Power measuring device and power measuring method

Abstract

To provide a power measurement device that can reduce the man-hours required for initial setup. [Solution] A power measuring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a power measuring device connected to a power line, comprising: a reading unit that detachably loads a recording medium and reads predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium; and a communication unit that receives a request for information from a monitoring device and transmits a response information to the monitoring device that includes dummy data that simulates a measured value including at least one of the current value and voltage value of the power line in response to the request for information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power measurement device and a power measurement method.

Background Art

[0002] In order to monitor the power consumption of electrical equipment and the like, a power measurement device is provided for each piece of equipment. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for setting the station number of its own power measurement device by performing serial communication with another power meter via a network.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When installing a power measurement device, initial settings used for communication tests, operation tests, etc. are performed on the device. When a plurality of power measurement devices are installed, similar settings are made for these devices. It is desirable that the initial settings cover not only the station numbers of the devices but also all necessary settings as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1. When manually performing the necessary initial settings for a plurality of power measurement devices one by one, there is a problem that the man-hours involved in the settings increase.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a power measurement device capable of reducing the man-hours for initial settings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power measuring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a power measuring device connected to a power line, comprising: a reading unit that detachably loads a recording medium and reads predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium; and a communication unit that receives a request for information from a monitoring device and transmits to the monitoring device a response information that includes dummy data that simulates a measured value including at least one of the current value and voltage value of the power line in response to the request for information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The power measurement device described herein can reduce the man-hours required for initial setup. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a configuration diagram of a power supply system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram showing the configuration of a power measuring device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of predetermined setting information in a power measuring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the time-series change of measured values ​​in a power measuring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram illustrating a power measurement method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical components, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] <Configuration of power supply system 1> Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The power supply system 1 includes a power source 2, a load 3, a power measuring device 10, and a monitoring device 20. The load 3 is included in work equipment 30 such as a factory that performs a predetermined work process. In addition, the power supply system 1 may include multiple power measuring devices 10, loads 3, and work equipment 30, and the number of loads 3 per work equipment 30 may also be multiple.

[0011] The work equipment 30 is equipment installed in a factory or the like where products are manufactured and processed, and is equipped with a load 3 that operates using electricity supplied from a power source 2. The predetermined work process is a process in the manufacturing and processing of products, and is a process that is performed using the load 3. The predetermined work process is not limited to, for example, when processing an object to be processed such as a key, a process of cutting the key with an electric motor.

[0012] Power source 2 is a power generation facility for transmitting commercial AC power. Power generation facilities are, for example, facilities of power generation operators such as thermal power plants, solar power plants, and wind power plants. Power source 2 may transmit three-phase AC power consisting of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, or it may transmit single-phase AC power. In this embodiment, power source 2 will be described as one that transmits three-phase AC power.

[0013] Hereinafter, the U-phase current flowing from power source 2 through power line 4a to load 3 will be referred to as the "U-phase load current." The V-phase current flowing from power source 2 through power line 4b to load 3 will be referred to as the "V-phase load current." The W-phase current flowing from power source 2 through power line 4c to load 3 will be referred to as the "W-phase load current." Furthermore, the U-phase load current, V-phase load current, and W-phase load current are collectively referred to as the "load current."

[0014] The load 3 is a device that is used in a work facility 30 such as a factory and operates using the load current supplied from the power source 2. The load 3 may be, for example, an electric motor for driving a processing facility such as a cutter that processes a workpiece such as a key. The type of the load 3 is not limited to this, and it may also be a tool for welding and soldering such as soldering, an electric drill, an electric driver, a sewing machine, or the like.

[0015] The power measurement device 10 is installed in a factory or the like for the purpose of calculating the power consumption amount or the like. By being connected to the power lines 4a, 4b, 4c, the power measurement device 10 can measure the current and voltage of the power lines 4a, 4b, 4c. The power measurement device 10 is connected between the power source 2 and the load 3.

[0016] The current transformer (CT: Current Transformer) 5a detects the load current of the U phase flowing through the power line 4a. The current transformer 5b detects the load current of the W phase flowing through the power line 4c. Based on the detection signals respectively detected by the current transformers 5a, 5b, the power measurement device 10 measures the current values of the load currents of the U phase and the W phase flowing from the power source 2 to the load 3.

[0017] The voltage transformers (VT: Voltage Transformer) 6a, 6b are connected to the power lines 4a, 4b, 4c. The voltage transformer 6a is connected between the power line 4a through which the load current of the U phase flows and the power line 4b through which the load current of the V phase flows, and measures the line voltage between UV. The voltage transformer 6b is connected between the power line 4b through which the load current of the V phase flows and the power line 4c through which the load current of the W phase flows, and measures the line voltage between VW.

