Power supply system, mobile device, and control method for power supply system

Abstract

The present invention provides a power supply system, a mobile device, and a control method for the power supply system. [Solution] In the power supply system, if the overcurrent determination unit determines that the load device side current, which is the current supplied from the power supply circuit to the load device 42, is an overcurrent, the control device executes load disconnection control on the drive device 46 to disconnect the VTOL electric motor 20 or the cruise electric motor 24 from the power supply circuit. If the load device side current remains an overcurrent despite the execution of load disconnection control, the control device executes power generator disconnection control on the first disconnection device 62 to disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply system, a moving body, and a control method for a power supply system.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-529997 discloses an aircraft electrical energy supply network (power supply system).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a long-felt need for a better power supply system, a moving body having a better power supply system, and a control method for a better power supply system.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply system comprising: a power generator that outputs DC power; a load device including a drive device that converts DC power to AC power to drive a load; a power supply circuit that supplies DC power supplied from the power generator to the load device; a first disconnection device that can disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit; an overcurrent determination unit that determines whether the load device side current, which is the current supplied from the power supply circuit to the load device, is an overcurrent; and a control unit that controls the drive device and the first disconnection device, wherein if the overcurrent determination unit determines that the load device side current is an overcurrent, the control unit executes a load disconnection control on the drive device to disconnect the load from the power supply circuit; and if the load device side current remains an overcurrent despite the execution of the load disconnection control, the control unit executes a power generator disconnection control on the first disconnection device to disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit.

[0007] A second aspect of this disclosure is a mobile device having a power supply system according to the first aspect.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a power supply system comprising: a power generator that outputs DC power; a load device including a drive device that converts DC power to AC power to drive a load; a power supply circuit that supplies DC power supplied from the power generator to the load device; a first disconnection device that can disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit; and an overcurrent determination unit that determines whether the load device side current, which is the current supplied from the power supply circuit to the load device, is an overcurrent, wherein if the overcurrent determination unit determines that the load device side current is an overcurrent, a load disconnection control is executed on the drive device to disconnect the load from the power supply circuit; and if the load device side current remains an overcurrent despite the execution of the load disconnection control, a power generator disconnection control is executed on the first disconnection device to disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides a better power supply system, a mobile device having a better power supply system, and a better method for controlling a power supply system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile body in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system in one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device in one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of shutdown control performed in a control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the operation of a power supply system in one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the operation of a power supply system in one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the operation of a power supply system in one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Power supply systems for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have been disclosed for some time. These power supply systems include a generator, a load device, and a power supply circuit. The generator converts the alternating current (AC) power generated by a generator into direct current (DC) power and outputs it. The power supply circuit supplies the DC power supplied from the generator to the load device. The load device converts the DC power supplied from the power supply circuit into AC power and is driven by the AC power.

[0012] Conventionally, if a short circuit occurred within the load device, the generator was disconnected from the power supply circuit by a circuit breaker. When the generator is disconnected from the power supply circuit, the load on the generator decreases, causing the generator's rotational speed to increase. In such cases, the generator may be stopped to protect it.

[0013] In the power supply system of the present disclosure, even when a short circuit occurs in the load device, the case where the power generation device stops can be reduced.

[0014] [One Embodiment] [Configuration of Moving Body] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a moving body 10 in one embodiment. The moving body 10 in one embodiment is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL aircraft). The moving body 10 has a fuselage 12. A cockpit, a cabin, etc. are provided in the fuselage 12. A pilot boards the cockpit and controls the moving body 10. Passengers and the like board the cabin. The moving body 10 may be automatically controlled.

[0015] The moving body 10 has a front wing 14 and a rear wing 16. When the moving body 10 moves forward, lift is generated in each of the front wing 14 and the rear wing 16.

[0016] [[ID=IP18]] The moving body 10 has eight VTOL rotors 18 and two cruise rotors 22. One VTOL electric motor 20 is provided for one VTOL rotor 18. The VTOL electric motor 20 is a single-phase three-phase motor. One cruise electric motor 24 is provided for one cruise rotor 22. The cruise electric motor 24 is a two-phase three-phase motor.

