Power conversion system and method for constructing power conversion system

Abstract

To facilitate construction of a system.SOLUTION: A power conversion system 100 includes a first power conversion device 11, a second power conversion device 12, and a cable supporter 2. The first power conversion device 11 converts AC power inputted from a power system 4 to DC power, and outputs the DC power to a DC bus DB1. The second power conversion device 12 converts the DC power inputted from the DC bus DB1 to storage power for a storage battery 31 included in a mobile object 3, and outputs the storage power. The cable supporter 2 supports a cable C1. The cable C1 is connected between the mobile object 3 and the second power conversion device 12 so as to form a power supply path between the storage battery 31 and the second power conversion device 12. The first power conversion device 11, the second power conversion device 12, and the cable supporter 2 are formed separately from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a power conversion system and a method for installing a power conversion system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a power conversion system for charging a storage battery of a moving body and a method for installing the power conversion system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power conversion system to which an electric vehicle equipped with a storage battery is connected. This power conversion system includes a power conversion device and a connector connected to the power conversion device via a cable. The power conversion device has a main circuit that performs power conversion during charging and discharging of the storage battery. The connector forms a power supply path between the power conversion device and the storage battery by being attached to the inlet of the electric vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power conversion system described in Patent Document 1, the power conversion device having the main circuit includes a cable and a connector. For this reason, in order to charge the storage battery of the electric vehicle, the power conversion device has to be installed in the parking space of the electric vehicle, and there is a problem that it is difficult to install the system.

[0005] In view of the above points, the present disclosure has been made, and an object thereof is to provide a power conversion system that is easy to install and a method for installing the power conversion system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power conversion system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first power conversion device, a second power conversion device, and a cable support. The first power conversion device converts AC power input from a power system into DC power and outputs it to a DC bus. The second power conversion device converts the DC power input from the DC bus into charging power for a storage battery of a moving body and outputs it. The cable support supports a cable. The cable is connected between the moving body and the second power conversion device to form a power supply path between the storage battery and the second power conversion device. The first power conversion device, the second power conversion device, and the cable support are configured separately from each other.

[0007] A power conversion system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a second power conversion device and a cable support. The second power conversion device is configured separately from the first power conversion device, converts DC power input from a DC bus into charging power for a storage battery of a moving body, and outputs it. The first power conversion device converts AC power input from a power system into DC power and outputs it to the DC bus. The cable support supports a cable. The cable is connected between the moving body and the second power conversion device to form a power supply path between the storage battery and the second power conversion device. The second power conversion device and the cable support are configured separately from each other.

[0008] A construction method of a power conversion system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is the construction method of the above power conversion system. This construction method has a first step and a second step. The first step is a step of connecting the cable to the second power conversion device. The second step is a step of connecting between the first power conversion device and the second power conversion device with a DC cable constituting the DC bus.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure has an advantage that the construction of the system is easy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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[0011] (1) Overview The power conversion system 100 of the present embodiment is introduced into, for example, facilities of a house such as a detached house or an apartment house, or non-house facilities such as an office, a store, or a nursing facility. And the power conversion system 100 is a system for supplying power (charging) to a storage battery 31 of a moving body 3 in these facilities (see FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, as an example, the case where the power conversion system 100 is introduced into a house H1 which is a detached house will be described.

[0012] The mobile body 3 includes a power unit such as an electric motor, and a storage battery 31 as a power source for supplying power to the power unit. The mobile body 3 converts the electrical energy (electric power) input from the storage battery 31 into mechanical energy (driving force) by the power unit, and moves using this mechanical energy. The mobile body 3 includes a power control circuit 32. The power control circuit 32 charges the storage battery 31 with a charging power that does not exceed a predetermined maximum value.

[0013] The mobile body 3 is a vehicle 30 here. The vehicle 30 is, for example, an electric vehicle that runs using the electrical energy stored in the storage battery 31. The "electric vehicle" referred to in the present disclosure is, for example, an electric car that runs by the output of an electric motor, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs by combining the output of an engine and the output of an electric motor. The electric vehicle may be a senior car, a two-wheeled vehicle (electric motorcycle), a three-wheeled vehicle, or an electric bicycle, etc.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the power conversion system 100 includes a first power conversion device 11, a second power conversion device 12, and a cable support 2. In the following description, the first power conversion device 11 and the second power conversion device 12 may also be collectively referred to as "power converter 1".

[0015] The first power conversion device 11 converts the AC power input from the power grid 4 into DC power and outputs it to the DC bus DB1. That is, the first power conversion device 11 has the function of an AC / DC converter that converts the input AC power into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and outputs it.

[0016] The second power conversion device 12 converts the DC power input from the DC bus DB1 into the charging power of the storage battery 31 of the mobile body 3 and outputs it. That is, the second power conversion device 12 has the function of a DC / DC converter that converts the input DC power into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and outputs it.

[0017] The cable support 2 supports the cable C1. The cable C1 is connected between the moving body 3 and the second power conversion device 12 to form a power supply path between the storage battery 31 and the second power conversion device 12. A connector CN1 is attached to the tip of the cable C1. The connector CN1 is configured to be connectable to the inlet 34 of the moving body 3. That is, the DC power (charging power) output from the second power conversion device 12 is supplied to the storage battery 31 via the cable C1 supported by the cable support 2 in a state where the connector CN1 is connected to the inlet 34.

