Network unit, power supply device, and maintenance system

Abstract

To provide a network unit, a maintenance system, a computer program, and a data transmission method for a power supply device.SOLUTION: A network unit includes: a first communication unit configured to receive data from a power supply device having a power converter; a second communication unit for communicating via a specific network; a third communication unit for communicating via communication media different from the specific network; an operation unit including a changeover switch; and a control unit for controlling communication by the first to third communication units. The control unit communicates with another device by the second communication unit in accordance with a setting in the specific network according to a state of the changeover switch. When the network unit is activated in a state in which the changeover switch is in a predetermined state, the control unit establishes a communication connection with a specific communication device by the third communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the maintenance of a system including a power supply device, and more specifically to a network unit, a power supply device, a maintenance system, a computer program, and a method for transmitting data related to the power supply device, which facilitate maintenance work. [Background technology]

[0002] A system including a power supply device requires periodic inspection. During the inspection, a maintenance worker obtains data from the power supply device included in the system, such as the device's operation log and whether or not there is an abnormality in the device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting an information terminal to a network unit provided in a power supply device so that a maintenance worker can easily obtain data related to the power supply device. The network unit includes a communication unit connected to a management network for transmitting data to a management computer, and a wireless communication unit for a wireless communication line independent of the management network. The maintenance worker connects an information terminal that he or she has brought with him or her to the network unit via the wireless communication unit. The information terminal can obtain data related to the power supply device via the wireless communication line. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-201331 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A high level of safety is required for wireless communication connections between network units connected to a management network and information terminals of maintenance workers. In addition, inspections of systems including power supplies are time-constrained and require the customer's presence. Therefore, a method for safely and smoothly connecting network units and information terminals is required.

[0006] Typical power supply devices include power conditioners, inverters, DC power supply devices, and AC power supply devices. For example, power conditioners are required to control power output according to power supply and demand. For this reason, the power conditioner communicates with a power server managed by a provider such as a power company, and acquires an output control schedule corresponding to the power supply and demand predicted by the power company. Since the timing at which the output control schedule can be acquired is unknown from the power conditioner, the power conditioner must constantly maintain a communication connection with the power server. It is necessary to communicate between the power supply device and the information terminal of the maintenance worker during inspection without interfering with the communication connection between the power conditioner and the power server.

[0007] The present invention has an object to provide a network unit, a power supply device, a maintenance system, a computer program, and a method for transmitting data relating to a power supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The network unit includes a first communication unit that receives data from a power supply device having a power converter, a second communication unit that communicates via a specific network, a third communication unit that communicates via a communication medium different from the specific network, an operation unit including a changeover switch, and a control unit that controls communication from the first communication unit to the third communication unit. The control unit communicates with other devices via the second communication unit in accordance with settings in the specific network depending on the state of the changeover switch. When the network unit is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state, the control unit connects for communication with the specific communication device via the third communication unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a maintenance system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a network unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a maintenance terminal device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection mode. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a network unit. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a communication process in a fourth connection mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system in which a plurality of power conditioners are connected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The network unit includes a first communication unit that receives data from a power supply device having a power converter, a second communication unit that communicates via a specific network, a third communication unit that communicates via a communication medium different from the specific network, an operation unit including a changeover switch, and a control unit that controls communication from the first communication unit to the third communication unit. The control unit communicates with other devices via the second communication unit in accordance with settings in the specific network depending on the state of the changeover switch. When the network unit is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state, the control unit connects for communication with the specific communication device via the third communication unit.

[0011] The data received from the power supply device may include measurement data of the power supply device (e.g., log data of voltage, current, and temperature), may include status data of the power supply device (e.g., normal / abnormal, operating mode), may include command values ​​and information related to control, or may include only some of these data. The changeover switch is preferably, but not limited to, a mechanical switch that is not susceptible to electromagnetic noise and the like. The changeover switch may be a plurality of dip switches. The plurality of dip switches allows a plurality of states other than the predetermined state to be set. That is, a plurality of variations can be set, including a communication connection in a specific network using wired communication and / or wireless communication, and a communication connection with a specific communication device.