[0017] [Configuration of Power Supply System] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system 26 in one embodiment. The power supply system 26 has two power supply systems, a first power supply system 28a and a second power supply system 28b. The power supply system 26 includes two power generation devices 30 as main power sources. The two power generation devices 30 are a power generation device 30a and a power generation device 30b. The power generation device 30a is provided in the first power supply system 28a, and the power generation device 30b is provided in the second power supply system 28b.

[0018] Each of the power generation devices 30 has a gas turbine 32, a generator 34, and a power drive unit (hereinafter referred to as PDU) 36. The gas turbine 32 drives the generator 34. Thereby, the generator 34 generates electricity. The PDU 36 converts the alternating current power generated by the generator 34 into direct current power and outputs it. When starting the gas turbine 32, the PDU 36 converts the direct current power input to the PDU 36 into alternating current power and outputs it to the generator 34. The generator 34 operates with the alternating current power, and the generator 34 starts the gas turbine 32.

[0019] Each power generation device 30 has a current sensor 31. The current sensor 31 detects the current of the power input and output to each power generation device 30. The current sensor 31 is provided on the positive wiring, but may be provided on the negative wiring.

[0020] Each power generation device 30 may have various sensors such as a voltage sensor, and elements such as fuses, relays, breakers, diodes, transistors, resistors, coils, and capacitors.

[0021] The power supply system 26 includes four power supply circuits 38. The four power supply circuits 38 are a power supply circuit 38a, a power supply circuit 38b, a power supply circuit 38c, and a power supply circuit 38d.

[0022] The power supply system 26 includes four load modules 40. The four load modules 40 are a load module 40a, a load module 40b, a load module 40c, and a load module 40d.

[0023] Power supply circuit 38a supplies DC power from the generator 30a to the load module 40a. Power supply circuit 38b supplies DC power from the generator 30a to the load module 40b. Power supply circuit 38c supplies DC power from the generator 30b of the second power supply system 28b to the load module 40c. Power supply circuit 38d supplies DC power from the generator 30b of the second power supply system 28b to the load module 40d.

[0024] Each load module 40 has three load devices 42. The three load devices 42 are load device 42a, load device 42b, and load device 42c.

[0025] Load devices 42a and 42b have a drive unit 46 and a VTOL electric motor 20. Load device 42c has a drive unit 46 and a cruise electric motor 24. The drive unit 46 is an inverter with a switching element. By controlling the switching element, the drive unit 46 converts the DC power input to the drive unit 46 into three-phase AC power and outputs it to the VTOL electric motor 20 or the cruise electric motor 24. By controlling the switching element, the drive unit 46 can disconnect the load device 42 from the power supply circuit 38.

[0026] Note that the cruise motor 24 of the load device 42c of load module 40a and the cruise motor 24 of the load device 42c of load module 40c are the same motor. Also, the cruise motor 24 of the load device 42c of load module 40b and the cruise motor 24 of the load device 42c of load module 40d are the same motor. As mentioned above, the cruise motor 24 is a dual three-phase motor and is driven by two drive devices 46.

[0027] Each load device 42 has a current sensor 45. The current sensor 45 detects the current of the power input and output to each load device 42. The current sensor 45 is provided on the positive terminal wiring, but it may also be provided on the negative terminal wiring.

[0028] Each load device 42 may have various sensors such as voltage sensors, fuses, relays, circuit breakers, diodes, transistors, resistors, coils, capacitors, and other elements.

[0029] The power supply system 26 has four energy storage devices 52. These four energy storage devices 52 are energy storage devices 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d. Each power supply circuit 38 is connected to an energy storage device 52. The energy storage devices 52 are connected in parallel with the power generation device 30. Each energy storage device 52 has a battery 54. The battery 54 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0030] Each energy storage device 52 may have various sensors such as voltage sensors, fuses, relays, circuit breakers, diodes, transistors, resistors, coils, capacitors, and other elements.

[0031] Power supply circuits 38a and 38c are connected by a connecting circuit 56a. Power supply circuits 38b and 38d are connected by a connecting circuit 56b.

