Operation information transmission system, computer program, server and display method

Abstract

To quickly operate a distribution board without error even by a user who is unfamiliar with a power facility.SOLUTION: An operation information transmission system includes: a power system including a power conversion device which operates in conjunction with a power system and a power failure detection unit for detecting a power failure of the power system; and a server including a first communication unit for communicating with an external device, a storage unit for storing operation information which is required when the power failure occurs in the power system and indicates a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system, and a first control unit for transmitting operation information to an information terminal via the first communication unit or when a power failure notification is received from the power system via the first communication unit or when abnormality of the power system is detected or when a request from the information terminal associated with the power system is received via the first communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation information transmission system, a computer program, a server, and a display method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various techniques for controlling power systems are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for automatically switching a switch of an auxiliary distribution board to start independent operation of a power storage device when a power outage occurs in a commercial power system. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a builder performs authentication using an information terminal such as a smartphone, and if the authentication is successful, the use of the storage battery is permitted, and if the authentication is not successful, the use of the storage battery is not permitted. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for receiving data indicating the operating state of power equipment including a photovoltaic power generation device, a storage battery, and a power conditioner from a controller installed in a house, and determining a power outage state based on the received data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-143688 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-92383 A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-114897 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a home where power equipment including a power system is installed, in the event of a power outage, it is necessary to disconnect the load from the commercial power grid in order to enable power supply from the power system. To do this, the resident of the home (i.e., the user of the power system) must manually operate a switching unit such as a switch or a switchgear in the distribution board to which the power system is connected. However, if the resident is unfamiliar with power equipment, he or she may not be able to accurately determine where the distribution board is located or which switching unit to operate.

[0005] When the switching is performed automatically, as in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, no problem occurs even if the resident is unfamiliar with power equipment. However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a large-capacity, expensive relay or magnetic contactor, and it is also necessary to wire a control line for controlling the coil to the distribution board. Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is relatively expensive. For this reason, a switch or a switch for manually switching is often installed in the distribution board. However, in this case, the above-mentioned problem occurs. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 and the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3 are not technologies related to switching of the switching unit, and therefore cannot solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable even a user who is unfamiliar with power equipment to operate a distribution board quickly and without error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An operation information transmission system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power system including a power conversion device that operates in connection with a power system and a power outage detection unit that detects a power outage in the power system, a first communication unit that communicates with an external device, a memory unit that stores operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system that is necessary when a power outage occurs in the power system, and a server that includes a first control unit that transmits operation information to an information terminal via the first communication unit when a power outage notification is received from the power system via the first communication unit, when an abnormality in the power system is detected, or when a request is received from an information terminal associated with the power system via the first communication unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, even a user who is unfamiliar with power equipment can operate a distribution board quickly and without error. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a power facility. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of another power facility. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of another power facility. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation information transmission system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the management server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the construction completion certificate registration process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power failure detection and notification process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the independent operation switching process. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the registration screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first image. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the second image. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the first input screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the first operation screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the second operation screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the second input screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the notification screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the abnormality occurrence notification process. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the abnormality notification screen. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of a power system. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating another example of a power system. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating another example of a power system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] The contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described below. At least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0011] (1) An operation information transmission system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power system including a power conversion device that operates in connection with a power grid and a power outage detection unit that detects a power outage in the power grid, a server including a first communication unit that communicates with an external device, a memory unit that stores operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system that is necessary when a power outage occurs in the power grid, and a first control unit that transmits operation information to an information terminal via the first communication unit when a power outage notification is received from the power system via the first communication unit, when an abnormality in the power grid is detected, or when a request is received from an information terminal associated with the power system via the first communication unit.

[0012] This allows the user to check the manual operation method for the distribution board by looking at the screen displayed on the information terminal that displays the operation method indicated by the received operation information. In this way, the manual operation method for the distribution board can be easily conveyed to the user, so that even a user who is unfamiliar with power equipment can operate the distribution board quickly and without error.

[0013] (2) In the above (1), the distribution board may include a switching unit that manually switches between a first electric circuit for when the power system is in a normal state and a second electric circuit for when the power system is in a power outage state, or manually disconnects the power system from the power system and the distribution board. The operation information may include information for instructing a user of the power system how to manually operate the switching unit to switch the electric circuit or disconnect the power system. This makes it possible to easily convey to the user how to manually operate the switching unit to switch the electric circuit or disconnect the power system. As a result, the switching of the electric circuit or disconnection of the power system by operating the switching unit can be performed quickly and without error.

[0014] (3) In the above (2), the operation information may include a first message instructing the user to move to the location where the switching unit is installed, and a second message instructing the user to manually switch the switching unit. In this way, the manual operation method is shown by the message, so that the manual switching method of the switching unit can be more clearly conveyed to the user.

[0015] (4) In the above (3), the operation information may further include a first image showing the switching unit and the environment around the switching unit, and a second image showing the state of the switching unit after switching to the second electric circuit or after the power system is disconnected. The first control unit may transmit the first image and the second image to the information terminal in association with the first message and the second message, respectively. In this way, the information terminal that displays the operation method indicated by the received operation information shows the manual operation method by an image together with a corresponding message, so that the manual switching method of the switching unit can be conveyed to the user in an even easier-to-understand manner. In addition, the location of the switching unit, which differs from residence to residence, can be conveyed accurately in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0016] (5) In the above (4), the server may further include a construction certification processing unit that receives and stores the first image and the second image from the construction company of the power system for the construction completion certification of the power system, and an operation information generating unit that generates operation information by associating the first message and the second message with the first image and the second image, respectively, and stores the operation information in the storage unit. This allows the construction company that performs the construction completion certification to take the first image and the second image, for example, with a camera. As a result, it is possible to eliminate mistakes in taking the first image and the second image, compared to a case in which a user who is unfamiliar with power equipment takes the first image and the second image. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately convey to the user the switching unit and the environment around the switching unit, and the state after switching or disconnection of the switching unit.

[0017] (6) In the above (1), the storage unit may store operation information and access information to the information terminal for each of the power systems installed in the multiple homes in association with the ID of the power system. The first control unit may include a selective transmission unit that selectively transmits the operation information corresponding to the ID of the first power system stored in the storage unit to the information terminal associated with the first power system when a power outage notification is received from a first power system among the multiple power systems via the first communication unit. Thereby, a manual operation method corresponding to the power system used by the user is transmitted to the information terminal without error and displayed, so that an appropriate manual operation method can be conveyed to the user.

[0018] (7) In the above (1), the power system may further include a second communication unit that communicates with the information terminal, and a second control unit that transmits a power outage notification to the information terminal via the second communication unit when the power outage detection unit detects the occurrence of a power outage. The first control unit of the server may transmit operation information to the information terminal when receiving a request transmitted from the information terminal in response to the power outage notification. This makes it possible to inform the user of a manual operation method at an appropriate time when operation of the distribution board is required. Also, the user can smoothly operate the distribution board during a power outage.

[0019] (8) In the above (1), the power failure detection unit may include a voltage sensor that detects an input voltage from a power grid to the power system or a current sensor that detects an input current, and a comparison unit that compares the output and frequency of the voltage sensor or the current sensor with a predetermined value to detect the occurrence of a power failure. This makes it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of a power failure.

[0020] (9) In the above (1), the power system may further include a periodic communication unit that periodically communicates with the server. The server may further include a third control unit that detects an abnormality in the power system when periodic communication with the periodic communication unit via the first communication unit cannot be performed for a certain period of time or more, and transmits a notification to the information terminal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality, including a power outage, in the power system and a method for accessing the operation information. This allows the user to obtain countermeasures corresponding to each of multiple abnormalities that may occur, further improving convenience for the user.