[0012] With the above configuration, for example, a communication device (maintenance terminal device) carried by a maintenance worker communicates with the network unit via the third communication unit only when the maintenance worker sets the changeover switch to a predetermined state to start up the network unit. Even if the third communication unit used for communication with a specific communication device has been disabled, the network unit is forcibly transitioned to a state in which it can communicate with the maintenance terminal device.

[0013] A maintenance worker can import data of the power supply device into the maintenance terminal device through the simple process of operating a changeover switch and starting up the network unit. The maintenance worker does not need to connect the maintenance terminal device to a specific network (e.g., a customer's management network), which enables safe and smooth maintenance work. The network unit can also maintain communication with other devices via the specific network by the second communication unit while communicating with the maintenance terminal device by the third communication unit.

[0014] The operation section of the network unit may include a reset section which generates an interrupt to the control section, and the control section may determine whether or not the state of the changeover switch is in the specified state each time the reset section is operated to generate an interrupt. The reset section is preferably a mechanical switch that is easy for maintenance workers to operate. It may be a button or a reset switch.

[0015] With the above-described configuration, a maintenance worker can retrieve data about a power supply device to which a network unit is connected or mounted into the maintenance terminal device through the simple process of setting the change-over switch to a predetermined state and operating the reset section.

[0016] The control unit of the network unit may be provided independently of a power supply control unit which controls the power converter, and the network unit may continue operation of the power supply unit while the network unit is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state.

[0017] The power supply device may be a power conditioner, a grid-connected inverter used in a cogeneration system, a power conditioner including a storage element, or a power conditioner for an electric vehicle. The power supply device may be a DC power supply device or an AC power supply device (uninterruptible power supply device). These various power supply devices are used as social infrastructure. It is not preferable to stop the operation of the power supply device (stop power input / output) for inspection or maintenance. For example, when the power conditioner stops operating, there is an opportunity loss, such as not being able to sell or consume the power generated by the solar cell, or missing an opportunity to respond to a demand response command. If a power outage occurs while the power converter of the uninterruptible power supply device stops operating and is bypass-supplying power to an electric load, the power supply to the load is cut off, and the power supply device cannot perform the function originally required of the power supply device.

[0018] By providing the control unit of the network unit independently from the power supply control unit that controls the power converter as in the above configuration, it is possible to continue operation of the power supply unit (power input / output by the power converter) while the network unit is starting up. The power converter included in the power supply device may be a so-called converter that converts AC power to DC power, or a so-called inverter that converts DC power to AC power. The power converter may be a converter that converts DC power to DC power of a different voltage value. The power supply device may be equipped with multiple power converters (e.g., converters and inverters).

[0019] When a predetermined timeout period has elapsed since the network unit was started up while the changeover switch was in a predetermined state, the control unit may transition to a state in which communication is performed according to the setting by the second communication unit. With the above configuration, the maintenance worker is allowed to forget to return the changeover switch to its original state after importing the data of the power supply device into the maintenance terminal device. Even if the changeover switch is left in the specified state, the network unit can resume communication through the second communication unit according to the settings.

[0020] When the network unit is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state, the control unit may cause the third communication unit to function as an access point, and may establish a communication connection with a communication device that transmits a valid password. With the above configuration, if the maintenance terminal device securely stores a valid password for the network unit, the maintenance terminal device can easily import data about the power supply device without connecting to the customer's network.

[0021] The maintenance system includes a network unit that receives data from a power supply device having a power converter by a first communication unit and transmits the data to another device, and a maintenance terminal device having a communication unit that is communicatively connected to the network unit. The network unit includes a second communication unit that communicates via a specific network, a third communication unit that communicates via a communication medium different from the specific network, an operation unit that includes a changeover switch, and a control unit that controls communication from the first communication unit to the third communication unit. The control unit transmits the data from the second communication unit or the third communication unit according to settings in the specific network, depending on the state of the changeover switch. When the network unit is started up with the state of the changeover switch in a predetermined state, the control unit communicatively connects to the maintenance terminal device by the third communication unit, and transmits the data to the maintenance terminal device.

[0022] The computer program is executed by a computer having a communication unit that communicates via a wired communication line and / or a wireless communication medium, and an operation unit that includes a changeover switch. The computer program causes the computer to execute a process of receiving data from a power supply device having a power converter, transmitting the data from the communication unit according to a setting in a specific network depending on the state of the changeover switch, and, when the computer is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state, establishing a communication connection with a specific communication device via a communication medium different from the specific network, and transmitting the data to the specific communication device.