[0032] The power supply system 26 has four first circuit breakers 62. The four first circuit breakers 62 are first circuit breaker 62a, first circuit breaker 62b, first circuit breaker 62c, and first circuit breaker 62d. Each first circuit breaker 62 has two contactors 64. One contactor 64 is provided on the positive terminal wiring, and the other contactor 64 is provided on the negative terminal wiring.

[0033] The first circuit breaker 62a can disconnect the power generator 30a from the power supply circuit 38a. The first circuit breaker 62b can disconnect the power generator 30a from the power supply circuit 38b. The first circuit breaker 62c can disconnect the power generator 30b from the power supply circuit 38c. The first circuit breaker 62d can disconnect the power generator 30b from the power supply circuit 38d.

[0034] The power supply system 26 has two connection devices 66. The two connection devices 66 are connection device 66a and connection device 66b. Each connection device 66 has two contactors 68. One contactor 68 is provided on the positive terminal wiring, and the other contactor 68 is provided on the negative terminal wiring.

[0035] The connecting device 66a can connect power supply circuit 38a and power supply circuit 38c via the connecting circuit 56a. The connecting device 66b can connect power supply circuit 38b and power supply circuit 38d via the connecting circuit 56b.

[0036] The power supply system 26 has four reverse current prevention devices 70. The four reverse current prevention devices 70 are reverse current prevention device 70a, reverse current prevention device 70b, reverse current prevention device 70c, and reverse current prevention device 70d. Reverse current prevention device 70a is provided on the positive terminal of the power supply circuit 38a. Reverse current prevention device 70b is provided on the positive terminal of the power supply circuit 38b. Reverse current prevention device 70c is provided on the positive terminal of the power supply circuit 38c. Reverse current prevention device 70d is provided on the positive terminal of the power supply circuit 38d. Each reverse current prevention device 70 may also be provided on the negative terminal of each power supply circuit 38.

[0037] Each reverse current prevention device 70 includes a diode 72 and an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) 74. When the IGBT 74 is OFF, the diode 72 prevents reverse current flow in each of the power supply circuits 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d. When the IGBT 74 is ON, reverse current flow in each power supply circuit 38 is permitted, bypassing the diode 72. In place of the IGBT 74, other components such as contactors and relays may be used in each reverse current prevention device 70.

[0038] The power supply system 26 has four second circuit breakers 78. The four second circuit breakers 78 are second circuit breaker 78a, second circuit breaker 78b, second circuit breaker 78c, and second circuit breaker 78d.

[0039] Each second circuit breaker 78 has three contactors 80 and one precharge resistor 82. Of the three contactors 80, one contactor 80 is provided on the positive terminal wiring. Of the three contactors 80, another contactor 80 is provided on the negative terminal wiring. Of the three contactors 80, yet another contactor 80 is provided in a precharge circuit that bypasses the contactor 80 provided on the negative terminal. The precharge resistor 82 is provided in series with the contactor 80 in the precharge circuit.

[0040] The second circuit breaker 78a can disconnect the energy storage device 52a from the power supply circuit 38a. The second circuit breaker 78b can disconnect the energy storage device 52b from the power supply circuit 38b. The second circuit breaker 78c can disconnect the energy storage device 52c from the power supply circuit 38c. The second circuit breaker 78d can disconnect the energy storage device 52d from the power supply circuit 38d.

[0041] When the generator 30a and load module 40a are precharged with the DC power from the energy storage device 52a, the second circuit breaker 78a outputs DC power from the energy storage device 52a to the power supply circuit 38a via the precharge circuit. When the generator 30a and load module 40b are precharged with the DC power from the energy storage device 52b, the second circuit breaker 78b outputs DC power from the energy storage device 52b to the power supply circuit 38b via the precharge circuit. When the generator 30b and load module 40c are precharged with the DC power from the energy storage device 52c, the second circuit breaker 78c outputs DC power from the energy storage device 52c to the power supply circuit 38c via the precharge circuit. When the generator 30b and load module 40d are precharged with the DC power from the energy storage device 52d, the second circuit breaker 78d outputs DC power from the energy storage device 52d to the power supply circuit 38d via the precharge circuit.