[0021] (10) A computer program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the steps of acquiring and storing in a storage device operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of a power system, which is required when a power outage occurs in a power system connected to the power system that is interconnected with the power system, and reading and outputting the operation information from the storage device when a power outage notification indicating that a power outage has occurred in the power system is received. This allows a user to confirm the manual operation method for the distribution board by, for example, looking at a screen based on the output operation information. In this way, the manual operation method for the distribution board can be easily conveyed to the user, so that even a user who is unfamiliar with power equipment can operate the distribution board quickly and without error.

[0022] (11) A server according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with an external device, a storage unit that stores operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of a power system connected to the power system that is required when a power outage occurs in the power system, and a control unit that transmits the operation information to an information terminal via the communication unit when a power outage notification is received from the power system via the communication unit, when an abnormality in the power system is detected, or when a request is received from an information terminal associated with the power system via the communication unit. In this way, the server manages the operation information, so that the information terminal owned by the user can properly acquire the operation information without error.

[0023] (12) A display method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a step in which a control unit of a power system connected to a power grid and operating in an interconnected manner with the power grid detects that a power outage has occurred in the power grid and notifies a server of the power outage, a step in which the control unit of the server responds to the notification of the power outage by transmitting operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system, which is necessary when a power outage occurs in the power grid, to an information terminal associated with the power system, and a step in which the control unit of the information terminal displays the operation method based on the operation information. This allows a user to confirm the manual operation method for the distribution board by looking at a screen displayed on the information terminal. In this way, the manual operation method for the distribution board can be easily conveyed to the user, so that even a user who is unfamiliar with power equipment can operate the distribution board quickly and without error.

[0024] (13) A display method according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a step in which a control unit of a server transmits operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system, which is necessary when a power outage occurs in a power grid connected to the power system, to an information terminal associated with the power system, a step in which a control unit of the power system that operates in a grid-connected operation with the power system detects that a power outage has occurred in the power grid and notifies the information terminal of the power outage, and a step in which a control unit of the information terminal displays the operation method based on the operation information in response to the notification of the power outage. This allows a user to confirm the manual operation method for the distribution board by looking at the screen displayed on the information terminal. In this way, the manual operation method for the distribution board can be easily conveyed to the user, so that even a user who is unfamiliar with power equipment can operate the distribution board quickly and without error.

[0025] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their names and functions are also the same, so detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0026] (Configuration of power equipment) 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of power equipment 50 installed in a house. Referring to FIG. 1, power equipment 50 includes a general load distribution board 54, a specific load distribution board 58, and a power system 62.

[0027] The general load distribution board 54 includes, as main terminals, a system terminal 70, a power system terminal 86, a specific load distribution board terminal 84, and a plurality of outlet terminals 82. The system terminal 70 is connected to the commercial power system 52. The power system terminal 86 is connected to the system terminal 70 via the contract breaker 72, the earth leakage breaker 74, and the power system breaker 76. The specific load distribution board terminal 84 is connected to the system terminal 70 via the contract breaker 72, the earth leakage breaker 74, and the specific load distribution board breaker 80. Each outlet terminal 82 is connected to the system terminal 70 via the contract breaker 72, the earth leakage breaker 74, and each outlet breaker 78. A load 56 is connected to each outlet terminal 82.

[0028] The specific load distribution board 58 includes, as main terminals, a general load distribution board terminal 100, a power system terminal 102, and a plurality of outlet terminals 108. The specific load distribution board 58 further includes a manual switch 104. The general load distribution board terminal 100 is connected to a specific load distribution board terminal 84 of the general load distribution board 54. The power system terminal 102 is connected to an independent terminal 122 of the power system 62, which will be described later. A specific load 60 that requires power supply even during a power outage is connected to the outlet terminal 108.

[0029] The switch 104 manually switches between a first electric circuit for when the power system 52 is in a normal state and a second electric circuit for when the power system 52 is in a power outage state. Specifically, the switch 104 includes a first contact A, a second contact B, and a third contact C. The first contact A is connected to the general load distribution board terminal 100. The second contact B is connected to the power system terminal 102. The third contact C is connected to each outlet terminal 108 via each outlet breaker 106. The switch 104 takes either a state in which the first contact A and the third contact C are connected (i.e., a state in which the first electric circuit is switched to) or a state in which the second contact B and the third contact C are connected (i.e., a state in which the second electric circuit is switched to). The switch 104 is normally in a state in which the first contact A and the third contact C are connected.

[0030] Power system 62 includes a power storage device 130, a DC-DC converter 132, a DC-AC converter 134 as a power conversion device that operates in conjunction with power system 52, a grid-connection switch 124, an independent operation switch 126, a grid-connection terminal 120, an independent operation terminal 122, a control unit 136, a voltage sensor 128, and a communication unit 140.

[0031] The power storage device 130 is connected to a first terminal of a DC-AC converter 134 via a DC-DC converter 132. A second terminal of the DC-AC converter 134 is connected to the grid connection terminal 120 via a grid connection switch 124. The second terminal of the DC-AC converter 134 is also connected to the self-sustaining terminal 122 via a self-sustaining switch 126. The voltage sensor 128 measures the input voltage input from the power grid 52 to the power system 62. The communication unit 140 provides the control unit 136 with a connection to an external router.

[0032] The control unit 136 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 136 executes various processes by reading and executing computer programs stored in, for example, a ROM (Read-Only Memory). For example, the control unit 136 normally controls the power system 62 to perform grid-connected operation with the power grid 52 by closing the grid-connection switch 124 and opening the self-supporting switch 126. The control unit 136 and the communication unit 140 operate using power from the power system 62. Therefore, even if a power outage occurs in the power grid 52, the control unit 136 can continue to function.

[0033] The control unit 136 also functions as a comparison unit 138 that compares the output value and frequency of the voltage sensor 128 with a predetermined value and detects the occurrence of a power outage in response to at least one of the following: the output value of the voltage sensor 128 is smaller than the predetermined value; and the frequency is not within a predetermined range (disturbance in the frequency). The voltage sensor 128 and the comparison unit 138 function as a power outage detection unit. When the comparison unit 138 detects the occurrence of a power outage based on the output value and frequency of the voltage sensor 128, the control unit 136 transmits a power outage notification indicating the occurrence of a power outage to an information terminal 364 (described later) via the communication unit 140. When the control unit 136 receives an instruction to start independent operation transmitted from the information terminal 364, the control unit 136 opens the interconnection switch 124 and closes the independent switch 126 to start the independent operation of the power system 62.

[0034] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of another power equipment 160 installed in a house. Referring to FIG. 2, the power equipment 160 includes a full-load distribution board 170 and a power system 172.

[0035] The full-load distribution board 170 includes, as main terminals, a grid terminal 196, a power system terminal 192, and a plurality of outlet terminals 190. The power system terminal 192 is connected to the grid terminal 196 via a contract breaker 180, an earth leakage breaker 182, a manual switch 184, and a power system breaker 186. Each outlet terminal 190 is connected to the grid terminal 196 via the contract breaker 180, the earth leakage breaker 182, the switch 184, and each outlet breaker 188.

[0036] The switch 184 switches between a first electric circuit for performing grid-connected operation with the power system 172 while supplying power from the power grid 52 to the load 174, and a second electric circuit for supplying power from the power system 172 to the load 174 by disconnecting the power grid 52 from the power system 172 and the full-load distribution board 170. Specifically, the switch 184 takes either a closed state (i.e., a state in which the switch is switched to the first electric circuit) or an open state (i.e., a state in which the switch is switched to the second electric circuit) in response to a manual operation by a user. The switch 184 is normally in the closed state.

