Operation testing device for automatic changeover switch and operation testing method for automatic changeover switch

Abstract

To conduct an operation test for an automatic changeover switch and an automatic changeover switching function reliably in a short time.SOLUTION: An operation testing device 1 comprises: a first connection unit 11 to be connected to a commercial power supply-side terminal; a second connection unit 12 to be connected to a storage battery-side terminal; a third connection unit 13 to be connected to a load-side terminal; a power supply unit 20 capable of executing first voltage control of applying voltage to the first connection unit 11 and second voltage control of applying voltage to the second connection unit 12; and a control unit 21 controlling the power supply unit 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation testing device for an automatic transfer switch used when testing whether an automatic transfer switch installed in, for example, a house operates normally, and to an operation testing method for an automatic transfer switch function. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been growing interest in renewable energy sources such as solar power, and demands for ensuring a stable power supply in the event of a disaster. In this context, the popularity of home storage batteries that can be charged by solar power and can supply power during a commercial power outage is increasing. In homes where home storage batteries are installed, an automatic full-load power supply switching panel is installed on the primary side (commercial power supply side) of the home distribution panel (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). By installing an automatic full-load power supply switching panel, the system automatically switches to power supply from the home storage battery during a commercial power outage, and automatically switches back to power supply from the commercial power supply when the commercial power is restored. This makes it possible to continuously supply power to loads and avoid power loss during power outages and power restoration without the user having to perform any special operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-108482 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-189346 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 1 , a full-load power supply automatic changeover panel 100 incorporates a first circuit breaker 101, a second circuit breaker 102, a third circuit breaker 103, and an automatic transfer switch 110. The first circuit breaker 101 is a grid-connection circuit breaker to which a commercial power supply 130 and a storage battery (power conditioner) 150 are connected, and is also connected to a commercial power supply side terminal (first terminal) 111 of the automatic transfer switch 110. The second circuit breaker 102 is an independent operation circuit breaker to which a storage battery is connected, and is also connected to a storage battery side terminal (second terminal) 112 of the automatic transfer switch 110. The third circuit breaker 103 is a main distribution panel circuit breaker connected to a load side terminal (third terminal) 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110, and is provided for input to the residential distribution panel 200.

[0005] In this configuration, during normal operation (when there is no power outage), the contacts of the automatic transfer switch 110 are on the side of the commercial power supply side terminal 111, so that inputs from the commercial power supply 130 and the storage battery 150 are input to the commercial power supply side terminal 111 of the automatic transfer switch 110 via the first circuit breaker 101 and supplied to the residential distribution board 200 (load). When the commercial power supply 130 experiences a power outage, as shown in Fig. 2, the contacts of the automatic transfer switch 110 are switched to the side of the storage battery side terminal 112, the output point of the storage battery 150 is switched, and the power input from the storage battery 150 via the second circuit breaker 102 is supplied to the residential distribution board 200. When power is restored, the output point of the storage battery 150 is switched to the normal output point, and the contacts of the automatic transfer switch 110 are switched to the side of the commercial power supply side terminal 111, returning to the normal state.

[0006] Since the automatic transfer switch performs an important function in order to reliably perform the above-mentioned operations, it is extremely important to check whether the automatic transfer switch operates normally. However, in the past, in order to check the operation of the automatic transfer switch, it was necessary to prepare multiple expensive pieces of equipment, and the connection work and preparation work between these multiple pieces of equipment and the automatic transfer switch were complicated, so it took a long time to check whether the automatic transfer switch was operating normally.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object thereof is to enable an operation test of an automatic transfer switch to be performed reliably in a short time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present invention can be based on an operation test device for an automatic transfer switch having a commercial power supply side terminal, a storage battery side terminal, and a load side terminal. The operation test device for an automatic transfer switch includes a first connection part connected to the commercial power supply side terminal of the automatic transfer switch, a second connection part connected to the storage battery side terminal of the automatic transfer switch, a third connection part connected to the load side terminal of the automatic transfer switch, a power supply part configured to be able to perform first voltage control for applying a voltage to the first connection part and second voltage control for applying a voltage to the second connection part, and a control part for controlling the power supply part.

[0009] In addition, the automatic switching switch operation testing device may further include a detection unit that detects the voltage output from the third connection unit when the power supply unit performs the first voltage control and the second voltage control, and an output unit that outputs the detection result detected by the detection unit.

[0010] In addition, the operation testing device for an automatic transfer switch may further include a judgment unit that judges whether the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch is normal or not based on the voltage detected by the detection unit, and an output unit that outputs the judgment result judged by the judgment unit.

[0011] Preparation for the operational test of the automatic transfer switch is completed by connecting the first connection part to the commercial power supply side terminal of the automatic transfer switch, the second connection part to the storage battery side terminal of the automatic transfer switch, and the third connection part to the load side terminal, so there is no need for the connection work to multiple devices as in the past, and the time required to prepare for the operational test is reduced.