[0042] Each second circuit breaker 78 has a current sensor 79. The current sensor 79 detects the current of the power input and output to each second circuit breaker 78.

[0043] [Control device configuration] The power supply system 26 includes a control device 84 that controls the drive unit 46, the first circuit breaker 62, and the second circuit breaker 78. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 84 in one embodiment.

[0044] The control device 84 includes an arithmetic unit 86 and a storage unit 88. The arithmetic unit 86 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The arithmetic unit 86 includes an overcurrent detection unit 90 and a control unit 92. The overcurrent detection unit 90 and the control unit 92 are implemented by the execution of a program stored in the storage unit 88 in the arithmetic unit 86. At least a portion of the overcurrent detection unit 90 and the control unit 92 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a portion of the overcurrent detection unit 90 and the control unit 92 may be implemented by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0045] The storage unit 88 is a computer-readable, non-transient, tangible storage medium. The storage unit 88 is composed of volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc. Data is stored in the volatile memory, for example. Programs, tables, maps, etc. are stored in the non-volatile memory, for example. At least a part of the storage unit 88 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. mentioned above. At least a part of the storage unit 88 may be mounted on a device connected to the mobile device 10 by a network.

[0046] The overcurrent determination unit 90 determines whether the load device side current, which is the current supplied from each power supply circuit 38 to each load device 42, is an overcurrent. If the value of the current obtained from the current sensor 45 is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value, the overcurrent determination unit 90 determines that the load device side current is an overcurrent.

[0047] The overcurrent determination unit 90 determines whether the generator-side current, which is the current supplied from each generator 30 to each power supply circuit 38, is an overcurrent. If the value of the current obtained from the current sensor 31 is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value, the overcurrent determination unit 90 determines that the generator-side current is an overcurrent.

[0048] The overcurrent determination unit 90 determines whether the current supplied from each energy storage device 52 to each power supply circuit 38 is an overcurrent. If the value of the current obtained from the current sensor 79 is equal to or greater than a predetermined current value, the overcurrent determination unit 90 determines that the current on the energy storage device side is an overcurrent.

[0049] In the overcurrent determination unit 90, the predetermined current value which is the threshold for determining that the load device side current is an overcurrent, the predetermined current value which is the threshold for determining that the power generation device side current is an overcurrent, and the predetermined current value which is the threshold for determining that the energy storage device side current is an overcurrent may be the same value or may be different values.

[0050] The control unit 92 controls the first circuit breaker 62, the second circuit breaker 78, and the drive unit 46 according to the determination result of the overcurrent determination unit 90. Note that the first circuit breaker 62 and the second circuit breaker 78 may be controlled by one control unit 92, and the drive unit 46 may be controlled by a separate control unit 92. Alternatively, each of the first circuit breaker 62, the second circuit breaker 78, and the drive unit 46 may be controlled by a separate control unit 92. The control of the first circuit breaker 62, the second circuit breaker 78, and the drive unit 46 will be explained below using the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0051] [Shutdown control] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the shut-off control performed in the control device 84 in one embodiment. The shut-off control is performed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle.

[0052] In step S1, the control unit 92 determines whether the load device side current, the energy storage device side current, and the generator side current are all overcurrents. If it is determined that all of the load device side current, the energy storage device side current, and the generator side current are overcurrents (step S1: YES), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0053] In step S2, the control unit 92 determines whether the load device current remained overcurrent for 1 hour. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent for 1 hour (step S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent before 1 hour had elapsed (step S2: NO), the tripping control is terminated.

[0054] In step S3, the control unit 92 performs load disconnection control on the drive unit 46. Then, the process proceeds to step S4. Load disconnection control is a control that controls the switching elements of the drive unit 46 to disconnect the load, which is the VTOL electric motor 20 or the cruise electric motor 24, from the power supply circuit 38.