[0037] The power system 172 includes the power storage device 130, the DC-DC converter 132, a DC-AC converter 134 as a power conversion device that operates in a grid-connected manner with the power system 52, a switch 212, a grid-connection independent terminal 210, a control unit 216, a voltage sensor 214, and a communication unit 140. The power storage device 130 is connected to a first terminal of the DC-AC converter 134 via the DC-DC converter 132. A second terminal of the DC-AC converter 134 is connected to the grid-connection independent terminal 210 via the switch 212. The control unit 216 normally controls the power system 172 to close the switch 212 and perform a grid-connected operation with the power system 52.

[0038] The control unit 216 functions as the comparison unit 138 described above. The voltage sensor 214 and the comparison unit 138 function as a power outage detection unit. When the comparison unit 138 detects the occurrence of a power outage based on the output value of the voltage sensor 214, the control unit 216 opens the switch 212 and transmits a power outage notification indicating the occurrence of the power outage to the information terminal 364 described below via the communication unit 140. Furthermore, when the control unit 216 receives an independent operation start instruction transmitted from the information terminal 364 during the occurrence of a power outage, it closes the switch 212 and starts the independent operation of the power system 172.

[0039] 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of another power equipment 250 installed in a house. Referring to FIG. 3, the power equipment 250 includes a distribution board 262, a switching distribution board 260, and a power system 172.

[0040] The distribution board 262 includes, as main terminals, a switching distribution board terminal 300 and a plurality of outlet terminals 302. Each outlet terminal 302 is connected to the switching distribution board terminal 300 via a contract breaker 304, an earth leakage breaker 306, and each outlet breaker 308.

[0041] The switching distribution board 260 includes, as main terminals, a grid terminal 270, a distribution board terminal 272, and a power system terminal 274. The grid terminal 270 is connected to the commercial power grid 52. The distribution board terminal 272 is connected to a switching distribution board terminal 300 of the distribution board 262. The power system terminal 274 is connected to the grid independence terminal 210 of the power system 172. The switching distribution board 260 further includes a manual switch 276. The grid terminal 270 is connected to the distribution board terminal 272 and the power system terminal 274 via the switch 276.

[0042] The switch 276 switches between a first electric circuit for performing grid-connected operation with the power system 172 while supplying power from the power grid 52 to the load 174, and a second electric circuit for supplying power from the power system 172 to the load 174 by disconnecting the power grid 52 from the power system 172 and the distribution board 262. Specifically, the switch 276 takes either a closed state (i.e., a state in which the switch is switched to the first electric circuit) or an open state (i.e., a state in which the switch is switched to the second electric circuit) in response to a manual operation by a user. The switch 276 is normally in the closed state.

[0043] The power system 172 includes the power storage device 130, the DC-DC converter 132, a DC-AC converter 134 as a power conversion device that operates in a grid-connected manner with the power system 52, a switch 212, a grid-connection independent terminal 210, a control unit 216, a voltage sensor 214, and a communication unit 140. The power storage device 130 is connected to a first terminal of the DC-AC converter 134 via the DC-DC converter 132. A second terminal of the DC-AC converter 134 is connected to the grid-connection independent terminal 210 via the switch 212. The control unit 216 normally controls the power system 172 to close the switch 212 and perform a grid-connected operation with the power system 52.

[0044] The control unit 216 functions as the comparison unit 138 described above. The voltage sensor 214 and the comparison unit 138 function as a power outage detection unit. When the comparison unit 138 detects the occurrence of a power outage based on the output value of the voltage sensor 214, the control unit 216 opens the switch 212 and transmits a power outage notification indicating the occurrence of the power outage to the information terminal 364 via the communication unit 140. Furthermore, when the control unit 216 receives an independent operation start instruction transmitted from the information terminal 364 during the occurrence of a power outage, it closes the switch 212 and starts the independent operation of the power system 172.

[0045] In any of the examples shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, when a power outage occurs, it is necessary to operate the distribution board so as to disconnect the power system 52 from the loads and supply power to each load from the power system 62 or the power system 172. In this disclosure, when a power outage occurs, a server is provided that transmits, to an information terminal such as a smartphone held by a user, information indicating how to operate the distribution board, or a notification for displaying an operation method that has already been downloaded to the information terminal. In this embodiment, the server is not limited to the management server 360 described later, and may be a cloud server provided by cloud computing.

[0046] (Configuration of operation information transmission system 350) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation information transmission system 350 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 4, the operation information transmission system 350 is a transmission system for operation information indicating a method of operating the general load distribution board 54, the full load distribution board 170, or the switching distribution board 260. The operation information transmission system 350 includes a power system 62 or a power system 172 connected to the power grid 52, and a management server 360. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, the power systems 62 and 172 will be collectively referred to simply as "power system 62".

[0047] The power system 62 and the management server 360 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 362. The power system 62 and the management server 360 are configured to be able to communicate with an information terminal 364 via the network 362. The information terminal 364 is owned by each user who owns the power system 62, and a computer program (application program) for displaying operation information from the management server 360 is pre-installed on the information terminal 364 as described below. In response to a request transmitted from the information terminal 364 in response to the detection of a power outage in the power system 52, the management server 360 transmits the operation information to the information terminal 364 associated with the power system 62, and causes the information terminal 364 to display the operation information. Alternatively, the management server 360 transmits the operation information to the information terminal 364 in advance during a period when no power outage occurs, and the information terminal 364 pre-stores the received operation information.

[0048] (Configuration of Management Server 360) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of management server 360. Referring to Fig. 5, management server 360 includes a computer 370. To computer 370, a monitor 372, a keyboard 374, a mouse 376, and a DVD drive 390 are connected.

[0049] The computer 370 includes a CPU 380, a bus 392, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 382, ​​a ROM 384, a random access memory (RAM) 386, a hard disk drive (HDD) 388, a DVD drive 390, a network interface (I / F) 396, and a semiconductor memory port 394.

[0050] The bus 392 provides a transmission path for data and instructions between the CPU 380 and other modules of the computer 370. Each unit of the management server 360 is connected to the CPU 380. The HDD 388 is a non-volatile auxiliary storage device. A DVD 366 can be attached to the DVD drive 390. The network I / F 396 provides the CPU 380 with a wireless or wired connection to the network 362. The semiconductor memory port 394 allows the semiconductor memory 368 to be attached and detached.

[0051] In this embodiment, the HDD 388 stores operation information indicating a manual operation method for the specific-load distribution board 58, the full-load distribution board 170, or the switching distribution board 260, which is required when a power outage occurs in the power system 52. The operation information includes information for instructing a user of the power system 62 how to manually operate the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276 to switch between the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit.

[0052] Specifically, the operation information includes a first message instructing the user to move to the installation location of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276, and a second message instructing the user to manually switch the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276. The operation information further includes a first image showing the switch 104 and the environment around the switch 104, the switch 184 and the environment around the switch 184, or the switch 276 and the environment around the switch 276, and a second image showing the state of the switch 104 after switching to the second electric circuit, or the state of the switch 184 or the switch 276 after the power system 52 is disconnected.

[0053] The HDD 388 stores operation information and access information to the information terminal 364 for each of the power systems 62 installed in each of the multiple homes, in association with an ID unique to the power system 62. The access information is, for example, a Media Access Control address (MAC) address.

[0054] (Configuration of information terminal 364) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information terminal 364. Referring to Fig. 6, the information terminal 364 is, for example, a smartphone or a dedicated remote controller attached to the power system 62. The information terminal 364 includes a controller 401, a GPS module 402, a memory 404, a power supply circuit 406, an audio circuit 408, a camera 409, a monitor 410, a touch panel 412 as an input unit, various sensors 414, an RF (Radio Frequency) baseband circuit 416, and a communication unit 418. Each of these units is connected to the controller 401.

