Solar power conditioners, charging / discharging device for electric vehicle, and electric vehicle charging system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle charging system with lower costs than conventional systems.SOLUTION: A charging system 10A for an electric vehicle includes a solar power conditioner 20A and a charging device 30 for an electric vehicle. The solar power conditioner 20A includes: a connection unit 21a for connecting a consumer's distribution line 15; a connection unit 21b for connecting the solar generation device 40; a connection unit 21c connected to the charging device 30 for an electric vehicle; and a control unit 24A. The charging device 30 for an electric vehicle is constituted to perform charging of an electric vehicle EV by supplying AC power supplied from the consumer's distribution line 15 to the electric vehicle EV as AC power, and has a circuit breaker 36 regarding the on / off of charging. The control unit 24A includes: (1) a function to open / close the circuit breaker 36 via the connection unit 21c; and (2) a function to transmit information between the electric vehicles EV via the connection unit 21c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power conditioner connected to a power distribution line within a customer premises, an electric vehicle charging / discharging device connected to the power distribution line within the customer premises together with the solar power conditioner, and an electric vehicle charging system including at least the solar power conditioner among them. [Background technology]

[0002] FIG. 7 shows an electric vehicle charging device 110 that supports a charging method called Mode 3. The electric vehicle charging device 110 is configured to charge an electric vehicle EV by supplying AC power, which is supplied from a consumer's distribution line 102 connected to a commercial power system G via a ground fault circuit interrupter 101, to the electric vehicle EV as is. This type of charging device is called a normal charging device (or normal charger) to distinguish it from types that rapidly charge electric vehicles EVs using DC power. Note that electric vehicles EVs include not only electric vehicles (EVs) but also plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

[0003] The charging device 110 for an electric vehicle includes a leakage breaker 111 , a filter unit 112 , a leakage current detection unit 113 , a charging current detection unit 114 , a switch 115 , an AC / DC converter 116 , a DC / DC converter 117 , and a control unit 118 .

[0004] Control unit 118 is composed of a microcomputer and the like that operates on two types of DC voltages generated by AC / DC converter 116 and DC / DC converter 117. Functions of control unit 118 include opening and closing switch 115 (turning charging on and off) according to commands from the user, monitoring the operating state of electric vehicle charging device 110 based on the detection results of leakage current detection unit 113 and charging current detection unit 114, and transmitting information to and from electric vehicle EV.

[0005] As described in Non-Patent Document 1, the electric vehicle charging device 110 may be used in combination with a peak control device 120. In this case, the control unit 118 may request the electric vehicle EV to reduce the charging current so that the value of the grid current obtained from the peak control device 120 (i.e., the value of the current flowing from the commercial power grid G ​​to the consumer's distribution line 102, detected by the grid current detection unit 100) does not exceed the contracted amperes. This request is made by the above-mentioned information transmission.

[0006] A solar power conditioner 130 may be connected to the consumer power distribution line 102. The solar power conditioner 130 typically includes a DC / DC converter 131 that boosts the DC generated power output by the solar power generation device 140, a DC / AC inverter 132 that converts the boosted generated power into AC, and a control unit 133 that controls these components.

[0007] Furthermore, an electric vehicle charging / discharging device 150, which is called a V2H (Vehicle to Home) device or the like, may be connected to the solar power conditioner 130. The electric vehicle charging / discharging device 150 typically includes a DC / DC converter 151 that steps down the DC power supplied from the solar power conditioner 130 and supplies it to the electric vehicle EV, and that steps up the DC power supplied from the electric vehicle EV and supplies it to the solar power conditioner 130, and a control unit 152 that controls this.

[0008] Hereinafter, in this specification, a system consisting of an electric vehicle charging device (normal charging device) and a solar power conditioner, and a system to which an electric vehicle charging / discharging device (V2H device) has been added, will be referred to as an "electric vehicle charging system." [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Residential Distribution Panel: Compatible with EV / PHEV Charging Equipment for Electric Vehicles”, [online], Panasonic Holdings Corporation, [Retrieved January 30, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www2.panasonic.biz / jp / densetsu / denro / compact21 / ev.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Conventional electric vehicle charging systems 110, 130, and 150 require the addition of a peak control device 120 to keep the grid current within the range of the contracted amperes. In addition, the electric vehicle charging device 110, which is a component of the electric vehicle charging systems 110, 130, and 150, is itself expensive. All of these factors hinder the cost reduction necessary to further popularize such systems.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle charging system that is lower in cost than conventional systems, as well as a solar power conditioner and an electric vehicle charging / discharging device that contribute to reducing the cost of electric vehicle charging systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the solar power conditioner of the present invention is a solar power inverter used by connecting to a consumer-premises distribution line connected to a commercial power grid, and includes a first connection unit for connecting the consumer-premises distribution line, a second connection unit for connecting a solar power generation device, a third connection unit for controlling an electric vehicle charging device configured to charge an electric vehicle by supplying AC power supplied from the consumer-premises distribution line as AC to the electric vehicle as is, and a first control unit, wherein the first control unit has (1) a function of turning on / off charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit, and (2) a function of transmitting information between the electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit.