[0012] During the operation test, the control unit controls the power supply unit, and when the power supply unit executes the first voltage control, a voltage is applied to the first connection unit. When the power supply unit executes the second voltage control, a voltage is applied to the second connection unit. By detecting the voltage output from the third connection unit when the first voltage control and the second voltage control are executed, the determination unit can determine whether the contacts of the automatic transfer switch are normal.

[0013] The judgment unit can determine that the contact switching operation of the automatic switching switch is normal if the detection unit detects a voltage when the power supply unit performs the first voltage control and if the detection unit detects a voltage when the power supply unit performs the second voltage control.

[0014] The control unit can control the power supply unit to simultaneously execute the first voltage control and the second voltage control. In this case, the determination unit can perform priority circuit determination of the automatic transfer switch based on the voltage detected by the detection unit when the power supply unit simultaneously executes the first voltage control and the second voltage control. This also makes it possible to test the priority circuit.

[0015] The control unit may control the power supply unit to first execute one of the first voltage control and the second voltage control, and then execute the other voltage control after the completion of the first voltage control. In this case, the determination unit can acquire the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch by measuring the time from when the other voltage control is executed to when the detection unit detects the voltage.

[0016] The automatic transfer switch operation testing device may further include a receiving unit that receives a user input of an operation delay time set in the automatic transfer switch. In this case, the determining unit can determine whether the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch is normal based on the time from when the other voltage control is executed until the detection unit detects the voltage and the operation delay time received by the receiving unit. This makes it possible to test the operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch.

[0017] The automatic transfer switch operation test device may further include a display unit that displays the detection results by the detection unit and the determination results by the determination unit, thereby making it possible to present the detection results and the determination results to a user in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0018] When the voltage of the power supply connected to the power supply unit is outside a preset range, the power supply unit can be controlled to stop applying voltage from the power supply unit, thereby improving safety during testing.

[0019] The power supply unit can also be controlled to stop applying voltage when the current flowing through the load terminal is outside a preset range, thereby improving safety during testing.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be based on a method for testing an operation of an automatic switching function that switches power sources supplied to a load during a power outage. This method includes a voltage application step of applying a voltage to the commercial power supply side terminal of the automatic switching function and applying a voltage to the storage battery side terminal of the automatic switching function, a detection step of detecting a voltage output from the load side terminal of the automatic switching function during execution of the voltage application step, and a determination step of determining whether or not the contact switching operation of the automatic switching function is normal based on the voltage detected in the detection step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, when this operation test device is connected to the commercial power supply side terminal, storage battery side terminal, and load side terminal of an automatic transfer switch or automatic transfer switch function, and voltage is applied to the commercial power supply side terminal and storage battery side terminal, the test results of the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch or automatic transfer switch function can be obtained based on the voltage output from the load side terminal, so that operation tests of the automatic transfer switch or automatic transfer switch function can be performed quickly and reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a full-load automatic power supply changeover panel in normal operation. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a full-load power automatic changeover panel in the event of a power outage. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected to the automatic transfer switch. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an automatic transfer switch operation testing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the details of the operation of the automatic transfer switch. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation test of the automatic transfer switch. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of the priority circuit determination. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0024] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 3 shows a state in which an automatic transfer switch operation test device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "operation test device 1") according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected to an automatic transfer switch 110. The automatic transfer switch 110 has a commercial power supply side terminal 111, a storage battery side terminal 112, and a load side terminal 113. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the operation test device 1. The operation test device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used when testing whether the automatic transfer switch 110 installed in, for example, a house operates normally. The automatic transfer switch 110 is built into a full-load power supply automatic changeover panel 100 together with a first circuit breaker 101, a second circuit breaker 102, and a third circuit breaker 103 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The configuration of the full-load power supply automatic changeover panel 100 is as described above.

[0025] The operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. In step S1, power is supplied from the commercial power supply 130 shown in Fig. 1. After time t1 (approximately 0 to 5 seconds) has elapsed since power was supplied from the commercial power supply 130, the automatic transfer switch 110 automatically switches the contact to the commercial power supply side terminal 111 (step S2). Time t1 is the operation delay time when switching to the commercial side. Note that if the initial state of the contact is on the commercial side, power can be supplied to the load immediately. Furthermore, this operation is maintained until a power outage occurs in the commercial power supply 130.

[0026] On the other hand, when a power outage occurs, the output point of the storage battery 150 switches after about 1 second or more has elapsed, and power is input from the storage battery 150 to the automatic transfer switch 110 (step S3). The timing at which step S3 is executed is set according to the delay time set by the power conditioner, and may differ, for example, depending on the storage battery manufacturer. After time t2 (about 0 to 5 seconds) has elapsed since power from the storage battery 150 was input, the contact is automatically switched to the storage battery side terminal 112 side (step S4). Time t2 is the operation delay time when switching to the storage battery side.