[0055] For example, if it is determined that the current on the load device side of one of the three load devices 42 of the load module 40a shown in Figure 2 is overcurrent, load shedding control will be performed on the drive unit 46 of the load device 42 that was determined to have an overcurrent. Alternatively, if it is determined that the current on the load device side of one of the three load devices 42 of the load module 40a is overcurrent, load shedding control may be performed on the drive units 46 of all load devices 42 of the load module 40a.

[0056] In step S4, the control unit 92 determines whether the load device current remained overcurrent for the third time. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent for the third time (step S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent before the third time elapsed (step S4: NO), the tripping control is terminated. The third time is longer than the first time.

[0057] In step S5, the control unit 92 performs a power storage device shutdown control on the second circuit breaker 78. Then, the process proceeds to step S6. Power storage device shutdown control is a control that shuts off the power storage device 52 from the power supply circuit 38 by putting the second circuit breaker 78 into a shutdown state.

[0058] For example, if load shedding control is performed on the drive unit 46 of the load device 42 of the load module 40a, but the load device side current remains in an overcurrent state, then energy storage device shedding control is performed on the second circuit breaker 78a.

[0059] In step S6, the control unit 92 determines whether the load device current remained overcurrent for two hours. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent for two hours (step S6: YES), the process proceeds to step S7. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent before two hours had elapsed (step S6: NO), the tripping control is terminated. The second hour is longer than the first hour. The second hour is longer than the third hour. The second hour may be the same length as the third hour.

[0060] In step S7, the control unit 92 performs power generator shutdown control on the first circuit breaker 62. After that, the shutdown control is terminated. Power generator shutdown control is a control that shuts off the power generator 30 from the power supply circuit 38 by putting the first circuit breaker 62 into a shutdown state.

[0061] For example, if the current on the load device side remains overcurrent despite the second circuit breaker 78a being shut off for the energy storage device, the first circuit breaker 62a will be shut off for the energy storage device.

[0062] If it is determined that the load device current, the energy storage device current, or the power generation device current is not an overcurrent (Step S1: NO), proceed to Step S8.

[0063] In step S8, the control unit 92 determines whether both the load device side current and the generator side current are overcurrent. If it is determined that both the load device side current and the generator side current are overcurrent (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0064] In step S9, the control unit 92 determines whether the load device current remained overcurrent for 1 hour. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent for 1 hour (step S9: YES), the process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that the load device current remained overcurrent before 1 hour had elapsed (step S9: NO), the tripping control is terminated.

[0065] In step S10, the control unit 92 performs load shedding control on the drive unit 46. Then, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0066] In step S11, the control unit 92 determines whether the load device side current remained overcurrent for two hours. If it is determined that the load device side current remained overcurrent for two hours (step S11: YES), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the load device side current was overcurrent before two hours had elapsed (step S11: NO), the tripping control is terminated.

[0067] In step S12, the control unit 92 performs power generator shutdown control on the first shutdown device 62. After that, the shutdown control is terminated.

[0068] If it is determined that neither the load device current nor the generator device current is an overcurrent (Step S8: NO), the process proceeds to Step S13.

[0069] In step S13, the control unit 92 determines whether only the current on the generator side is overcurrent. If it is determined that only the current on the generator side is overcurrent (step S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is determined that the current on the generator side is not overcurrent (step S13: NO), the cutoff control is terminated.

[0070] In step S14, the control unit 92 determines whether the power generator side current remained in an overcurrent state for two hours. If it is determined that the power generator side current remained in an overcurrent state for two hours (step S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S15. If it is determined that the power generator side current remained in an overcurrent state before two hours had elapsed (step S14: NO), the cutoff control is terminated.

[0071] In step S15, the control unit 92 performs power generator shutdown control on the first shutdown device 62. After that, the shutdown control is terminated.

[0072] In addition, during the shutdown control, the processes of steps S8 to S15 may be performed without performing the processes of steps S1 to S7.

[0073] [Operation of the power supply system] The operation of the power supply system 26 will be explained using Figures 5 to 7. Figures 5 to 7 show a simplified representation of the power supply system 26. The thick arrows in Figures 5 to 7 indicate the power supply path.

