Power control device

Abstract

The power control device (10) controls the power input from the solar cell panel (2), and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred on the basis of the current, voltage, or power supplied from the solar cell panel (2). A solar cell panel (2) is configured by laminating a plurality of solar cell layers (3) that absorb light having different wavelengths. A power control device (10) is provided with: a power conversion unit (30) that converts and outputs a voltage or current input from a solar cell layer (3); and an abnormality determination unit (29) that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred. An abnormality determination unit (29) determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred on the basis of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power control device. Background Art

[0002] The solar cell module disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which two or more solar cell panels are stacked. The solar cell module has a first solar cell panel and a second solar cell panel. The first solar cell panel and the second solar cell panel are electrically connected in parallel. Even if the number of stacked panels is two or more, the solar cell module has only one system power output terminal because each panel is electrically connected in parallel.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-132233 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the technology of Patent Document 1, since two or more stacked panels are connected in parallel, even if an abnormality occurs in which power is not supplied from some of the panels, the power supply from the solar cell module will not be interrupted. Therefore, it is difficult to determine an abnormality in which power is not supplied from some panels based on the power supplied from the solar cell module.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of determining whether an abnormality has occurred in some of the multiple solar cell layers stacked.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The power control device of the present disclosure controls the power input from the solar cell panel and determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from the solar cell panel. The solar cell panel is configured to stack multiple solar cell layers that absorb light with different wavelengths. The power control device includes: a power conversion unit that converts and outputs the voltage or current input from the solar cell layer; and an abnormality determination unit that determines whether an abnormality has occurred. The abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in some of the multiple solar cell layers stacked. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a vehicle including a power control device for a solar cell panel according to a first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a solar cell panel.

[0015] Figure 3 is schematically illustrative of Figure 1 a circuit diagram of an MPPT circuit, a control unit, and an abnormality determination unit included in the power control device.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of an abnormality determination process performed by the abnormality determination unit.

[0017] Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a vehicle including a power control device for a solar cell panel according to a second embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0018] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and illustrated.

[0020] 〔1〕A power control device controls power input from a solar cell panel and determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on current, voltage, or power supplied from the solar cell panel. The solar cell panel is configured to laminate a plurality of solar cell layers that absorb light having different wavelengths. The power control device includes: a power conversion unit that converts and outputs voltage or current input from the solar cell layer; and an abnormality determination unit that determines whether an abnormality has occurred. The abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers.

[0021] The power conversion unit converts and outputs voltage or current input from the solar cell layer. The abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers. Therefore, the above power control device can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in a part of the plurality of laminated solar cell layers.

[0022] 〔2〕The power control device according to 〔1〕, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on a ratio of current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers.

[0023] When an abnormality occurs in a part of the multiple solar cell layers, the ratio of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer is likely to change significantly. Therefore, the above power control device can determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the ratio of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer.

[0024] 〔3〕The power control device according to 〔1〕, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the ratio of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer to the total value of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer.

[0025] When an abnormality occurs in a part of the multiple solar cell layers, the ratio of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer to the total value of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer is likely to change significantly. Therefore, the above power control device can determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the ratio of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer to the total value of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer.

[0026] 〔4〕The power control device according to 〔2〕 or 〔3〕, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from at least one solar cell layer being outside the normal range set corresponding to the solar cell layer.

[0027] When the current, voltage, or power supplied from a solar cell layer is within the normal range, the probability that the solar cell layer is normal is high. The above power control device determines whether an abnormality has occurred by using the condition that the current, voltage, or power supplied from at least one solar cell layer is outside the normal range, and it is easy to avoid misjudging an abnormality.

[0028] 〔5〕The power control device according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔4〕, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer and the usage period of the solar cell panel.

[0029] The above power control device can determine whether an abnormality has occurred considering the influence of factors such as the increase in resistance caused by the aging deterioration of the solar cell panel.

[0030] 〔6〕The power control device according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔5〕, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each solar cell layer and an index that affects the incident angle of sunlight with respect to the solar cell panel.

[0031] The above power control device can determine whether an abnormality has occurred by considering the incident mode of sunlight.

[0032] 〔7〕The power control device according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔6〕, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers and the height of the position where the solar cell panel is disposed.

[0033] The above power control device can determine whether an abnormality has occurred by considering the ratio of direct light to scattered light that varies according to height.

