Management system for uninterruptible power supply

Abstract

To provide a management system of an uninterruptible power supply which enables quick event analysis.SOLUTION: Storage device 12 of uninterruptible power supply device U collects a plurality of pieces of information including the control information of control circuit 8 and the measurement information of measurement circuit 9, and records the plurality of pieces of collected information as a plurality of pieces of waveform data. When an event corresponding to any one of the plurality of triggers occurs, the storage device 12 collectively stores a plurality of pieces of waveform data from before the recording time to after the recording time with respect to the time when the event occurs in a waveform file. The management device 20 takes in the waveform file from the uninterruptible power supply U in response to the storage device 12 storing the waveform file, and creates a summary report in which the waveform data related to the occurred event is summarized based on the taken-in waveform file. The management device 20 transmits the summary report to the terminal 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management system for uninterruptible power supplies. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-278755 (Patent Document 1) discloses an uninterruptible power supply equipped with a waveform storage circuit that stores waveform data of each part when a state change occurs, such as a failure of the uninterruptible power supply.

[0003] In this uninterruptible power supply, the waveform memory circuit converts output signals from multiple detectors provided in the uninterruptible power supply into status monitoring signals and stores the signals as trace data in the external memory circuit, which saves the trace data when the status of the uninterruptible power supply changes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-278755 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned uninterruptible power supply, even if trace data is stored in the external memory circuit, no notification is sent outside the uninterruptible power supply that the trace data has been stored, so the user must visually check the operation screen of the operation unit of the uninterruptible power supply to confirm that an event has occurred that affects the power supply reliability of the uninterruptible power supply.

[0006] Furthermore, when an event is confirmed, maintenance personnel or other personnel must travel to the site to retrieve the trace data stored in the uninterruptible power supply's external memory circuit. Furthermore, to analyze the event using the retrieved trace data, the trace data, which is written in a binary format that humans cannot read directly, must be converted into a human-readable format using a dedicated tool. This lengthens the time between the occurrence of the event and the start of event analysis, raising concerns that it could delay event analysis and the execution of maintenance work.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a management system for uninterruptible power supplies that enables rapid event analysis and the execution of maintenance work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an uninterruptible power supply management system includes an uninterruptible power supply, a management device communicatively connected to the uninterruptible power supply and managing the uninterruptible power supply, and a terminal device communicatively connected to the management device. The uninterruptible power supply includes a power converter, a first switch, a second switch, a control circuit, and a measurement circuit. The power converter receives AC power from an AC power supply and generates AC power to be supplied to a load. The first switch is connected between the power converter and the load. The second switch is connected between the bypass AC power supply and the load. The control circuit controls the power converter and the first and second switches. The measurement circuit measures currents and voltages input and output to and from the power converter, as well as currents and voltages input from the bypass AC power supply. The storage device collects multiple pieces of information, including control information from the control circuit and measurement information from the measurement circuit, and records the collected pieces of information as multiple waveform data. When an event corresponding to one of multiple preset triggers occurs, the storage device is configured to compile and save the multiple waveform data from a time before a recording time to a time after the recording time relative to the time the event occurred into a waveform file.

[0009] The management device retrieves the waveform file from the uninterruptible power supply in response to the storage device storing the waveform file, creates a summary report summarizing waveform data related to the event that occurred based on the retrieved waveform file, and transmits the created summary report to the terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, when an event occurs that concerns the power supply reliability of an uninterruptible power supply, it becomes possible to quickly analyze the event. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management system for uninterruptible power supplies according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a circuit block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware configuration of a management apparatus. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for saving a waveform file executed by an uninterruptible power supply. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for creating a summary report executed by the management device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a summary report. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of an overview report. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of an overview report. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a management system for uninterruptible power supplies according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram showing another example of the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] <Configuration of uninterruptible power supply management system> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, uninterruptible power supply management system 100 includes N uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) U1 to UN, a switching device 74, a communication line L0, a management device 20, and M terminal devices 30. N and M are integers equal to or greater than 1.

[0014] Each of the uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN includes an input terminal T1, a bypass input terminal T2, a battery terminal T3, an output terminal T4, and communication terminals T5 and T6. In the following description, the uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN may be collectively referred to as the "uninterruptible power supply U."

[0015] An input terminal T1 of the uninterruptible power supply U is connected to a commercial AC power supply 71. The commercial AC power supply 71 supplies AC power at a commercial frequency to the uninterruptible power supply U. A bypass input terminal T2 of the uninterruptible power supply U is connected to a bypass AC power supply 72. The bypass AC power supply 72 supplies AC power at a commercial frequency to the uninterruptible power supply U. The bypass AC power supply 72 may be the same as the commercial AC power supply 71, or may be a private generator.

