Solar power generation device

Abstract

To provide a solar power generation device in which a light-emitting diode corresponding to a failed solar cell module can be emitted even in a solar cell panel constituted by connecting solar cell arrays in parallel and the failed solar cell module can be reliably and easily identified.SOLUTION: A solar power generation device includes: a solar cell panel 2 in which solar cell arrays 1 are connected in parallel; a light-emitting diode 3 capable of emitting light in a state where a solar cell module T fails; a power conversion device 4 capable of outputting generated power; voltage control means 7 for controlling a PV voltage; and failure diagnosis instruction means 8 for instructing execution of failure diagnosis of the solar battery module T. When execution of the failure diagnosis is instructed by the failure diagnosis instruction means 8, the PV voltage of the solar battery panel 2 is controlled to be lowered by the voltage control means 7, and the light-emitting diode 3 connected in parallel with the failed solar battery module T is made to emit light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation device for generating power by receiving sunlight. [Background technology]

[0002] Solar cells convert light energy into electrical energy (power) by utilizing the photovoltaic effect, and because they can obtain power directly from sunlight, they have recently become popular as an environmentally friendly means of power generation. Photovoltaic power generation devices using such solar cells include solar cell modules that combine and function cells, which are the smallest units of solar cells, and a solar cell panel is made up of multiple arrays in which the modules are connected in series or parallel.

[0003] In order to diagnose such failures in photovoltaic power generation equipment, a technology has been proposed in the past in which light-emitting diodes are connected in parallel to each solar cell module in a solar cell array in which solar cell modules that receive sunlight and generate electricity are connected in series, so that the light-emitting diode corresponding to the failed solar cell module emits light (see Patent Document 1). This makes it easy to identify a failed solar cell panel among multiple solar cell modules, and allows for quick replacement with a new solar cell module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-148613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, in the case of a solar panel configured by connecting solar cell arrays in parallel, a solar cell array having a faulty solar cell module has a low open circuit voltage and therefore no current flows, so that it is not possible to cause the light emitting diode corresponding to the faulty solar cell module to emit light.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a solar power generation device that can light up a light-emitting diode corresponding to a faulty solar cell module, even in a solar cell panel constructed by connecting solar cell arrays in parallel, and can reliably and easily identify the faulty solar cell module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a solar power generation device comprising a solar cell array in which solar cell modules that receive sunlight and generate electricity are connected in series, a solar cell panel in which the solar cell array is connected in parallel, a light-emitting diode connected in parallel to the solar cell module and capable of emitting light when the solar cell module has failed, a power conversion device capable of outputting power generated by the solar cell panel, a voltage control means for controlling the PV voltage of the solar cell panel, and a fault diagnosis instruction means for instructing the execution of a fault diagnosis of the solar cell module, characterized in that when the execution of a fault diagnosis is instructed by the fault diagnosis instruction means, the voltage control means controls the PV voltage of the solar cell panel to decrease, thereby causing the light-emitting diode connected in parallel to the failed solar cell module to emit light.

[0008] The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the solar power generation device of claim 1, it further comprises a voltage setting means for setting the PV voltage to a predetermined value lower than the open circuit voltage of the solar cell module when the fault diagnosis instruction means instructs the execution of fault diagnosis, and the voltage control means controls the PV voltage to be the predetermined value set by the voltage setting means, thereby causing the light-emitting diode connected in parallel to the failed solar cell module to emit light.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the solar power generation device described in claim 1, it further comprises a light-emitting circuit having a first circuit in which a resistor is connected in series to the light-emitting diode, a second circuit in which a resistor is connected in parallel to the first circuit, and a third circuit in which a diode is connected in series to the first circuit and the second circuit, and the light-emitting circuit is connected in parallel to the solar cell module.

[0010] The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the solar power generation device of claim 1, it further comprises a light-emitting circuit having a first circuit in which a constant current element is connected in series to the light-emitting diode, a second circuit in which a resistor is connected in parallel to the first circuit, and a third circuit in which a diode is connected in series to the first circuit and the second circuit, and the light-emitting circuit is connected in parallel to the solar cell module.