[0027] Thereafter, when power is restored to the commercial power source 130, the contact is automatically switched to the commercial power source side terminal 111 side after time t3 (approximately 0 to 5 seconds) has elapsed (step S5). Time t3 is an operational delay time when switching to the commercial side. At this time, if power is supplied from both the commercial power source 130 and the storage battery 150, priority is given to the commercial side. This is achieved by a priority circuit included in the automatic transfer switch 110. When the priority circuit is set to the commercial side, priority is given to the power supply from the commercial power source 130 as described above, but when the priority circuit is set to the storage battery side, priority is given to the power supply from the storage battery 150.

[0028] In this way, the automatic transfer switch 110 is configured to supply power to the load while switching between the commercial power source 130 as a normal power source and the storage battery 150 as an emergency power source according to the situation. Furthermore, the automatic transfer switch 110 has a priority circuit setting function, so that when power is supplied from both the commercial power source 130 and the storage battery 150, one of them can be given priority to supply to the load. Furthermore, the automatic transfer switch 110 has a delay time setting function, so that an operation delay of 0 seconds (immediate operation) to 5 seconds can be implemented after voltage is applied. The times t1, t2, and t3 may differ depending on, for example, the manufacturer of the automatic transfer switch 110. The storage battery 150 is connected to, for example, a solar panel or the like, so that the storage battery 150 can be charged using renewable energy.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3 , the operation test device 1 includes a housing 10, a first connection part 11 connected to a commercial power supply side terminal 111 of an automatic transfer switch 110, a second connection part 12 connected to a battery side terminal 112 of the automatic transfer switch 110, a third connection part 13 connected to a load side terminal 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110, and a power supply terminal 14 connected to a power source. The first connection part 11, the second connection part 12, the third connection part 13, and the power supply terminal 14 are arranged to face the outside of the housing 10, allowing a user to easily perform wiring connection work. The power source handled by the operation test device 1 is single-phase AC, and the device is provided with two first connection parts 11 connected to the commercial power supply side terminal 111, two second connection parts 12 connected to the battery side terminal 112, and one third connection part 13 connected to the load side terminal 113. Two power supply terminals 14 are provided. The power supply terminals 14 can be connected to, for example, a commercial power source or a portable power source.

[0030] The first connection portion 11, the second connection portion 12, and the third connection portion 13 can be configured, for example, as terminals having magnet adapters. That is, a wiring-side magnet is provided at the end of the wiring connected to the first connection portion 11, and a body-side magnet that is attracted to the wiring-side magnet is provided in the first connection portion 11. By attracting the wiring-side magnet and the body-side magnet, the electrical connection between the wiring and the first connection portion 11 can be maintained. The location where the magnet adapter is provided is not particularly limited, and the magnet adapter may be provided on the opposite side from the example described above, or on both sides.

[0031] The use of a magnetic adapter eliminates the need for tools for installation and connection, allows for quick and easy connection and disconnection of wiring, and ensures reliable conduction of the wiring when connected. The second connection portion 12 and the third connection portion 13 are similar to the first connection portion 11. Note that wiring may also be connected using tools, clips, etc., without using a magnetic adapter.

[0032] The operation test device 1 also includes a display unit 15 and a reception unit 16. The display unit 15 is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel, and is capable of displaying, for example, characters, symbols, images, various user interfaces, etc. The reception unit 16 is configured, for example, with switches, buttons, etc., and is a part that receives inputs such as various input operations and selection operations by the user. For example, the reception unit 16 also includes a start button (described later) that is operated to start a test.

[0033] The display unit 15 and the reception unit 16 are disposed on the surface of the housing 10. By using a touch-type operation panel, the display unit 15 and the reception unit 16 can be integrated. For example, an image showing a button or the like can be displayed on the display unit 15, and button operations displayed on the display unit 15 can be received by the touch-type operation panel (reception unit).

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the operation test device 1 includes a power supply unit 20, a control unit 21, a commercial power side transmitting unit 22, a battery side transmitting unit 23, a detection unit 24, and a determination unit 25. Power is supplied to the power supply unit 20 from a power source connected to a power supply terminal 14. The control unit 21 is a unit that controls the power supply unit 20, and is configured, for example, by a microcomputer including a central processing unit and storage devices such as ROM and RAM. The central processing unit operates according to programs stored in the storage device, and performs various processes, calculations, and controls as will be described later.

[0035] The power supply unit 20 is configured to be able to perform a first voltage control for applying a voltage to the first connection unit 11 and a second voltage control for applying a voltage to the second connection unit 12. That is, a first relay 31 is provided between the first connection unit 11 and a main body of the power supply unit 20, and a second relay 32 is provided between the second connection unit 12 and the main body of the power supply unit 20. The first relay 31 and the second relay 32 are components that constitute part of the power supply unit 20, and the control unit 21 controls the opening and closing of the first relay 31 and the second relay 32, thereby performing switching from a state in which a voltage is applied to the first connection unit 11 to a state in which a voltage is not applied, switching from a state in which a voltage is not applied to the first connection unit 11 to a state in which a voltage is applied, switching from a state in which a voltage is applied to the second connection unit 12 to a state in which a voltage is not applied, and switching from a state in which a voltage is not applied to the second connection unit 12 to a state in which a voltage is applied. The control unit 21 can also control the power supply unit 20 so as to simultaneously execute the first voltage control and the second voltage control. Note that a power switch circuit other than the first relay 31 and the second relay 32 may be provided.