[0018] The "cable" referred to in the present disclosure means a linear member in which one or more electric wires are protected by a sheath (outer skin). Further, the "electric wire" referred to in the present disclosure may include not only a bare electric wire consisting only of an electric conductor but also an insulated electric wire in which the electric conductor is covered with an insulator.

[0019] The support of the cable C1 by the cable support 2 referred to in the present disclosure does not only mean a mode in which the cable C1 is temporarily supported by the user U1 (see FIG. 3) hooking the cable C1 so as not to obstruct the passage of the user U1 when the connector CN1 is not in use. That is, the support of the cable C1 by the cable support 2 referred to in the present disclosure also means, in principle, permanently supporting the cable C1 without being attached or detached by the user U1.

[0020] And in the present embodiment, the first power conversion device 11, the second power conversion device 12, and the cable support 2 are configured as separate bodies from each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 11A that houses the functional part of the first power conversion device 11, the housing 12A that houses the functional part of the second power conversion device 12, and the housing 2A that houses the functional part of the cable support 2 are configured as separate bodies from each other. In other words, the first power conversion device 11, the second power conversion device 12, and the cable support 2 are mechanically separated from each other.

[0021] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first power conversion device 11, the second power conversion device 12, and the cable support 2 can be handled individually. Thus, in this embodiment, there is an advantage that the system is easier to install compared to the case of handling a device in which the first power conversion device 11, the second power conversion device 12, and the cable support 2 are integrally configured.

[0022] (2) Details Hereinafter, the power conversion system 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] (2.1) Overall configuration First, the overall configuration including the power conversion system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the power conversion system 100 realizes its function by cooperating with the device control device 5 installed inside the house H1.

[0024] The power converter 1 of the power conversion system 100 and the device control device 5 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. In the present disclosure, "able to communicate" means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater or the like by an appropriate communication method of wired communication or wireless communication. That is, the power converter 1 and the device control device 5 can exchange information with each other. In this embodiment, the power converter 1 and the device control device 5 can communicate bidirectionally with each other, and both the transmission of information from the power converter 1 to the device control device 5 and the transmission of information from the device control device 5 to the power converter 1 are possible.

[0025] The device control device 5 is a device that controls at least the power converter 1. The device control device 5 outputs a charge start signal for instructing the start of charging and a charge stop signal for instructing the stop of charging to the power converter 1, thereby controlling the start and stop of charging the battery 31 of the moving body 3 by the power converter 1. Therefore, for example, when the user U1 performs a predetermined operation on the device control device 5, it is possible to instruct the start of charging the battery 31 or to instruct the stop of charging the battery 31 to the power converter 1.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the device control device 5 is connected to a network such as the Internet via a router. For this reason, the device control device 5 can communicate with the information terminal possessed by the user U1 via the router or the router and the network. The information terminal is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Therefore, the user U1 can not only directly operate the device control device 5 but also instruct the start of charging the battery 31 or instruct the stop of charging the battery 31 by operating the information terminal.

[0027] The power converter 1 is a charging facility for charging the battery 31 of the moving body 3. In the present embodiment, the power converter 1 is installed inside the house H1. A cable C1 is connected to the power converter 1. The tip of the cable C1 has a connector CN1 that is removably connected to the inlet 34 of the moving body 3. Since the power converter 1 is connected to the moving body 3 via the cable C1 in a state where the connector CN1 is connected to the inlet 34, it becomes possible to supply power to the battery 31 of the moving body 3 via the cable C1, and the battery 31 can be charged.

[0028] The moving body 3 includes a storage battery 31, a power control circuit 32, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 33. The power control circuit 32 is a circuit that receives power supply from the power converter 1 and executes charging of the storage battery 31. In the present embodiment, in addition to the function of executing charging of the storage battery 31, the power control circuit 32 also has a function of discharging the storage battery 31. The EUC 33 controls the power control circuit 32 based on a signal transmitted via the communication line L2 (described later) of the cable C1 (here, as an example, a signal based on the CHAdeMO (registered trademark) standard).

[0029] (2.2) Power Conversion System Next, the power conversion system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The power conversion system 100 includes a first power conversion device 11 and a second power conversion device 12 as power converters 1, and a cable support 2.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the first power conversion device 11 includes a main circuit 111, a control circuit 112, and a communication unit 113. In the first power conversion device 11, the main circuit 111, the control circuit 112, and the communication unit 113 are all housed in a rectangular parallelepiped housing 11A (see FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 11A is installed in the house H1.

[0031] The main circuit 111 is a bidirectional AC / DC converter, one end of which is connected to the power grid 4, and the other end of which is connected to the main circuit 121 of the second power conversion device 12 via a DC cable C2 whose other end is the DC bus DB1. The main circuit 111 has, for example, a plurality of switching elements connected in a full-bridge configuration, and by controlling the plurality of switching elements by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control by the control circuit 112, conversion between DC power and AC power or between AC power and DC power is performed.

[0032] In this embodiment, the main circuit 111 has a function of converting the AC power output from the power system 4 into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and outputting it to the second power conversion device 12. Further, in this embodiment, the main circuit 111 has a function of converting the DC power output from the second power conversion device 12 into AC power of a predetermined magnitude and outputting it to the power system 4. In other words, the first power conversion device 11 has a function of converting the DC power input from the DC cable C2 (DC bus DB1) into AC power and outputting it to the power system 4.