[0011] The invention according to claim 5 is the solar power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar cell array has holding means for holding the solar cell module in a replaceable manner.

[0012] The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the solar power generation device of claim 1, it further comprises a sunshade means that can be arbitrarily switched between an open state and a closed state, and the solar cell panel is attached to the sunshade means.

[0013] The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that in the solar power generation device according to claim 6, the sunshade means is a blind, a curtain or an awning.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides the solar power generation device according to the first aspect, wherein the power conversion device performs maximum power point tracking control when outputting generated power from the solar cell panel. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 1, when the fault diagnosis instruction means instructs the execution of fault diagnosis, the voltage control means controls the PV voltage of the solar cell panel to decrease, and causes the light-emitting diode connected in parallel to the faulty solar cell module to emit light. Therefore, even in a solar cell panel constructed by connecting solar cell arrays in parallel, it is possible to cause the light-emitting diode corresponding to the faulty solar cell module to emit light, and the faulty solar cell module can be identified reliably and easily.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 2, when the fault diagnosis instruction means instructs the execution of fault diagnosis, a voltage setting means is provided which sets the PV voltage to a predetermined value lower than the open circuit voltage of the solar cell module, and the voltage control means controls the PV voltage to be the predetermined value set by the voltage setting means, thereby causing the light emitting diode connected in parallel to the faulty solar cell module to emit light. Therefore, for example, even if there is one normal solar cell module and the remaining solar cell modules are faulty in the same solar cell array, the faulty solar cell module can be more reliably and easily identified.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 3, a light-emitting circuit is provided having a first circuit in which a resistor is connected in series to a light-emitting diode, a second circuit in which a resistor is connected in parallel to the first circuit, and a third circuit in which a diode is connected in series to the first circuit and the second circuit. Since the light-emitting circuit is connected in parallel to the solar cell module, the resistors and diodes of the first and second circuits can suppress the reverse voltage applied to the light-emitting diode during power generation, thereby preventing damage to the light-emitting diode.

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 4, a light-emitting circuit is provided having a first circuit in which a constant current element is connected in series to a light-emitting diode, a second circuit in which a resistor is connected in parallel to the first circuit, and a third circuit in which a diode is connected in series to the first circuit and the second circuit. Since the light-emitting circuit is connected in parallel to the solar cell module, the constant current element of the first circuit and the resistor and diode of the second circuit can suppress the reverse voltage applied to the light-emitting diode during power generation, thereby preventing damage to the light-emitting diode.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 5, the solar cell array has holding means for holding the solar cell modules in a replaceable manner, so that each solar cell module can be easily replaced.

[0020] The invention described in claim 6 is provided with a sunshade means that can be switched between an open state and a closed state at will, and the solar panel is attached to the sunshade means, so that when the sunshade means is in a closed state, the solar panel outputs generated electricity, and when the sunshade means is in an open state, sunlight can be taken into the room.

[0021] In the invention described in claim 7, the sunshade means is a blind, a curtain or an awning, so that a general-purpose sunshade means can be used, and the installation cost of the solar power generation device can be reduced.

[0022] According to the invention of claim 8, the power conversion device performs maximum power point tracking control (MPPT) when outputting generated power from the solar cell panel, so that the generated power can be output stably. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a solar power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a solar cell array in the solar power generation device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a solar cell module in the solar power generation device. [Figure 4] A graph showing the control of PV voltage in the fault diagnosis of the same photovoltaic power generation system [Diagram 5] A flow chart showing the control contents (main flow) of the solar power generation device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a holding means (holding a solar cell module) of the solar cell array of the solar power generation device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a holding means (with the solar cell module removed) of the solar cell array of the solar power generation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a solar cell array of a solar power generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a solar cell array of a solar power generation device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a solar power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a blind as a sunshade means. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a solar power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a curtain or awning as a sunshade means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The solar power generation device of this embodiment is for generating power by receiving sunlight, and as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, comprises a solar cell array 1, a solar cell panel 2, a power conversion device 4 having a power detection device 5, a voltage setting means 6 and a voltage control means 7, and a fault diagnosis instruction means 8.