[0023] The power supply device data transmission method is a method in which a network unit including a communication unit that communicates via a wired communication line and / or a wireless communication medium and an operation unit that includes a change-over switch receives data from a power supply device including a power converter and transmits the data to another device. The power supply device data transmission method includes a process in which the network unit transmits the data from the communication unit to the specific network according to the settings in the specific network depending on the state of the change-over switch, and when the change-over switch is started up in a predetermined state, connects to a specific communication device for communication via a communication medium different from the specific network and transmits the data to the specific communication device.

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0025] 1 shows an overview of the maintenance system. A maintenance worker performs maintenance work using a network unit 1 and a maintenance terminal device 2 (an example of a communication device). The network unit 1 is provided in a power supply device 3 that is to be maintained.

[0026] The power supply device 3 to be maintained is, for example, a power conditioner (PCS: Power Conditioning System) with an output control function used in a solar power generation system. The power supply device 3 may be a system-connected inverter used in a cogeneration system. The power supply device 3 may be a power conditioner including a power storage element, or a power conditioner for an electric vehicle. In the example of FIG. 1, the power supply devices 3 are installed in multiple locations (Sites 1 to 3).

[0027] As another example, FIG. 8 shows a system 300 in which a plurality of power conditioners are connected. A network unit 1 is mounted on a power conditioner 3a functioning as a parent unit. The network unit 1 may be disposed inside a housing of the power conditioner 3a, or may be disposed inside a box (e.g., an output control unit) externally attached to the power conditioner 3a. A power conditioner 3b functioning as a child unit is connected to the power conditioner 3a so as to be able to communicate with the parent unit via a communication cable. The system 300 includes a router 5 that connects a local area network LN and an external network (wide area network). The power conditioner 3a can communicate with a power server 4 via a public communication network N by the network unit 1. The power conditioner 3a may be connected to a remote monitoring server (an example of another device) (not shown) so as to be able to communicate with it. As will be described later, the network unit 1 of the power conditioner 3a can communicate with a maintenance terminal device 2 carried by a maintenance worker without going through the router 5.

[0028] 8, each of the power conditioners 3a and 3b includes a control unit 30 (an example of a power supply control unit) and an inverter 31 (an example of a power converter). Each of the power conditioners 3a and 3b may include a grid-connected output terminal 32 and an isolated operation output terminal 33. Even if communication with the network unit 1 (e.g., receiving a command from the network unit 1) is interrupted, the control unit 30 continues to operate for a predetermined period of time (e.g., several minutes, which is a period longer than the time required to restart the network unit 1) without outputting an abnormality alarm or halting operation. Therefore, the control unit 30 can continue inputting and outputting power by operating the inverter 31 while the network unit 1 is restarting (e.g., several tens of seconds), as described below.

[0029] In the system of FIG. 1, data obtained from the power supply device 3, such as the device operation log, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the device, and the connected power generation system, is collected in a management device 35 managed by the customer to grasp the status of the power supply device 3. A network unit 1 is provided in each power supply device 3. The power supply device 3 is connected to a customer network CN (local area network) managed by the customer (user) via the network unit 1. The customer network CN may be either a wired communication line or a wireless communication line. The power supply device 3 can transmit and receive data to and from a management device 35 (an example of another device) in the customer network CN via the network unit 1, and transmits, for example, data related to the power supply device to the management device 35.

[0030] Each power supply device 3 is connected by the network unit 1 so as to be able to communicate with a power server and a remote monitoring server via a router to an external network (not shown). Each network unit 1 can communicate with a maintenance terminal device 2 carried by a maintenance worker without going through a router.

[0031] A maintenance worker connects the maintenance terminal device 2 to the network unit 1 in the customer management area. As described above, the network unit 1 is connected to the customer network CN. When the network unit 1 is disconnected from the customer network CN to connect to the maintenance terminal device 2, the power supply device 3 becomes unable to transmit data to the management device 35 or communicate with the power server. The network unit 1 of this embodiment has a wireless communication unit for connecting to the maintenance terminal device 2 via a wireless communication line independent of the customer network CN. This allows the maintenance terminal device 2 to communicate with the network unit 1 without disconnecting the network unit 1 from the customer network CN (without interfering with data transmission and reception between the management device 35 or the power server).