[0016] Battery terminal T3 of uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN is connected to batteries B1 to BN, respectively. Batteries B1 to BN store DC power. A capacitor may be connected in place of each of batteries B1 to BN. In the following description, batteries B1 to BN may be collectively referred to as "battery B."

[0017] An output terminal T4 of the uninterruptible power supply U is connected to a load 73 via a switching device 74. The load 73 is driven by AC power supplied from the uninterruptible power supply U. The switching device 74 includes N switches S1 to SN provided corresponding to the uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN, respectively. In the following description, the switches S1 to SN may be collectively referred to as "switch S." A switch S is connected between the output terminal T4 of the corresponding uninterruptible power supply U and the load 73. A switch S is turned on when the corresponding uninterruptible power supply U is to be used, and is turned off when the corresponding uninterruptible power supply U is to be electrically isolated from the other uninterruptible power supplies U. For example, if uninterruptible power supply U1 fails, the corresponding switch S1 is turned off to electrically isolate the uninterruptible power supply U from the other uninterruptible power supplies U2 to UN.

[0018] The communication terminal T5 of an uninterruptible power supply U is connected to the communication terminal T5 of another uninterruptible power supply U via a communication line L0. The uninterruptible power supply U exchanges various information with the other uninterruptible power supply U via the communication line L0. Based on this information, K uninterruptible power supplies U necessary to operate the load 73 are selected from the N uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN. K is an integer between 1 and N.

[0019] The selected uninterruptible power supply U executes an operation to supply power to the load 73. During operation, when AC power is normally supplied from the commercial AC power supply 71 (when the commercial AC power supply 71 is healthy), the uninterruptible power supply U first converts the AC power supplied from the commercial AC power supply 71 into DC power, converts the DC power into AC power, supplies it to the load 73, and stores it in the battery B.

[0020] Furthermore, during operation, if AC power is not being supplied normally from the commercial AC power supply 71 (if the commercial AC power supply 71 experiences a power outage), the uninterruptible power supply U converts DC power from the battery B into AC power and supplies it to the load 73. Therefore, as long as DC power is stored in the battery B, the operation of the load 73 can continue even during a power outage. Note that the uninterruptible power supply U that is not selected to operate the load 73 performs a standby operation in which it waits without supplying power to the load 73.

[0021] Furthermore, during operation, the uninterruptible power supply U executes a diagnostic operation to diagnose whether or not a predetermined part of the uninterruptible power supply U has failed. If the uninterruptible power supply U diagnoses that a predetermined part of the uninterruptible power supply U has failed as a result of executing the diagnostic operation, the uninterruptible power supply U notifies the user of the uninterruptible power supply U. The user of the uninterruptible power supply U turns off the switch S corresponding to the failed uninterruptible power supply U, and repairs the failed uninterruptible power supply U or replaces it with a new uninterruptible power supply while driving the load 73.

[0022] The communication terminal T6 of the uninterruptible power supply U is connected to a management device 20. The management device 20 manages the uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN. The management device 20 exchanges various information with each uninterruptible power supply U. The management device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0023] (Uninterruptible power supply U) Fig. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing an example configuration of the uninterruptible power supply U. As shown in Fig. 2, the uninterruptible power supply U includes switches SW1 to SW4, current detectors CD1 to CD5, capacitors C1, C2, and C3, reactors L1 and L2, a converter 1, a DC line 2, a bidirectional chopper 4, an inverter 5, a semiconductor switch 6, an operation unit 7, a control circuit 8, a measurement circuit 9, a setting circuit 10, a communication circuit 11, a data logger 12, and a memory card 14.

[0024] The switch SW1 and reactor L1 are connected in series between the input terminal T1 and the AC node of the converter 1. When the commercial AC power supply 71 is normal, the switch SW1 is turned on. When the commercial AC power supply 71 experiences a power outage, the switch SW1 is turned off. The current detector CD1 detects a current IR (converter current) flowing between the commercial AC power supply 71 and the converter 1, and outputs a signal indicating the detected value to the measurement circuit 9. The instantaneous value of the AC voltage VR (AC input voltage) appearing at the input terminal T1 is detected by the measurement circuit 9.

[0025] Capacitor C1 is connected to a node between switch SW1 and reactor L1. Capacitor C1 and reactor L1 form AC filter F1. AC filter F1 is a low-pass filter that passes commercial frequency AC power from commercial AC power supply 71 to converter 1 and prevents switching frequency signals generated by converter 1 from passing to commercial AC power supply 71.