[0055] The monitor 410 as a display device includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The various sensors 414 include, for example, an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor. The RF / baseband circuit 416 provides a telephone function. The communication unit 418 includes a wireless communication module that provides wireless communication such as Wi-Fi communication.

[0056] The controller 401 is substantially a computer, and includes a CPU 450, a bus 452, a memory controller 454, a power management circuit 456, a system management circuit 458, a media processing circuit 460, a display controller 462, an input / output I / F 464, and a GPU 466. The bus 452 serves as a transmission path for data and instructions between the CPU 450 and each unit in the controller 401.

[0057] The memory controller 454 writes and reads data to and from the memory 404. The power management circuit 456 manages the power circuit 406. The system management circuit 458 manages the operation timing of each unit in the controller 401. The media processing circuit 460 interfaces with the audio circuit 408 and the camera 409. The display controller 462 controls the display operation of the monitor 410.

[0058] The input / output I / F 464 interfaces the CPU 450 and memory 404 with external modules such as various sensors 414 and an RF / baseband circuit 416. The GPU 466 performs graphic processing and parallel calculations delegated by the CPU 450 and returns the results to the CPU 450 via the bus 452.

[0059] (Program structure for implementing construction completion certification registration processing) The power system 62 is installed by a contractor of the power system 62. When the contractor completes the installation of the power system 62, a process is performed in which the contractor registers information required for a construction completion certificate to the seller or manufacturer of the power system 62 via an information terminal owned by the contractor. Specifically, a computer program (application program) for realizing the construction completion certificate registration process is installed in the information terminal owned by the contractor. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the construction completion certificate registration process. Execution of this program is started in response to an instruction to start the construction completion certificate registration process being input to the information terminal owned by the contractor.

[0060] 7, this program includes step 470 of displaying on the monitor of the information terminal a registration screen for inputting various information required for registering the construction completion certificate. Here, the various information required for the construction completion certificate includes the address of the installation location of the power system 62, an ID unique to the power system 62, the first image described above, the second image described above, a third image showing the appearance of the power system 62, and a fourth image showing the wiring of the winning section terminal block. The first image is, for example, an image that shows the surrounding environment including the location where the distribution board of the power system 62 is installed. The second image is an image that shows the distribution board of the power system 62 opened and various switches for operation can be distinguished.

[0061] The program further includes step 472 which branches the control flow depending on the input, step 474 which is executed if it is determined in step 472 that an instruction to select a first image has been input, and causes the contractor to select an image file representing the first image, step 476 which is executed if it is determined in step 472 that an instruction to select a second image has been input, and causes the contractor to select an image file representing the second image, step 478 which is executed if it is determined in step 472 that an instruction to select a third image has been input, and causes the contractor to select an image file representing the third image, and step 480 which is executed if it is determined in step 472 that an instruction to select a fourth image has been input, and causes the contractor to select an image file representing the fourth image.

[0062] This program further includes step 482, which is executed if it is determined in step 472 that an instruction to confirm the input contents has been received, for checking the various input information for errors, step 484, which branches the control flow depending on whether or not an error is present, step 486, which is executed if it is determined in step 484 that there is no error, for sending the various input information to the management server 360 together with a request to register the information, and step 488, which branches the control flow depending on whether or not a registration completion report has been received from the management server 360.

[0063] This program further includes step 490, which is executed if the determination in step 488 is positive, and causes a completion screen indicating that the construction completion certificate registration has been completed to be displayed on the monitor of the information terminal, and then terminates execution of this program, and step 492, which is executed if it is determined in step 484 that there is an error, or if the determination in step 488 is negative, and which updates the display of the registration screen, such as by displaying an error message, and returns control to step 472.

[0064] (Program structure for realizing power outage detection and notification processing) A computer program (application program) is installed in the power system 62 to realize a power outage detection and notification process that detects a power outage in the power grid 52 and notifies the information terminal 364 of the detection of the power outage. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of this power outage detection and notification process. Execution of this program begins in response to the power system 62 being powered on.

[0065] 8, this program includes step 500 of reading the output value (voltage value and frequency) of voltage sensor 128 or voltage sensor 214 (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "voltage sensor 214"), and step 502 of branching the flow of control depending on the result of comparing the output value of voltage sensor 214 with a predetermined threshold value. If the determination in step 502 is negative, control returns to step 500. This program further includes step 504, which is executed if the determination in step 502 is positive, of transmitting a power outage notification indicating the occurrence of a power outage to information terminal 364, and step 506 of branching the flow of control depending on whether or not a confirmation report has been received from information terminal 364. If the determination in step 506 is negative, control returns to step 504. If the determination in step 506 is positive, execution of the program ends.

[0066] (Program structure for realizing independent operation switching processing) It is assumed that power equipment 50, power equipment 160, or power equipment 250 is installed in a house, and a user resides in the house. It is assumed that the user owns an information terminal 364, and the memory 404 of the information terminal 364 stores a general computer program (application program) for managing the generated power of the power system 62, the remaining amount of charging power, starting and stopping the operation of the power system 62, and the power consumption within the house.

[0067] The memory 404 also stores a computer program (application program) for realizing the independent operation switching process according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the independent operation switching process. Execution of this program is started by the CPU 450 in response to the power supply of the information terminal 364 being turned on. Referring to FIG. 9, this program includes step 530 of executing a process for receiving operation information from the management server 360 in response to the reception of a power outage notification, step 532 of displaying on the monitor 410 a first input screen for inputting an instruction to switch to independent operation, and step 534 of branching the flow of control according to the input. If it is determined in step 534 that a cancel instruction has been input, the execution of the program ends.

[0068] This program further includes step 536, which is executed when it is determined in step 534 that an instruction to display the next screen has been input, for displaying a first operation screen showing the first message and the first image in association with each other on monitor 410 based on the operation information, and step 538, which branches the flow of control in response to the input. If it is determined in step 538 that a return instruction has been input, control returns to step 532.

[0069] This program further includes step 540, which is executed when it is determined in step 538 that an instruction to display the next screen has been input, for displaying a second operation screen showing a second message and a second image in association with each other on monitor 410 based on the operation information, and step 542, which branches the flow of control in response to the input. If it is determined in step 542 that a return instruction has been input, control returns to step 536.

[0070] This program further includes step 544, which is executed when it is determined in step 542 that an instruction to display the next screen has been input, for displaying a confirmation screen for confirming whether there is a risk of fire on monitor 410, and step 546, which branches the flow of control in accordance with the input. If it is determined in step 546 that a return instruction has been input, control returns to step 540.

[0071] This program further includes step 548, which is executed when it is determined in step 546 that an instruction to display the next screen has been input, for displaying a second input screen for inputting an instruction to start autonomous operation on monitor 410, and step 550, which branches the flow of control in accordance with the input. If it is determined in step 550 that a return instruction has been input, control returns to step 544.

[0072] This program further includes a step 552 that is executed when it is determined in step 550 that an instruction to start autonomous operation has been input, and causes the power system 62 to start autonomous operation, and a step 554 that causes a notification screen to be displayed on the monitor 410 to notify that autonomous operation has started, and then terminates execution of the program.

[0073] (Operation when executing construction completion certificate registration process) The operation of the management server 360 and the information terminal when the construction completion certification registration process is executed will be described below. When the power system 62 is installed, the construction contractor inputs an instruction to start the construction completion certification registration process using the information terminal owned by the contractor. The CPU of the information terminal starts the construction completion certification registration process for certifying the construction completion of the power system 62, and displays the registration screen 600 shown in Fig. 10 on the monitor of the information terminal (step 470 in Fig. 7).