[0025] 2, the solar cell array 1 has a plurality of solar cell modules T that receive sunlight and generate electricity connected in series, and light-emitting diodes 3 that are connected in parallel to each solar cell module T and are capable of emitting light even when the solar cell module T has a malfunction. The light-emitting diodes 3 are capable of emitting light even when the solar cell module T has a malfunction, and are connected in parallel to each solar cell module T in the solar cell array 1.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the solar cell module T is composed of a plurality of solar cell cells C, which are the smallest unit of a solar cell, enclosed in a weather-resistant package, and as shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of these solar cell modules T are connected in series to form a solar cell array 1. In addition, a diode g is connected to each solar cell array 1 to prevent reverse current.

[0027] Furthermore, the solar cell array 1 in this embodiment has a holding means H that holds the solar cell modules T in an exchangeable manner, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The holding means H is capable of detachably mounting the solar cell modules T, and when the solar cell modules T are held, the solar cell modules T are connected in series and connected to the corresponding light-emitting diodes 3, as shown in Figure 2. In this way, since the solar cell array 1 has the holding means H that holds the solar cell modules T in an exchangeable manner, it is possible to easily replace each solar cell module T.

[0028] 1, the solar cell panel 2 is configured by connecting solar cell arrays 1 in parallel, and each of the solar cell arrays 1 constituting the solar cell panel 2 is capable of generating electricity by receiving sunlight. The power conversion device 4 is connected to each solar cell array 1, and is capable of outputting the generated power of the solar cell panel 2 to an external load F (for example, a storage battery, a personal computer, a display, etc.).

[0029] Furthermore, the power conversion device 4 according to this embodiment is configured to perform maximum power point tracking control when outputting generated power (PV) from the solar cell panel 2. Maximum power point tracking control (MPPT) refers to control that automatically finds an optimal current x voltage value (maximum power point, or optimal operating point) that can maximize the output when the solar cell generates power, and can operate while tracking the optimal operating point that constantly fluctuates due to changes in weather conditions, etc.

[0030] For example, in the maximum power point tracking control, for example, in a climbing method, the voltage is changed in one direction (increase or decrease) in a PV curve that graphs voltage and power, and when the power switches from increasing to decreasing, the direction of the voltage change is controlled to be reversed. By repeating this process, it is possible to control the power to an optimal operating point where the power is always maximum. In this way, the power conversion device 4 according to this embodiment performs maximum power point tracking control when outputting generated power from the solar cell panel 2, and therefore can output generated power stably.

[0031] Moreover, the power conversion device 4 according to this embodiment is connected to fault diagnosis instruction means 8 that instructs the execution of fault diagnosis of the solar cell module T. That is, by operating the fault diagnosis instruction means 8, it is possible to arbitrarily execute fault diagnosis in the power conversion device 4. The fault diagnosis instruction means 8 is connected to the power conversion device 4 by wire or wirelessly, and the user can instruct the execution of fault diagnosis by inputting an instruction thereto.

[0032] Here, the power conversion device 4 according to this embodiment is configured to control the PV voltage of the solar cell panel 2 to decrease by the voltage control means 7 and to cause the light emitting diode 3 connected in parallel to the failed solar cell module T to emit light when execution of the fault diagnosis is instructed by the fault diagnosis instructing means 8, and is configured to include a power detection device 5, a voltage setting means 6, and a voltage control means 7, as shown in Fig. 1. The PV voltage refers to the voltage on the axis of a graph (PV curve) that represents the output characteristics when the solar cell panel 2 receives light and generates power.

[0033] The power detection device 5 detects the power generated by the solar cell panel 2, and control is performed by the voltage control means 7 based on the detected power generation. The voltage setting means 6 sets the PV voltage to a predetermined value less than the open-circuit voltage of the solar cell module T when the execution of a fault diagnosis is instructed by the fault diagnosis instructing means 8. The open-circuit voltage of the solar cell module T refers to the voltage at the output terminal of the solar cell module T when nothing is connected to the output terminal.