[0026] Converter 1 is a well-known device including a plurality of semiconductor switching elements and a plurality of diodes, and is controlled by a control circuit 8. When commercial AC power supply 71 is operating normally, converter 1 converts AC power into DC power and outputs it to DC line 2. The output voltage of converter 1 can be controlled to a desired value.

[0027] In the event of a power outage in the commercial AC power supply 71, the operation of the converter 1 is stopped. The capacitor 3 is connected to the DC line 2 and smooths the voltage of the DC line 2. The instantaneous value of the DC voltage VD appearing on the DC line 2 is detected by a measurement circuit 9.

[0028] When the commercial AC power supply 71 is normal, the control circuit 8 controls the converter 1 so that the DC voltage VD of the DC line 2 becomes equal to the reference DC voltage VDR.

[0029] The DC line 2 is connected to a high-voltage side node of a bidirectional chopper 4, and the low-voltage side node of the bidirectional chopper 4 is connected to a battery terminal T3 via a switch SW2. The switch SW2 is controlled by a control circuit 8. The switch SW2 is turned on when the uninterruptible power supply U is in use, and is turned off, for example, during maintenance of the uninterruptible power supply U and battery B.

[0030] The bidirectional chopper 4 is a well-known device including a plurality of semiconductor switching elements and a plurality of diodes, and is controlled by a control circuit 8. When the commercial AC power supply 71 is operating normally, the bidirectional chopper 4 stores the DC power generated by the converter 1 in the battery B. When the commercial AC power supply 71 experiences a power outage, the bidirectional chopper 4 supplies the DC power of the battery B to the inverter 5 via the DC line 2.

[0031] The current detector CD3 detects the current IB (battery current) flowing between the bidirectional chopper 4 and the battery B, and outputs a signal indicating the detected value to the measurement circuit 9. The measurement circuit 9 detects the instantaneous value of the terminal voltage VB of the battery B (battery voltage) that appears at the battery terminal T3.

[0032] The control circuit 8 controls the bidirectional chopper 4 so that the battery voltage VB becomes equal to the reference DC voltage VBR when the commercial AC power supply 71 is normal, and controls the bidirectional chopper 4 so that the DC voltage VD of the DC line 2 becomes equal to the reference DC voltage VDR when the commercial AC power supply 71 is in a power outage. The DC line 2 is connected to a DC node of the inverter 5.

[0033] The inverter 5 is a well-known device having a plurality of semiconductor switching elements and a plurality of diodes, and is controlled by a control circuit 8. The inverter 5 converts DC power supplied from the converter 1 or the bidirectional chopper 4 via the DC line 2 into AC power and outputs it to an output node.

[0034] That is, when the commercial AC power supply 71 is operating normally, the inverter 5 converts DC power supplied from the converter 1 via the DC line 2 into AC power, and when the commercial AC power supply 71 experiences a power outage, the inverter 5 converts DC power supplied from the battery B via the bidirectional chopper 4 into AC power. The output voltage of the inverter 5 can be controlled to a desired value. The converter 1 and the inverter 5 correspond to one embodiment of a "power converter."

[0035] An output node of the inverter 5 is connected to a first terminal of a switch SW3 via a reactor L2, and a second terminal of the switch SW3 is connected to an output terminal T4. A capacitor C2 is connected to a node between the reactor L2 and the switch SW3.

[0036] Capacitor C2 and reactor L2 constitute AC filter F2. AC filter F2 is a low-pass filter that passes commercial frequency AC power generated by inverter 5 to output terminal T4 and prevents switching frequency signals generated by inverter 5 from passing to output terminal T4.

[0037] The switch SW3 is controlled by the control circuit 8, and is turned on in an inverter power supply mode in which the AC power generated by the inverter 5 is supplied to the load 73, and is turned off in a bypass power supply mode in which the AC power from the bypass AC power supply 72 is supplied to the load 73. The switch SW3 corresponds to an example of a "first switch."

[0038] The instantaneous value of the AC voltage VA (inverter voltage) appearing at the node between the reactor L2 and the switch SW3 is detected by a measurement circuit 9. A control circuit 8 controls the inverter 5 so that the AC voltage VA becomes a sinusoidal reference AC voltage VAR. A current detector CD2 detects a current IA (inverter current) output from the inverter 5 and provides a signal indicating the detected value to the measurement circuit 9. The instantaneous value of the AC voltage VL (output voltage) supplied to a load 73 from N uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN via a switching device 74 is detected by the measurement circuit 9.

[0039] The switch SW4 is connected between the bypass input terminal T2 and the second terminal of the switch SW3, and is controlled by the control circuit 8. In the inverter power supply mode, the switch SW4 is turned off. If the inverter 5 fails in the inverter power supply mode, the switch SW4 is turned on. In the bypass power supply mode, the switch SW4 is turned on.