[0034] 〔8〕The power control device according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔7〕, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers after a state in which the power supplied from a part or all of the solar cell layers exceeds a reference value has continued for a certain period of time.

[0035] The above power control device can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in a state where the power generation of each solar cell layer is stable.

[0036] 〔9〕The power control device according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔8〕, wherein the power conversion unit is provided corresponding to each of the solar cell layers, and converts and outputs the voltage or current input from the corresponding solar cell layer.

[0037] The above power control device can convert and output the voltage or current input from each solar cell layer through a power conversion unit provided separately corresponding to each solar cell layer.

[0038] 〔10〕The power control device according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔8〕, wherein a changeover switch is provided corresponding to each of the solar cell layers, each solar cell layer is connected to the power conversion unit via the changeover switch corresponding to itself, the power control device further includes a control unit that controls the changeover switch, and the control unit sequentially performs a switching process of switching only the changeover switch corresponding to one solar cell layer to an on state for the changeover switches corresponding to each of the solar cell layers.

[0039] The above power control device can sequentially convert and output the voltage input from each solar cell layer by sequentially performing a switching process on the changeover switches corresponding to each solar cell layer.

[0040] [Details of the Embodiment of the Present Disclosure]

[0041] 1. First Embodiment

[0042] 1-1. Overview of In-vehicle System

[0043] Figure 1 An example of the power control system mounted on vehicle 1, i.e., in-vehicle system 1A, is illustrated. In-vehicle system 1A includes a solar panel 2, a power control device 10, a storage battery 6, and a state monitoring device 8. The type of vehicle 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a moving body. For example, it can be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0044] As Figure 2 shown, the solar panel 2 is configured by laminating a plurality of solar cell layers 3 (specifically, solar cell layers 3A, 3B, and 3C). The solar panel 2 is a multi-junction solar cell. The solar cell layers 3A, 3B, and 3C absorb light with different wavelengths. Each solar cell layer 3 is composed of a plurality of solar cell units that convert light energy into electricity. Each solar cell layer 3 outputs the electricity generated by the plurality of solar cell units according to the irradiated light to the power control device 10. At least one solar panel 2 is provided on vehicle 1.

[0045] The storage battery 6 is an in-vehicle storage battery. The storage battery 6 is, for example, a high-voltage storage battery that can supply power to a driving motor (a motor that provides power to the wheels of the vehicle). As the storage battery 6, for example, a lithium-ion battery or the like is preferably used. The storage battery 6 can output a predetermined DC voltage from both ends thereof. The electrode on the high-potential side of the storage battery 6 is electrically connected to the conductive path 61, and the electrode on the low-potential side of the storage battery 6 is electrically connected to the conductive path 62.

[0046] The state monitoring device 8 is a control device configured to include a detection unit, a communication unit, an information processing unit, etc., and has a function of monitoring the state of the storage battery 6 and a function of communicating with the outside. For example, the state monitoring device 8 has a function of detecting the output voltage (voltage across both ends) of the storage battery 6 and sending the output voltage of the storage battery 6 to the control unit 28. The output voltage of the storage battery 6 is the potential difference between the potential of the high-potential side electrode with the highest potential and the potential of the low-potential side electrode with the lowest potential in the storage battery 6.

[0047] In addition, although detailed illustrations are omitted, a battery management system (BMS) is provided in the in-vehicle system 1A, and the battery management system has functions of preventing overcharging and over-discharging of the battery cells constituting the storage battery 6, preventing overcurrent of the battery cells, performing temperature management of the battery cells, calculating the battery remaining amount, performing equalization (battery cell balancing) of the battery cell voltages, etc.

[0048] The power control device 10 is a power control device for a solar cell panel. The power control device 10 can receive power supply from the solar cell panel and supply the output power based on this power to the storage battery 6. The power control device 10 has a function of controlling the power input from the solar cell panel 2 and can perform a step-down operation and a step-up operation internally.

[0049] 1-2. Basic Structure of Power Control Device

[0050] The power control device 10 controls the power input from the solar cell panel 2 and determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power input from the solar cell panel 2. The power control device 10 includes a plurality of MPPT circuits 22 (specifically, MPPT circuits 22A, 22B, 22C), a capacitor 24, an isolation type converter 26, a control unit 28, and an abnormality determination unit 29.