[0033] The control circuit 112 is configured by a microcontroller having at least a part of one or more processors and memories. In other words, at least a part of the control circuit 112 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and memories, and the computer system functions as a part of the control circuit 112 by one or more processors executing a program stored in the memory. The program is recorded in advance in the memory of the control circuit 112 here, but may be provided by being recorded through a telecommunication line such as the Internet or a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. Further, the control circuit 112 has a driver for driving a plurality of switching elements included in the main circuit 111. The control circuit 112 may be configured by, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0034] The control circuit 112 has a function of controlling the main circuit 111 to start charging the storage battery 31 or stop charging the storage battery 31 by receiving a command from the device control device 5 or the information terminal via the communication unit 113. In this embodiment, the control circuit 112 also has a function of controlling the main circuit 111 to convert the DC power from the second power conversion device 12 into AC power and output it to the load (including the distribution board) in the house H1, for example, when a power outage occurs in the power system 4.

[0035] The communication unit 113 has a function of communicating with the device control device 5. As the communication method between the communication unit 113 and the device control device 5, an appropriate communication method of wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, as an example, the communication method between the communication unit 113 and the device control device 5 is wired communication compliant with a communication standard such as a wired LAN (Local Area Network). The communication protocol in the communication between the communication unit 113 and the device control device 5 is, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), or ECHONET Lite (registered trademark), etc.

[0036] The communication unit 113 also has a function of communicating with the communication unit 123 (described later) of the second power conversion device 12. As the communication method between the communication unit 113 and the communication unit 123 of the second power conversion device 12, an appropriate communication method of wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In this embodiment, as an example, the communication unit 113 performs wired communication with the communication unit 123 of the second power conversion device 12 via the communication line L2 included in the DC cable C2.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the second power conversion device 12 includes a main circuit 121, a control circuit 122, and a communication unit 123. Further, in the second power conversion device 12, the main circuit 121, the control circuit 122, and the communication unit 123 are all housed in a rectangular parallelepiped housing 12A (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 12A is installed in the house H1.

[0038] The main circuit 121 is a bidirectional DC / DC converter, one end of which is connected to the first cable C11, and the other end of which is connected to the main circuit 111 of the first power conversion device 11 via the DC cable C2. The main circuit 121 has, for example, one or more switching elements, and by PWM controlling the one or more switching elements by the control circuit 122, the input DC power is adjusted and output.

[0039] In this embodiment, the main circuit 121 has a function of converting the DC power output from the first power conversion device 11 into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and outputting it to the storage battery 31 via the first cable C11 and the connector CN1. Further, in this embodiment, the main circuit 121 has a function of converting the DC power discharged from the storage battery 31 via the first cable C11 and the connector CN1 into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and outputting it to the first power conversion device 11. In other words, the second power conversion device 12 has a function of adjusting the discharge power (DC power) discharged from the storage battery 31 and outputting it to the DC bus DB1.

[0040] Thus, in this embodiment, the power conversion system 100 has a function of controlling the discharge of the storage battery 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, a V2H (Vehicle To Home) system can be constructed by outputting the discharge power of the storage battery 31 of the moving body 3 to the load (including the distribution board) of the house H1.

[0041] The control circuit 122 is configured by a microcontroller having at least a part of one or more processors and memories. In other words, at least a part of the control circuit 122 is realized by a computer system having one or more processors and memories, and the computer system functions as a part of the control circuit 122 by one or more processors executing a program stored in the memory. The program is recorded in advance in the memory of the control circuit 122 here, but may be provided by being recorded through an electric communication line such as the Internet or a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. Further, the control circuit 122 has a driver for driving one or more switching elements of the main circuit 121. The control circuit 122 may be configured by, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC.

[0042] The control circuit 122 has a function of controlling the main circuit 121 to start or stop charging the storage battery 31 by receiving commands from the equipment control device 5 or the information terminal via the communication unit 123 and the communication unit 113 of the first power conversion device 11. In the present embodiment, the control circuit 122 also has a function of controlling the main circuit 121 to adjust the discharge power (DC power) from the storage battery 31 and output it to the first power conversion device 11, for example, when a power outage occurs in the power system 4.

[0043] The communication unit 123 has a function of communicating with the communication unit 113 of the first power conversion device 11. As the communication method between the communication unit 123 and the communication unit 113 of the first power conversion device 11, an appropriate communication method of wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In the present embodiment, as an example, the communication unit 123 performs wired communication with the communication unit 113 of the first power conversion device 11 via the communication line L2 included in the DC cable C2.

[0044] The communication unit 123 also has a function of communicating with the moving body 3. As the communication method between the communication unit 123 and the moving body 3, an appropriate communication method of wireless communication or wired communication is adopted. In the present embodiment, as an example, the communication unit 123 performs wired communication with the moving body 3 via the communication line L2 included in the cable C1. In the present embodiment, as an example, the communication unit 123 performs communication for connection confirmation between the power converter 1 and the moving body 3, status confirmation of the moving body 3, etc., by means of a signal based on at least the CHAdeMO (registered trademark) standard.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the cable support 2 supports a part of the cable C1. In the cable support 2, a part of the cable C1 is supported in a form of being accommodated in a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2A (see FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 2A is outside the house H1 and is installed in the parking space A1 of the moving body 3. In other words, the cable support 2 is installed independently on the ground (here, the parking space A1).

[0046] In this embodiment, the cable C1 has a first cable C11 and a second cable C12. The first cable C11 is connected between the moving body 3 and the cable support 2. The second cable C12 is of a type different from that of the first cable C11 and is connected between the cable support 2 and the second power conversion device 12. That is, in the embodiment, the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 are of different types from each other.