[0013] In this configuration, the first control unit of the solar power conditioner performs all of the functions that were performed by the control unit 118 and peak control device 120 of the electric vehicle charging device 110 in the conventional electric vehicle charging system shown in Fig. 7. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to eliminate the need for a peak control device and to use a low-cost electric vehicle charging device that does not include a control unit (microcomputer). In other words, this configuration makes it possible to realize an electric vehicle charging system that is lower cost than conventional systems.

[0014] The first control unit of the solar power conditioner may further have (3) a function of monitoring the state of charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit.

[0015] The first control unit of the solar power conditioner may further have (4) a function of determining whether or not an electric vehicle charging device is connected to the third connection unit.

[0016] The function of transmitting information between the first control unit of the solar power conditioner and the electric vehicle may include a function of requesting the electric vehicle to reduce a charging current when the value of the current flowing from the commercial power system to a consumer power distribution line exceeds a predetermined value.

[0017] Preferably, the solar power conditioner further includes a fourth connection part for connecting a power storage device.

[0018] With this configuration, when the value of the current flowing from the commercial power system to the customer's distribution line exceeds a predetermined value (contracted amperes), control is possible in which, instead of requesting the electric vehicle to reduce its charging current, the discharged power of the power storage device is supplied to the customer's distribution line. In other words, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the value of the grid current from exceeding the contracted amperes without interfering with the charging of the electric vehicle.

[0019] Preferably, the solar power conditioner further includes a fifth connection part for connecting an electric vehicle charging / discharging device.

[0020] With this configuration, when the value of the current flowing from the commercial power system to the consumer's distribution line exceeds a predetermined value (contracted amperes), control is possible in which, instead of requesting the electric vehicle to reduce its charging current, discharged power from another electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging / discharging device is supplied to the consumer's distribution line. In other words, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the value of the grid current from exceeding the contracted amperes without interfering with the charging of the electric vehicle.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the charging / discharging device for electric vehicles of the present invention is used by connecting it to a consumer's distribution line connected to a commercial power grid via a solar power conditioner, and includes: a sixth connection unit for connecting the solar power conditioner; a seventh connection unit for connecting a first electric vehicle that is the target of charging / discharging; an eighth connection unit for controlling the electric vehicle charging device configured to charge the second electric vehicle by supplying AC power supplied from the consumer's distribution line to the second electric vehicle as AC; and a second control unit, wherein the second control unit has (1) a function of turning on / off charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit, and (2) a function of transmitting information to the second electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit.

[0022] In this configuration, the second control unit of the electric vehicle charging / discharging device performs all of the functions that were performed by the control unit 118 and peak control device 120 of the electric vehicle charging device 110 in the conventional electric vehicle charging system shown in Fig. 7. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to eliminate the need for a peak control device and to use a low-cost electric vehicle charging device that does not include a control unit (microcomputer). In other words, this configuration makes it possible to realize an electric vehicle charging system that is lower cost than conventional systems.

[0023] The second control unit of the above-mentioned electric vehicle charging / discharging device may further have (3) a function of monitoring the state of charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit.

[0024] The second control unit of the electric vehicle charging / discharging device may further have (4) a function of determining whether or not the electric vehicle charging device is connected to the eighth connection unit.

[0025] The function of transmitting information between the second control unit of the electric vehicle charging / discharging device and the second electric vehicle may include a function of requesting the second electric vehicle to reduce a charging current when a value of a current flowing from the commercial power system to a consumer power distribution line exceeds a predetermined value.

[0026] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first electric vehicle charging system according to the present invention is used by connecting it to a consumer-premises distribution line that is connected to a commercial power grid, and includes a solar power conditioner and an electric vehicle charging device, wherein the solar power conditioner includes a first connection unit for connecting the consumer-premises distribution line, a second connection unit for connecting a solar power generation device, a third connection unit connected to the electric vehicle charging device, and a first control unit, wherein the electric vehicle charging device is configured to charge the electric vehicle by supplying AC power supplied from the consumer-premises distribution line to the electric vehicle as is, and has a switch related to turning charging on and off, and the first control unit has the following functions: (1) opening and closing the switch of the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit, and (2) transmitting information to the electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit.