[0074] In this case, the CPU of the information terminal displays on the monitor of the information terminal a registration screen 600 including a plurality of input items 601 for inputting various information required for the construction completion certificate, a box 608 for inputting a first image, a box 610 for inputting a second image, a box 604 for inputting a third image, and a box 606 for inputting a fourth image. The input items 601 include, for example, a box 602 for inputting a serial number as an ID unique to the power system 62 to be installed.

[0075] The contractor uses the touch panel of the information terminal to input text indicating various information such as the serial number of the power system 62 into the box 602, etc. The contractor activates the camera of the information terminal and takes the first to fourth images. When the contractor touches the box 608, the CPU determines that an instruction to select the first image has been input ("First Image" in step 472 of FIG. 7) and causes the monitor to display a selection screen for the first image. In response to this display, the contractor selects an image file indicating the first image (step 474). That is, the contractor uses the touch panel of the information terminal to select and input the first image from multiple images registered in the information terminal.

[0076] When the contractor touches box 610, the CPU determines that an instruction to select a second image has been input ("Second Image" in step 472) and causes a selection screen for the second image to be displayed on the monitor. In response to this display, the contractor selects an image file showing the second image (step 476). That is, the contractor uses the touch panel of the information terminal to select and input the second image from multiple images registered in the information terminal.

[0077] When the contractor touches box 604, the CPU determines that an instruction to select the third image has been input ("Third Image" in step 472) and causes a selection screen for the third image to be displayed on the monitor. In response to this display, the contractor selects an image file showing the third image (step 478). That is, the contractor uses the touch panel of the information terminal to select and input the third image from multiple images registered in the information terminal.

[0078] When the contractor touches box 606, the CPU determines that an instruction to select the fourth image has been input ("Fourth Image" in step 472) and causes a selection screen for the fourth image to be displayed on the monitor. In response to this display, the contractor selects an image file showing the fourth image (step 480). That is, the contractor uses the touch panel of the information terminal to select and input the fourth image from multiple images registered in the information terminal.

[0079] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a captured first image 630. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a captured second image 640. Referring to Fig. 11, the first image 630 shows the specific load distribution board 58 including the switch 104 and its surrounding environment, the full load distribution board 170 including the switch 184 and its surrounding environment, or the switching distribution board 260 including the switch 276 and its surrounding environment. Referring to Fig. 12, the second image 640 shows a state in which the second contact B and the third contact C of the switch 104 are connected, a state in which the switch 184 is in an open state, or a state in which the switch 276 is in an open state.

[0080] 10, the contractor checks the input contents and touches key 612 for inputting an instruction to confirm the registration contents on registration screen 600. When the CPU of the information terminal detects the touch operation on key 612, it determines that the instruction to confirm the input contents has been received (OK in step 472) and performs an error check on the various types of input information (step 482). When the CPU of the information terminal determines that there is no error (YES in step 484), it transmits the various types of input information including the first image and the second image and a registration request to management server 360 via the communication unit of the information terminal (step 486).

[0081] When the CPU 380 of the management server 360 receives the input various information and the registration request via the network I / F 396, it stores the received various information as operation information in the HDD 388 in association with an ID (in this case, a serial number) unique to the received power system 62. At this time, the CPU 380 generates operation information by associating the first message and the second message with the first image and the second image, respectively, and stores the operation information in the HDD 388. The CPU 380 also transmits a completion report indicating completion of registration to the information terminal of the contractor via the network I / F 396.

[0082] In this way, the CPU 380 of the management server 360 functions as a construction certification processing unit that receives and stores the first image and the second image from the contractor of the power system 62 for certification of completion of construction of the power system 62. The CPU 380 also functions as an operation information generating unit that generates operation information by associating the first message and the second message with the first image and the second image, respectively, and stores the operation information in the HDD 388.

[0083] Until the CPU of the information terminal receives the completion report (NO in step 488 of FIG. 7), it updates the display of the registration screen 600, for example by displaying an additional message indicating that it is waiting to receive the completion report (step 492). When the CPU receives the completion report via the communication unit (YES in step 488), it displays on the monitor a completion screen indicating that the construction completion certification registration has been completed (step 490). If the CPU checks the various pieces of input information and determines that there is an error (NO in step 484), it updates the display of the registration screen 600, for example by displaying an additional message indicating that there is an error, and prompts the user to re-enter information (step 492).

[0084] (Operation when power outage detection notification process is executed) The operation of the power system 62 during the power outage detection and notification process will be described below. Each of the control units 136 or 216 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control units 216") of the multiple power systems 62 installed in the multiple homes executes the power outage detection and notification process. Here, the comparison unit 138 of the first power system 62, which is one of the multiple power systems 62, reads the output value of the voltage sensor 214 (step 500 in FIG. 8) and compares the output value of the voltage sensor 214 with a predetermined threshold value (step 502). When the comparison unit 138 determines that no power outage has occurred based on the comparison result of the output value of the voltage sensor 214 with the predetermined threshold value (NO in step 502), it repeats the processes of steps 500 and 502 to monitor the output of the voltage sensor 214.

[0085] When the comparison unit 138 compares the output value of the voltage sensor 214 with a predetermined threshold value and determines that a power outage has occurred (YES in step 502), the control unit 216 transmits a power outage notification indicating the occurrence of a power outage to the information terminal 364 owned by the user of the first power system 62 via the communication unit 140 (step 504). The control unit 216 of the first power system 62 waits until it receives a confirmation report from the information terminal 364 (NO in step 506). When the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 receives the power outage notification via the communication unit 418, it transmits the confirmation report to the power system 62 via the communication unit 418. When the control unit 216 of the first power system 62 receives the confirmation report via the communication unit 140 (YES in step 506), it ends the power outage detection notification process.

[0086] (Operation when independent operation switching process is executed) The operations of the management server 360 and the user's information terminal 364 when the independent operation switching process is executed will be described below.

[0087] In response to receiving the power outage notification, the CPU 450 of the user's information terminal 364 executes a process for acquiring operation information (step 530 in FIG. 9). Specifically, when the CPU 450 has not acquired operation information in advance from the management server 360, that is, when the memory 404 does not store operation information, the CPU 450 transmits a transmission request for operation information specifying the ID of the first power system 62 to the management server 360 via the communication unit 418 in response to receiving the power outage notification. On the other hand, when the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 has acquired operation information in advance from the management server 360, that is, when the memory 404 already stores operation information, the CPU 450 reads out the operation information from the memory 404.

[0088] When the CPU 380 of the management server 360 receives the transmission request via the network I / F 396, it reads out operation information corresponding to the ID of the first power system 62 in which the occurrence of the power outage was detected and access information to the information terminal 364, which are stored in the HDD 388. The CPU 380 further transmits the read operation information to the information terminal 364 indicated by the read access information via the network I / F 396. In this way, the CPU 380 of the management server 360 functions as a selective transmission unit that selectively transmits operation information corresponding to the ID of the first power system 62 stored in the HDD 388 to the information terminal 364 associated with the first power system 62 in response to detection of the occurrence of a power outage in the interconnected power grid 52 in the first power system 62 among the multiple power systems 62 installed in the multiple homes, respectively.

[0089] When the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 receives the operation information via the communication unit 418 (step 530 in FIG. 9), it causes the monitor 410 to display a first input screen 660 shown in FIG. 13 by pop-up (step 530). In this case, the CPU 450 displays, on the first input screen 660, a message 662 for prompting the monitor 410 to switch to independent operation, a key 672 for inputting an instruction to display the next screen, and a key 670 for inputting a cancel instruction.