[0036] Control unit 21 can also control power supply unit 20 to first execute one of the first and second voltage controls and then execute the other voltage control after one of the voltage controls has finished. It is also possible to execute the first voltage control first and then start the second voltage control after finishing the first voltage control, or to execute the second voltage control first and then start the first voltage control after finishing the second voltage control.

[0037] The commercial-side transmitting unit 22 and the storage battery-side transmitting unit 23 are controlled by the control unit 21. The commercial-side transmitting unit 22 is a unit that transmits a signal of a predetermined waveform different from the AC waveform of the commercial power source 130, and superimposes the signal of the predetermined waveform (first waveform) on the current supplied from the power supply unit 20 to the first connection unit 11. The storage battery-side transmitting unit 23 is a unit that transmits a signal of a predetermined waveform (second waveform) different from the waveform of the signal of the commercial-side transmitting unit 22 and the AC waveform of the commercial power source 130, and superimposes the signal of the predetermined waveform on the current supplied from the power supply unit 20 to the second connection unit 12. The waveform of the signal transmitted by the commercial-side transmitting unit 22 and the waveform of the signal transmitted by the storage battery-side transmitting unit 23 do not have to be different.

[0038] By having commercial power side transmitting unit 22 and storage battery side transmitting unit 23 transmit (output) signals with different waveforms, when detecting unit 24 detects the voltage, it can be determined whether the signal from commercial power side transmitting unit 22 is a superimposed voltage or the signal from storage battery side transmitting unit 23 is a superimposed voltage. A separate determination unit may be provided to determine whether the signal from commercial power side transmitting unit 22 is a superimposed voltage or the signal from storage battery side transmitting unit 23 is a superimposed voltage, or the determination may be performed by control unit 21, detection unit 24, and determination unit 25 without providing a determination unit.

[0039] The commercial power side transmitting unit 22 and the storage battery side transmitting unit 23 are controlled by the control unit 21. The control unit 21 causes the commercial power side transmitting unit 22 to transmit a signal in accordance with the timing at which the first voltage control is performed, and stops transmitting the signal when the first voltage control ends. The control unit 21 also causes the storage battery side transmitting unit 23 to transmit a signal in accordance with the timing at which the second voltage control is performed, and stops transmitting the signal when the second voltage control ends.

[0040] The detection unit 24 is connected to the third connection unit 13, and detects the voltage output from the third connection unit 13 when the first voltage control and the second voltage control are being performed by the power supply unit 20. Since the waveform of the signal transmitted by the commercial side transmitting unit 22 or the waveform of the signal transmitted by the storage battery side transmitting unit 23 is superimposed on the voltage supplied from the power supply unit 20, the detection unit 24 can detect each waveform by detecting the voltage.

[0041] When the first voltage control or the second voltage control is executed, a voltage is applied to the commercial power supply side terminal 111 or the storage battery side terminal 112 of the automatic transfer switch 110, and therefore a voltage is output from the load side terminal 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110. The voltage output from the load side terminal 113 is input to the third connection unit 13 of the operation test device 1, and therefore the detection unit 24 can indirectly detect the voltage output from the load side terminal 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110. The detection unit 24 can also detect signals transmitted from the commercial power side transmitting unit 22 and the storage battery side transmitting unit 23. The detection unit 24 continuously detects the voltage output from the third connection unit 13 during the test. The detection result by the detection unit 24 is output to the determination unit 25.

[0042] The determination unit 25 is a part that determines whether or not the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal, based on the voltage detected by the detection unit 24. For example, if the detection unit 24 detects a voltage when the power supply unit 20 is performing the first voltage control and if the detection unit 24 detects a voltage when the power supply unit 20 is performing the second voltage control, the determination unit 25 determines that the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal. On the other hand, if no voltage is detected both when the power supply unit 20 is performing the first voltage control and when the power supply unit 20 is performing the second voltage control, the determination unit 25 determines that the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 is abnormal.

[0043] When making this determination, determination unit 25 can use a signal transmitted from commercial-side transmitting unit 22 or storage battery-side transmitting unit 23. That is, commercial-side transmitting unit 22 and storage battery-side transmitting unit 23 are connected to determination unit 25, and determination unit 25 can acquire information regarding whether commercial-side transmitting unit 22 and storage battery-side transmitting unit 23 are transmitting signals. When commercial-side transmitting unit 22 is transmitting a signal with a predetermined waveform and detection unit 24 receives the signal with the predetermined waveform, determination unit 25 determines that detection unit 24 has detected a voltage. Also, when storage battery-side transmitting unit 23 is transmitting a signal with a predetermined waveform and detection unit 24 receives the signal with the predetermined waveform, determination unit 25 determines that detection unit 24 has detected a voltage.