[0032] The connection between the maintenance terminal device 2 and the wireless communication unit of the network unit 1 needs to be enabled only when a maintenance worker goes to the customer management area. Leaving the wireless communication unit enabled unnecessarily increases the risk of an unauthorized connection to the power supply device 3 via the wireless communication unit. It is preferable to disable wireless communication units that are not used.

[0033] When activating an unused wireless communication unit, the maintenance worker may connect the maintenance terminal device 2 to the customer network CN and give instructions to the network unit 1 via the customer network CN. However, the network unit 1 and the power supply device 3 are managed by the customer who purchases or rents the power supply device 3, and from the viewpoint of security, connecting the maintenance worker's maintenance terminal device 2 to the customer network CN should be avoided.

[0034] When the customer network CN is a wireless communication line, the power supply device 3 can be connected to the management device 35 via the wireless communication unit of the network unit 1. The power supply device 3 can transmit and receive data to and from the power server via the wireless communication unit and a router. The customer's communication management equipment (router, DHCP server) assigns the IP address of the network unit 1 in the customer network CN to the wireless communication unit, so that the management device 35 can connect to the network unit 1 via the wireless communication unit. The maintenance terminal device 2 may be connected to the customer network CN in order for the maintenance terminal device 2 to connect to the network unit 1. However, connecting the maintenance terminal device 2 to the customer network CN should be avoided.

[0035] Only during maintenance work, the maintenance terminal device 2 and the wireless communication unit of the network unit 1 are connected by a wireless communication line independent of the customer network CN, so that the wireless communication unit in this embodiment temporarily functions as an access point. The configuration and processing for realizing the temporary activation of the wireless communication unit will be described below.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the external appearance of the network unit 1, and Fig. 3 shows the configuration of the network unit 1. The network unit 1 is a network card type communication device. The network unit 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a PCS communication unit 12, a wired communication unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, a serial communication unit 15, and an operation unit 16.

[0037] The control unit 10 is a microprocessor using a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 10 uses memories such as a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) to control each component and execute processing. The ROM of the memory stores a predefined control program 1P, connection mode data, and wireless LAN data (network setting data). The control program 1P includes a program for communication processing, a program for data acquisition processing of the power supply device 3, and a Web server program, which will be described later. The control program 1P may be a control program 8P stored in a recording medium 8 that is read by the control unit 10 and copied to the ROM. The network setting data includes data of an address range used as an access point. The address range data may include multiple patterns of data, for example, main data and sub-data, in consideration of a case where the address range overlaps with the address range used in the customer network CN.

[0038] The storage unit 11 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 11 stores data relating to the device received from the power supply device 3.

[0039] The PCS communication unit 12 is a communication interface that realizes communication with the control unit of the power supply device 3 to which the network unit 1 is connected. The PCS communication unit 12 is, for example, a communication interface such as RS-232C or RS-485.

[0040] The wired communication unit 13 is a communication device that realizes a communication connection when the customer network CN is wired. The wired communication unit 13 functions as a second communication unit when the customer network CN is wired. The wired communication unit 13 includes a connection interface that corresponds to the standard of the customer network CN. The customer network CN is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). The customer network CN may be an optical line. The customer network CN may be a network compatible with ECHONET / ECHONET Lite (registered trademark). The network unit 1 transmits data related to the operation of the device acquired from the power supply device 3 via the PCS communication unit 12 to the management device 35 by the wired communication unit 13.

[0041] The wireless communication unit 14 is a wireless communication device for communication based on a wireless LAN. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless communication unit 14 includes an antenna attachment interface, and the antenna may be external. The wireless communication unit 14 may be a wireless communication device compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark). When the customer network CN is wireless, the wireless communication unit 14 functions as a second communication unit, and the control unit 10 may transmit data related to the operation of the power supply device 3 to the management device 35 via the wireless communication unit 14.

[0042] The wireless communication unit 14 is used as a third communication unit for establishing a communication connection with the maintenance terminal device 2 via a communication medium different from the customer network CN when a maintenance worker performs an inspection. The wireless communication unit 14 may select from any of the network setting data to enable a connection with the maintenance terminal device 2 in a different address band. When connecting the maintenance terminal device 2 to the network unit 1 using the wireless communication unit 14, the maintenance worker may attach an external antenna only at that time.