[0051] The MPPT circuit 22 is a circuit that can be controlled by the control unit 28. The MPPT circuit 22 is a circuit that can be controlled by the control unit 28 and operates in the MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) mode.

[0052] The MPPT circuit 22 is provided corresponding to each solar cell layer 3. Specifically, the MPPT circuit 22A is provided corresponding to the solar cell layer 3A, the MPPT circuit 22B is provided corresponding to the solar cell layer 3B, and the MPPT circuit 22C is provided corresponding to the solar cell layer 3C.

[0053] Each MPPT circuit 22 includes a power conversion unit 30 and detection units 41, 42. The power conversion unit 30 is configured as a non-isolation type DCDC converter, specifically configured as a known chopper circuit.

[0054] The power conversion units 30 of the MPPT circuits 22A, 22B, 22C are also respectively referred to as power conversion units 30A, 30B, 30C. The detection units 41 of the MPPT circuits 22A, 22B, 22C are also respectively referred to as detection units 41A, 41B, 41C. The detection units 42 of the MPPT circuits 22A, 22B, 22C are also respectively referred to as detection units 42A, 42B, 42C.

[0055] The conductive paths 11A and 11B are conductive paths for supplying the electric power obtained from the power generation in the solar cell layer 3A to the power conversion unit 30A. The conductive path 11A is a conductive path through which the current input from the solar cell layer 3A flows toward the power conversion unit 30A, and the conductive paths 11A and 11B are conductive paths that can be applied with the voltage input from the solar cell layer 3A. The conductive paths 12A and 12B are conductive paths for transmitting the electric power supplied from the MPPT circuit 22A. The conductive path 12A is a conductive path through which the output current supplied from the MPPT circuit 22A flows. The conductive paths 12A and 12B are conductive paths that can be applied with the output voltage supplied from the MPPT circuit 22A.

[0056] The power conversion unit 30A is disposed between the pair of conductive paths 11A and 11B and the pair of conductive paths 12A and 12B, and performs a boosting operation to boost the voltage input from the solar cell layer 3A, and performs power conversion to supply the output power. When the power conversion unit 30A performs the above boosting operation, based on the input voltage applied between the pair of conductive paths 11A and 11B, it boosts the voltage in such a way that an output voltage higher than the input voltage is applied between the pair of conductive paths 12A and 12B. The voltage applied to the conductive path 11A refers to the voltage of the conductive path 11A with respect to the conductive path 11B. Specifically, it is the potential difference between the conductive paths 11A and 11B. The voltage applied to the conductive path 12A refers to the voltage of the conductive path 12A with respect to the conductive path 12B. Specifically, it is the potential difference between the conductive paths 12A and 12B. In addition, the power conversion unit 30A may have a circuit structure capable of performing a buck operation, or may have a circuit structure capable of performing both a boosting operation and a buck operation.

[0057] The conductive paths 13A and 13B are conductive paths for supplying the electric power obtained from the power generation in the solar cell layer 3B to the power conversion unit 30B. The conductive path 13A is a conductive path through which the current input from the solar cell layer 3B flows toward the power conversion unit 30B, and the conductive paths 13A and 13B are conductive paths that can be applied with the voltage input from the solar cell layer 3B. The conductive paths 14A and 14B are conductive paths for transmitting the electric power supplied from the MPPT circuit 22B. The conductive path 14A is a conductive path through which the output current supplied from the MPPT circuit 22B flows. The conductive paths 14A and 14B are conductive paths that can be applied with the output voltage supplied from the MPPT circuit 22B.

[0058] The power conversion unit 30B is disposed between a pair of conductive paths 13A and 13B and a pair of conductive paths 14A and 14B, and performs a boosting operation to boost the voltage input from the solar cell layer 3B, and performs power conversion to supply output power. When the power conversion unit 30B performs the above boosting operation, based on the input voltage applied between the pair of conductive paths 13A and 13B, a boosting operation is performed to apply an output voltage higher than the input voltage between the pair of conductive paths 14A and 14B. The voltage applied to the conductive path 13A refers to the voltage of the conductive path 13A with respect to the conductive path 13B, specifically, the potential difference between the conductive paths 13A and 13B. The voltage applied to the conductive path 14A refers to the voltage of the conductive path 14A with respect to the conductive path 14B, specifically, the potential difference between the conductive paths 14A and 14B. In addition, the power conversion unit 30B may have a circuit configuration capable of performing a buck operation, or may have a circuit configuration capable of performing both a boost operation and a buck operation.