[0044] An example of a test method for the automatic transfer switch 110 using the operation test device 1 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The automatic transfer switch 110 may be a new, unused product after manufacture, or may be a product that has been used at least once (a reused product). In step SA1 after the start, the reception unit 16 receives various setting operations by the user. This step is the reception step. Specifically, when the user operates the reception unit 16 to set the power supply voltage (e.g., 100V, 200V, etc.), the operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch 110, and the priority circuit, each setting is received by the reception unit 16 and stored in, for example, a storage device.

[0045] The power supply voltage can be set to, for example, 100V or 200V, the same as the voltage supplied to the load. The operation delay time can be set to any number of seconds, for example, between 0 and 5 seconds. The operation delay time when switching to the commercial side and the operation delay time when switching to the storage battery side can be set.

[0046] In setting the priority circuit, when power is supplied from both the commercial power source 130 and the storage battery 150, it is possible to set whether to give priority to the commercial side, which supplies power from the commercial power source 130 to a load, or the storage battery side, which supplies power from the storage battery 150 to a load. When setting each option, a user interface (described later) is displayed on the display unit 15, and the setting can be made on the user interface. In addition, the commercial power source side terminal 111 of the automatic transfer switch 110 is connected to the first connection part 11, the storage battery side terminal 112 of the automatic transfer switch 110 is connected to the second connection part 12, the load side terminal 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110 is connected to the third connection part 13, and the power supply terminal 14 is connected to a power source. These are the preparation steps.

[0047] In step SA2, the test begins. Before starting the test, the full-load power automatic switching panel 100 is placed in a no-voltage, no-load state. After completing various settings, the user presses the start button on the reception unit 16. When the control unit 21 detects that the start button has been pressed, it starts the following processing. The user simply presses the start button, and the control unit 21 and other units automatically execute each process required for the test from the start to the end of the test without requiring any other operation. This is a function of the control unit 21. Furthermore, when the start button is pressed, a synchronization process is executed to synchronize the power waveforms of each unit.

[0048] In step SA3, the settings received in step SA1 are read from the storage device and reflected. In step SA4, the control unit 21 determines the power supply voltage, i.e., the voltage of the power supply connected to the power supply unit 20. The control unit 21 compares the voltage of the power supply connected to the power supply unit 20 with the voltage setting reflected in step SA3, and controls the power supply unit 20 to prevent the power supply unit 20 from applying a voltage if the voltage of the power supply connected to the power supply unit 20 is outside the preset range. Specifically, if the voltage of the power supply connected to the power supply unit 20 exceeds the voltage setting set by the user—for example, if a voltage significantly exceeding 100V is input when the voltage setting is 100V—the flow chart proceeds to "False," determining that the voltage of the power supply connected to the power supply unit 20 is outside the preset range, preventing the power supply unit 20 from applying a voltage, and then returning to step SA1. On the other hand, if the voltage of the power supply connected to the power supply unit 20 is within the preset range, the flow chart proceeds to "True."

[0049] In step SA5, the control unit 21 controls the power supply unit 20 to execute the first voltage control and the second voltage control. This step SA5 is a voltage application step in which a voltage is applied to the commercial power supply side terminal 111 of the automatic transfer switch 110 and a voltage is applied to the storage battery side terminal 112 of the automatic transfer switch 110.

[0050] In step SA6, the control unit 21 determines the initial contact direction of the automatic transfer switch 110. This step is an initial contact direction determination step. In the initial contact direction determination step, the detection unit 24 first executes a detection step in which it detects the voltage output from the load-side terminal 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110 while executing the voltage application step. The procedure for determining the initial contact direction based on the voltage detected by the detection unit 24 is as follows: if no voltage is detected at the load-side terminal 113 when voltage is applied only to the commercial power-side terminal 111 of the automatic transfer switch 110, the control unit 21 determines that the initial contact direction of the automatic transfer switch 110 is the battery side; and conversely, if no voltage is detected at the load-side terminal 113 when voltage is applied only to the battery-side terminal 112 of the automatic transfer switch 110, the control unit 21 determines that the initial contact direction of the automatic transfer switch 110 is the commercial side. This determination result is temporarily stored in a storage device or the like. If no voltage is detected at the load side terminal 113 when a voltage is applied to the commercial power supply side terminal 111 of the automatic transfer switch 110 and when a voltage is applied to the storage battery side terminal 112, the determination unit 25 determines that the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 is not normal. This step is a determination step for determining whether or not the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal based on the voltage detected in the detection step.

[0051] If it is determined that the initial contact direction of the automatic transfer switch 110 is the battery side, the process proceeds to step SA7. In step SA7, commercial-side operation delay time measurement is performed. First, the power supply unit 20 executes second voltage control to apply voltage only to the battery-side terminal 112 of the automatic transfer switch 110, and then, after the second voltage control ends, executes first voltage control to apply voltage only to the commercial-power-side terminal 111. The determination unit 25 measures the time from when the first voltage control is executed to when the detection unit 24 detects the voltage, thereby obtaining the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch 110. This step is an operation delay time obtaining step.