[0018] The power measurement device 10 includes, for example, an integration circuit that integrates the detection signals respectively detected by the current transformers 5a, 5b, an amplification circuit that amplifies the signal integrated by the integration circuit, and the like. However, the configuration of the power measurement device 10 is not limited to this.

[0019] In addition, the power measurement device 10 measures the current value and voltage value of the load 3, and calculates the power consumption, power factor, and frequency of the load 3 based on the measured current value and voltage value. The power measurement device 10 transmits the measured current value and voltage value, and information such as the power consumption obtained by calculation, to the monitoring device 20, which is a higher-level device, as response information in response to the provision request information acquired from the monitoring device 20. The response information includes the information such as the measured current value and voltage value and power consumption measured by the power measurement device 10, and their dummy data.

[0020] As will be described later, the power measurement device 10 may transmit, as response information to the monitoring device 20, dummy data simulating measurement values including at least either the current value or voltage value of the power lines 4a, 4b, 4c. Buttons may be provided operably on the power measurement device 10 to set whether to transmit dummy data by button operation.

[0021] The power measurement device 10 and the monitoring device 20 are connected via the communication path 7a. In addition, the power measurement device 10 and the work equipment are connected via the communication path 7b. The communication paths 7a and 7b may be wireless communication paths or wired communication paths. Examples of the communication paths 7a and 7b include Ethernet, RS-485, WiFi (registered trademark), and the like.

[0022] Based on the information received from the power measurement device 10, the monitoring device 20 monitors the power consumption of the load 3 and the state of the connection parts of the power lines 4a, 4b, 4c in the power supply system 1. The state of the connection parts of the power lines 4a, 4b, 4c in the power supply system 1 refers to, for example, the on / off state of a wiring circuit breaker (MCCB: Molded Case Circuit Breaker) not shown in the figure and the state of screw wiring of the cable of the MCCB.

[0023] Furthermore, the monitoring device 20 can determine the connection status and validity of the measured values ​​of each power line 4a, 4b, and 4c of the multiple power measuring devices 10 by acquiring measured values ​​such as current values, voltage values, and power consumption from the multiple power measuring devices 10. Based on the measured values ​​acquired from the power measuring devices 10, the monitoring device 20 can determine any abnormality in the work equipment 30. If the monitoring device 20 determines that there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30, it can notify the monitoring device 20 of the abnormality.

[0024] <Configuration of power measuring device 10> Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a power measuring device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The power measuring device 10 can perform various settings within the device by reading information recorded on the recording medium 11. The power measuring device 10 comprises a reading unit 12, a communication unit 13, a determination unit 14, and a calculation unit 15.

[0025] The recording medium 11 is a medium that can be attached to and detached from the power measuring device 10. The recording medium 11 is, for example, an SD card. Various data such as dummy data that simulates measured values ​​including at least one of the current and voltage values ​​of power lines 4a, 4b, and 4c, predetermined setting information, and information processing programs are recorded on the recording medium 11. The predetermined setting information includes various information such as items related to alarms corresponding to the measured values, communication protocols with other devices, and initial settings such as time settings.

[0026] The dummy data and predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium 11 are included in a file that is created in advance so that it can be copied by another device. The power measuring device 10 can read the file containing the predetermined setting information from the recording medium 11 and perform initial settings automatically based on the contents of the read file.

[0027] The reading unit 12 loads the recording medium 11 in a removable manner and reads predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium 11. When the power measuring device 10 is powered on, the reading unit 12 detects that the recording medium 11 is loaded and reads the predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium 11.

[0028] The communication unit 13 communicates with the monitoring device 20 and the work equipment 30, which are higher-level devices. The communication unit 13 receives information requesting information from the monitoring device 20 and sends response information to the monitoring device 20 that includes dummy data simulating measured values, which include at least one of the current and voltage values ​​of the power lines 4a, 4b, and 4c, in response to the information requesting information.

[0029] Furthermore, the communication unit 13 determines whether or not to communicate between the power measuring device 10 and the monitoring device 20 based on whether or not it is possible to transmit response information to the information request received from the monitoring device 20. The communication unit 13 communicates between the power measuring device 10 and the work equipment 30 and receives a trigger signal from the work equipment 30 to start a predetermined work process.

[0030] The determination unit 14 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the measured value and a predetermined threshold value for the measured value. More specifically, the determination unit 14 may determine whether or not there is an abnormality based on the time-series change of the measured value and a predetermined threshold value for the measured value. If there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30, the measured values ​​such as the current value of the load 3 included in the work equipment 30, measured by the power measuring device 10, are often different from normal values.

[0031] Therefore, the determination unit 14 may determine that there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30, for example, when the measured current value is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the determination unit 14 determines that there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30, the power measuring device 10 may notify the user of the abnormality by sound and by lighting an LED (light-emitting diode).