[0090] When the user confirms the message 662 and touches the key 672, the CPU 450 determines that an instruction to display the next screen has been accepted ("Next" in step 534), and displays the first operation screen 700 shown in Fig. 14 by pop-up on the monitor 410 (step 536). In this case, the CPU 450 displays on the first operation screen 700 on the monitor 410 a first message 710 indicating an instruction to move to the installation location of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276, a first image 712 (image 630 shown in Fig. 11), a key 716 for inputting an instruction to display the next screen, and a key 714 for inputting a return instruction.

[0091] When the user moves to the location of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276 while checking the first message 710 and the first image 712 and touches the key 716, the CPU 450 determines that an instruction to display the next screen has been accepted ("Next" in step 538), and displays the second operation screen 740 shown in Fig. 15 by pop-up on the monitor 410 (step 540). In this case, the CPU 450 displays, on the monitor 410, the second message 750 indicating an instruction to switch the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276, the second image 752 (image 640 shown in Fig. 2), a key 756 for inputting an instruction to display the next screen, and a key 754 for inputting a return instruction, on the second operation screen 740.

[0092] When the user switches switch 104, switch 184, or switch 276 while checking second message 750 and second image 752 and then touches key 756, CPU 450 determines that an instruction to display the next screen has been accepted ("Next" in step 542), and displays confirmation screen 780 shown in Fig. 16 by pop-up on monitor 410 (step 544). In this case, CPU 450 displays on confirmation screen 780 a message 790 for prompting monitor 410 to check whether there is a risk of fire, a key 792 for inputting an instruction to display the next screen, and a key 794 for inputting a return instruction.

[0093] When the user touches key 792 after confirming that there is no risk of fire, CPU 450 determines that an instruction to display the next screen has been accepted ("Next" in step 546), and causes monitor 410 to display second input screen 820 shown in Fig. 17 by pop-up (step 548). In this case, CPU 450 displays, on second input screen 820, message 822 for prompting monitor 410 to start independent operation, key 824 for inputting an instruction to start independent operation, and key 826 for inputting a return instruction.

[0094] When the user confirms the message 822 and touches the key 824, the CPU 450 determines that the instruction to start independent operation has been received ("OK" in step 550) and causes the power system 62 to start independent operation (step 552). Specifically, the CPU 450 transmits the instruction to start independent operation to the power system 62 via the communication unit 418.

[0095] When the control unit 216 of the power system 62 receives an instruction to start independent operation via the communication unit 140 possessed by the power system 62, it controls the interconnection switch 124 in the power equipment 50 (Figure 1) to an open state and the independent operation switch 126 to a closed state, controls the switch 212 in the power equipment 160 (Figure 2) to a closed state, or controls the switch 212 in the power equipment 250 (Figure 3) to a closed state, thereby causing the power system 62 etc. to start independent operation.

[0096] When the instruction to start independent operation is transmitted, CPU 450 displays notification screen 850 shown in Fig. 18 by pop-up on monitor 410 (step 554). In this case, CPU 450 displays, on monitor 410, message 852 indicating that independent operation has started, and button 854 for ending the program.

[0097] In this way, CPU 450 of the mobile terminal functions as an operation information output unit that outputs operation information in response to receiving, from power system 62, a power outage notification indicating that a power outage has occurred in power grid 52.

[0098] If the user touches key 670 on the first input screen 660, the CPU 450 determines that a cancel instruction has been input (cancel in step 534) and ends the independent operation switching process. If the user touches key 714 on the first operation screen 700 (FIG. 14), the CPU 450 determines that a return instruction has been input ("Back" in step 538) and displays the first input screen 660 on the monitor 410 (step 532). If the user touches key 754 on the second operation screen 740 (FIG. 15), the CPU 450 determines that a return instruction has been input ("Back" in step 542) and displays the first operation screen 700 on the monitor 410 (step 536). When the user touches key 794 on confirmation screen 780 (FIG. 16), CPU 450 determines that a return instruction has been input ("Back" in step 546) and displays second operation screen 740 on monitor 410 (step 540). When the user touches key 826 on second input screen 820 (FIG. 17), CPU 450 determines that a return instruction has been input ("Back" in step 550) and displays confirmation screen 780 on monitor 410 (step 544).

[0099] When a power outage occurs in a house in which the power equipment 50 having the manual switch 104, the power equipment 160 having the manual switch 184, or the power equipment 250 having the manual switch 276 is installed, the user who is a resident of the house needs to perform the following operations. That is, the user needs to perform an operation to switch the switch 104 to a state in which the second contact B and the third contact C are connected, an operation to switch the switch 184 to an open state, or an operation to switch the switch 276 to an open state. However, if the user is unfamiliar with power equipment, there is a risk that the user will not be able to accurately determine where the distribution board is located and which device to operate.

[0100] In contrast, according to the above embodiment, the CPU 380 of the management server 360 transmits operation information to the information terminal 364 associated with the power system 62 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition is any of the following: when a power outage notification is received from the power system 62, when an abnormality in the power grid 52 is detected, and when a request is received from the information terminal 364. For example, when the control unit 136 of the power system 62 transmits a power outage notification to the information terminal 364, the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 acquires operation information from the HDD 388 of the management server 360 via the communication unit 418 in response to receiving the power outage notification, and displays a manual operation method on the monitor 410 based on the acquired operation information. Alternatively, the CPU 450 reads out operation information previously acquired from the management server 360 and stored in the memory 404, and displays it on the monitor 410.

[0101] This allows the user to check the location of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276 and the operation method for appropriately switching them by looking at the screen displayed on the information terminal 364. In this way, the installation location and manual operation method of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276 can be easily conveyed to the user. Therefore, the user can quickly switch the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276 without error. In addition, since the first operation screen 700 and the second operation screen 740 are displayed by pop-up, the user can easily access the switching method of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276. Furthermore, since the first operation screen 700 and the second operation screen 740 are displayed in the order of operation, the switching method of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276 can be conveyed to the user in an even easier-to-understand manner.

[0102] (First Modification) In the above embodiment, the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 executes a process for acquiring operation information when a power failure detection notification is received from the control unit 136, 216 of the power system 62, 172 by wireless communication. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. The management server 360 may detect the occurrence of some abnormality, such as a stop of power supply from the power grid 52 of the power system 62, 172, and transmit the abnormality detection notification together with the operation information of the distribution board for recovery from the abnormality, regardless of whether the abnormality is due to a power failure or not, to the information terminal 364. In response to this notification, the information terminal 364 may perform an abnormality occurrence notification process described later and instruct the user to perform an appropriate operation depending on whether a power failure occurs or other abnormality occurs. The first modified example described below is such an embodiment.

[0103] (Program structure for realizing abnormality occurrence notification processing) It is assumed that the memory 404 of the information terminal 364 owned by the user stores a computer program (application program) for realizing the abnormality occurrence notification process according to this modified example. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the abnormality occurrence notification process according to this modified example. This program is started in response to receiving an abnormality detection notification from the management server 360 via the communication unit 418. Upon starting up, this program includes a step 880 of displaying an abnormality notification screen indicating the occurrence of an abnormality on the monitor 410 and waiting for an input from the user.

[0104] This program further includes step 882 of branching the control flow according to an instruction input by the user (which button was operated on the abnormality notification screen), step 884 of starting an independent operation switching process similar to that of the first embodiment in response to a determination that the user has operated the first button, and step 886 of starting an error recovery program for an abnormality in the power system 62 in response to a determination that the user has operated the second button. When the start of each program is completed in steps 884 and 886, the execution of this program ends. As a result, either the independent operation switching program or the error spreading program continues to run.

[0105] (Operation when abnormality notification processing is executed) The operation of the management server 360 and the user's information terminal 364 when the abnormality occurrence notification process is executed will be described below.