[0027] In order to solve the above problem, a second electric vehicle charging system according to the present invention is used by connecting to a consumer-premises distribution line connected to a commercial power grid, and includes a solar power conditioner, an electric vehicle charging / discharging device, and an electric vehicle charging device, the solar power conditioner including a first connection unit for connecting to the consumer-premises distribution line, a second connection unit for connecting to a solar power generation device, a third connection unit, and a first control unit, and the electric vehicle charging / discharging device includes a sixth connection unit connected to the third connection unit of the solar power conditioner, and a sixth connection unit for connecting to a third electric vehicle to be charged or discharged. The charging device includes a seventh connection unit for connecting one electric vehicle, an eighth connection unit connected to the electric vehicle charging device, and a second control unit. The electric vehicle charging device is configured to charge the second electric vehicle by supplying AC power supplied from a power distribution line within the customer's facility to the second electric vehicle as AC power, and has a switch related to turning charging on and off. The second control unit has the following functions: (1) opening and closing the switch of the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit, and (2) transmitting information to the second electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle charging system that is less expensive than conventional systems, as well as a solar power conditioner and an electric vehicle charging / discharging device that contribute to reducing the cost of electric vehicle charging systems. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle charging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle charging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle charging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle charging system according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle charging system according to another modified example of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional electric vehicle charging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electric vehicle charging system, a solar power conditioner, and an electric vehicle charging / discharging device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] [First Example] 1 shows an electric vehicle charging system 10A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle charging system 10A is used by connecting it to a consumer-premises distribution line 15 that is connected to a commercial power system G via a ground fault circuit interrupter 12 and an independent relay 13, and includes a solar power conditioner 20A and an electric vehicle charging device (normal charging device) 30. A consumer load L is connected to the consumer-premises distribution line 15.

[0032] The solar power conditioner 20A includes three connection parts 21a, 21b, and 21c, a DC / DC converter 22, a DC / AC inverter 23A, and a control part 24A.

[0033] Connection portion 21a is a portion for connecting consumer-premises distribution line 15 and corresponds to the "first connection portion" of the present invention. Connection portion 21a is connected to consumer-premises distribution line 15 via earth leakage breaker 14. Connection portion 21b is a portion for connecting solar power generation device 40 and corresponds to the "second connection portion" of the present invention. Connection portion 21c is a portion for controlling electric vehicle charging device 30 and corresponds to the "third connection portion" of the present invention.

[0034] Note that connection parts 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided for the sake of convenience in explaining the relationship between electric vehicle charging device 30 and other elements, and do not imply the presence of terminal blocks for fastening cables or connectors for connecting cables at these locations. The same applies to other connection parts that will be described later.

[0035] An input terminal of the DC / DC converter 22 is connected to the connection portion 21b. The DC / DC converter 22 is configured to boost the power (direct current) generated by the solar power generation device 40 input to the input terminal and output the boosted power from the output terminal.

[0036] The DC / AC inverter 23A has an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the DC / DC converter 22 and an output terminal connected to the connection part 21a. The DC / AC inverter 23A is configured to convert the boosted generated power input to the input terminal into AC power and output it from the output terminal.

[0037] The control unit 24A is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and corresponds to the "first control unit" of the present invention. The control unit 24A is connected to the connection unit 21c by three signal lines depicted by dashed lines and one communication line depicted by a dashed line. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 24A is also connected to the grid current detection unit 11 and the self-sustaining relay 13 by two signal lines. The function (operation) of the control unit 24A will be described in detail later. The grid current detection unit 11 detects the value of the grid current (i.e., the value of the current flowing from the commercial power system G to the consumer's distribution line 15) on the upstream side (commercial power system G side) of the earth leakage breaker 14.

[0038] Electric vehicle charging device 30 includes three connection units 31a, 31b, and 31c, a leakage breaker 32, a filter unit 33, a leakage current detection unit 34, a charging current detection unit 35, and a switch 36. It can be said that electric vehicle charging device 30 is obtained by omitting control unit 118 and AC / DC converter 116 and DC / DC converter 117 that supply power required for control unit 118 from conventional electric vehicle charging device 110 (see FIG. 7 ).

[0039] The connection part 31a is a part for connecting the consumer-premises distribution line 15. The connection part 31b is a part for connecting the electric vehicle EV. Furthermore, the connection part 31c is a part for connecting the solar power conditioner 20A.

[0040] One end of the earth leakage breaker 32 is connected to the connection part 31a. The earth leakage breaker 32 can be omitted if there is no possibility of an electric leakage.

[0041] One end of the filter unit 33 is connected to the other end of the earth leakage breaker 32. The filter unit 33 can be omitted when the level of noise contained in the AC power supplied from the consumer power distribution line 15 is within an allowable range and the level of noise leaking from the electric vehicle EV is also within an allowable range.