[0074] (Operation of the power supply system under normal conditions) Figure 5 shows the operation of the power supply system 26 under normal conditions in one embodiment.

[0075] The first circuit breaker 62a connects the generator 30a to the power supply circuit 38a, and DC power is supplied from the generator 30a to the load device 42 of the load module 40a. The first circuit breaker 62b connects the generator 30a to the power supply circuit 38b, and DC power is supplied from the generator 30a to the load device 42 of the load module 40b. The first circuit breaker 62c connects the generator 30b to the power supply circuit 38c, and DC power is supplied from the generator 30b to the load device 42 of the load module 40c. The first circuit breaker 62d connects the generator 30b to the power supply circuit 38d, and DC power is supplied from the generator 30b to the load device 42 of the load module 40d.

[0076] The second circuit breaker 78a connects the energy storage device 52a to the power supply circuit 38a, and DC power is supplied from the energy storage device 52a to the load device 42 of the load module 40a. The second circuit breaker 78b connects the energy storage device 52b to the power supply circuit 38b, and DC power is supplied from the energy storage device 52b to the load device 42 of the load module 40b. The second circuit breaker 78c connects the energy storage device 52c to the power supply circuit 38c, and DC power is supplied from the energy storage device 52c to the load device 42 of the load module 40c. The second circuit breaker 78d connects the energy storage device 52d to the power supply circuit 38d, and DC power is supplied from the energy storage device 52d to the load device 42 of the load module 40d.

[0077] The connection between power supply circuit 38a and power supply circuit 38c is interrupted by the connection device 66a, and the connection between power supply circuit 38b and power supply circuit 38d is interrupted by the connection device 66b.

[0078] (Operation of the power supply system when a short circuit occurs in the load device) Figure 6 shows the operation of the power supply system 26 when a short circuit occurs in the load device 42 of the load module 40a in one embodiment.

[0079] If a short circuit occurs within the load device 42 of the load module 40a, the overcurrent determination unit 90 of the control device 84 determines that the load device side current supplied from the power supply circuit 38a to the load device 42 of the load module 40a is an overcurrent. Furthermore, the overcurrent determination unit 90 determines that the energy storage device side current supplied from the energy storage device 52a to the power supply circuit 38a is an overcurrent. In addition, the overcurrent determination unit 90 determines that the power generation device side current supplied from the power generation device 30a to the power supply circuit 38a is an overcurrent.

[0080] In this case, the control unit 92 of the control device 84 performs load disconnection control on the drive unit 46 included in the load unit 42 of the load module 40a, disconnecting it from the power supply circuit 38a (Figure 6). Even when load disconnection control is performed on the drive unit 46 included in the load unit 42 of the load module 40a, power can still be supplied from the generator 30a to the load unit 42 of the load module 40b. Therefore, a sudden decrease in the load on the generator 30a is suppressed, and the shutdown of the generator 30a can be prevented.

[0081] If, despite load shedding control being performed on the drive unit 46 included in the load device 42 of the load module 40a, the load device side current remains in an overcurrent state, the control unit 92 performs energy storage device shedding control on the second circuit breaker 78a to disconnect the energy storage device 52a from the power supply circuit 38a.

[0082] If the load device current remains overcurrent despite the storage device shutdown control being performed on the second shutdown device 78a, the control unit 92 performs a power generator shutdown control on the first shutdown device 62a, which disconnects the power generator 30a from the power supply circuit 38a.

[0083] Figure 7 shows the operation of the power supply system 26 when, after load shedding control is performed on the drive unit 46 included in the load device 42 of the load module 40a in one embodiment, it is determined that the load device side current is not an overcurrent.

[0084] If, after load shedding control has been performed on the drive unit 46 included in the load device 42 of the load module 40a, and it is determined that the load device side current is not an overcurrent, the control unit 92 may perform connection control on the connecting device 66a to connect the power supply circuit 38a and the power supply circuit 38c via the connecting circuit 56a.