[0106] The CPU 380 of the management server 360 periodically communicates with the control units 136, 216 of the power systems 62, 172 via the network I / F 396. When the CPU 380 is unable to periodically communicate with the power system 62 via the network I / F 396 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) or longer, it determines that an abnormality, including a power outage, has occurred in the power grid 52. As a result, the CPU 380 transmits an abnormality notification, indicating the occurrence of the abnormality and a method for accessing the operation information, to the user's information terminal 364 via the network I / F 396.

[0107] In this way, the control units 136, 216 of the power systems 62, 172 function as a periodic communication unit that periodically communicates with the management server 360. The CPU 380 of the management server 360 functions as a control unit that detects an abnormality in the power system 52 when periodic communication with the periodic communication unit via the network I / F 396 cannot be performed for a certain period of time or more, and transmits a notification indicating the occurrence of the abnormality, including a power outage, in the power system 52 and a method for accessing the operation information to the information terminal 364 via the network I / F 396.

[0108] When the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 receives the abnormality notification via the communication unit 418, it displays an abnormality notification screen 900 shown in Fig. 20 by pop-up on the monitor 410 (step 880 in Fig. 19). In this case, the CPU 450 displays on the monitor 410 a message 910 indicating that a power outage, an abnormality in the power system 62, or an abnormality in a communication device (e.g., a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router) of the power system 62 has occurred, a first button 912, a second button 914, and a message 916 indicating a method of dealing with the abnormality in the communication device.

[0109] When the user checks the abnormality notification screen 900 and touches the first button 912, the CPU 450 determines that the user has operated the first button ("first button" in step 882), and starts a program for executing the independent operation switching process shown in Fig. 9 (step 884). On the other hand, when the user touches the second button 914, the CPU 450 determines that the user has operated the second button ("second button" in step 882), and starts an error recovery program shown below (step 886).

[0110] In the error recovery program, CPU 450 displays, by pop-up, on monitor 410 an operation screen 940 showing a method for dealing with an abnormality in power system 62, as shown in Fig. 21. In this case, CPU 450 causes monitor 410 to display, on operation screen 940, a message 950 for prompting the user to select the content of the error, and a plurality of keys 952, 954, and 956 for selecting each of the content of the error.

[0111] When the user touches any one of the multiple keys 952, 954, and 956, the CPU 450 detects the touch operation on any one of the keys 952, 954, and 956 via the touch panel 412. The CPU 450 displays on the monitor 410 a screen indicating a method of dealing with an abnormality corresponding to any one of the touched keys 952, 954, and 956.

[0112] In this way, when the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 receives an abnormality notification via the communication unit 418, it functions as a first input unit that displays an abnormality notification screen 900 indicating the occurrence of a power outage or an abnormality in the power systems 62 and 172 on the monitor 410 and accepts instructions from the user. When the first input unit receives a first display instruction from the user via the touch panel 412 for a method of dealing with a power outage, the CPU 450 also functions as a first display unit that acquires operation information and displays an operation method based on the operation information on the monitor 410. When the first input unit receives a second display instruction from the user via the touch panel 412 for a method of dealing with an abnormality in the power systems 62 and 172, the CPU 450 also functions as a second display unit that displays a predetermined operation screen indicating a method of dealing with an abnormality in the power systems 62 and 172 on the monitor 410.

[0113] Even if communication between the management server 360 and the control units 136, 216 becomes impossible, this is not necessarily due to a power outage. For example, even if power is being supplied, communication between the management server 360 and the control units 136, 216 may become impossible due to a cause other than a power outage, such as some abnormality occurring in the communication between the management server 360 and the control units 136, 216. Therefore, it is desirable for the power outage notification from the management server 360 to the information terminal 364 to display a message that clearly indicates that there may be other causes besides a power outage.

[0114] According to the first modification, the user can obtain countermeasures for each of a plurality of possible abnormalities, which further improves user convenience.

[0115] (Second Modification) In the above embodiment, the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 acquires operation information from the management server 360 in response to a power outage notification from the power system 62 or 172, or at any timing before the occurrence of a power outage. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, as a second modified example, the CPU 450 may periodically acquire operation information from the management server 360 at a predetermined interval and store it in the memory 404. When a power outage occurs in the power system 52 and the CPU 450 receives a power outage notification from the power system 62 or 172, if the CPU 450 cannot communicate with the management server 360, the CPU 450 reads out the operation information from the memory 404 and displays a manual operation method on the monitor.

[0116] According to the second modification, the CPU 450 periodically stores the operation information in the memory 404. Therefore, even if the CPU 450 cannot communicate with the management server 360 due to a power outage, the manual operation method of the switch 104, the switch 184, or the switch 276 can be conveyed to the user.

[0117] (Third Modification) In the above embodiment, the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 displays the operation method based on the acquired operation information on the monitor 410 as it is. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. When displaying the operation method, the CPU 450 may display a screen for prompting the user to enter a password on the monitor 410. When the CPU 450 accepts the password entered by the user via the touch panel 412, it transmits the entered password to the management server 360 via the communication unit 418.

[0118] The HDD 388 of the management server 360 stores an authentication password in advance. When the CPU 380 of the management server 360 receives the password via the network I / F 396, it judges whether the received password matches the authentication password stored in the HDD 388, and transmits the judgment result to the information terminal 364 via the network I / F 396. When the CPU 450 of the information terminal 364 receives the judgment result that they match via the communication unit 418, it displays the operation method on the monitor 410. When the CPU 450 receives the judgment result that they do not match via the communication unit 418, it does not display the operation method on the monitor 410. According to the third modification, the safety in obtaining the operation information is further improved.

[0119] (Fourth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the power systems 62 and 172 include only the power storage device 130. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. Figs. 22 to 24 respectively show configurations of power facilities 970, 990, and 1010, which are examples of output facilities including output systems that do not include only the power storage device 130.

[0120] For example, power equipment 970 shown in Fig. 22 has a similar configuration to power equipment 50 shown in Fig. 1, but includes a power system 972 instead of power system 62 shown in Fig. 1. Power system 972 further includes a solar power generation device 980 and a DC-DC converter 982 connected between the solar power generation device 980 and a first terminal of DC-AC converter 134, in addition to the configuration of power system 62 in Fig. 1.

[0121] 2, but includes a power system 1000 instead of power system 172. Power system 1000 further includes a solar power generation device 980 and a DC-DC converter 982 connected between the solar power generation device 980 and the DC-AC converter 134, in addition to the configuration of power system 172 shown in FIG.

[0122] 24 has a similar configuration to power equipment 250 shown in FIG. 3, but includes a power system 1020 instead of power system 172 shown in FIG. 3. Power system 1020 includes a DC-DC converter 1032 connectable to an on-board battery of a vehicle 1030 that supports V2H (Vehicle to Home). DC-DC converter 1032 has a first terminal connectable to the on-board battery of vehicle 1030 and a second terminal connected to a first terminal of DC-AC converter 134.

[0123] (Fifth Modification) In the above embodiment, the power systems 62, 172, 972, 1000, and 1020 include a voltage sensor 214 for detecting the occurrence of a power outage. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, these power systems may include a current sensor that detects an input current from the power grid 52 to the power system, instead of the voltage sensor 214. In this case, the control unit 136, 216 of each power system functions as a comparison unit that compares the output value of the current sensor with a predetermined value and detects the occurrence of a power outage in response to the output value of the current sensor being smaller than the predetermined value or the frequency of the output value of the current sensor being outside a certain range.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the serial number is used as the ID unique to each power system, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a combination of the model number and user ID of each power system may be used as the unique ID. In addition, in the above embodiment and the second modified example, when the power system 62 detects a power outage, the power system 62 transmits a power outage notification to the information terminal 364. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. When the power system 62 detects a power outage, the power system 62 may transmit a power outage notification to the management server 360. In this case, the management server 360 may transfer the power outage notification to the information terminal 364 to start a process similar to that of the above embodiment. Alternatively, in response to the power outage notification, the management server 360 may transmit operation information to the information terminal 364 to display it. If it is known that operation information has been transmitted to the information terminal 364 in advance, the management server 360 may simply start a process to start displaying the operation information in the information terminal 364. That is, both a system in which the power outage notification from the power system 62 is transmitted only to the information terminal 364 and a system in which the power outage notification is transmitted only to the management server 360 are possible. Also, a system in which a power outage notification from the power system is transmitted to both the information terminal 364 and the management server 360 is possible.