[0040] The semiconductor switch 6 is connected in parallel to the switch SW4. The semiconductor switch 6 includes a pair of thyristors connected in anti-parallel to each other and is controlled by the control circuit 8. The semiconductor switch 6 is turned off in the inverter power supply mode. If the inverter 5 fails in the inverter power supply mode, the semiconductor switch 6 is instantly turned on for a predetermined time. The reason for turning on the semiconductor switch 6 for a predetermined time is to prevent the semiconductor switch 6 from being damaged by heat generated by the current. The parallel circuit of the switch SW4 and the semiconductor switch 6 corresponds to one embodiment of the "second switch."

[0041] The instantaneous value of the AC voltage VS (bypass input voltage) appearing at the bypass input terminal T2 is detected by the measurement circuit 9. The current detector CD4 detects the current IS (bypass current) flowing between the bypass input terminal T2 and the semiconductor switch 6, and provides a signal indicating the detected value to the measurement circuit 9. The current detector CD5 detects the current IL (load current) flowing between the switch SW4 or inverter 5 and the output terminal T4, and provides a signal indicating the detected value to the measurement circuit 9.

[0042] The operation unit 7 includes an input device that accepts input operations by the user of the uninterruptible power supply U, and a display that displays various information. The operation unit 7 is installed, for example, on the front of a rectangular panel housing that houses the uninterruptible power supply U. By operating the operation unit 7, the user of the uninterruptible power supply U can turn the power of the uninterruptible power supply U on and off, operate the uninterruptible power supply U automatically or manually, and set the power supply mode of the uninterruptible power supply U.

[0043] Furthermore, the user of the uninterruptible power supply U can set various information by operating the operation unit 7. The various information includes trace conditions for the data logger 12 to generate trace data.

[0044] The control circuit 8, measurement circuit 9, setting circuit 10, communication circuit 11, and data logger 12 are configured using at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0045] The data logger 12 is configured to be accessible by the control circuit 8, the measurement circuit 9, the setting circuit 10, and the communication circuit 11. The data logger 12 constitutes a "storage device" for collecting and collectively storing multiple pieces of information and signals used by each of the control circuit 8, the measurement circuit 9, the setting circuit 10, and the communication circuit 11.

[0046] Specifically, measurement circuit 9 detects instantaneous values ​​of AC voltages VR, VS, VA, and VL, instantaneous value of DC voltage VD, and instantaneous value of battery voltage VB, and provides signals indicating the detected values ​​to data logger 12. Measurement circuit 9 also provides output signals of current detectors CD1 to CD5 to data logger 12. The instantaneous values ​​of AC voltages VR, VS, VA, and VL, instantaneous value of DC voltage VD, instantaneous value of battery voltage VB, and output signals of current detectors CD1 to CD6 correspond to an example of "measurement information." Data logger 12 stores the measurement information from measurement circuit 9.

[0047] The setting circuit 10 receives information set by a user of the uninterruptible power supply U operating the operation unit 7. The setting information includes information regarding power on / off of the uninterruptible power supply U, information regarding the power supply mode of the uninterruptible power supply U, and the like. The setting circuit 10 provides the setting information to a data logger 12. The data logger 12 stores the setting information from the setting circuit 10.

[0048] The communication circuit 11 exchanges various signals with other uninterruptible power supply units U via the communication terminal T5 and the communication line L0. The communication circuit 11 also exchanges various signals with external devices via the communication terminal T5. The external devices include a peripheral panel including the switching device 74, a battery panel including batteries B1-BN, and higher-level or lower-level power supply equipment. The communication circuit 11 provides information received from other uninterruptible power supply units U and external devices to the data logger 12. The data logger 12 stores the information received by the communication circuit 11. The communication circuit 11 also transmits various information provided by the data logger 12 to other uninterruptible power supply units U via the communication terminal T5 and the communication line L0, and also transmits the information to external devices via the communication terminal T5.

[0049] The control circuit 8 accesses the data logger 12 to read from the data logger 12 information necessary for controlling the uninterruptible power supply U. The information necessary for controlling the uninterruptible power supply U includes measurement information from the measurement circuit 9, setting information from the setting circuit 10, and received information from the communication circuit 11.

[0050] The control circuit 8 controls the entire uninterruptible power supply U based on the information read from the data logger 12. Specifically, the control circuit 8 controls the converter 1, the bidirectional chopper 4, and the inverter 5, and also controls the on / off of the switches SW1 to SW4 and the semiconductor switch 6, based on the measurement information, setting information, and received information. The control circuit 8 also provides the data logger 12 with control information related to the control of the uninterruptible power supply U. The control information includes control signals for controlling the converter 1, the bidirectional chopper 4, and the inverter 5, and on / off commands for the switches SW1 to SW4 and the semiconductor switch 6. The data logger 12 stores the control information from the control circuit 8.