[0042] One end of the switch 36 is connected to the other end of the filter unit 33, and the other end is connected to the connection unit 31b. The switch 36 is configured to switch from an open state to a closed state when a control signal is input. A signal line (broken line) for inputting the control signal to the switch 36 is connected to the control unit 24A via the connection units 31c and 21c.

[0043] Leakage current detection unit 34 is provided between filter unit 33 and switch 36. Leakage current detection unit 34 is mainly used to confirm that no leakage current flows in the direction from electric vehicle charging device 30 to electric vehicle EV or in the opposite direction when switch 36 is in the closed state. A signal line (broken line) for outputting a signal related to the detection result is connected to control unit 24A via connection unit 31c and connection unit 21c.

[0044] Charging current detection unit 35 is provided between switch 36 and connection unit 31b. Charging current detection unit 35 is mainly used to confirm that an expected charging current is flowing from consumer power distribution line 15 toward electric vehicle EV when switch 36 is in the closed state. A signal line (broken line) for outputting a signal related to the detection result is connected to control unit 24A via connection units 31c and 21c.

[0045] The electric vehicle EV and connection unit 31b are connected by a power line drawn with a solid line and a communication line drawn with a dashed line. The communication line extending from connection unit 31b toward the inside of electric vehicle charging equipment 30 is connected to control unit 24A via connection units 31c and 21c.

[0046] The power lines and communication lines between the electric vehicle EV and connection unit 31b may be combined into a single cable with an insulating exterior (coating), as in the case of the signal lines and communication lines between connection unit 31c and connection unit 21c.

[0047] The control unit 24A has (1) a first function of controlling the DC / DC converter 22 and the DC / AC inverter 23A, (2) a second function of opening and closing the switch 36 by inputting a control signal to the switch 36 via the connection units 21c and 31c when a command from a user is received, (3) a third function of determining whether or not a leakage current has occurred in the power line from the electric vehicle charging device 30 to the electric vehicle EV, based on a signal relating to the detection result of the leakage current detection unit 34 received via the connection units 31c and 21c, (4) a fourth function (i.e., a function of monitoring charging) of determining whether or not the charging of the electric vehicle EV performed by the electric vehicle charging device 30 is normal, based on a signal relating to the detection result of the charging current detection unit 35 received via the connection units 31c and 21c, and (5) a fifth function of transmitting information bidirectionally to and from the electric vehicle EV via the connection units 21c, 31c, and 31b. These are functions that were previously performed by the control unit 118 of the charging device 110 for electric vehicles in the conventional electric vehicle charging system shown in FIG.

[0048] A fifth function of control unit 24A includes a function of requesting the electric vehicle EV to reduce the charging current when the value of the grid current detected by grid current detection unit 11 exceeds or is likely to exceed a predetermined contract ampere. In the conventional electric vehicle charging system shown in FIG. 7, this function was shared by peak control device 120 and control unit 118 of electric vehicle charging device 110.

[0049] The control unit 24A also has a function of inputting a control signal to the self-sustaining relay 13 to switch the self-sustaining relay 13 from a closed state to an open state when a power outage occurs in the commercial power system G, for example.

[0050] As described above, in the electric vehicle charging system 10A according to this embodiment, the control unit 24A of the solar power conditioner 20A performs all of the functions that were performed by the control unit 118 of the electric vehicle charging device 110 and the peak control device 120 in the conventional electric vehicle charging system shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, the electric vehicle charging system 10A according to this embodiment does not include a peak control device, and even though the electric vehicle charging device 30 is a low-cost system that does not include a microcomputer as a control unit, it can achieve functions equivalent to those of the conventional system. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve an electric vehicle charging system 10A that is less expensive than the conventional system.

[0051] [Second Example] 2 shows an electric vehicle charging system 10B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Electric vehicle charging system 10B differs from electric vehicle charging system 10A according to the first embodiment in that it includes solar power conditioner 20B instead of solar power conditioner 20A, but is otherwise the same as electric vehicle charging system 10A.

[0052] Solar power conditioner 20B differs from solar power conditioner 20A in that it further includes connection unit 21d and DC / DC converter 25, that it includes DC / AC inverter 23B instead of DC / AC inverter 23A, and that it includes control unit 24B instead of control unit 24A, but in other respects it is common to solar power conditioner 20A.

[0053] The connection portion 21d is a portion for connecting the power storage device 50 formed of a lithium ion battery or the like, and corresponds to the "fourth connection portion" of the present invention.

[0054] The DC / AC inverter 23B has a DC side input / output terminal connected to the output terminal of the DC / DC converter 22 and an AC side input / output terminal connected to the connection unit 21a. The DC / AC inverter 23B can convert the boosted generated power input to the DC side input / output terminal into AC power and output it from the AC side input / output terminal. The DC / AC inverter 23B can also convert AC power input to the AC side input / output terminal into DC power and output it from the DC side input / output terminal. In other words, the DC / AC inverter 23B operates bidirectionally.