[0052] The determination unit 25 determines whether the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal based on the time from when the first voltage control is executed until the detection unit 24 detects the voltage and the operation delay time received by the reception unit 16. The operation delay time received by the reception unit 16 is the operation delay time when switching to the commercial side. For example, if the difference between the time from when the first voltage control is executed until the detection unit 24 detects the voltage and the preset operation delay time is 10% or more longer or shorter than the preset operation delay time, the determination unit 25 determines that the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch 110 is abnormal. If the difference is less than 10%, the determination unit 25 determines that the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal. The above value of "10%" is an example and is not limited to 10%. A determination threshold for determining whether the operation delay time is normal can be set taking into account measurement error, etc. This step is a determination step for determining whether the operation delay time is within the normal range.

[0053] In step SA8, the power supply unit 20 executes a first voltage control in which voltage is applied only to the commercial power supply side terminal 111 of the automatic transfer switch 110, and then executes a second voltage control in which voltage is applied only to the storage battery side terminal 112 after the first voltage control ends. The determination unit 25 measures the time from when the second voltage control is executed until the detection unit 24 detects the voltage, thereby obtaining the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch 110. The determination unit 25 determines whether the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal or not, based on the time from when the second voltage control is executed until the detection unit 24 detects the voltage and the operation delay time received by the reception unit 16. The operation delay time received by the reception unit 16 is the operation delay time when switching to the storage battery side. The determination method is as described above.

[0054] In step SA9, the determination unit 25 performs a priority circuit determination for the automatic transfer switch 110 based on the voltage detected by the detection unit 24 when the first voltage control and the second voltage control are being executed simultaneously by the power supply unit 20. Specifically, if the detection unit 24 detects a waveform signal transmitted from the commercial side transmitting unit 22 when the first voltage control and the second voltage control are being executed simultaneously by the power supply unit 20, the determination unit 25 determines that the commercial side is the priority circuit. Conversely, if the detection unit 24 detects a waveform signal transmitted from the battery side transmitting unit 23 when the first voltage control and the second voltage control are being executed simultaneously by the power supply unit 20, the determination unit 25 determines that the battery side is the priority circuit. This step is a priority circuit determination step.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for determining the priority circuit. In this sequence diagram, sequences No. 1 to 4 are executed in order. In sequence No. 1, voltage is applied to the commercial side, and no voltage is applied to the storage battery side. In sequence No. 2, voltage is applied to both the commercial side and the storage battery side. In sequence No. 3, no voltage is applied to the commercial side, and no voltage is applied to the storage battery side. In sequence No. 4, voltage is applied to both the commercial side and the storage battery side. By obtaining the contact direction through sequences No. 1 to 4, it is possible to determine the priority circuit.

[0056] If there is a "no priority" mode for the priority circuit, it is possible to determine the priority circuit by executing all of sequences No. 1 to 4. However, if there is no "no priority" mode, it is possible to determine the priority circuit by only some of the sequences, as in the specific example above.

[0057] If the initial contact direction is determined to be the commercial side in step SA6, proceed to step SA10. In step SA10, the battery side operation delay time is measured as in step SA8. In step SA11, the commercial side operation delay time is measured as in step SA7. In step SA12, the priority circuit is determined as in step SA9.

[0058] In step SA13, the control unit 21 controls the display unit 15 to display the result of the determination by the determination unit 25 on the display unit 15. At this time, if the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal, the display unit 15 displays that the contact switching operation is normal, and if the contact switching operation is not normal, the display unit 15 displays that the contact switching operation is not normal. This step is a display step.

[0059] Furthermore, if the operation delay time is within the normal range, the display unit 15 is caused to display that the operation delay time is within the normal range in a display step, and if the operation delay time is outside the normal range, the display unit 15 is caused to display that the operation delay time is outside the normal range. Furthermore, if there is no problem in the result of the priority circuit determination, the display unit 15 is caused to display that there is no problem in the display step, and if there is a problem in the result of the priority circuit determination, the display unit 15 is caused to display that there is a problem. This allows the user to understand the operation test results of the automatic transfer switch 110 just by looking at the display unit 15.

[0060] Display unit 15 can also display information related to the voltage value detected by detection unit 24. For example, when detection unit 24 is continuously detecting voltage, it can display a graph showing the change in voltage over time or the absolute value of the voltage. Display unit 15 can also display the applied voltage applied by power supply unit 20.

[0061] If no "false" judgment is made in step SA4, steps SA3 to SA13 are automatically executed. Therefore, after connecting and setting up the wiring, the user can obtain the test results simply by operating the start button, which significantly reduces the labor required for testing compared to conventional methods.

[0062] After performing the operation test of the first automatic transfer switch 110 as described above, it is also possible to disconnect the wiring and perform an operation test of another automatic transfer switch 110. In this case, the wiring needs to be connected and disconnected multiple times, but in this embodiment, a magnetic adapter is used, so that the wiring can be connected and disconnected quickly even if multiple times, improving test efficiency.