[0047] In this embodiment, except for the case where the two cables obtained by cutting one cable C1 are taken as the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 respectively, basically, it can be said that the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 are of different types from each other. Specifically, it can be said that the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 are of different types from each other because their diameter dimensions are different from each other. Also, it can be said that the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 are of different types from each other because the number of electric wires enclosed in them is different from each other. In addition, when the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 are different in cable structure, material, or manufacturing manufacturer from each other, it can also be said that they are of different types from each other.

[0048] In this embodiment, as an example, the first cable C11 is a cab tire cable. Also, in this embodiment, as an example, the second cable C12 is a cross-linked polyethylene insulated vinyl sheath cable (CV cable). Also, in this embodiment, both the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 have one or more (here, two) power lines L1 and one or more (here, a plurality of) communication lines L2. Further, in this embodiment, the DC cable C2 is a CV cable similar to the second cable C12 and has one or more power lines L1 and one or more communication lines L2.

[0049] Then, the cable support 2 (power conversion system 100) further includes a connection part 20 that connects the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 to each other. In the present embodiment, the connection part 20 is housed inside the housing 2A of the cable support 2. That is, the connection part 20 is provided inside the cable support 2.

[0050] In other words, the cable support 2 includes a connection part 20 to which the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 are connected. The first cable C11 can also be said to be a cable that is connected to the moving body 3 and supplies DC power to the storage battery 31 of the moving body 3. The second cable C12 can also be said to be a cable that is connected to the power converter 1 that converts AC power from the power grid 4 into DC power and outputs it to the storage battery 31.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the connection part 20 has a first terminal 21 to which the first cable C11 is connected and a second terminal 22 to which the second cable C12 is connected. That is, in the present embodiment, one end of the first cable C11 is connected to the first terminal 21, whereby the first cable C11 is fixed (supported) to the cable support 2. Also, one end of the second cable C12 is connected to the second terminal 22, whereby the second cable C12 is fixed (supported) to the cable support 2.

[0052] And, the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 are connected via an electric circuit 23. The electric circuit 23 is a conversion circuit that converts an electrical connection so that, for example, one or more power lines L1 and one or more communication lines L2 of the first cable C11 can be connected to one or more power lines L1 and one or more communication lines L2 of the second cable C12. Of course, the electric circuit 23 may simply be an electrical conductor that connects one or more power lines L1 and one or more communication lines L2 of the first cable C11 and one or more power lines L1 and one or more communication lines L2 of the second cable C12 to each other.

[0053] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, between the cable support 2 and the first power conversion device 11, a part of the cable C1 is wired underground. Similarly, between the first power conversion device 11 and the second power conversion device 12, a part of the DC cable C2 is wired underground. And underground, the cable C1 is passed through a pipe C3 such as a metal wire pipe. The hardness of the pipe C3 is higher than the hardness of the sheath (outer skin) of the cable C1.

[0054] (3) Advantages Hereinafter, the advantages of the power conversion system 100 of the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the power conversion system of the first comparative example and the power conversion system of the second comparative example.

[0055] The power conversion system of the first comparative example is different from the power conversion system 100 of the present embodiment in that a power converter (the first power conversion device and the second power conversion device) is built in the cable support, that is, the cable support, the first power conversion device, and the second power conversion device are integrally configured. In the power conversion system of the first comparative example, since the power converter is built in the cable support, enlargement of the housing of the cable support is inevitable. And this housing of the cable support needs to be installed in a parking space for the purpose of charging the battery of the moving body.

[0056] For this reason, in the power conversion system of the first comparative example, since the housing of the cable support is relatively large, there is a tendency that more construction workers are required to install the housing in the parking space, and the places where the housing can be installed are limited. And depending on the area of the parking space, there is a possibility that the cable support cannot be installed in the parking space in the first place. Also, in the power conversion system of the first comparative example, since the power converter is built in the cable support, there may arise a problem that measures must be taken to suppress the temperature rise of the power converter due to sunlight. Furthermore, in the power conversion system of the first comparative example, there is also a possibility that the original performance cannot be exhibited due to the temperature rise of the power converter by sunlight.

[0057] The power conversion system of the second comparative example is different from the power conversion system 100 of the present embodiment in that the cable support and the power converter are configured separately, that is, the first power conversion device and the second power conversion device are integrally configured. In the power conversion system of the second comparative example, unlike the power conversion system of the first comparative example, since the power converter is not built into the cable support, by installing the power converter on the north-facing house side, for example, the problems associated with sunlight as described above can be solved. However, in the power conversion system of the second comparative example, since the first power conversion device and the second power conversion device are integrally configured, an increase in the size of the housing of the power converter is inevitable. For this reason, in the power conversion system of the second comparative example, there may arise a problem that the number of construction workers required to install the housing of the power converter tends to increase, and the places where the housing can be installed are limited.

[0058] On the other hand, in the power conversion system 100 of the present embodiment, the first power conversion device 11, the second power conversion device 12, and the cable support 2 are configured separately from each other. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make the sizes of the housing 11A of the first power conversion device 11, the housing 12A of the second power conversion device 12, and the housing 2A of the cable support 2 smaller than those in the case where the housings 11A, 12A, and 2A are integrated. Also, by reducing the sizes of the housings 11A, 12A, and 2A, the weight can also be reduced.