[0055] DC / DC converter 25 has a first input / output terminal connected to connection unit 21d and a second input / output terminal connected to a DC-side input / output terminal of DC / AC inverter 23B. DC / DC converter 25 can boost the discharge power of power storage device 50 input to the first input / output terminal and output it from the second input / output terminal. DC / DC converter 25 can also lower the voltage of DC power input to the second input / output terminal and output it from the first input / output terminal to charge power storage device 50. That is, DC / DC converter 25 operates bidirectionally.

[0056] The control unit 24B is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and corresponds to the "first control unit" of the present invention. Similar to the control unit 24A, the control unit 24B is connected to the connection unit 21c by three signal lines drawn with dashed lines and one communication line drawn with a dashed line. The control unit 24B is also connected to the grid current detection unit 11 and the self-sustaining relay 13 by two signal lines.

[0057] The control unit 24B has (1) a first function of controlling the DC / DC converter 22, the DC / AC inverter 23B, and the DC / DC converter 25; (2) a second function of opening and closing the switch 36 by inputting a control signal to the switch 36 via the connection units 21c and 31c when receiving a command from a user; (3) a third function of determining whether or not a leakage current has occurred in the power line from the electric vehicle charging device 30 to the electric vehicle EV, based on a signal relating to the detection result of the leakage current detection unit 34 received via the connection units 31c and 21c; (4) a fourth function (i.e., a function of monitoring charging) of determining whether or not the charging of the electric vehicle EV performed by the electric vehicle charging device 30 is normal, based on a signal relating to the detection result of the charging current detection unit 35 received via the connection units 31c and 21c; and (5) a fifth function of transmitting information bidirectionally to and from the electric vehicle EV via the connection units 21c, 31c, and 31b.

[0058] A fifth function of control unit 24B includes a function of requesting the electric vehicle EV to reduce the charging current when the value of the grid current detected by grid current detection unit 11 exceeds or is likely to exceed a predetermined contract ampere. However, in such a case, instead of requesting the electric vehicle EV to reduce the charging current, control unit 24B can also operate DC / DC converter 25 and DC / AC inverter 23B to supply the discharged power of power storage device 50 to consumer power distribution line 15.

[0059] According to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to realize an electric vehicle charging system 10B that is less expensive than the conventional system. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the value of the grid current from exceeding the contract ampere without interfering with the charging of the electric vehicle EV.

[0060] [Third Example] 3 shows an electric vehicle charging system 10C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Electric vehicle charging system 10C differs from electric vehicle charging system 10B according to the second embodiment in that it includes a solar power conditioner 20C instead of solar power conditioner 20B and in that it also includes an electric vehicle charging / discharging device (V2H device) 60C, but is otherwise common to electric vehicle charging system 10B.

[0061] The solar power conditioner 20C differs from the solar power conditioner 20B in that it further includes a connection part 21e and that it includes a control part 24C instead of the control part 24B, but in other respects it is common to the solar power conditioner 20B.

[0062] Connection portion 21e is a portion for connecting electric vehicle charging / discharging device 60C, and corresponds to the "fifth connection portion" of the present invention. Connection portion 21e is connected to the DC side input / output terminal of DC / AC inverter 23B.

[0063] The control unit 24C of the solar power conditioner 20C is made up of a microcomputer or the like, and corresponds to the "first control unit" of the present invention. Like the control units 24A and 24B, the control unit 24C is connected to the connection unit 21c by three signal lines depicted by dashed lines and one communication line depicted by dashed lines, and is also connected to the grid current detection unit 11 and the self-sustaining relay 13 by two signal lines. Unlike the control units 24A and 24B, the control unit 24C is also connected to the connection unit 21e by one communication line (dashed line). The function (operation) of the control unit 24C will be described in detail later.

[0064] The electric vehicle charging / discharging device 60C includes two connection portions 61a and 61b, a DC / DC converter 62, and a control portion 63C.

[0065] Connection portion 61a is a portion for connecting solar power conditioner 20C and corresponds to the "sixth connection portion" of the present invention. Connection portion 61b is a portion for connecting electric vehicle EV1 that is different from electric vehicle EV2 that is the target for charging by electric vehicle charging device 30 and corresponds to the "seventh connection portion" of the present invention.

[0066] DC / DC converter 62 has a first input / output terminal connected to connection portion 61a and a second input / output terminal connected to connection portion 61b. DC / DC converter 62 can step up or step down the DC power input to the first input / output terminal and output it from the second input / output terminal. DC / DC converter 62 can also step up or step down the discharge power of electric vehicle EV1 input to the second input / output terminal and output it from the first input / output terminal. In other words, DC / DC converter 62 operates bidirectionally.