[0085] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0086] (Note 1) The power supply system (26) of this disclosure includes a power generator (30) that outputs DC power, a load device (42) including a drive device (46) that converts DC power to AC power to drive a load, a power supply circuit (38) that supplies DC power supplied from the power generator to the load device, a first disconnection device (62) that can disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit, an overcurrent determination unit (90) that determines whether the load device side current, which is the current supplied from the power supply circuit to the load device, is an overcurrent, and a control unit (92) that controls the drive device and the first disconnection device. If the overcurrent determination unit determines that the load device side current is an overcurrent, the control unit executes a load disconnection control on the drive device to disconnect the load from the power supply circuit. If the load device side current remains an overcurrent despite the execution of the load disconnection control, the control unit executes a power generator disconnection control on the first disconnection device to disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit. This helps to reduce the need to shut down power generation equipment.

[0087] (Note 2) In the power supply system described in Appendix 1, the overcurrent determination unit further determines whether the current supplied from the power generator to the power supply circuit is an overcurrent. If the overcurrent determination unit determines that both the load device side current and the power generator side current are overcurrents, the control unit executes the load disconnection control on the drive device. If the power generator side current remains overcurrent despite the execution of the load disconnection control, the control unit may execute the power generator disconnection control on the first disconnection device. This prevents the power generator from shutting down.

[0088] (Note 3) In the power supply system described in Appendix 2, the power supply circuit further includes a power storage device (52) connected in parallel with the power generator, and a second circuit breaker (78) capable of disconnecting the power storage device from the power supply circuit. The overcurrent determination unit further determines whether the power storage device side current, which is the current supplied from the power storage device to the power supply circuit, is an overcurrent. If the overcurrent determination unit determines that both the load device side current and the power storage device side current are overcurrents, the control unit executes the load disconnection control on the drive device. If, despite the execution of the load disconnection control, both the load device side current and the power storage device side current remain overcurrents, the control unit executes the power storage device disconnection control on the second circuit breaker to disconnect the power storage device from the power supply circuit. If, despite the execution of the power storage device disconnection control, the power generator side current remains overcurrents, the control unit may execute the power generator disconnection control on the first circuit breaker. This prevents the power generator from stopping.

[0089] (Note 4) In the power supply system described in Appendix 1, if the load device side current remains in an overcurrent state for a first hour, the control unit may perform the load disconnection control on the drive unit. If the load device side current remains in an overcurrent state for a second hour longer than the first hour, the control unit may perform the power generation device disconnection control on the first disconnection device. This can prevent the power generation device from shutting down.

[0090] (Note 5) In the power supply system described in Appendix 3, if the load device current remains in an overcurrent state for a first hour, the control unit may perform the load disconnection control on the drive unit. If the load device current remains in an overcurrent state for a third hour longer than the first hour, the control unit may perform the energy storage device disconnection control on the second disconnection device. If the load device current remains in an overcurrent state for a second hour longer than the third hour, the control unit may perform the power generation device disconnection control on the first disconnection device. This can prevent the power generation device from shutting down.

[0091] (Note 6) In the power supply system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, the drive unit includes a switching element, and when the control unit performs the load disconnection control, the load may be disconnected from the power supply circuit by controlling the switching element provided in the drive unit. This can prevent the power generation device from stopping.

[0092] (Note 7) The mobile body (10) of this disclosure has a power supply system as described in any one of appendices 1 to 5. This makes it possible to suppress the shutdown of the power generation equipment.

[0093] (Note 8) The power supply system control method of the present disclosure comprises: a power generator that outputs DC power; a load device including a drive device that converts DC power to AC power to drive a load; a power supply circuit that supplies DC power supplied from the power generator to the load device; a first disconnection device that can disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit; and an overcurrent determination unit that determines whether the load device side current, which is the current supplied from the power supply circuit to the load device, is an overcurrent. The method comprises: when the overcurrent determination unit determines that the load device side current is an overcurrent, load disconnection control is performed on the drive device to disconnect the load from the power supply circuit; and if the load device side current remains an overcurrent despite the execution of the load disconnection control, power generator disconnection control is performed on the first disconnection device to disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit. This prevents the power generator from stopping.