[0034] The voltage control means 7 controls the PV voltage of the solar cell panel 2, and controls the PV voltage to be a predetermined value set by the voltage setting means 6, thereby causing the light-emitting diode 3 connected in parallel to the failed solar cell module T to emit light. That is, as shown in Fig. 4, when the generated power is output from the solar cell panel 2, the voltage control means 7 controls the PV voltage to be a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control value, and when a fault diagnosis instruction is received from the fault diagnosis instruction means 8, controls the PV voltage to decrease to a predetermined value (in this embodiment, to less than the open circuit voltage of the solar cell module T).

[0035] Next, a control method (main flow) for the solar power generation device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in S1, it is determined whether or not a fault diagnosis instruction has been issued by the fault diagnosis instruction means 8, and if there is no fault diagnosis instruction, in S2, the PV voltage at which the amount of power generation is maximized by maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is determined, and then the process proceeds to S3, and if there is a fault diagnosis instruction, in S5, the voltage setting means 6 sets the PV voltage to a predetermined value (a predetermined value less than the open circuit voltage of the solar cell module T), and then the process proceeds to S3. In S3, the voltage control means 7 controls the PV voltage to the PV voltage determined in S2 or the predetermined value set in S5, and the output voltage of the power conversion device 4 is controlled according to the load F in S4.

[0036] According to this embodiment, when the fault diagnosis instruction means 8 instructs the execution of fault diagnosis, the voltage control means 7 controls the PV voltage of the solar cell panel 2 to decrease, and causes the light-emitting diode 3 connected in parallel to the faulty solar cell module T to emit light. Therefore, even in a solar cell panel 2 constructed by connecting solar cell arrays 1 in parallel, the light-emitting diode 3 corresponding to the faulty solar cell module T can be made to emit light, and the faulty solar cell module T can be identified reliably and easily.

[0037] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the execution of fault diagnosis is instructed by the fault diagnosis instructing means 8, the voltage setting means 6 is provided which sets the PV voltage to a predetermined value lower than the open circuit voltage of the solar cell module T, and the voltage control means 7 controls the PV voltage to become the predetermined value set by the voltage setting means 6, thereby causing the light-emitting diode 3 connected in parallel to the faulty solar cell module T to emit light. Therefore, for example, even if there is one normal solar cell module T and the remaining solar cell modules T are faulty in the same solar cell array 1, the faulty solar cell module T can be more reliably and easily identified.

[0038] However, the solar cell array 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 2, and may be, for example, as shown in Fig. 8, equipped with a light-emitting circuit having a first circuit L1 in which a resistor r1 is connected in series to the light-emitting diode 3, a second circuit L2 in which a resistor r2 is connected in parallel to the first circuit L1, and a third circuit L3 in which a diode g is connected in series to the first circuit L1 and the second circuit L2, and the light-emitting circuit is connected in parallel to the solar cell module T. According to such a solar cell array 1, the resistors (r1, r2) of the first circuit L1 and the second circuit L2 and the diode g can suppress the reverse voltage applied to the light-emitting diode 3 during power generation, and damage to the light-emitting diode 3 can be prevented.

[0039] 9, the solar cell array 1 may include a light-emitting circuit having a first circuit L1 in which a constant current element A is connected in series to the light-emitting diode 3, a second circuit L2 in which a resistor r2 is connected in parallel to the first circuit L1, and a third circuit L3 in which a diode g is connected in series to the first circuit L1 and the second circuit L2, and the light-emitting circuit may be connected in parallel to the solar cell module T. According to such a solar cell array 1, the constant current element A of the first circuit L1 and the resistor r2 and diode g of the second circuit L2 can suppress the reverse voltage applied to the light-emitting diode 3 during power generation, and damage to the light-emitting diode 3 can be prevented.