[0059] Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is an advantage that the construction of the power conversion system 100 becomes easier. Specifically, in the present embodiment, since the sizes and weights of the housings 11A, 12A, and 2A are relatively small, it is possible to perform the construction with a small number of construction workers.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the spaces occupied by the respective housings 11A, 12A, and 2A are relatively small, there is an advantage that there are more options for the locations where the respective housings 11A, 12A, and 2A can be installed. For example, since the cable support 2, the first power conversion device 11, and the second power conversion device 12 are separate bodies, even when the area of the parking space A1 is small, it is possible to install only the cable support 2 in the parking space A1. Then, for example, in a place where there is room in an installation space other than the parking space A1, such as inside the house H1, it is possible to install the first power conversion device 11 and the second power conversion device 12. In this case, since the housings 11A and 12A are separate bodies, it is possible to install the first power conversion device 11 and the second power conversion device 12 according to the situation of the installation space even inside the house H1.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the cable support 2, the first power conversion device 11, and the second power conversion device 12 are separate bodies, it is possible to install the first power conversion device 11 and the second power conversion device 12 in a place where direct sunlight is less likely to hit, such as inside or at the eaves of the house H1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, there is an advantage that, unlike the power conversion system of the first comparative example, there is no need to take measures to suppress the temperature rise of the power converter 1, so the labor and cost required for the measures can be reduced.

[0062] Here, in the present embodiment, the cable support 2 (power conversion system 100) includes a connection portion 20. Hereinafter, the advantages of including the connection portion 20 will be described in comparison with the cable support of the comparative example. The cable support of the comparative example does not include the connection portion 20, that is, it is different from the cable support 2 of the present embodiment in that it supports one cable instead of the first cable C11 and the second cable C12.

[0063] In the cable support of the comparative example, for example, it is conceivable to use a cab tire cable. The cab tire cable is easy to handle when used outdoors, such as for charging a storage battery, and has excellent outdoor characteristics such as impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and weather resistance, but is not suitable for applications that are fixedly installed indoors. Therefore, for example, using a part of the cab tire cable for indoor fixed wiring is not preferable from the viewpoints of workability and cost.

[0064] Also, in the cable support of the comparative example, for example, it is conceivable to use a CV cable. The CV cable is suitable for applications that are fixedly installed, but is difficult to handle when used outdoors, such as for charging a storage battery, and lacks outdoor characteristics such as impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and weather resistance. Therefore, for example, it is not preferable to use a part of the CV cable outdoors. Thus, in the cable support of the comparative example, since only one type of cable is supported, there is a problem that it is difficult to select a cable suitable for the installation environment of the cable support.

[0065] On the other hand, in the cable support 2 of the present embodiment, since the connection part 20 is provided, it is possible to select a cable suitable for the installation environment of the cable support 2. As an example, at the connection part 20, it is possible to connect a cab tire cable as the first cable C11 and a CV cable as the second cable C12. That is, in the present embodiment, while selecting a cable having easy handling suitability for outdoor use, such as charging a storage battery, and outdoor characteristics for the first cable C11, it is possible to select a cable suitable for applications that are fixedly installed for the second cable C12. Further, since the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 can be selected according to the installation environment of the cable support 2, improvements in cost savings, workability, appearance, etc. can be expected compared to the case of wiring one type of cable.

[0066] (4) Modification The above-described embodiments are merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be variously modified according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiments will be enumerated. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the power conversion system 100 may further include a third power conversion device 13 that adjusts the DC power input from the distributed power source 6 and outputs it to the DC bus DB1. The third power conversion device 13 is a DC / DC converter and is connected to the DC bus DB1. The third power conversion device 13 has a function of converting the DC power output from the distributed power source 6 into DC power of a predetermined magnitude and outputting it to the first power conversion device 11 via the DC bus DB1.

[0068] In this aspect, compared with the case of connecting to the distributed power source 6 via a power conditioner, it is possible to supply power from the distributed power source 6 to the storage battery 31 without passing through the first power conversion device 11 (that is, an AC / DC converter). Therefore, in this aspect, compared with the case of connecting to the distributed power source 6 via a power conditioner, the power conversion loss can be reduced. Note that the third power conversion device 13 may be configured separately from the first power conversion device 11 as shown in FIG. 4, or may be configured in the same housing as the first power conversion device 11, without being limited thereto.

[0069] Here, the distributed power source 6 may include a solar cell. In this aspect, by charging the surplus power generated by the solar cell and not consumed by the load of the house H1 into the storage battery 31, it is possible to support the power supply from the power grid 4 to the storage battery 31, for example, by reducing the charging power of the storage battery 31 by purchasing power from the power grid 4.