[0032] The calculation unit 15 receives a trigger signal transmitted from the work equipment 30 that performs the predetermined work process when the predetermined work process is started, and starts calculating the amount of power consumed in the load 3 during the predetermined work process to calculate the integrated power value.

[0033] The calculated cumulative energy consumption may be recorded on the recording medium 11. Furthermore, the recording of the cumulative energy consumption on the recording medium 11 may be performed during a predetermined time period. This allows for a comparison of daily energy consumption changes within the same time period, and enables the correlation between energy consumption and process content at the work process level.

[0034] Here, an example of predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium 11 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of predetermined setting information in a power measuring device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The predetermined setting information includes items related to communication (T1 in the figure), items related to measurement (T2 in the figure), and items related to alarms (T3 in the figure).

[0035] In the communication-related items, CT and CT ratio are the sensor magnifications for current transformers 5a and 5b. The sensor magnification can be set for each current transformer 5a and 5b. The primary voltage and secondary voltage of VT are the rated voltages for the primary and secondary sides of instrument transformers 6a and 6b, respectively. The fixed power factor is set for each circuit in increments of 0.01. The pulse multiplier is the number of pulses converted per unit power consumption.

[0036] The communication protocol may be a standard protocol or a proprietary protocol. The communication station number is a station number set for each power measuring device 10. The transmission speed is the transmission speed between the power measuring device 10 and the monitoring device 20, set within the range of 4.8 to 38.4 kbps. The data length and parity are set as follows: data length and either odd parity or even parity.

[0037] In the measurement-related items, the average time / recording time is the period for recording the measured values ​​on the recording medium 11, and is set in minutes. The card recording mode is a setting that determines when the measured values ​​are recorded on the recording medium 11, once a day. The time setting is the setting for the internal clock of the power measuring device 10. The current / voltage demand time, power demand time, and leakage current demand time are the time periods for recording the presence or absence of current, voltage, power, and leakage current, respectively, on the recording medium 11.

[0038] Regarding alarms, output assignment allows for the allocation of one of the following outputs from the power measuring device 10—pulse output, power alarm, current alarm, leakage alarm, momentary voltage sag alarm, and reverse phase alarm—to each channel. Multiple outputs can be configured in the output assignment. For power alarms and current alarms, thresholds for power and current that trigger the alarm are set. For leakage alarms, the threshold for the alarm output is set based on the leakage current value and leakage time.

[0039] The reverse-phase alarm setting determines whether or not an alarm is issued in case of connection errors with each phase of power lines 4a, 4b, and 4c. The S-phase current anomaly detection setting determines whether or not an alarm is issued in case of a ground fault. Power measurement allows selection of whether to measure the power of the UV phase, VW phase, or single-phase three-wire system. Furthermore, offset and gain alarm settings can be configured for the measured values ​​converted to industrial values.

[0040] The input type can be selected from current input (4-20mA), DI signal, voltage input (0-5V), and pulse input. The momentary voltage drop alarm setting is for alarms that occur when the voltage or other parameters temporarily drop. Additionally, a setting lock option allows you to choose whether or not to lock the above settings.

[0041] The specified setting information is not limited to the items shown in Figure 3; other items may be included, and some of the illustrated items may be omitted. Also, the "settings," "steps," and "units" in the figure are not limited to those shown.

[0042] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the time-series change of measured values ​​in a power measuring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the graph shown, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the current value. The current value is the measured value of the load current supplied to the load 3 of the power supply system 1, and shows the time-series change of the current value when the work equipment 30 is normal and when there is an abnormality.

[0043] Furthermore, A and B in the figure represent the time periods during which a predetermined work process is being carried out at the work equipment 30, such as a factory, and will be referred to as "Process A" and "Process B" below, respectively. Process A and Process B are cutting processes when processing an object to be processed, such as a key, using a cutter, and may be processes for cutting different parts of the key. Also, Th1 in the figure is the threshold value of the current value in Process A, and Th2 is the threshold value of the current value in Process B.

[0044] If there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30, the measured values ​​such as the current value of the load 3 included in the work equipment 30, as measured by the power measuring device 10, are often different from normal values. For example, when machining with a drill, if the drill is worn down, the current value supplied to the work equipment 30 will increase. As shown in the figure, if the current value in process A exceeds the threshold Th1, the determination unit 14 determines that there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30. Also, if the current value in process B exceeds the threshold Th2, the determination unit 14 determines that there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30.