[0059] The conductive paths 15A and 15B are conductive paths for supplying the power generated based on the power generation in the solar cell layer 3C to the power conversion unit 30C. The conductive path 15A is a conductive path through which the current input from the solar cell layer 3C flows toward the power conversion unit 30C, and the conductive paths 15A and 15B are conductive paths to which the voltage input from the solar cell layer 3C can be applied. The conductive paths 16A and 16B are conductive paths for transmitting the power supplied from the MPPT circuit 22C. The conductive path 16A is a conductive path through which the output current supplied from the MPPT circuit 22C flows. The conductive paths 16A and 16B are conductive paths to which the output voltage supplied from the MPPT circuit 22C can be applied.

[0060] The power conversion unit 30C is disposed between a pair of conductive paths 15A and 15B and a pair of conductive paths 16A and 16B, and performs a boosting operation to boost the voltage input from the solar cell layer 3C, and performs power conversion to supply output power. When the power conversion unit 30C performs the above boosting operation, based on the input voltage applied between the pair of conductive paths 15A and 15B, a boosting operation is performed to apply an output voltage higher than the input voltage between the pair of conductive paths 16A and 16B. The voltage applied to the conductive path 15A refers to the voltage of the conductive path 15A with respect to the conductive path 15B, specifically, the potential difference between the conductive paths 15A and 15B. The voltage applied to the conductive path 16A refers to the voltage of the conductive path 16A with respect to the conductive path 16B, specifically, the potential difference between the conductive paths 16A and 16B. In addition, the power conversion unit 30C may have a circuit configuration capable of performing a buck operation, or may have a circuit configuration capable of performing both a boost operation and a buck operation.

[0061] The detection unit 41A has a current detection unit and a voltage detection unit. The detection unit 41A is provided midway in the conduction path 11A. The current detection unit of the detection unit 41A gives the detection value of the current value that can determine the detection position of the current detection unit in the conduction path 11A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29. The voltage detection unit of the detection unit 41A gives the detection value of the voltage value (the voltage value between the conduction paths 11A and 11B) that can determine the detection position of the voltage detection unit in the conduction path 11A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29.

[0062] The detection unit 42A has a current detection unit and a voltage detection unit. The detection unit 42A is provided midway in the conduction path 12A. The current detection unit of the detection unit 42A gives the detection value of the current value that can determine the detection position of the current detection unit in the conduction path 12A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29. The voltage detection unit of the detection unit 42A gives the detection value of the voltage value (the voltage value between the conduction paths 12A and 12B) that can determine the detection position of the voltage detection unit in the conduction path 12A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29.

[0063] The detection unit 41B has a current detection unit and a voltage detection unit. The detection unit 41B is provided midway in the conduction path 13A. The current detection unit of the detection unit 41B gives the detection value of the current value that can determine the detection position of the current detection unit in the conduction path 13A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29. The voltage detection unit of the detection unit 41B gives the detection value of the voltage value (the voltage value between the conduction paths 13A and 13B) that can determine the detection position of the voltage detection unit in the conduction path 13A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29.

[0064] The detection unit 42B has a current detection unit and a voltage detection unit. The detection unit 42B is provided midway in the conduction path 14A. The current detection unit of the detection unit 42B gives the detection value of the current value that can determine the detection position of the current detection unit in the conduction path 14A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29. The voltage detection unit of the detection unit 42B gives the detection value of the voltage value (the voltage value between the conduction paths 14A and 14B) that can determine the detection position of the voltage detection unit in the conduction path 14A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29.

[0065] The detection unit 41C has a current detection unit and a voltage detection unit. The detection unit 41C is provided midway in the conduction path 15A. The current detection unit of the detection unit 41C gives the detection value of the current value that can determine the detection position of the current detection unit in the conduction path 15A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29. The voltage detection unit of the detection unit 41C gives the detection value of the voltage value (the voltage value between the conduction paths 15A and 15B) that can determine the detection position of the voltage detection unit in the conduction path 15A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29.

[0066] The detection unit 42C includes a current detection unit and a voltage detection unit. The detection unit 42C is provided in the middle of the conductive path 16A. The current detection unit of the detection unit 42C gives the detection value of the current value that can determine the detection position of the current detection unit in the conductive path 16A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29. The voltage detection unit of the detection unit 42C gives the detection value of the voltage value (the voltage value between the conductive paths 16A and 16B) that can determine the detection position of the voltage detection unit in the conductive path 16A to the control unit 28 and the abnormality determination unit 29.