[0067] Control unit 63C is formed by a microcomputer or the like. Control unit 63C is connected to connection unit 61b by one communication line depicted by a dashed dotted line. Control unit 63C is also connected to connection unit 61a by another communication line depicted by a dashed dotted line. Control unit 63C can perform bidirectional information transmission between electric vehicle EV1 and control unit 24C via these communication lines. Control unit 63C can also control DC / DC converter 62.

[0068] The electric vehicle EV1 and the connection unit 61b are connected by a power line drawn with a solid line and a communication line drawn with a dashed line, which may be combined into a single cable with an insulating exterior (coating).

[0069] The connection portion 61a and the connection portion 21e are connected by a power line drawn with a solid line and a communication line drawn with a dashed line, which may also be combined into a single cable with an insulating exterior (coating).

[0070] Control unit 24C of solar power conditioner 20C has (1) a first function of controlling DC / DC converter 22, DC / AC inverter 23B, and DC / DC converter 25, (2) a second function of opening and closing switch 36 by inputting a control signal to switch 36 via connection units 21c and 31c when a command from a user is received, and (3) a second function of detecting whether or not a leakage current has occurred in the power line from electric vehicle charging device 30 to electric vehicle EV based on a signal relating to the detection result of leakage current detection unit 34 received via connection units 31c and 21c. (4) a fourth function (i.e., a function of monitoring charging) of determining whether the charging of the electric vehicle EV2 performed by the electric vehicle charging device 30 is normal or not based on a signal relating to the detection result of the charging current detection unit 35 received via connection unit 31c and connection unit 21c; (5) a fifth function of bidirectionally transmitting information to and from the control unit 63C via connection unit 21c, connection unit 31c, and connection unit 31b; and (6) a sixth function of bidirectionally transmitting information to and from the control unit 63C via connection unit 21e and connection unit 61a.

[0071] A fifth function of control unit 24C includes a function of requesting electric vehicle EV2 to reduce the charging current when the value of the grid current detected by grid current detection unit 11 exceeds or is likely to exceed a predetermined contract ampere. However, at such a time, instead of requesting electric vehicle EV2 to reduce the charging current, control unit 24C can also operate DC / DC converter 25 and DC / AC inverter 23B to supply the discharged power of power storage device 50 to consumer power distribution line 15. Also, at such a time, instead of requesting electric vehicle EV2 to reduce the charging current, control unit 24C can operate DC / DC converter 62 via control unit 63C and operate DC / AC inverter 23B to supply the discharged power of electric vehicle EV1 to consumer power distribution line 15.

[0072] According to this embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, it is possible to realize an electric vehicle charging system 10C that is less expensive than conventional systems. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the value of the grid current from exceeding the contracted amperes without interfering with the charging of the electric vehicle EV2.

[0073] [Fourth Example] 4 shows an electric vehicle charging system 10D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Electric vehicle charging system 10D differs from electric vehicle charging system 10C according to the third embodiment in that it includes a solar power conditioner 20D instead of solar power conditioner 20C, that it includes an electric vehicle charging / discharging device 60D instead of electric vehicle charging / discharging device 60C, and that electric vehicle charging device 30 is connected to electric vehicle charging / discharging device 60D rather than solar power conditioner 20D, but in other respects it is the same as electric vehicle charging system 10C.

[0074] Solar power conditioner 20D differs from solar power conditioner 20C in that it has control unit 24D instead of control unit 24C and does not have connection unit 21c, but in other respects it is the same as solar power conditioner 20C.

[0075] The control unit 24D of the solar power conditioner 20D is composed of a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 24D is connected to the grid current detection unit 11 and the independent relay 13 by two signal lines. The control unit 24D is also connected to the connection unit 21e by a communication line (dotted chain line). The function (operation) of the control unit 24D will be described in detail later.

[0076] The charging / discharging device 60D for an electric vehicle differs from the charging / discharging device 60C for an electric vehicle in that it further includes a connection part 61c and a control part 63D instead of the control part 63C, but is otherwise the same as the charging / discharging device 60C for an electric vehicle.

[0077] The connection portion 61c is a portion for controlling the electric vehicle charging device 30, and corresponds to the "eighth connection portion" of the present invention.

[0078] The control unit 63D is composed of a microcomputer or the like, and corresponds to the "second control unit" of the present invention. The control unit 63D is connected to the connection unit 61c by three signal lines depicted by dashed lines and one communication line depicted by a dashed line. The control unit 63D is also connected to the connection unit 61b by one communication line depicted by a dashed line. The control unit 63D is also connected to the connection unit 61a by another communication line depicted by a dashed line. The function (operation) of the control unit 63D will be described in detail later.