[0070] Further, the distributed power source 6 may include a battery different from the storage battery 31. And the third power conversion device 13 may have a function of converting the DC power input from the DC bus DB1 into charging power for the battery and outputting it to the battery. In this aspect, by using the power stored in the battery, it is possible to support the power supply from the power grid 4 to the storage battery 31. For example, if it is desired to charge the storage battery 31 during a relatively inexpensive time period (e.g., late at night), even when the moving body 3 is absent, by charging the battery in advance, it is possible to charge the storage battery 31 with the power stored in the battery when the moving body 3 returns. Also, in this aspect, by adding up the power stored in the battery and the DC power supplied from the power grid 4 via the first power conversion device 11, it is possible to charge the storage battery 31 with power exceeding the rated power of the first power conversion device 11. Furthermore, when charging the storage battery 31, by using the power stored in the battery, it is possible to suppress the DC power supplied from the power grid 4 via the first power conversion device 11, so it is possible to make it difficult to trip the incoming breaker in the house H1.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the cable support 2 is not limited to the mode of being installed independently on the ground, and may be installed by being attached to a part of the house H1 (building). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the cable support 2 may be attached to the wall H11 of the house H1. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the cable support 2 may be attached to the back side of the ceiling H12 of the house H1. In this case, the cable C1 (the first cable C11) will be suspended from the ceiling H12. In addition, the cable support 2 is not limited to a building and may be attached to a columnar member standing on the ground. In this aspect, there is an advantage that it is easy to install the cable support 2 neatly without taking up installation space even in a relatively narrow parking space A1 where it is difficult to install the cable support 2 independently.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, at least one of the cable C1 and the DC cable C2 may be configured such that the length of the DC cable C2 with respect to the length of the cable C1 is adjustable. The DC cable C2 connects between the first power conversion device 11 and the second power conversion device 12 to form a DC bus DB1. In this aspect, there is an advantage that the lengths of the cable C1 and the DC cable C2 can be optimized according to the environment in which the system is installed. Specifically, in this aspect, the following two advantages can be expected.

[0073] First, by shortening the length of the cable to which the high voltage is applied among the cable C1 and the DC cable C2, there is an advantage that it is possible to make it difficult for the cable to which the high voltage is applied to be exposed to the outside. Also, by shortening the length of the cable to which the high voltage is applied, that is, the cable that requires high withstand voltage, there is an advantage that the cost can be reduced.

[0074] Second, when the same power is supplied to each of the cable C1 and the DC cable C2, the current becomes relatively small in the cable to which the high voltage is applied. For this reason, by shortening the length of the cable to which the high voltage is applied, there is an advantage that the loss due to the wiring impedance can be reduced.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the connection portion 20 may be provided outside the cable support 2. For example, the connection portion 20 may be provided outside the cable support 2 and on one surface of the housing 2A of the cable support 2.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 may not be different from each other in type. For example, the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 may be the same type of cable and may be connected at the connection portion 20.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the power conversion system 100 (cable support 2) may not include the connection portion 20. That is, the cable support 2 may be configured to support a single cable C1 that connects the moving body 3 and the second power conversion device 12 in one continuous piece.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the power conversion system 100 may not include the first power conversion device 11. That is, the power conversion system 100 may include only the second power conversion device 12 and the cable support 2. The second power conversion device 12 is configured separately from the first power conversion device 11 that converts the AC power input from the power grid 4 into DC power and outputs it to the DC bus DB1, and converts the DC power input from the DC bus DB1 into the charging power of the storage battery 31 of the moving body 3 and outputs it. The cable support 2 is connected between the moving body 3 and the second power conversion device 12 and supports a cable C1 that forms a power supply path between the storage battery 31 and the second power conversion device 12. And the second power conversion device 12 and the cable support 2 are configured separately from each other.

[0079] In this power conversion system 100, similar to the above-described embodiment, the second power conversion device 12 may have a function of adjusting the DC power discharged from the storage battery 31 and outputting it to the DC bus DB1. Also, this power conversion system 100 may be connected not only to the first power conversion device 11 but also to the third power conversion device 13. In this case, the third power conversion device 13 may be configured separately from the first power conversion device 11, or not limited thereto, and may be configured in the same housing as the first power conversion device 11.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the power conversion system 100 may be constructed by the following construction method. That is, the construction method of the power conversion system 100 may have a first step and a second step. The first step is a step of connecting the cable C1 to the second power conversion device 12. The second step is a step of connecting between the first power conversion device 11 and the second power conversion device 12 by a DC cable C2 that constitutes the DC bus DB1.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the power conversion system 100 can be configured as a V2H system, but it does not have to be. That is, the power conversion system 100 may be configured only as a charging system for charging the storage battery 31. In this case, in the power conversion system 100, the power converter 1 only needs to have a power conversion function in one direction from the power grid 4 to the storage battery 31.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the cable support 2 may be provided with an operation unit for instructing the start and stop of charging the storage battery 31. In this case, the user U1 can instruct the start and stop of charging the storage battery 31 by operating the operation unit without directly operating the device control device 5. Further, the operation unit may be provided not on the cable support 2 but on the connector CN1.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the housing 11A of the first power conversion device 11, the housing 12A of the second power conversion device 12, and the housing 2A of the cable support 2 only need to be configured separately from each other, and these housings 11A, 12A, 2A may be arranged in any manner. For example, the housing 12A of the second power conversion device 12 may be arranged stacked on the housing 11A of the first power conversion device 11.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, both the cable C1 and the DC cable C2 may be wired above ground instead of underground. In this case, at least one of the cable C1 and the DC cable C2, and more specifically, the first cable C11 of the cable C1, is preferably provided with a simple contact protection measure by being passed through a pipe C3 having a predetermined hardness. As the pipe C3, for example, in addition to a metal wire pipe, a flexible wire pipe made of synthetic resin or the like can be adopted. That is, the first cable C11 may be passed through a pipe (wire pipe) C3 having a predetermined hardness. In this aspect, there is an advantage that the user U1 can be made less likely to touch the first cable C11 that can be arranged outside the house H1 (building).