[0125] Although the present disclosure has been described above by explaining the embodiments, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to only the above-described embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by each claim in the claims, taking into consideration the detailed description of the disclosure, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 50, 160, 250, 970, 990, 1010 Power equipment 52 Power system 54 General load distribution board 56, 174 Load 58 Specific load distribution board 60 Specific load 62, 172, 972, 1000, 1020 Power Systems 132, 982, 1032 DC-DC Converters 126 Self-supporting switch 70, 196, 270 system terminals 72, 180, 304 Contract Breaker 74, 182, 306 Earth leakage breaker 76, 186 Power system breakers 78, 106, 188, 308 Outlet Breaker 80 Breaker for specific load distribution board 82, 108, 190, 302 Outlet terminals 84 Specific load distribution board terminal 86, 102, 192, 274 Power System Terminals 100 General load distribution board terminal 104 Switch 120 Grid connection terminal 122 Freestanding terminal 124 Interconnection Switch 128, 214 Voltage Sensor 130 Electricity storage device 134 DC-AC Converter 136, 216 Control unit 138 Comparison Section 140, 418 Communications Department 170 Full load distribution board 184, 276 Switchgear 210 Grid connection stand-alone terminal 212 Switch 260 Switchboard 262 Distribution Board 272 Distribution board terminal 300 Switchboard terminal 350 Operation Information Transmission System 360 Management Server 362 Network 364 Information Terminal 366 DVD 368 Semiconductor Memory 370 Computer 372, 410 monitor 374 Keyboard 376 Mouse 380, 450 CPU 382, 466 GPUs 384 ROM 386 RAM 388 HDD 390 DVD drive 392, 452 Bus 394 Semiconductor Memory Port 396 Network Interface 401 Controller 402 GPS Module 404 Memory 406 Power supply circuit 408 Audio Circuit 409 Camera 412 Touch Panel 414 Various sensors 416 RF / Baseband Circuit 454 Memory Controller 456 Power management circuit 458 System Management Circuit 460 Media Processing Circuit 462 Display Controller 464 Input / Output Interface 600 Registration screen 601 Input items Boxes 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 612, 670, 672, 714, 716, 754, 756, 792, 794, 824, 826, 952, 954, 956 Key 630, 640, 712, 752 Images 660, 820 Input screen 662, 710, 750, 790, 822, 852, 910, 916, 950 Messages 700, 740, 940 operation screen 780 Confirmation Screen 850 Notification screen 854, 912, 914 Buttons 900 Abnormality notification screen 980 Solar power generation equipment 1030 Vehicles

Claims

1. A power conversion device that operates in connection with a power grid; A power system including a power failure detection unit that detects a power failure in the power grid; A first communication unit that communicates with an external device; A storage unit that stores operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system that is required when a power outage occurs in the power grid; and a server including a first control unit that transmits the operation information to the information terminal via the first communication unit when a power outage notification is received from the power system via the first communication unit, when an abnormality is detected in the power system, or when a request is received from an information terminal associated with the power system via the first communication unit.

2. The distribution board includes a switching unit that manually switches between a first electric circuit for when the power system is in a normal state and a second electric circuit for when the power system is in a power outage state, or manually disconnects the power system from the power system and the distribution board, The operation information transmission system according to claim 1 , wherein the operation information includes information for instructing a user of the power system how to manually operate the switching unit to switch an electric circuit or to disconnect the power system.

3. 3. The operation information transmission system of claim 2, wherein the operation information includes a first message instructing the user to move to an installation location of the switching unit, and a second message instructing the user to manually switch the switching unit.

4. The operation information further includes a first image showing the switching unit and an environment around the switching unit, and a second image showing a state of the switching unit after switching to the second electric circuit or a state after disconnection of the power system, The operation information transmission system according to claim 3 , wherein the first control unit transmits the first image and the second image to the information terminal in association with the first message and the second message, respectively.

5. The server, a construction certification processing unit that receives and stores the first image and the second image from a construction company of the power system in order to certify completion of construction of the power system; The operation information transmission system according to claim 4 , further comprising an operation information generation unit that generates the operation information by associating the first message and the second message with the first image and the second image, respectively, and stores the operation information in the memory unit.

6. the storage unit stores the operation information and the access information to the information terminal for each of the power systems installed in a plurality of houses in association with an ID of the power system; 2. The operation information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit includes a selective transmission unit that, when the first control unit receives the power outage notification from a first power system among the plurality of power systems via the first communication unit, selectively transmits the operation information corresponding to an ID of the first power system stored in the memory unit to an information terminal associated with the first power system.

7. The power system includes: A second communication unit that communicates with the information terminal; Further includes a second control unit that transmits the power outage notification to the information terminal via the second communication unit when the power outage detection unit detects the occurrence of a power outage, 2. The operation information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit of the server transmits the operation information to the information terminal when the first control unit receives the request transmitted from the information terminal in response to the power outage notification.

8. The power outage detection unit is a voltage sensor for detecting an input voltage from the power grid to the power system or a current sensor for detecting an input current; 2. The operation information transmission system according to claim 1, further comprising a comparison section which compares the output and frequency of said voltage sensor or said current sensor with a predetermined value to detect the occurrence of a power outage.

9. The power system further includes a periodic communication unit that periodically communicates with the server, 2. The operation information transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the server further includes a third control unit that detects an abnormality in the power system when periodic communication with the periodic communication unit via the first communication unit cannot be performed for a certain period of time or more, and transmits a notification to the information terminal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality, including a power outage, in the power system and a method for accessing the operation information.

10. On the computer, A step of acquiring operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system, which is required when a power outage occurs in a power system connected to the power system that is interconnected with the power system, and storing the operation information in a storage device; reading out the operation information from the storage device and outputting the operation information when a power outage notification indicating that a power outage has occurred in the power grid is received.

11. A communication unit for communicating with an external device; A storage unit that stores operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of a power system connected to the power system, which is required when a power outage occurs in the power system; a control unit that transmits the operation information to the information terminal via the communication unit when a power outage notification is received from the power system via the communication unit, when an abnormality is detected in the power system, or when a request is received from an information terminal associated with the power system via the communication unit.

12. A control unit of a power system that is connected to a power grid and operates in an interconnected manner with the power grid detects that a power outage has occurred in the power grid and notifies a server of the power outage; A control unit of the server transmits, in response to the notification of the power outage, operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system that is required when a power outage occurs in the power grid, to an information terminal associated with the power system; a step of a control unit of the information terminal displaying the operation method based on the operation information.

13. A control unit of the server transmits operation information indicating a manual operation method for a distribution board of the power system, which is required when a power outage occurs in a power grid connected to the power system, to an information terminal associated with the power system; a control unit of the power system that is interconnected with the power grid detecting that a power outage has occurred in the power grid and notifying the information terminal of the power outage; A display method comprising: a step of displaying the operation method based on the operation information by a control unit of the information terminal in response to the notification of the power outage.

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