[0043] The PCS communication unit 12, wired communication unit 13, and wireless communication unit 14 connected to the control unit (communication unit) of the power supply device 3 are each made up of different hardware. However, the functions of these three communication units may be realized by the same hardware if an individual communication connection is possible according to the communication protocol with each connection destination. For example, if the customer network CN is wireless, the wireless communication unit 14 may have the functions of both the second communication unit and the third communication unit. In this case, the network unit 1 does not need to have the wired communication unit 13.

[0044] The serial communication unit 15 is an external serial communication device. The serial communication unit 15 includes a connection interface for serial communication. The serial communication unit 15 is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The network unit 1 acquires setting data from the maintenance terminal device 2 or other devices via the serial communication unit 15. The serial communication unit 15 is not essential. When the network unit 1 is externally attached to the power supply device 3 (for example, the power conditioner 3a), the serial communication unit 15 may be used to connect the control unit 10 to the control unit of the power supply device 3.

[0045] The operation unit 16 includes a reset button 161 and a switch 162. The reset button 161 generates a reset interrupt to the control unit 10. When the reset button 161 is pressed, the control unit 10 detects this and restarts, starting processing based on the control program 1P stored in the memory.

[0046] The switch 162 is a changeover switch. The switch 162 includes one or more dip switches. As shown in FIG. 2, the network unit 1 includes, for example, two dip switches. The control unit 10 acquires up to four switch states by the two dip switches. The number of dip switches is not limited to two, and may be only one, or three or more. The correspondence between the switch state and the connection mode data is stored in a memory. The control unit 10 acquires the switch state at the time of startup, and controls each component according to the connection mode data corresponding to the acquired switch state. The switch 162 is not limited to a dip switch, and may be another switch.

[0047] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the maintenance terminal device 2. The maintenance terminal device 2 may be a desktop or laptop personal computer. The maintenance terminal device 2 may be a so-called smartphone or tablet communication terminal. The maintenance terminal device 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, and an operation unit 24.

[0048] The control unit 20 is a processor using a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Based on a Web browser program stored in a storage unit 21, the control unit 20 can access data provided by the network unit 1 functioning as a Web server.

[0049] The storage unit 21 uses a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 21 stores data referenced by the control unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores various programs including a Web browser program. The storage unit 21 stores data related to the power supply device 3 acquired from the network unit 1. The storage unit 21 stores wireless LAN data for communicating with the network unit 1. The wireless LAN data includes the SSID and password of an access point. The wireless LAN data may be stored as main data and sub-data, which may be selectable.

[0050] The communication unit 22 is a communication device for realizing data communication via a public communication network or a carrier network. The communication unit 22 includes a wireless LAN-compatible communication device corresponding to the wireless communication unit 14 of the network unit 1. When the network unit 1 functions as an access point, the control unit 20 can establish a communication connection to the network unit 1 via the communication unit 22. Conversely, the communication unit 22 may function as an access point and accept a communication connection from the network unit 1. The communication unit 22 may include a network card for wired communication and a wireless communication device compatible with a carrier network for mobile communication.

[0051] The display unit 23 may be a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or may be a display with a built-in touch panel. The display unit 23 displays an image of a Web page provided by the network unit 1.

[0052] The operation unit 24 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a pointing device capable of inputting and outputting data to and from the control unit 20. The operation unit 24 may be a voice input unit. The operation unit 24 may be a touch panel of the display unit 23. The operation unit 24 may be physical buttons. The operation unit 24 notifies the control unit 20 of operation data entered by a maintenance worker.

[0053] The following describes the connection modes set in the wireless communication unit 14. Fig. 5 shows examples of the connection modes. The connection modes are prepared according to the configuration and state of the switch 162. The memory of the control unit 10 stores the correspondence between the connection modes shown in Fig. 5 and the state of the switch 162 as connection mode data.