[0063] The determination step may be executed by the user. For example, after executing the first voltage control and the second voltage control, the user may detect the voltage output from the third connection part 13, and based on the detection result, the user may execute a step of determining the initial contact direction, a step of determining whether the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch 110 is normal, etc.

[0064] The automatic switching switch 110 has an automatic switching function that switches the power supply to the load during a power outage, so by using the operation test method of this embodiment, the operation of the automatic switching function can be tested.

[0065] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 300 displayed on the display unit 15. In this embodiment, a touch-type operation panel (acceptor 16) is configured to accept button operations displayed on the display unit 15. Specifically, the user interface screen 300 is provided with a setting button 301, a details button 302, a save button 303, a measurement start button 304, an A-side delay time setting button 305, a B-side delay time setting button 306, a priority circuit setting button 307, and a voltage setting button 308.

[0066] For example, when the setting button 301 is operated in the reception step, it becomes possible to set test conditions, and test conditions set by the user can be accepted. When the details button 302 is operated, detailed settings become possible, and detailed settings by the user can be accepted. When the save button 303 is operated, it becomes possible to save various setting conditions set by the user. When the measurement start button 304 is operated, the operation test device 1 automatically executes each step of the test described above.

[0067] When the A-side delay time setting button 305 is operated, it becomes possible to set one of the operation delay time when switching to the commercial power side and the operation delay time when switching to the storage battery side. When the B-side delay time setting button 306 is operated, it becomes possible to set the other of the operation delay time when switching to the commercial power side and the operation delay time when switching to the storage battery side. When the priority circuit setting button 307 is operated, it becomes possible to set whether to prioritize the commercial side that supplies power from the commercial power source 130 to the load, or the storage battery side that supplies power from the storage battery 150 to the load, when power is supplied from both the commercial power source 130 and the storage battery 150. When the voltage setting button 308 is operated, it becomes possible to set the power supply voltage.

[0068] In addition to the above-mentioned buttons 301 to 308, the user interface screen 300 is also provided with a real-time display area 310, an A-side delay time display area 311, a B-side delay time display area 312, a priority circuit display area 313, and a voltage display area 314. The real-time display area 310 displays the current measurement value in approximately real time, allowing the user to quickly and accurately grasp the current measurement value by looking at the real-time display area 310. The real-time display area 310 displays the voltage unit when measuring voltage, and the time unit when measuring time. Unit switching is performed automatically.

[0069] The measured delay times (measurement results) are displayed in the A-side delay time display area 311 and the B-side delay time display area 312. The priority circuit display area 313 displays whether the priority circuit is as set, displaying "OK" if it is as set, and "NG" if it is different from the set. The voltage display area 314 displays the measured voltage.

[0070] 8 is an example, and only buttons 301 to 308 may be displayed, or only display areas 310 to 314 may be displayed. Also, only some of buttons 301 to 308 may be displayed, or only some of display areas 310 to 314 may be displayed.

[0071] (Embodiment 2) 9 is a diagram showing a state in which an operation testing device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is connected to an automatic transfer switch 110. In the second embodiment, two third connection parts 13 are provided to be connected to the load side terminals 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110, and the two third connection parts 13 are connected to the two load side terminals 113. That is, after a voltage is applied by the power supply part 20, the voltage input to the third connection part 13 is detected by the detection part 24, thereby enabling the determination step to be executed. The other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0072] (Embodiment 3) 10 is a diagram showing a state in which an operation testing device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is connected to an automatic transfer switch 110. Similar to the second embodiment, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that two third connection parts 13 connected to the load side terminals 113 of the automatic transfer switch 110 are provided, and an internal power supply 40 is provided. Since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0073] The internal power supply 40 takes the place of an external power supply. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the power supply terminal 14 to which the external power supply is connected is not required. The internal power supply 40 is, for example, a battery (including a primary battery and a secondary battery). Power is supplied to the power supply unit 20 from the internal power supply 40. Therefore, at the test site, there is no need to connect a power supply to the performance test device 1, which saves time and effort.

[0074] (Embodiment 4) 11 is a block diagram of an operation test device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a second detection unit 24B for checking whether a load (such as a home appliance) is connected to the automatic transfer switch 110 is provided in addition to a first detection unit 24A for detecting the voltage output from the third connection unit 13 when the power supply unit 20 is performing the first voltage control and the second voltage control. The other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0075] The first detector 24A of the fourth embodiment is the same as the detector 24 of the first embodiment. The second detector 24B is connected to the commercial side and the storage battery side and is configured to be able to detect current. The second detector 24B is connected to the control unit 21, and the detection result by the second detector 24B is input to the control unit 21.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an operation test according to the fourth embodiment. Steps SB1 to SB6 are the same as steps SA1 to SA6 in FIG. 6. In step SB7 in FIG. 12, power supply unit 20 supplies power from the storage battery side. In step SB8, control unit 21 checks the load current based on the detection result by second detection unit 24B. If the load current is checked, an error is displayed and the process returns to step SB1. If the load current is not checked, the process proceeds to step SB9. Steps SB9 to SB11 and SB17 are the same as steps SA7 to SA9 and SA13 in FIG. 6.

