3 ) switches the panel circuit from the first conversion mode to the second conversion mode (step S2). Next, the control panel 10 ( Figure 3 ) If it is determined that the recovery condition is satisfied (step S3: Yes), the second conversion mode is switched to the first conversion mode. In step S3, if the control panel 10 ( Figure 3 ) determines that the recovery condition is not satisfied (step S3: No), the second conversion mode is maintained without making any circuit changes.

[0064] <Effects>

[0065] According to the above description Figure 1The power generation unit 1 includes a roof panel 4a and a side panel 4b. By setting the first conversion mode to utilize these panels, for example, the power generation amount can be improved compared with a structure with only the roof panel. When the roof panel 4a cannot generate power due to the influence of snow accumulation, etc., power generation can be performed by switching to the second conversion mode to utilize only the side panel 4b. In the second conversion mode, when the recovery condition is satisfied based on the determined detection output, the recovery condition can be restored by Figure 2 The conversion switch 11 returns to the normal mode as the first conversion mode, so that the power generation characteristics of the solar cell panel 4 can be maximized.

[0066] <About other implementation forms>

[0067] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the parts corresponding to the matters previously described in each embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the case of describing only a part of the structure, unless otherwise specified, the other parts of the structure are the same as the previously described embodiment. The same structure has the same effect. Not only the combination of the parts specifically described in each embodiment, but also the embodiments can be partially combined with each other if the combination does not cause any obstacles.

[0068] [Second embodiment: outdoor solar panel]

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, a solar panel 4d may be arranged around the structure 2. The solar panel 4d is a so-called open-air solar panel 4d installed on the ground via a panel stand 4c, and is configured to be connectable and disconnectable to an electrical connector 23 of the structure 2 via a power supply cable 22. The electrical connector 23 is connected to the control panel 10 ( Figure 3 In the normal mode as the first conversion mode, the rooftop solar panel 4a, the side solar panel 4b and the outdoor solar panel 4d can be used. In the second conversion mode, only the side solar panel 4b and the outdoor solar panel 4d or the side solar panel 4b can be used to switch the conversion switch 11 (refer to Figure 2 ). Although not shown in the figure, an outdoor solar panel may be provided instead of the rooftop solar panel 4a.

[0070] [Third embodiment: No wind turbine, grid power]

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, it is also possible to configure that only the solar cell panel 4 is provided on the structure 2 as a natural energy power generation device. The power supply device may also include a grid power connection unit 25 for receiving power supply from the grid power 24. In the first and second embodiments, the grid power connection unit 25 may also be provided.

[0072] The conversion switch as the solar panel switching mechanism may be capable of only manual switching of the conversion mode or only automatic switching.

[0073] It is not just snow that can accumulate on solar panels, causing them to lose power. For example, it also includes falling leaves, dust and other flying objects.

[0074] The structure may also be a simple movable structure instead of a shipping container.

[0075] <Reference plan>

[0076] A case where both the first and second solar panels are disposed at a predetermined position outside the structure can be considered as a reference scheme. For example, when the first and second solar panels are open-air panels, a case where snow accumulates on either solar panel due to the relationship between the elevation angle of each panel, the installation position, etc. can be considered. The reference scheme is described as follows.

[0077] A power generation unit comprising: a natural energy power generation device including a solar cell panel; and a power supply device for supplying electric power generated by the natural energy power generation device to an electrical device, wherein the solar cell panel comprises a first solar cell panel disposed at a predetermined position and a second solar cell panel disposed at a position different from the first solar cell panel.

[0078] The power supply device includes a panel switching mechanism capable of switching between a first conversion mode capable of utilizing the first and second solar panels and a second conversion mode capable of utilizing either the first and second solar panels.

[0079] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, but various additions, changes, or deletions may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Therefore, such cases are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Explanation of symbols

[0081] 1…Power generation unit

[0082] 2…Structure

[0083] 3…Wind power generation device (natural energy power generation device)

[0084] 4…Solar power generation device (natural energy power generation device)

[0085] 4a…The first solar panel

[0086] 4b…Second Solar Panel

[0087] 5…Electrical equipment

[0088] 6…Power supply device

[0089] 11…conversion switch (solar panel switching mechanism).

Claims

1. A power generation unit, comprising a solar cell panel and a power supply device, the power supply device supplying power generated by the solar cell panel to an electrical device, the solar cell panel comprising a first solar cell panel provided on a portion of a structure and a second solar cell panel provided on another portion of the structure or around the structure, characterized in that: The power supply device includes a panel switching mechanism capable of switching between a first conversion mode capable of utilizing the first solar panel and the second solar panel and a second conversion mode capable of utilizing either the first solar panel or the second solar panel.

2. The power generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the power supply device is in the first conversion mode, the power supply device is switched to the second conversion mode by the battery panel switching mechanism when a switching determination condition is satisfied based on the determined detection output.

3. The power generation unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the power supply device is in the second conversion mode, the power supply device switches to the first conversion mode through the battery panel switching mechanism when the recovery condition is satisfied based on the determined detection output.

4. The power generation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The battery panel switching mechanism is a switching switch capable of manually switching between the first and second switching modes.

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