[0067] The control unit 28 is configured to include, for example, a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a storage unit (ROM, RAM, etc.) that stores various information, a communication unit that is a communication interface for communicating with an external device, and the like. Each detection signal from the detection units 41 and 42 is provided to the control unit 28. The control unit 28 can cause the power conversion unit 30 to perform a boosting operation and a bucking operation.

[0068] One electrode of the capacitor 24 is electrically connected to the conductive path 51, and the other electrode is electrically connected to the conductive path 52. Charging and discharging can be performed between the pair of conductive paths 51 and 52. The conductive path 51 is electrically connected in a short-circuit manner to the conductive paths 12A, 14A, and 16A, respectively. The conductive path 52 is electrically connected in a short-circuit manner to the conductive paths 12B, 14B, and 16B, respectively.

[0069] The isolation type converter 26 is an isolation type DCDC converter. The isolation type converter 26 can perform a boosting operation of boosting the voltage applied between the pair of conductive paths 51 and 52 and applying a DC voltage to the conductive paths 61 and 62. The isolation type converter 26 can perform a bucking operation of bucking the voltage applied between the pair of conductive paths 61 and 62 and applying a DC voltage to the conductive paths 51 and 52. The control of the isolation type converter 26 is performed by the control unit 28, for example.

[0070] The abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred. The abnormality determination unit 29 is configured to include, for example, a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes, a storage unit (ROM, RAM, etc.) that stores various information, a communication unit that is a communication interface for communicating with an external device, and the like. In the present embodiment, the abnormality determination unit 29 is constituted by the same control circuit as the control unit 28, but may be constituted by a different control circuit. The detection signal from the detection unit 41 is provided to the abnormality determination unit 29. The abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the detection signal from the detection unit 41.

[0071] 1-3. Operation of the Power Control Device

[0072] In the power control device 10, the control unit 28 can perform power adjustment control. The power adjustment control is, for example, maximum power point tracking control. In the power adjustment control, following control is executed after search control. The control unit 28 can perform search control on the power conversion unit 30 at a predetermined fixed time interval (for example, every 60 seconds to 600 seconds), or can perform search control on the power conversion unit 30 when it is determined that the sunshine condition of the solar cell panel 2 has changed rapidly. Then, after the search control, the control unit 28 performs following control on the power conversion unit 30 that reflects the search control.

[0073] The control unit 28 performs power adjustment control on each power conversion unit 30 provided in the plurality of MPPT circuits 22 in parallel. Thus, the operation of supplying power from each solar cell layer 3 to each power conversion unit 30 is performed in parallel. Each power conversion unit 30 performs a boosting operation to boost the voltage input from the solar cell layer 3 and supplies the output power.

[0074] During the execution of the power adjustment control, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3. The abnormality determination unit 29 performs, for example, the abnormality determination process shown below when the start condition is satisfied. The start condition can be, for example, the start of the power adjustment control, the start of the power control device 10, or other conditions. Figure 4 During the execution of the power adjustment control, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3. The abnormality determination unit 29 performs, for example, the abnormality determination process shown below when the start condition is satisfied. The start condition can be, for example, the start of the power adjustment control, the start of the power control device 10, or other conditions.

[0075] During Figure 4 In step S10, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether the measurement condition is satisfied. The measurement condition can also be, for example, a condition that is satisfied at a plurality of predetermined times determined in a day and every time a predetermined time is reached. The predetermined times are, for example, 10 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 14 o'clock, etc. The measurement condition can also be, for example, a condition that is satisfied every predetermined time (for example, every 1 hour, every 2 hours, etc.) during a predetermined measurement target period (for example, from 10 o'clock to 14 o'clock, etc.). The measurement condition can also be other conditions.

[0076] When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines in step S10 that the measurement condition is not satisfied, it returns to step S10. That is, the abnormality determination unit 29 enters a standby state until it determines that the measurement condition is satisfied.