[0054] The first connection mode is a mode for communication via the customer network CN. The first connection mode is normally used during operation of the power supply device 3. In the first connection mode, the wired communication unit 13 and the wireless communication unit 14 connect to the customer network CN based on settings by the customer. When the customer network CN is wired, the network unit 1 connects to the customer network CN via the wired communication unit 13. When the customer network CN is a wireless communication line, the network unit 1 connects to the customer network CN via the wireless communication unit 14. In the first connection mode, the wired communication unit 13 or the wireless communication unit 14 connects to other communication devices via addresses assigned to the router and DHCP server of the customer network CN. In the first connection mode, the wireless communication unit 14 may be disabled.

[0055] The second connection mode is a mode for communication via the customer network CN. The second connection mode is used in a specific case. In the second connection mode, the network unit 1 connects to the customer network CN, which is a wired line, with a preset fixed IP address via the wired communication unit 13. In the second connection mode, the network unit 1 may connect to another wireless communication line managed by the customer based on the customer's settings via the wireless communication unit 14. In the second connection mode, the wireless communication unit 14 may be disabled.

[0056] The third connection mode is a mode for use by manufacturers or distributors of the network unit 1 or the power supply device 3.

[0057] The fourth connection mode is a mode in which the network unit 1 communicates with the maintenance terminal device 2. In the fourth connection mode, the network unit 1 connects to the customer network CN via the wired communication unit 13, while the wireless communication unit 14 functions as an access point for the maintenance terminal device 2. The wireless communication unit 14 outputs radio waves including a pre-stored SSID to establish a communication connection with a communication device that knows the password corresponding to this SSID. In the fourth connection mode, the network unit 1 continues to transmit data related to the power supply device 3 to the management device 35 via the wired communication unit 13. Conversely, the communication unit 22 of the maintenance terminal device 2 may function as an access point, and the network unit 1 may function as a client.

[0058] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the network unit 1. When the control unit 10 receives a power supply from a power source unit (not shown), it executes processing based on the control program 1P. The control unit 10 continues the following processing until the power supply is stopped.

[0059] The control unit 10 acquires the state of the switch 162 (step S101). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the switch state corresponds to the fourth connection mode (step S102).

[0060] If the fourth connection mode is not supported (S102: NO), the control unit 10 establishes a communication connection to the customer network CN in accordance with the first connection mode or the second connection mode (step S103).

[0061] The control unit 10 acquires data related to the power supply device 3 from the PCS communication unit 12 (step S104). The control unit 10 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 11, and transmits the data from the active wired communication unit 13 or wireless communication unit 14 to the management device 35 (step S105).

[0062] The control unit 10 determines whether the reset button 161 has been pressed (step S106). If the reset button 161 has not been pressed (S106: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S104. The control unit 10 continues to obtain and transmit data related to the power supply device 3.

[0063] If the reset button 161 is pressed (S106: YES), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S101.

[0064] If the switch state corresponds to the fourth connection mode (S102: YES), the control unit 10 attempts communication processing in the fourth connection mode (step S107). After executing communication processing in the fourth connection mode, the control unit 10 returns the process to step S103.

[0065] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for communication processing in the fourth connection mode, which corresponds to details of the communication processing in step S107 shown in FIG.

[0066] The control unit 10 reads out wireless LAN data (SSID and corresponding password) stored in advance in the memory (step S701).

[0067] The control unit 10 transmits a beacon from the wireless communication unit 14 and the wireless antenna (step S702). The control unit 10 receives a request including an SSID that matches the SSID read out in step S701 from the maintenance terminal device 2 (step S703). If the control unit 10 cannot receive the request, the process may proceed to step S705.

[0068] The control unit 10 judges whether or not the authentication based on the password read out in step S701 is successful for the maintenance terminal device 2 that has sent the request (step S704).

[0069] If the authentication fails (S704: NO), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S705). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S705: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S702.

[0070] If the predetermined time has elapsed (S705: YES), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S103 in Fig. 6. In this case, the control unit 10 stops the communication in the fourth connection mode and connects the wired communication unit 13 or the wireless communication unit 14 to the customer network CN according to the first connection mode.

[0071] If the authentication is successful within the predetermined period (S704: YES), the control unit 10 establishes a communication connection with the maintenance terminal device 2 that sent the request (step S706). The control unit 10 transmits data related to the power supply device 3 stored in the storage unit 11 to the maintenance terminal device 2 with which the communication connection has been established (step S707). The control unit 10 may accept access from the maintenance terminal device 2 as a Web server and transmit Web page data.