[0051] Furthermore, the control circuit 8 determines whether or not a predetermined part, including the inverter 5, has failed based on the information read from the data logger 12, and if a predetermined part has failed, it sends a failure detection signal to the data logger 12. The data logger 12 stores the failure detection signal from the control circuit 8.

[0052] In this way, the data logger 12 stores various information and signals, including the control information of the control circuit 8, the fault detection signal, the measurement information of the measurement circuit 9, the setting information of the setting circuit 10, and the received information of the communication circuit 11. The control circuit 8 controls the entire uninterruptible power supply U while referring to the information and signals written in the data logger 12, and also stores the control information in the data logger 12.

[0053] The control information stored in the data logger 12 is constantly updated according to the control cycle of the control circuit 8. The measurement information is constantly updated according to the measurement cycle of the measurement circuit 9. The data logger 12 generates waveform data from the constantly updated information stored in the data logger 12 in accordance with preset tracing conditions.

[0054] The trace conditions are conditions under which the data logger 12 generates waveform data, and include the recording time of the information recorded by the data logger 12, multiple triggers for starting the recording of the information, and a sampling frequency. The user of the uninterruptible power supply U can set the trace conditions using the operation unit 7. The set trace conditions are stored in the data logger 12 as setting information in the setting circuit 10.

[0055] The trace conditions include a plurality of triggers that are set to various events that can occur in the uninterruptible power supply U. Such events include, for example, a failure of the uninterruptible power supply U, a power outage and recovery of the commercial AC power supply 71, and a change in the power supply mode in the uninterruptible power supply U.

[0056] For example, the data logger 12 collects a plurality of pieces of information and signals, including the control information of the control circuit 8, the fault detection signal, the measurement information of the measurement circuit 9, the setting information of the setting circuit 10, and the reception information of the communication circuit 11, in accordance with the sampling frequency set in the trace conditions, and records the collected pieces of information and signals as a plurality of pieces of waveform data. The data logger 12 constantly overwrites and records the plurality of pieces of waveform data for the recording time set in the trace conditions. When an event occurs corresponding to one of the plurality of triggers set in the trace conditions, the data logger 12 stops overwriting the plurality of pieces of waveform data at the time the event occurred or when the recording time has elapsed since the event occurred.

[0057] This allows the data logger 12 to record multiple waveform data from before the event corresponding to the trigger occurred until after the event occurred. Each waveform data is written in a binary format that is not directly readable by humans. The data logger 12 compiles the multiple waveform data generated into a single waveform file and saves it on the memory card 14. The saved waveform file is provided with information indicating the date and time the waveform file was saved, as well as information about the trigger (trigger code).

[0058] (Management device 20) The management device 20 is connected to the data logger 12 via a communication terminal T6 of the uninterruptible power supply U. The management device 20 is, for example, a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management device 20.

[0059] 3, the management device 20 includes at least one CPU 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 204, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 206, an I / F (Interface) device 208, and a storage device 210. The CPU 202, RAM 204, ROM 206, I / F device 208, and storage device 210 exchange various data via a communication bus 212.

[0060] The CPU 202 loads a program stored in the ROM 206 into the RAM 204 and executes it. The program stored in the ROM 206 describes the processes to be executed by the management device 20.

[0061] The I / F device 208 is an input / output device for exchanging signals and data with the uninterruptible power supply U and the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 is a terminal device owned by a party involved in the uninterruptible power supply U. Parties involved in the uninterruptible power supply U include, for example, consumers such as factory equipment and data centers that serve as loads 73, and maintenance and inspection companies for the uninterruptible power supply U. The terminal device 30 is, for example, a PC, a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0062] The I / F device 208 receives waveform files from the data logger 12 of the uninterruptible power supply U. The I / F device 208 also transmits a summary report generated based on the received waveform files to the terminal device 30. The summary report will be described in detail later.

[0063] The storage device 210 is a storage for storing various types of information, and stores information about the uninterruptible power supply U, waveform files received from the data logger 12 of the uninterruptible power supply U, summary reports generated from the waveform files, and information about the terminal device 30. The storage device 210 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0064] The management device 20 may further include an operation unit and a display for accepting user operations.

[0065] The management device 20 constantly monitors the operation of the data logger 12 by communicating with the data logger 12. When the management device 20 detects that the data logger 12 has saved a waveform file, it retrieves the saved waveform file from the data logger 12. The waveform file contains multiple pieces of waveform data written in binary format.