[0040] The solar power generation device according to this embodiment can be provided with a sunshade means that can be arbitrarily switched between an open state and a closed state, and the solar cell panel 2 can be attached to the sunshade means. With this, when the sunshade means is in a closed state, the generated power of the solar cell panel 2 can be output, and when the sunshade means is in an open state, sunlight can be taken into the room. The sunshade means can be a blind 9 as shown in Fig. 10, or an opening / closing means 10 consisting of a curtain or awning as shown in Fig. 11.

[0041] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, when applied to a blind 9 having openable / closable slats 9a and a main body 9b, the solar cell array 1 can be attached to each of the multiple slats 9a extending in the left-right direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 11, when applied to a curtain or awning as an opening / closing means 10 having an openable / closable shading part 10a and a main body 10b, the solar cell array 1 can be attached to the left-right direction of the shading part 10a. This allows the use of a general-purpose sunshade means, and reduces the installation cost of the solar power generation device.

[0042] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a solar power generation device in which the solar cell panel 2 is attached to another openable / closable sunshade means, and further, may be a solar power generation device in which the solar cell panel 2 is attached to other parts or locations, not limited to the sunshade means. [Industrial Applicability]

[0043] The present invention can also be applied to devices with different external shapes or devices with added functions, etc., so long as they have the same gist as the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1. Solar array 2. Solar Panels 3. Light-emitting diode 4. Power conversion device 5 Power detection device 6 Voltage setting means 7 Voltage Control Means 8. Fault diagnosis instruction means 9. Blinds (shading means) 9a Slat 9b Main body 10 Curtains or awnings (shading means) 10a Light shielding part 10b Main body T Solar cell module C. Solar cell g Diode F load H holding means Resistances r1 and r2 A constant current element The first circuit L1 The second circuit L2 The third circuit L3

Claims

1. A solar cell array in which solar cell modules that receive sunlight and generate electricity are connected in series; a solar cell panel in which the solar cell arrays are connected in parallel; a light emitting diode connected in parallel to the solar cell module and capable of emitting light when the solar cell module fails; a power conversion device capable of outputting power generated by the solar panel; A voltage control means for controlling a PV voltage of the solar panel; a fault diagnosis instruction means for instructing execution of a fault diagnosis of the solar cell module; A solar power generation device comprising: When the fault diagnosis instruction means instructs the execution of a fault diagnosis, the voltage control means controls the PV voltage of the solar cell panel to decrease, thereby causing the light-emitting diode connected in parallel to the failed solar cell module to emit light.

2. The solar power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a voltage setting means for setting a PV voltage to a predetermined value lower than an open circuit voltage of the solar cell module when the fault diagnosis instruction means instructs the execution of a fault diagnosis, and the voltage control means controls the PV voltage to be the predetermined value set by the voltage setting means, thereby causing the light-emitting diode connected in parallel to the failed solar cell module to emit light.

3. a first circuit in which a resistor is connected in series with the light emitting diode; a second circuit in which a resistor is connected in parallel to the first circuit; a third circuit in which a diode is connected in series to the first circuit and the second circuit; 2. The solar power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting circuit having a light emitting diode, the light emitting circuit being connected in parallel to the solar cell module.

4. a first circuit in which a constant current element is connected in series with the light emitting diode; a second circuit in which a resistor is connected in parallel to the first circuit; a third circuit in which a diode is connected in series to the first circuit and the second circuit; 2. The solar power generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting circuit having a light emitting diode, the light emitting circuit being connected in parallel to the solar cell module.

5. 2. The photovoltaic power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell array has a holder for holding the solar cell module in a replaceable manner.

6. 2. The photovoltaic power generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sunshade means that can be arbitrarily switched between an open state and a closed state, and said solar cell panel is attached to said sunshade means.

7. 7. The solar power generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sunshade means is a blind, a curtain or an awning.

8. 2. The photovoltaic power generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power conversion device performs maximum power point tracking control when outputting generated power from the solar cell panel.

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