[0072] The control unit 10 judges whether the reset button 161 has been pressed (step S708). If the reset button 161 has been pressed (S708: YES), the control unit 10 disconnects the communication connection by the wireless communication unit 14 (step S709), returns the process to step S101 in Fig. 6, and starts the same process as at the time of startup. If the state of the switch 162 has changed before the reset button 161 is pressed, the control unit 10 executes the process according to the changed state.

[0073] If the reset button 161 is not pressed (S708: NO), the control unit 10 judges whether or not a predetermined timeout period has elapsed since the start in the fourth connection mode (step S710). The timeout period is, for example, one hour, which is a period that allows for a sufficient time for maintenance work. The memory of the control unit 10 stores the timeout period.

[0074] If the time elapsed since the network unit 1 was started in the fourth connection mode has not elapsed the predetermined timeout time (S710: NO), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S708. The control unit 10 maintains the communication connection with the maintenance terminal device 2 until the reset button 161 is pressed or the timeout time has elapsed. During this time, the control unit 10 may continue to transmit data related to the device in response to a request from the maintenance terminal device 2. The control unit 10 may receive instructions for the network unit 1 from the maintenance terminal device 2 by using a Web server function that the network unit 1 has.

[0075] If the time elapsed since the network unit 1 was started in the fourth connection mode exceeds a predetermined timeout time (S710: YES), the control unit 10 disconnects the communication connection by the wireless communication unit 14 (step S711). The control unit 10 returns the process to step S103 in FIG. 6. The control unit 10 connects to the customer network CN according to the first connection mode. Even if the maintenance worker forgets to return the state of the switch 162 to the state before the maintenance work, the network unit 1 connects to the customer network CN in the first connection mode.

[0076] When a maintenance worker visits an area controlled by a customer who uses the power supply device 3 for maintenance and inspection, the maintenance worker performs the work in the following procedure. The maintenance worker goes to the work location carrying the maintenance terminal device 2 in which the SSID and password corresponding to the network unit 1 are stored in advance. With the customer's permission and in the customer's presence, the maintenance worker sets the state of the switch 162 of the network unit 1 of the power supply device 3 to be inspected to correspond to the fourth connection mode. Specifically, the maintenance worker sets all of the dip switches of the switch 162 to the ON state. With the switch 162 set to correspond to the fourth connection mode, the maintenance worker presses the reset button 161 of the network unit 1. This enables the network unit 1 to communicate via the customer network CN as well as via a communication line independent of the customer network CN. If the customer gives permission, the work is performed without the customer's presence.

[0077] The maintenance worker operates the display unit 23 and operation unit 24 of the maintenance terminal device 2 to attempt a communication connection to the network unit 1 functioning as an access point. The maintenance terminal device 2 can output to the display unit 23 candidates for connectable network units 1 based on the SSID contained in the beacon from the network unit 1. When one of the candidates is selected with the operation unit 24, the maintenance terminal device 2 transmits a request to the selected network unit 1. This establishes a communication connection between the target network unit 1 and the maintenance terminal device 2 carried by the maintenance worker.

[0078] If the address range set as an access point in the network unit 1 overlaps with the address range used in the customer network CN, the network unit 1 attempts wireless communication using sub-data (automatically switches to a different sub-segment IP). If the maintenance terminal device 2 is unable to establish communication with the wireless communication unit 14 for main data, it may select communication with the wireless communication unit 14 for sub-data in response to an operation by the maintenance worker on the operation unit 24. That is, the maintenance worker switches communication with the wireless communication unit 14 for sub-data on the operation unit 24.

[0079] When the communication connection is established, the maintenance terminal device 2 automatically acquires data related to the power supply device 3 via the network unit 1 and stores it in the storage unit 21. The control unit 20 of the maintenance terminal device 2 may store the data in the storage unit 21 together with the identification data of the power supply device 3 or the identification data of the network unit 1.

[0080] When the maintenance worker completes the acquisition of data related to the power supply device 3 by the maintenance terminal device 2, he returns the switch 162 to the state corresponding to the first or second connection mode, and presses the reset button 161. The network unit 1 connects to the customer network CN in the first or second connection mode, and returns to the normal mode in which it continues acquiring and transmitting data related to the power supply device 3.