[0066] The management device 20 generates a summary report that summarizes the waveform data related to the event that occurred based on the waveform file imported from the data logger 12. The summary report is written in a human-readable data format, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), or text format.

[0067] The management device 20 outputs the created summary report. For example, the management device 20 displays the summary report on a display in response to a user operation. The user of the uninterruptible power supply U can check the created summary report. Furthermore, the management device 20 can distribute the summary report to relevant parties by transmitting the summary report to the terminal device 30 as necessary.

[0068] <Operation of the uninterruptible power supply management system> Next, the operation of the uninterruptible power supply U and the management device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for saving a waveform file executed by the uninterruptible power supply U. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is executed by the data logger 12 at predetermined intervals.

[0070] 4, in step S01, the data logger 12 collects a plurality of pieces of information and signals, including the control information of the control circuit 8, the fault detection signal, the measurement information of the measurement circuit 9, the setting information of the setting circuit 10, and the received information of the communication circuit 11, and records the collected pieces of information and signals as a plurality of pieces of waveform data. The data logger 12 constantly overwrites and records the pieces of waveform data for the recording time set in the trace conditions.

[0071] In step S02, the data logger 12 determines whether an event corresponding to any one of the multiple triggers set in the trace conditions has occurred. In S02, the data logger 12 determines whether an event such as a failure of the uninterruptible power supply U, a power outage and recovery of the commercial AC power supply 71, or a switch in the power supply mode has occurred, based on, for example, measurement information from the measurement circuit 9, a fault detection signal, and setting information from the control circuit 8. The processing of step S02 may be performed by a circuit other than the data logger 12 (for example, the control circuit 8).

[0072] If an event corresponding to any one of the multiple triggers has not occurred (NO in S02), the data logger 12 continues to execute the process of S01. Then, if it is determined that an event corresponding to any one of the multiple triggers has occurred (YES in S02), the data logger 12 stops overwriting the waveform data at the time when the event occurred or at the time when the recording time has elapsed since the event occurred in step S03, thereby generating multiple waveform data from before the recording time to after the recording time when the event corresponding to the trigger occurred.

[0073] In step S04, the data logger 12 collects the generated waveform data into one waveform file and saves it in the memory card 14. The saved waveform file is provided with information indicating the saving date and time and information related to the trigger (trigger code).

[0074] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a process for creating a summary report executed by the management device 20. A series of processes shown in this flowchart is executed by the management device 20 at predetermined intervals.

[0075] 5, in step S11, the management device 20 monitors the operation of the data logger 12. In S11, the management device 20 periodically exchanges signals with the data logger 12 to acquire the operating status of the data logger 12. In step S12, the management device 20 determines whether a waveform file has been saved in the data logger 12 based on the acquired operating status of the data logger 12. If a waveform file has not been saved in the data logger 12 (NO in S12), the management device 20 returns to S11 and continues monitoring the data logger 12.

[0076] If it is determined that the waveform file has been saved in the data logger 12 (YES in S12), the management device 20 imports the waveform file from the data logger 12 in step S13. The waveform file contains multiple waveform data written in binary format. Each waveform data indicates the time change of information or signals from before the recording time to after the recording time relative to the time when the event corresponding to the trigger occurred.

[0077] Next, in step S14, the management device 20 determines, from the imported waveform file, the event that has occurred in the uninterruptible power supply U. In S14, the management device 20 determines the event that has occurred in the uninterruptible power supply U by referring to information about the trigger (trigger code) that is added to the waveform file.

[0078] When an event that has occurred in the uninterruptible power supply U is determined, the management device 20 selects waveform data related to the event from the waveform file in step S15. In S15, the management device 20 can select waveform data related to the event that has occurred from the waveform file by referring to the table shown in FIG.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the table. As shown in FIG. 6, the table sets the type of waveform data to be selected for each event corresponding to a trigger code. The type of waveform data to be selected varies depending on the event that has occurred. The user of the uninterruptible power supply U can set in advance the waveform data required for analyzing each event. The table shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage device 210.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 5, in step S16, the management device 20 creates a summary report by graphing the waveform data selected from the waveform file. The waveform data describes, in binary format, the time change of information or signals from before the recording time until after the recording time relative to the time when an event corresponding to the trigger occurred. For each waveform data, the management device 20 creates a graph representing the time change of the information or signals described in the waveform data. Then, the management device 20 creates a summary report displaying the created graph.

[0081] In step S17, the management device 20 stores the created summary report in the storage device 210 together with the waveform file.

[0082] In step S18, the management device 20 notifies the user of the uninterruptible power supply U that the summary report has been created. In S18, for example, the management device 20 displays a message on a display notifying the user that the summary report has been created.