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the second cable C12 may have a greater load-bearing capacity than the first cable C11. In this aspect, there is an advantage that it is easier to ensure the impact resistance of the second cable C12 to which a higher voltage can be applied than the first cable C11.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that the first cable C11 has higher flexibility (in other words, a smaller minimum bending radius) than the second cable C12. In this aspect, there is an advantage that the first cable C11 that can be routed during charging of the storage battery 31 can be easily handled.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the connection part 20 may have a temperature sensor 24. The temperature sensor 24 is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of either one of the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22. Here, the temperature sensor 24 is disposed in the vicinity of the second terminal 22 where a cable connection failure may occur during on-site construction of the power conversion system 100. Note that the first cable C11 is already connected to the cable support 2 at the time of shipment of the cable support 2, and if the inspection result before shipment is good, it is considered that the possibility of a connection failure is low.

[0088] The temperature sensor 24 transmits the detection result to the control circuit 122 of the second power conversion device 12 via, for example, the communication line L2 of the second cable C12. The control circuit 122 monitors the detection result of the temperature sensor 24, and when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 24 exceeds the threshold temperature, the control circuit 122 controls the relay connected to the power line L1 to stop the power supply from the second power conversion device 12 to the storage battery 31. That is, when the detected temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the temperature sensor 24 generates a trigger for stopping the supply of DC power from the power converter 1 (here, the second power conversion device 12).

[0089] In this aspect, even if a cable connection failure occurs, by detecting with the temperature sensor 24 the temperature rise accompanying the increase in contact resistance due to the connection failure, the cable connection failure can be detected early and the power supply can be stopped.

[0090] Here, instead of controlling the relay, the control circuit 122 may stop the power supply from the second power conversion device 12 to the storage battery 31 by controlling the main circuit 121 to stop the operation of the second power conversion device 12. That is, when the detected temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the temperature sensor 24 may generate a trigger for stopping the operation of at least a part of the power converter 1 (here, the second power conversion device 12). Further, when the detected temperature exceeds the threshold temperature, the temperature sensor 24 may generate a trigger for releasing the connection of the permission signal line included in the communication line L2 of the second cable C12. The permission signal line mentioned here is, for example, a signal line through which an operation permission prohibition signal generated by the moving body 3 flows in the CHAdeMO standard. In this case, it is possible to prompt the stop of the charging operation or the discharging operation of the storage battery 31 by using the signal constant monitoring function provided in the second power conversion device 12 in advance. In these aspects, there is an advantage that it is easy to avoid the continuous occurrence of a part where a high voltage is applied to the cable C1 (the first cable C11 and the second cable C12).

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the connection part 20 may have a fuse 25 disposed between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22. Here, the fuse 25 is connected in series to the electric circuit 23 between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22. In this aspect, even if a short circuit occurs due to a poor connection of the cable or the entry of foreign matter, etc., the fuse 25 is cut off, so that it is possible to avoid the continuous power supply in the short-circuit state.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the connection part 20 may not have the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22. That is, in the connection part 20, the first cable C11 and the second cable C12 may be directly connected without passing through the electric circuit 23.

[0093] (Summary) As described above, the power conversion system (100) according to the first aspect includes a first power conversion device (11), a second power conversion device (12), and a cable support (2). The first power conversion device (11) converts AC power input from the power grid (4) into DC power and outputs it to the DC bus (DB1). The second power conversion device (12) converts the DC power input from the DC bus (DB1) into charging power for the storage battery (31) of the moving body (3) and outputs it. The cable support (2) supports the cable (C1). The cable (C1) is connected between the moving body (3) and the second power conversion device (12) to form a power supply path between the storage battery (31) and the second power conversion device (12). The first power conversion device (11), the second power conversion device (12), and the cable support (2) are configured separately from each other.

[0094] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the system is easier to install compared to the case of handling a device in which the first power conversion device (11), the second power conversion device (12), and the cable support (2) are integrally configured.

[0095] In the power conversion system (100) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the second power conversion device (12) has a function of adjusting the DC power discharged from the storage battery (31) and outputting it to the DC bus (DB1). The first power conversion device (11) has a function of converting the DC power input from the DC bus (DB1) into AC power and outputting it to the power grid (4).

[0096] According to this aspect, by using the power charged in the storage battery (31), it is possible to support the power supply to the load by purchasing power from the power grid (4) or supply power to the load in an emergency such as a power outage.

[0097] The power conversion system (100) according to the third aspect further includes a third power conversion device (13) that adjusts the DC power input from the distributed power source (6) and outputs it to the DC bus (DB1) in the first or second aspect.

[0098] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that power conversion loss can be reduced as compared with the case of connecting to the distributed power source (6) via the power conditioner.

[0099] In the power conversion system (100) according to the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the distributed power source (6) includes a solar cell.

[0100] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to support the power supply from the power grid (4) to the storage battery (31) by using the power generated by the solar cell.

[0101] In the power conversion system (100) according to the fifth aspect, in the third aspect, the distributed power source (6) includes a battery different from the storage battery (31). The third power conversion device (13) has a function of converting the DC power input from the DC bus (DB1) into charging power for the battery and outputting it to the battery.

[0102] According to this aspect, it is possible to support the power supply from the power grid (4) to the storage battery (31) by using the power stored in the battery.

[0103] In the power conversion system (100) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the cable support (2) is installed by being attached to a part of the building (residence (H1)).

[0104] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is easy to install the cable support (2) neatly without taking up installation space even in a relatively narrow parking space (A1) where it is difficult to install the cable support (2) independently.

[0105] In the power conversion system (100) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the cable support (2) is installed independently on the ground (parking space (A1)).