[0077] When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines in step S10 that the measurement condition is satisfied, it proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether the state in which the power supplied from a part or all of the solar cell layers 3 exceeds a reference value has continued for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds or the like). When determining whether the state in which the power supplied from a part of the solar cell layers 3 exceeds the reference value has continued for a certain period of time, it is possible to determine whether the state in which the power supplied from any one of the solar cell layers 3 exceeds the reference value has continued for a certain period of time, or it is also possible to determine whether the state in which the power supplied from a specific solar cell layer 3 exceeds the reference value has continued for a certain period of time. The reference value may be different for each solar cell layer 3, or may be shared among all the solar cell layers 3.

[0078] The abnormality determination unit 29 calculates the power supplied from the solar cell layer 3A based on the detection signal from the detection unit 41A. The abnormality determination unit 29 calculates the power supplied from the solar cell layer 3B based on the detection signal from the detection unit 41B. The abnormality determination unit 29 calculates the power supplied from the solar cell layer 3C based on the detection signal from the detection unit 41C.

[0079] When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines in step S11 that the state in which the power supplied from a part or all of the solar cell layers 3 exceeds the reference value has not continued for a certain period of time, it returns to step S11. That is, the abnormality determination unit 29 enters a standby state until it is determined that the state in which the power supplied from a part or all of the solar cell layers 3 exceeds the reference value has continued for a certain period of time.

[0080] When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that the state in which the power supplied from a part or all of the solar cell layers 3 exceeds the reference value has continued for a certain period of time, it transfers to step S12. In step S12, the abnormality determination unit 29 measures the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3. The abnormality determination unit 29 measures the power on the input side of each power conversion unit 30. The abnormality determination unit 29 measures the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 based on the detection signal from each detection unit 41.

[0081] After the measurement in step S12 by the abnormality determination unit 29, it determines in step S13 whether the determination condition is satisfied. When the measurement condition is a condition that is satisfied every time a predetermined time arrives, the determination condition may be, for example, the last predetermined time of one day. When the measurement condition is a condition that is satisfied every time a predetermined time elapses during the measurement target period, the determination condition may be, for example, the last predetermined time has elapsed during the measurement target period.

[0082] When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that the determination condition is not satisfied, it returns to step S10. That is, before the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that the determination condition is satisfied, every time the measurement condition is satisfied, it measures the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3.

[0083] When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that the determination condition is satisfied, it proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the measurement value at the time when the maximum power is measured.

[0084] The abnormality determination unit 29 measures, for example, at 10 o'clock, 12 o'clock, and 14 o'clock to determine at which time the maximum power is measured. For example, when the abnormality determination unit 29 measures the maximum power at 12 o'clock, it sets the measurement values of each solar cell layer 3 measured at 12 o'clock as the measurement values at the time when the maximum power is measured, and determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on this measurement value. According to this configuration, the abnormality determination unit 29 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in a part of the plurality of stacked solar cell layers 3.

[0085] Specifically, the abnormality determination unit 29 may also determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the ratio of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 as follows. The abnormality determination unit 29 uses the measurement value at the time when the maximum power is measured, sets the whole as 10, and calculates the ratios of the solar cell layers 3A, 3B, and 3C. Then, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether each ratio is within the normal range. The normal range is determined in advance based on experimental data, for example. The normal ranges of the solar cell layers 3A, 3B, and 3C are set to 2 to 5: 1 to 4: 1 to 4, for example. For example, when the calculated ratios of the solar cell layers 3A, 3B, and 3C are 4: 3: 3, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that it is within the normal range. For example, when the ratios are 0: 5: 5, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that it is outside the normal range. When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that it is outside the normal range, it determines that an abnormality has occurred. According to this configuration, the abnormality determination unit 29 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the ratio of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3.

[0086] As another example, the abnormality determination unit 29 may also determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the proportion of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 with respect to the total value of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 as follows. The abnormality determination unit 29 uses the measurement value at the time when the maximum power is measured, calculates the total value of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3, and calculates the proportion of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3. Then, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether the calculated proportion is within the normal range. The normal range is determined in advance based on experimental data, for example. When the abnormality determination unit 29 determines that the calculated proportion is outside the normal range, it determines that an abnormality has occurred. According to this configuration, the abnormality determination unit 29 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the proportion of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 with respect to the total value of the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3.

[0087] In addition, as described above, after the state where the power supplied from a part or all of the solar cell layers 3 exceeds the reference value has continued for a certain period of time, the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3. Therefore, the abnormality determination unit 29 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in a state where the power generation power of each solar cell layer 3 is stable.