[0083] In step S19, the management device 20 determines whether or not an instruction to distribute a summary report has been received from the user of the uninterruptible power supply U. If an instruction to distribute a summary report has been received (YES in S19), the management device 20 transmits the saved summary report and waveform file to the terminal device 30 in step S20.

[0084] <Summary report example> Next, an example of a summary report created by the management device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first example of a summary report. The first example is a summary report created when a power outage occurs in the commercial AC power supply 71. As shown in FIG. 7, the summary report displays a graph of waveform data selected based on the table shown in FIG. 6. The summary report shows that, while the AC input voltage is cut off due to a power outage in the commercial AC power supply 71, the inverter 5 is converting the DC power supplied from the battery B via the bidirectional chopper 4 into AC power. As a result, it can be seen that even during the power outage in the commercial AC power supply 71, an output voltage is supplied from the uninterruptible power supply U to the load 73, and the load 73 continues to operate.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of a summary report. The second example is a summary report created when a failure occurs in uninterruptible power supply U and uninterruptible power supply U is disconnected. As shown in FIG. 8, the summary report displays a graph of waveform data selected based on the table shown in FIG. 6. The summary report shows that a failure occurs in uninterruptible power supply U, causing the auxiliary contact signal (off command) of switch SW3 to be set to an H (logical high) level, thereby turning off switch SW3. The summary report shows that the inverter power supply mode is stopped and power supply from the failed uninterruptible power supply U to the load 73 is stopped. Furthermore, the waveform data of the output voltages VL (UV, VW, WU) shows that even after uninterruptible power supply U is disconnected, power supply to the load 73 continues from the remaining normal uninterruptible power supply U.

[0087] FIG. 9 shows a third example of a summary report. The third example is a summary report created when inverter 5 fails during inverter power supply mode and the system is switched to bypass power supply mode. As shown in FIG. 9, the summary report displays a graph of waveform data selected based on the table shown in FIG. 6. The summary report shows that semiconductor switch 6 is first turned on, then the auxiliary contact signal (ON command) for switch SW4 is set to L level, turning switch SW4 on, and then the auxiliary contact signal (OFF command) for switch SW3 is set to H level, turning switch SW3 off. The summary report shows that power continues to be supplied to load 73 even after switching from inverter power supply mode to bypass power supply mode.

[0088] <Effects> As described above, in the uninterruptible power supply management system according to the present embodiment, when an event occurs that affects the power supply reliability of the uninterruptible power supply U, such as a power outage of the commercial AC power supply 71 or a failure of the uninterruptible power supply U, the management device 20 automatically imports a waveform file containing multiple waveform data generated when the event occurred from the data logger 12 of the uninterruptible power supply U. Then, based on the imported waveform file, the management device 20 creates a summary report that summarizes the waveform data related to the event that occurred. The created summary report displays a graph of the waveform data required for analyzing the event that occurred. If necessary, the management device 20 distributes the created summary report to relevant parties by transmitting the waveform file together with the waveform file to the terminal device 30.

[0089] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the time and cost required from the occurrence of an event until the distribution of the summary report and waveform files to the relevant parties. Furthermore, while the waveform file is composed of waveform data written in a binary format that is not directly readable by humans, the summary report displays only the waveform data necessary for analyzing the event that occurred in a graph. This eliminates the need for the relevant parties to manually select the waveform data and graph the selected waveform data using a dedicated tool. This enables rapid event analysis and maintenance work, thereby reducing the MTTR (Mean Time To Repair).

[0090] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, a configuration example has been described in which the management device 20 is a general-purpose PC, but the present invention is not limited to this. Functions equivalent to those of the management device 20 may be realized by utilizing part of a system in which a large number of computers are connected via a network, such as a so-called cloud computer. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an uninterruptible power supply management system according to a modified example of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in this modified example, the management device 20 is configured as a cloud server connected to a network 40. The management device 20 is connected to the uninterruptible power supplies U1 to UN and terminal device 30 via the network 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0091] The management device 20 creates a summary report based on the waveform file imported from the uninterruptible power supply U according to the above-described processing procedure. The management device 20 transmits the created summary report together with the waveform file to the terminal device 30 via the network 40. In this modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, in the uninterruptible power supply U (see FIG. 2), the data logger 12 collects multiple pieces of information and signals from the control circuit 8, the measurement circuit 9, the setting circuit 10, and the communication circuit 11 and records them as waveform data, and when an event corresponding to one of multiple triggers occurs, generates multiple pieces of waveform data from before the recording time to after the recording time for the time when the event occurred. However, the entity that generates the multiple pieces of waveform data is not limited to the data logger 12; as shown in FIG. 11, the control board 16 that controls the entire uninterruptible power supply U may generate the multiple pieces of waveform data.