[0106] According to this aspect, for example, even when there is no building (residence (H1)) or the like around the parking space (A1) where the cable support (2) can be attached, there is an advantage that the cable support (2) can be installed.

[0107] In the power conversion system (100) according to the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, at least one of the cable (C1) and the DC cable (C2) is configured such that the length of the DC cable (C2) with respect to the length of the cable (C1) can be adjusted. The DC cable (C2) connects between the first power conversion device (11) and the second power conversion device (12) to form a DC bus (DB1).

[0108] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the lengths of the cable (C1) and the DC cable (C2) can be optimized according to the environment where the system is installed.

[0109] In the power conversion system (100) according to the ninth aspect, in any of the first to eighth aspects, the cable (C1) has a first cable (C11) and a second cable (C12). The first cable (C11) is connected between the moving body (3) and the cable support (2). The second cable (C12) is of a different type from the first cable (C11) and is connected between the cable support (2) and the second power conversion device (12). The power conversion system (100) further includes a connection part (20) that connects the first cable (C11) and the second cable (C12) to each other.

[0110] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that it is possible to select a suitable cable according to the installation environment of the cable support (2).

[0111] In the power conversion system (100) according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the connection part (20) is provided inside the cable support (2).

[0112] According to this aspect, since the connection part (20) is not exposed outside the cable support (2), there is an advantage that the appearance is improved.

[0113] The power conversion system (100) according to the eleventh aspect includes a second power conversion device (12) and a cable support (2). The second power conversion device (12) is configured separately from the first power conversion device (11), and converts the DC power input from the DC bus (DB1) into the charging power of the storage battery (31) of the moving body (3) and outputs it. The first power conversion device (11) converts the AC power input from the power system (4) into DC power and outputs it to the DC bus (DB1). The cable support (2) supports the cable (C1). The cable (C1) is connected between the moving body (3) and the second power conversion device (12) to form a power supply path between the storage battery (31) and the second power conversion device (12). The second power conversion device (12) and the cable support (2) are configured separately from each other.

[0114] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the system is easier to install compared to the case of handling a device in which the first power conversion device (11), the second power conversion device (12), and the cable support (2) are integrally configured.

[0115] The construction method of the power conversion system (100) according to the twelfth aspect is the construction method of the power conversion system (100) according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. This construction method has a first step and a second step. The first step is a step of connecting the cable (C1) to the second power conversion device (12). The second step is a step of connecting between the first power conversion device (11) and the second power conversion device (12) by a DC cable (C2) that constitutes the DC bus (DB1).

[0116] According to this aspect, there is an advantage that the system is easier to install compared to the case of handling a device in which the first power conversion device (11), the second power conversion device (12), and the cable support (2) are integrally configured.

[0117] Regarding the configurations according to the second to tenth aspects, they are not essential configurations of the power conversion system (100) and can be omitted as appropriate.

Explanation of Signs

[0118] 100 Power conversion system 11 First power conversion device 12 Second power conversion device 13 Third power conversion device 2 Cable support 20 Connection part 3 Moving body 31 Storage battery 4 Power system 6 Distributed power source A1 Parking space (ground) C1 Cable C11 First cable C12 Second cable C2 DC cable DB1 DC bus H1 House (building)

Claims

1. a first power conversion device that converts AC power input from a power grid into DC power and outputs the DC power to a DC bus; a second power conversion device that converts the DC power input from the DC bus into charging power for a storage battery of the mobile object and outputs the charging power; a cable support connected between the moving body and the second power conversion device to support a cable forming a power supply path between the storage battery and the second power conversion device, The first power conversion device, the second power conversion device, and the cable support are configured separately from each other. Power conversion systems.

2. the second power conversion device has a function of adjusting DC power discharged from the storage battery and outputting the adjusted DC power to the DC bus; The first power conversion device has a function of converting DC power input from the DC bus into AC power and outputting the AC power to the power grid. The power conversion system of claim 1 .

3. a third power conversion device that adjusts DC power input from a distributed power source and outputs the adjusted DC power to the DC bus; The power conversion system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The distributed power source includes a solar cell. The power conversion system of claim 3 .

5. the distributed power source includes a battery different from the storage battery; the third power conversion device has a function of converting DC power input from the DC bus into charging power for the battery and outputting the charging power to the battery. The power conversion system of claim 3 .

6. The cable support is installed by being attached to a part of a building. The power conversion system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The cable support is installed freestanding on the ground. The power conversion system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. At least one of the cable and a DC cable that connects between the first power conversion device and the second power conversion device and configures the DC bus is configured to be adjustable in length with respect to the length of the cable. The power conversion system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The cable includes: A first cable connected between the moving body and the cable support; a second cable of a different type from the first cable and connected between the cable support and the second power converter; Further comprising a connection portion that connects the first cable and the second cable to each other. The power conversion system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The connection portion is provided inside the cable support. The power conversion system of claim 9.

11. a first power conversion device that converts AC power input from a power grid into DC power and outputs the DC power to a DC bus, and a second power conversion device that converts the DC power input from the DC bus into charging power for a storage battery of a mobile object and outputs the charging power; a cable support connected between the moving body and the second power conversion device to support a cable forming a power supply path between the storage battery and the second power conversion device, The second power conversion device and the cable support are configured separately from each other. Power conversion systems.

12. A method for constructing a power conversion system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a first step of connecting the cable to the second power converter; a second step of connecting the first power conversion device and the second power conversion device with a DC cable constituting the DC bus, How to install a power conversion system.

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