[0094] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the intent of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10... Mobile unit 20... VTOL electric motor (load) 24...Cruise electric motor (load) 26...Power supply system 30...Power generator 38...Power supply circuit 42...Load device 46...Drive device 52...Energy storage device 62...First circuit breaker 78...Second circuit breaker 90...Overcurrent detection unit 92... Control Unit

Claims

1. A power generation device that outputs DC power, A load device including a drive unit that converts DC power to AC power to drive the load, A power supply circuit that supplies DC power supplied from the power generation device to the load device, A first circuit breaker capable of disconnecting the power generation device from the power supply circuit, An overcurrent determination unit that determines whether the load device side current, which is the current supplied from the power supply circuit to the load device, is an overcurrent, A control unit that controls the drive device and the first circuit breaker, Equipped with, If the overcurrent determination unit determines that the load device side current is an overcurrent, the control unit executes load disconnection control on the drive device to disconnect the load from the power supply circuit. If the load device side current remains in an overcurrent state despite the load shedding control being performed, the control unit performs a power generator shedding control on the first shedding device to disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit, in a power supply system.

2. In the power supply system according to claim 1, The overcurrent determination unit further determines whether the current supplied from the power generator to the power supply circuit is an overcurrent. If the overcurrent determination unit determines that both the load device side current and the generator side current are overcurrents, the control unit executes the load disconnection control on the drive device. A power supply system in which, if the current on the power generation device remains in an overcurrent state despite the load shedding control being performed, the control unit performs power generation device shutdown control on the first shutdown device.

3. In the power supply system according to claim 2, The power supply circuit includes a power storage device connected in parallel with the power generation device, A second circuit breaker capable of disconnecting the energy storage device from the power supply circuit, Furthermore, The overcurrent determination unit further determines whether the current supplied from the energy storage device to the power supply circuit is an overcurrent. If the overcurrent determination unit determines that both the load device side current and the energy storage device side current are overcurrents, the control unit executes the load disconnection control on the drive unit. If, despite the execution of the load shedding control, both the load device side current and the energy storage device side current remain in an overcurrent state, the control unit executes an energy storage device shedding control on the second shedding device to disconnect the energy storage device from the power supply circuit. A power supply system in which, if the current on the power generation device remains in an overcurrent state despite the power storage device shutdown control being performed, the control unit performs the power generation device shutdown control on the first shutdown device.

4. In the power supply system according to claim 1, If the load device current remains in an overcurrent state for a first time, the control unit executes the load disconnection control on the drive unit. A power supply system in which, if the current on the load device side remains in an overcurrent state for a second time longer than the first time, the control unit executes a power generation device shutdown control on the first shutdown device.

5. In the power supply system according to claim 3, If the load device current remains in an overcurrent state for a first time, the control unit executes the load disconnection control on the drive unit. If the load device current remains in an overcurrent state for a third time longer than the first time, the control unit executes the energy storage device shutdown control on the second shutdown device. A power supply system in which, if the current on the load device side remains in an overcurrent state for a second time longer than the third time, the control unit executes power generation device shutdown control on the first shutdown device.

6. In the power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The drive device comprises a switching element, A power supply system in which, when the control unit performs the load disconnection control, the switching element provided in the drive device is controlled so that the load is disconnected from the power supply circuit.

7. A mobile body having a power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A power generation device that outputs DC power, A load device including a drive unit that converts DC power to AC power to drive the load, A power supply circuit that supplies DC power supplied from the power generation device to the load device, A first circuit breaker capable of disconnecting the power generation device from the power supply circuit, An overcurrent determination unit that determines whether the load device side current, which is the current supplied from the power supply circuit to the load device, is an overcurrent, A control method for a power supply system comprising: If the overcurrent determination unit determines that the current on the load device side is an overcurrent, it executes load disconnection control on the drive device to disconnect the load from the power supply circuit. A control method for a power supply system, wherein if the load device side current remains in an overcurrent state despite the load shedding control being performed, a power generator shedding control is performed on the first shedding device to disconnect the power generator from the power supply circuit.

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