[0093] Fig. 11 is a circuit block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the uninterruptible power supply U. As shown in Fig. 11, the control board 16 is configured to include a storage device 18 in addition to the control circuit 8, measurement circuit 9, setting circuit 10, and communication circuit 11 shown in Fig. 2.

[0094] The storage device 18 collects multiple pieces of information and signals, including control information from the control circuit 8, fault detection signals, measurement information from the measurement circuit 9, setting information from the setting circuit 10, and received information from the communication circuit 11, and records the collected pieces of information and signals as multiple pieces of waveform data. The storage device 18 constantly overwrites and records multiple pieces of waveform data for the recording time set in the trace conditions. When an event occurs corresponding to one of the multiple triggers set in the trace conditions, the storage device 18 stops overwriting the waveform data at the time the event occurred or when the recording time has elapsed since the event occurred, thereby generating multiple pieces of waveform data from before the recording time to after the recording time relative to the time the event corresponding to the trigger occurred. The storage device 18 provides the generated multiple pieces of waveform data to the data logger 12.

[0095] The data logger 12 compiles the generated waveform data into a single waveform file and saves it on the memory card 14. The saved waveform file is assigned information indicating the date and time of saving and information related to the trigger (trigger code). When the waveform file is saved in the data logger 12, the management device 20 imports the waveform file from the data logger 12 and creates a summary report that summarizes the waveform data related to the event that occurred based on the imported waveform file.

[0096] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 converter, 2 DC line, 3, C1, C2 capacitor, 4 bidirectional chopper, 5 inverter, 6 semiconductor switch, 7 operation unit, 8 control circuit, 9 measurement circuit, 10 setting circuit, 11 communication circuit, 12 data logger, 14 memory card, 16 control board, 18 storage device, 20 management device, 30 terminal device, 40 network, 71 commercial AC power supply, 72 bypass AC power supply, 73 load, 74 switching device, 100 management system, 202 CPU, 204 RAM, 206 ROM, 208 I / F device, 210 storage device, 212 communication bus, B1 to BN battery, CD1 to CD6 current detector, F1, F2 AC filter, L0 communication line, L1, L2 reactor, T1 input terminal, T2 bypass input terminal, T3 battery terminal, T4 output terminal, T5, T6 Communication terminal, U1~UN,U Uninterruptible power supply.

Claims

1. an uninterruptible power supply; a management device that is communicatively connected to the uninterruptible power supply and that manages the uninterruptible power supply; a terminal device communicatively connected to the management device; The uninterruptible power supply is a power converter that receives AC power from an AC power source and generates AC power to be supplied to a load; a first switch connected between the power converter and the load; a second switch connected between the bypass AC power supply and the load; a control circuit that controls the power converter and the first and second switches; a measurement circuit that measures a current and a voltage input to and output from the power converter, and a current and a voltage input from the bypass AC power supply; a storage device that collects a plurality of pieces of information including control information of the control circuit and measurement information of the measurement circuit, and records the collected plurality of pieces of information as a plurality of waveform data; the storage device is configured to, when an event corresponding to any one of a plurality of preset triggers occurs, collectively store the plurality of waveform data from a time before a recording time to a time after the recording time with respect to the time when the event occurred in a waveform file; The management device In response to the storage device storing the waveform file, the waveform file is read from the uninterruptible power supply; generating a summary report summarizing waveform data related to the event based on the captured waveform file; The uninterruptible power supply management system transmits the created summary report to the terminal device.

2. The management device Identifying an event that has occurred in the uninterruptible power supply from the captured waveform file; selecting waveform data relating to the event from the plurality of waveform data included in the waveform file; The uninterruptible power supply management system according to claim 1 , wherein the summary report is generated by graphing selected waveform data.

3. The waveform data is written in a binary format that is not directly readable by humans, The uninterruptible power supply management system according to claim 2 , wherein the management device creates the summary report written in a human-readable data format from the selected waveform data.

4. The uninterruptible power supply management system according to claim 1 , wherein the management device transmits the summary report and the waveform file to the terminal device.

5. 4. The uninterruptible power supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of events include a failure of the uninterruptible power supply, a power outage and restoration of the AC power supply, and a switching of a power supply mode of the uninterruptible power supply.

6. The uninterruptible power supply is a setting circuit that receives information set by a user of the uninterruptible power supply; a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving various signals to and from an external device; 4. The uninterruptible power supply management system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device collects the plurality of pieces of information including control information of the control circuit, measurement information of the measurement circuit, setting information of the setting circuit, and reception information of the communication circuit, and records the collected plurality of pieces of information as the plurality of waveform data.

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