[0045] If the determination unit 14 determines that there is an abnormality in the work equipment 30, the time-series change in the current value is recorded on the recording medium 11 in association with the date and time the abnormality occurred. The waveform recording on the recording medium 11 may be performed during a preset time period. In this way, the user can compare the waveform changes of the time-series changes in measured values ​​such as the current value for each time period and identify the cause of the abnormality in the work equipment 30.

[0046] <Power Measurement Method> Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a power measurement method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The state diagnosis method is performed by the power measurement device 10.

[0047] The recording medium 11 has various data pre-recorded on it, including dummy data that simulates measured values, which include at least one of the current and voltage values ​​of power lines 4a, 4b, and 4c, as well as predetermined setting information (S101). When the power measuring device 10 is powered on, the reading unit 12 of the power measuring device 10 detects that the recording medium 11 is loaded and reads the predetermined setting information and other files recorded on the recording medium 11 (S102).

[0048] The communication unit 13 of the power measuring device 10 receives a request for information from the monitoring device 20 (S103). Then, it transmits response information to the monitoring device 20 that includes dummy data simulating a measured value, which includes at least one of the current and voltage values ​​of the power lines 4a, 4b, and 4c, in response to the request for information (S104).

[0049] The communication unit 13 determines whether or not to communicate with the monitoring device 20 based on whether or not it can transmit response information to the information request received from the monitoring device 20 (S105). The power measuring device 10 measures current values, voltage values, and other measurement values ​​of power lines 4a, 4b, and 4c (S106). At this time, the determination unit 14 of the power measuring device 10 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the measured measurement values ​​and predetermined threshold values ​​for the measurement values ​​(S107). The measured measurement values ​​and measurement results such as whether or not there is an abnormality are recorded on the recording medium 11 (S108) and transmitted to the monitoring device 20 (S109).

[0050] When the calculation unit 15 of the power measuring device 10 receives a trigger signal from the work equipment 30 that performs the predetermined work process (S110), it starts calculating the amount of power consumed in the predetermined work process and calculates an integrated power value (S111). The calculated integrated power value is recorded on the recording medium 11 (S112) and transmitted to the monitoring device 20 (S113).

[0051] These steps enable the implementation of a power measurement method according to one embodiment of the present invention. However, the power measurement method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include other steps as appropriate, depending on the measurement conditions, measurement environment, etc.

[0052] <Effects> The power measuring device 10 can automatically perform initial settings and other configurations based on a copyable file containing predetermined setting information and other data recorded on the recording medium 11. Therefore, the time required for initial setup of multiple power measuring devices 10 is reduced, and the occurrence of configuration errors can be suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, the recording medium 11 contains dummy data that simulates measured values, including at least one of the current and voltage values ​​of power lines 4a, 4b, and 4c. Therefore, even if a power measuring device 10 is newly installed and there are no measured values ​​such as current values ​​yet, various tests such as communication tests can be performed by transmitting dummy data to the monitoring device 20. In addition, the man-hours required to set the dummy data in the power measuring device 10 are reduced.

[0054] Therefore, the power measurement device 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the amount of work required for initial setup.

[0055] As described above, embodiments have been explained, but these embodiments are presented as examples only, and the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1. Power supply system 10 Power measuring device 11 Recording media 12 Reading section 13 Communications Department 14 Judgment Department 15 Calculation Department 20 Monitoring devices 30 Operating equipment

Claims

1. A power measuring device connected to a power line, A reading unit that loads a recording medium in a removable manner and reads predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium, A communication unit that receives information requesting information from a monitoring device and transmits response information to the monitoring device that includes dummy data simulating measured values, including at least one of the current value and voltage value of the power line, in response to the information requesting information. A power measuring device equipped with the following features.

2. When the power measuring device is powered on, the reading unit detects that the recording medium is loaded and reads the predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium. The power measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined setting information includes items related to alarms corresponding to the measured values, The power measuring device according to claim 1.

4. The communication unit determines whether or not to communicate with the monitoring device based on whether or not it is possible to transmit the response information to the provision request information received from the monitoring device. The power measuring device according to claim 1.

5. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the measured value and the threshold value of the measured value. The power measuring device according to claim 1.

6. The determination unit determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the time-series change of the measured value and the threshold value of the measured value. The power measuring device according to claim 5.

7. The system further includes a calculation unit that receives a trigger signal from work equipment performing a predetermined work process, initiates the calculation of the amount of power consumed in the predetermined work process, and calculates an integrated value of the power consumption. The power measuring device according to claim 1.

8. A power measurement method performed by a power measuring device connected to a power line, The steps include: loading a recording medium in a removable manner and reading predetermined setting information recorded on the recording medium; The steps include receiving information requesting information from a monitoring device, and transmitting response information to the monitoring device that includes dummy data simulating measured values, at least one of the current value and voltage value of the power line, in response to the information requesting information; A power measurement method including the following.

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