[0079] The connection portion 31c and the connection portion 61c are connected by three signal lines and one communication line, which may be combined into a single cable with an insulating exterior (coating).

[0080] The control unit 24D of the solar power conditioner 20D has (1) a first function of controlling the DC / DC converter 22, the DC / AC inverter 23B, and the DC / DC converter 25, and (2) a second function of transmitting information bidirectionally between the control unit 24D of the electric vehicle charging / discharging device 60D and the control unit 63D via the connection unit 21e and the connection unit 61a.

[0081] In the second function of the control unit 24D, the value of the grid current detected by the grid current detection unit 11 is included in the information transmitted from the control unit 24D to the control unit 63D.

[0082] Control unit 63D of electric vehicle charging / discharging device 60D has the following functions: (1) a first function of controlling DC / DC converter 62; (2) a second function of bidirectionally transmitting information to and from electric vehicle EV1 via connection unit 61b; (3) a third function of bidirectionally transmitting information to control unit 24D via connection units 61a and 21e when a command from a user is received; (4) a fourth function of inputting a control signal to switch 36 via connection units 61c and 31c to open and close switch 36; and (5) a fourth function of detecting leakage current received via connection units 61c and 21c. The charging device 30 has a fifth function of determining whether or not a leakage current has occurred in the power line from the electric vehicle charging device 30 to the electric vehicle EV, based on a signal relating to the detection result of the detection unit 34; (6) a sixth function (i.e., a function of monitoring charging) of determining whether or not the charging of the electric vehicle EV2 performed by the electric vehicle charging device 30 is normal, based on a signal relating to the detection result of the charging current detection unit 35 received via the connection unit 31c and the connection unit 61c; and (7) a seventh function of transmitting information bidirectionally to and from the electric vehicle EV2 via the connection unit 61c, the connection unit 31c, and the connection unit 31b.

[0083] In the third function of the control unit 63D, the value of the grid current detected by the grid current detection unit 11 is included in the information that the control unit 63D receives from the control unit 24D.

[0084] A seventh function of control unit 63D includes a function of requesting electric vehicle EV2 to reduce the charging current when the value of the grid current detected by grid current detection unit 11 exceeds or is likely to exceed a predetermined contract ampere. However, in such a case, instead of requesting electric vehicle EV2 to reduce the charging current, control unit 63D can operate DC / DC converter 25 and DC / AC inverter 23B via control unit 24D to supply the discharged power of power storage device 50 to consumer power distribution line 15. In addition, in such a case, instead of requesting electric vehicle EV2 to reduce the charging current, control unit 63D can operate DC / DC converter 62 and operate DC / AC inverter 23B via control unit 24D to supply the discharged power of electric vehicle EV1 to consumer power distribution line 15. The seventh function may be performed by control unit 24D of solar power conditioner 20D, instead of control unit 63D, as in the third embodiment.

[0085] According to this embodiment, similar to the first, second, and third embodiments, it is possible to realize an electric vehicle charging system 10D that is less expensive than conventional systems. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, similar to the second and third embodiments, it is possible to prevent the value of the grid current from exceeding the contracted amperes without interfering with the charging of the electric vehicle EV2.

[0086] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the electric vehicle charging system, solar power conditioner, and electric vehicle charging / discharging device according to the present invention have been described above, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to these.

[0087] For example, as in an electric vehicle charging system 10E shown in Fig. 5 and an electric vehicle charging system 10F shown in Fig. 6, the electric vehicle charging device 30 may be connected to the consumer's power distribution line 15 via a solar power conditioner 20E having connections 21f and 21g, or a solar power conditioner 20F having connection 21g. Alternatively, the electric vehicle charging device 30 may be connected to the consumer's power distribution line 15 via an electric vehicle charging / discharging device, or via both the electric vehicle charging / discharging device and the solar power conditioner. How the electric vehicle charging device 30 and the consumer's power distribution line 15 are connected may be determined appropriately depending on the effort and cost required for wiring.

[0088] The electric vehicle charging / discharging devices 60C, 60D may be a V2H device separated into a stand-type or wall-mounted operating unit installed adjacent to the parking space of the electric vehicle EV1, and a main body unit accommodating the DC / DC converter 62 and the control units 63C, 63D.

[0089] Furthermore, the solar power conditioners 20C and 20D may be of a type that cannot be connected to the power storage device 50. In other words, the solar power conditioners 20C and 20D may not include the connection unit 21d and the DC / DC converter 25.