[0077] On the other hand, in step SB12, power supply unit 20 supplies power from the commercial side. In step SB13, control unit 21 checks the load current based on the detection result by second detection unit 24B. If the load current is checked, an error message is displayed and the process returns to step SB1. If the load current is not checked, the process proceeds to step SB14. Steps SB14 to SB16 are the same as steps SA10 to SA12 in FIG. 6.

[0078] That is, if a load is connected when an operation test of the automatic transfer switch 110 is performed, the power output may be insufficient, and the automatic transfer switch 110 may not operate correctly. Also, the load may be damaged by the power supplied from the operation test device 1. Therefore, the test must be performed with no load connected, and in this embodiment, as described above, the operation test device 1 is equipped with a function for checking whether a load is connected, so that the test can be performed safely.

[0079] (Embodiment 5) Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an operation testing device 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with an internal power supply 40 as in the third embodiment, and with a second detection unit 24B for checking whether a load is connected to the automatic transfer switch 110 as in the fourth embodiment. Since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, a description of the same parts will be omitted. The fifth embodiment can also execute the process shown in Fig. 12.

[0080] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described multiple embodiments can be combined with each other to form a single embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] As described above, the automatic transfer switch operation testing device and operation testing method according to the present invention can be used when testing an automatic transfer switch installed in a house or the like, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Automatic transfer switch operation test equipment 11 First connection part 12 Second connection part 13 Third connection part 15 Display section 16 Reception Department 20 Power supply section 21 Control section 24 Detector 25 Judgment section 110 Automatic transfer switch 111 Commercial power side terminal 112 Battery side terminal 113 Load side terminal

Claims

1. An operation test device for an automatic transfer switch having a commercial power supply side terminal, a storage battery side terminal, and a load side terminal, a first connection portion connected to the commercial power supply side terminal of the automatic transfer switch; a second connection portion connected to the storage battery side terminal of the automatic transfer switch; a third connection portion connected to the load side terminal of the automatic transfer switch; a power supply unit configured to be able to perform first voltage control for applying a voltage to the first connection portion and second voltage control for applying a voltage to the second connection portion; and a control unit that controls the power supply unit.

2. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 1, a detection unit that detects a voltage output from the third connection unit when the power supply unit performs the first voltage control and the second voltage control; and an output unit that outputs the detection result detected by the detection unit.

3. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 1, a detection unit that detects a voltage output from the third connection unit when the power supply unit performs the first voltage control and the second voltage control; a determination unit that determines whether or not a contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch is normal based on the voltage detected by the detection unit; and an output unit that outputs the determination result determined by the determination unit.

4. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 3, The judgment unit determines that the contact switching operation of the automatic transfer switch is normal if the detection unit detects a voltage when the power supply unit performs the first voltage control and if the detection unit detects a voltage when the power supply unit performs the second voltage control.

5. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 3, the control unit controls the power supply unit to simultaneously perform the first voltage control and the second voltage control; The determination unit performs a priority circuit determination for the automatic transfer switch based on the voltage detected by the detection unit when the power supply unit is simultaneously performing the first voltage control and the second voltage control.

6. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 3, the control unit controls the power supply unit so as to first perform one of the first voltage control and the second voltage control, and to perform the other voltage control after completion of one of the voltage controls; The determination unit measures the time from when the other voltage control is executed to when the detection unit detects the voltage, thereby obtaining the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch.

7. 7. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 6, a receiving unit for receiving an input from a user of an operation delay time set in the automatic transfer switch; The determination unit determines whether the actual operation delay time of the automatic transfer switch is normal based on the time from when the other voltage control is executed until the detection unit detects the voltage and the operation delay time received by the reception unit.

8. 3. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 2, The automatic transfer switch operation testing device further comprises a display unit that displays the detection result output from the output unit.

9. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 3, The automatic transfer switch operation testing device further comprises a display unit that displays the determination result output from the output unit.

10. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 3, An operation testing device for an automatic transfer switch that controls a power supply unit so that the power supply unit does not apply voltage when the voltage of the power supply to which the power supply unit is connected is outside a predetermined range.

11. The automatic transfer switch operation testing device according to claim 1, An operation testing device for an automatic transfer switch that controls the power supply unit so that the power supply unit does not apply voltage when the current flowing through the load side terminal is outside a preset range.

12. An operation test method for an automatic switching function that switches power supply to a load during a power outage, comprising: a voltage application step of applying a voltage to a commercial power supply side terminal of the automatic switching function and applying a voltage to a storage battery side terminal of the automatic switching function; a detection step of detecting a voltage output from a load side terminal of the automatic switching function during execution of the voltage application step; and a determination step of determining whether or not the contact switching operation of the automatic switching function is normal based on the voltage detected in the detection step.

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