[0088] The abnormality determination unit 29 may also determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from the solar cell layer 3, with the condition that the power supplied from at least one solar cell layer 3 is outside the normal range set corresponding to the solar cell layer 3. According to this configuration, the abnormality determination unit 29 can easily avoid misjudging an abnormality. The normal range is determined, for example, as a range corresponding to a state where no power is supplied. The normal range is determined, for example, to be 1 W or less.

[0089] The abnormality determination unit 29 may also determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 and the usage period of the solar cell panel 2. For example, the abnormality determination unit 29 may measure the usage period of the solar cell panel 2, correct the above normal range based on the measured usage period, and determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the corrected normal range. According to this configuration, the abnormality determination unit 29 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred considering the influence of factors such as the increase in resistance caused by the aging deterioration of the solar cell panel 2.

[0090] The abnormality determination unit 29 may also determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 and an index that affects the incident angle of sunlight relative to the solar cell panel 2. For example, the abnormality determination unit 29 may correct the above normal range based on an index that affects the incident angle of sunlight relative to the solar cell panel 2, and determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the corrected normal range. According to this configuration, the abnormality determination unit 29 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred considering the incident light of sunlight. Examples of the index that affects the incident angle of sunlight relative to the solar cell panel 2 include time, position information of the solar cell panel 2 (such as latitude), season, date and time, etc. In addition, as an index that affects the incident angle of sunlight caused by the solar cell panel 2 itself, examples include the shape of the solar cell panel 2 (such as a convex or concave shape), the installation angle, the vehicle direction (body elevation angle, body azimuth angle, body roll angle), etc.

[0091] The abnormality determination unit 29 may also determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3 and the height of the location where the solar cell panel 2 is configured. For example, the abnormality determination unit 29 may also correct the above-mentioned normal range based on the height of the location where the solar cell panel 2 is configured, and determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the corrected normal range. According to this structure, the abnormality determination unit 29 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred by considering the ratio of direct light to scattered light that changes according to the height.

[0092] 2. Second Implementation

[0093] In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which only one power conversion unit 30 is provided. In the second embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0094] exist Figure 5 2 , an in-vehicle system 201A is illustrated as a power control system mounted on a vehicle 201. The in-vehicle system 201A includes a solar cell panel 2, a power control device 210, a storage battery 6, and a state monitoring device 8.

[0095] The power control device 210 includes an MPPT circuit 22, a capacitor 24, an insulating converter 26, a control unit 28, and an abnormality determination unit 29. The power conversion unit 30 (see Figure 3 ) The input voltage applied between the pair of conductive paths 53 and 54 is stepped up or stepped down, and the output voltage is applied between the pair of conductive paths 51 and 52. The conductive paths 11A, 13A, and 15A are electrically connected to the conductive path 53. The conductive paths 11B, 13B, and 15B are electrically connected to the conductive path 54.

[0096] Power control device 210 includes switches 71A, 71B, 73A, 73B, 75A, and 75B. Switch 71A is provided in conductive path 11A. Switch 71B is provided in conductive path 11B. Switch 73A is provided in conductive path 13A. Switch 73B is provided in conductive path 13B. Switch 75A is provided in conductive path 15A. Switch 75B is provided in conductive path 15B.

[0097] The switching switches 71A and 71B are provided corresponding to the solar cell layer 3A. The solar cell layer 3A is connected to the power conversion unit 30 via the switching switches 71A and 71B. The switching switches 73A and 73B are provided corresponding to the solar cell layer 3B. The solar cell layer 3B is connected to the power conversion unit 30 via the switching switches 73A and 73B. The switching switches 75A and 75B are provided corresponding to the solar cell layer 3C. The solar cell layer 3C is connected to the power conversion unit 30 via the switching switches 75A and 75B.

[0098] The control unit 28 controls the switching switches 71A, 71B, 73A, 73B, 75A, and 75B. The control unit 28 sequentially performs switching processing on the switching switches corresponding to each solar cell layer 3 to switch only the switching switch corresponding to one solar cell layer 3 to the on state. For example, the control unit 28 first controls the switching switches 71A and 71B corresponding to the solar cell layer 3A to the on state and controls the switching switches 73A, 73B, 75A, and 75B to the off state. Next, the control unit 28 controls the switching switches 73A and 73B corresponding to the solar cell layer 3B to the on state and controls the switching switches 71A, 71B, 75A, and 75B to the off state. Next, the control unit 28 controls the switching switches 75A and 75B corresponding to the solar cell layer 3C to the on state and controls the switching switches 71A, 71B, 73A, and 73B to the off state. Thus, the input voltage from each solar cell layer 3 is sequentially applied to the power conversion unit 30. The power conversion unit 30 sequentially converts and outputs the voltages input from each solar cell layer 3.