[0090] Furthermore, control units 24A, 24B, 24C may have a function of determining whether or not electric vehicle charging device 30 is connected, and may be configured to control switch 36 only when connected. Such a function can be easily realized, for example, by pulling up or down the end of an additional signal line extending from control units 24A, 24B, 24C depending on whether electric vehicle charging device 30 is connected. The same applies to control unit 63D. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Electric vehicle charging system 11 System current detection unit 12 Earth leakage breaker 13 Self-contained relay 14 Earth leakage breaker 15 In-consumer distribution line 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F Solar Power Conditioner 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e Connections 22 DC / DC converter 23A, 23B DC / AC inverter 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D Control section 25 DC / DC converter 30 Charging device for electric vehicles 31a, 31b, 31c Connection parts 32 Earth leakage breaker 33 Filter section 34 Leakage current detection unit 35 Charging current detection unit 36 Switch 40 Solar power generation equipment 50 Electricity storage device 60C,60D Charging and discharging equipment for electric vehicles 61a, 61b, 61c Connection parts 62 DC / DC converter 63C, 63D Control section EV,EV1,EV2 Electric vehicle G Commercial power system L Consumer load

Claims

1. A solar power conditioner used by connecting to a consumer's distribution line connected to a commercial power grid, a first connection unit for connecting the customer-premises distribution line; a second connection portion for connecting a solar power generation device; a third connection unit for controlling an electric vehicle charging device configured to charge an electric vehicle by supplying AC power supplied from the consumer's power distribution line to the electric vehicle as AC power; A first control unit; Equipped with The first control unit has (1) a function of turning on / off the charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit, and (2) a function of transmitting information to the electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit. A solar power conditioner characterized by the above.

2. The first control unit further has a function of (3) monitoring a state of the charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit. The solar power conditioner according to claim 1 .

3. The first control unit further has a function of (4) determining whether the electric vehicle charging device is connected to the third connection unit. The solar power conditioner according to claim 1 .

4. The function of transmitting information to the electric vehicle includes a function of requesting the electric vehicle to reduce a charging current when a value of a current flowing from the commercial power system to the consumer power distribution line exceeds a predetermined value. The solar power conditioner according to claim 1 .

5. Further provided is a fourth connection portion for connecting the power storage device. The solar power conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Further provided is a fifth connection portion for connecting a charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle. The solar power conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle that is connected to a consumer's distribution line connected to a commercial power system via a solar power conditioner, a sixth connection portion for connecting the solar power conditioner; a seventh connection unit for connecting a first electric vehicle that is a target for charging and discharging; an eighth connection unit for controlling an electric vehicle charging device configured to charge a second electric vehicle by supplying the AC power supplied from the consumer power distribution line to the second electric vehicle as AC; A second control unit; Equipped with The second control unit has (1) a function of turning on / off the charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit, and (2) a function of transmitting information to the second electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit. A charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle.

8. The second control unit further has a function of (3) monitoring a state of the charging performed by the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit.

8. The charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 7.

9. The second control unit further has a function of (4) determining whether the electric vehicle charging device is connected to the eighth connection unit.

8. The charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 7.

10. The function of transmitting information to the second electric vehicle includes a function of requesting the second electric vehicle to reduce a charging current when a value of a current flowing from the commercial power system to the consumer power distribution line exceeds a predetermined value.

8. The charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle according to claim 7.

11. An electric vehicle charging system used by connecting to a consumer's distribution line connected to a commercial power grid, A solar power conditioner, a charging device for an electric vehicle; Equipped with The solar power conditioner comprises: a first connection unit for connecting the customer-premises distribution line; a second connection portion for connecting a solar power generation device; a third connection portion connected to the electric vehicle charging device; A first control unit; Including, the charging device for an electric vehicle is configured to charge the electric vehicle by supplying AC power supplied from the consumer's distribution line to the electric vehicle as AC, and includes a switch for turning the charging on and off; The first control unit has (1) a function of opening and closing the switch of the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit, and (2) a function of transmitting information to and from the electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the third connection unit. An electric vehicle charging system.

12. An electric vehicle charging system used by connecting to a consumer's distribution line connected to a commercial power grid, A solar power conditioner, a charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle; a charging device for an electric vehicle; Equipped with The solar power conditioner comprises: a first connection unit for connecting the customer-premises distribution line; a second connection portion for connecting a solar power generation device; A third connection portion; A first control unit; Including, The charging / discharging device for an electric vehicle includes: a sixth connection portion connected to the third connection portion of the solar power conditioner; a seventh connection unit for connecting a first electric vehicle that is a target for charging and discharging; an eighth connection portion connected to the electric vehicle charging device; A second control unit; Including, the electric vehicle charging device is configured to charge a second electric vehicle by supplying AC power supplied from the consumer's power distribution line to the second electric vehicle as AC power, and includes a switch related to turning the charging on and off; The second control unit has (1) a function of opening and closing the switch of the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit, and (2) a function of transmitting information to and from the second electric vehicle connected to the electric vehicle charging device via the eighth connection unit. An electric vehicle charging system.

Images