[0081] As described above, the network unit 1 realizes a communication connection with a specific maintenance terminal device 2 while maintaining a connection to the customer network CN. The maintenance terminal device 2 can be easily connected to the network unit 1, but is not connected to the customer network CN. This allows maintenance workers to work smoothly and safely on the customer network CN. In addition, the power supply device 3 can maintain a constant state in which it can communicate with the power server, and acquisition of the output control schedule is not hindered by maintenance.

[0082] In the above example, the network unit 1 is communicatively connected to the maintenance terminal device 2 via the wireless communication unit 14. In the fourth connection mode, the network unit 1 may perform P2P communication with the maintenance terminal device 2 using a set IP address via the wired communication unit 13 while transmitting data related to the device from the wireless communication unit 14 to the management device 35.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Network Unit 10 Control section 11 Storage section 12 PCS Communication Department 13 Wired Communications Department 14 Wireless Communication Section 16 Control section 161 Reset button 162 Switch 1P control program 2 Maintenance terminal equipment (communication equipment) 23 Display section 3, 3a, 3b Power conditioner (power supply unit) 30 Control section (power supply control section) 31 Inverter (power converter) CN Customer Network

Claims

1. A first communication unit that receives data from a power supply device including a power converter; A second communication unit that communicates via a specific network; a third communication unit that communicates with the specific network via a communication medium different from the specific network; An operation unit including a changeover switch; a control unit that controls communication from the first communication unit to the third communication unit; A network unit comprising: the control unit communicates with another device through the second communication unit in accordance with a setting in the specific network in response to a state of the changeover switch; When the changeover switch is activated in a predetermined state, the control unit establishes a communication connection with a specific communication device through the third communication unit. Network unit.

2. the operation unit includes a reset unit that generates an interrupt to the control unit, The control unit determines whether the state of the changeover switch is the predetermined state each time the reset unit is operated to generate an interrupt. A network unit according to claim 1.

3. The control unit is configured independently of a power supply device control unit that controls the power converter, The network unit continues the operation of the power supply device while the changeover switch is in a predetermined state. A network unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When a predetermined timeout time has elapsed since the network unit was started up while the changeover switch was in a predetermined state, the control unit transitions to a state in which communication is performed according to the setting by the second communication unit. A network unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the network unit is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state, the control unit causes the third communication unit to function as an access point and establishes a communication connection with a communication device that transmits a valid password. A network unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Power converter and A network unit according to claim 1 or 2. A power supply device comprising:

7. a network unit that receives data from a power supply device having a power converter by a first communication unit and transmits the data to another device; and a maintenance terminal device that has a communication unit that is communicatively connected to the network unit; The network unit comprises: A second communication unit that communicates via a specific network; a third communication unit that communicates with the specific network via a communication medium different from the specific network; An operation unit including a changeover switch; a control unit that controls communication from the first communication unit to the third communication unit; Equipped with the control unit communicates with another device via the second communication unit or the third communication unit in accordance with a setting in the specific network according to a state of the changeover switch; When the network unit is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state, the control unit connects to the maintenance terminal device through the third communication unit for communication and transmits the data to the maintenance terminal device. Maintenance system.

8. A computer having a communication unit that communicates via a wired communication line and / or a wireless communication medium, and an operation unit including a changeover switch, receiving data from a power supply device having a power converter; communicating with another device through the communication unit in accordance with a setting in a specific network according to a state of the changeover switch; When the computer is started up with the changeover switch in a predetermined state, the computer connects to a specific communication device via a communication medium different from the specific network, Transmitting the data to the specific communication device A computer program that executes a process.

9. A method for transmitting data to another device by a network unit having a communication unit that communicates via a wired communication line and / or a wireless communication medium and an operation unit that includes a changeover switch, the method comprising: receiving data from a power supply device having a power converter and transmitting the data to another device, The network unit comprises: communicating with another device through the communication unit in accordance with a setting in a specific network according to a state of the changeover switch; When the changeover switch is activated in a predetermined state, the communication device is connected to a specific communication device via a communication medium different from the specific network, Transmitting the data to the specific communication device A power supply data transmission method including processing.

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