[0099] In this way, the power control device 210 of the second embodiment can sequentially convert and output the voltages input from each solar cell layer 3 by sequentially performing switching processing on the switching switches corresponding to each solar cell layer 3.

[0100] <Other embodiments>

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the various features of the above embodiments and the embodiments described later can be arbitrarily combined as long as they are not contradictory combinations.

[0102] In each of the above embodiments, the abnormality determination unit 29 is configured to determine whether an abnormality has occurred based on the power supplied from each solar cell layer 3, but it may also be configured such that the abnormality determination unit 29 determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the voltage or current supplied from each solar cell layer 3.

[0103] In each of the above embodiments, the power conversion unit 30 is constituted by a chopper circuit, but it may be changed to other DCDC converters such as a forward-type isolated DCDC converter or a flyback-type isolated DCDC converter that can perform step-down operation and step-up operation.

[0104] In each of the above embodiments, there are no circuits or electrical components between each solar cell layer 3 and each MPPT circuit 22, but electrical components and circuits such as relays, fuses, and filters may be provided. The input power input to the power conversion unit 30 may be directly supplied from the solar cell layer 3 or may be supplied via some intermediate circuits.

[0105] In the above-described embodiments, as the storage battery 6, a drive storage battery (main unit storage battery) composed of a lithium ion battery is exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. The storage battery 6 may be an auxiliary unit storage battery or a lead storage battery.

[0106] In the above-described embodiments, the number of stacked solar cell layers 3 is 3, but it may be 2 or may be 4 or more.

[0107] In addition, the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed this time, and is intended to include all changes within the scope shown in the claims or within the scope equivalent to the claims.

[0108] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1, 201... Vehicle

[0110] 1A, 201A... Vehicle-mounted system

[0111] 2... Solar panel

[0112] 3, 3A, 3B, 3C... Solar cell layer

[0113] 6... Storage battery

[0114] 8... State monitoring device

[0115] 10, 210... Power control device

[0116] 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B, 51, 52, 53, 54, 61, 62... Conductive path

[0117] 22, 22A, 22B, 22C... MPPT circuit

[0118] 24... Capacitor

[0119] 26... Insulated type converter

[0120] 28... Control unit

[0121] 29... Abnormality determination unit

[0122] 30, 30A, 30B, 30C... Power conversion unit

[0123] 41, 41A, 41B, 41C, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C... Detection unit

[0124] 71A, 71B, 73A, 73B, 75A, 75B... Changeover switch

Claims

1. A power control device controls the power input from a solar cell panel and determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from the solar cell panel. Among them, the solar cell panel is configured by laminating a plurality of solar cell layers that absorb light with different wavelengths, the power control device includes: a power conversion unit that converts and outputs the voltage or current input from the solar cell layer; and an abnormality determination unit that determines whether an abnormality has occurred, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers.

2. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the ratio of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers.

3. The power control device according to claim 1, wherein, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the proportion of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers with respect to the total value of the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers.

4. The power control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from the solar cell layer on the condition that the current, voltage, or power supplied from at least one of the solar cell layers is outside the normal range set corresponding to the solar cell layer.

5. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers and the usage period of the solar cell panel.

6. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers and an index that affects the incident angle of sunlight with respect to the solar cell panel.

7. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers and the height of the position where the solar cell panel is disposed.

8. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, after a state in which the power supplied from a part or all of the solar cell layers exceeds a reference value has continued for a certain period of time, the abnormality determination unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on the current, voltage, or power supplied from each of the solar cell layers.

9. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the power conversion unit is provided corresponding to each of the solar cell layers and converts and outputs the voltage or current input from the corresponding solar cell layer.

10. The power control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, a changeover switch is provided corresponding to each of the solar cell layers, Each of the solar cell layers is connected to the power conversion unit via the corresponding changeover switch. The power control device further includes a control unit that controls the changeover switch. The control unit sequentially performs a switching process of switching only the changeover switch corresponding to one of the solar cell layers to the on state for the changeover switches corresponding to the respective solar cell layers.

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