Circuit breaker and circuit breaker system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker system capable of eliminating series arcs and parallel arcs. [Solution] The circuit breaker A1 comprises a circuit breaker 10, a sensor 11, a control unit 14, and a housing 19. The circuit breaker 10 is installed in the circuit M1 between a power generator 30 that outputs DC power and a power converter, and is electrically connected to the power generator 30 by a positive electrode wire L1 and a negative electrode wire L2. The sensor 11 detects the current from the power generator 30 when the circuit breaker 10 is conducting. The control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10 so that it becomes non-conducting based on the detection result of the sensor 11. The housing 19 houses the circuit breaker 10, the sensor 11, and the control unit 14. The housing 19 is positioned in the circuit M1 on the side of the power generator 30 that the positive electrode wire L1 connected to the power generator 30 and the negative electrode wire L2 connected to the power generator 30 converge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a disconnecting device and a disconnection system, and more particularly, to a disconnecting device including a disconnector and a disconnection system including the disconnecting device.

Background Art

[0002] An arc detection circuit (disconnecting device) described in Patent Document 1 will be exemplified. The arc detection circuit is applied to a system that converts DC power supplied from a solar cell array via a transmission line into AC power by a power conditioner. The arc detection circuit detects an arc generated in the transmission line.

[0003] The solar cell array has nine solar panels, and three solar panels are connected in series by one string. The three strings are grouped by a connection box and connected to a power conditioner. Inside the connection box, three breakers are provided, and each of the three breakers is connected to the corresponding string out of the three strings.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the arc detection circuit described in Patent Document 1, an arc generated in a string (specifically, one of a pair of electric wires), so-called a series arc, can be detected, but it may be difficult to detect an arc generated between strings (specifically, between a pair of electric wires), so-called a parallel arc. Therefore, in a system to which the arc detection circuit is applied, it may be difficult to eliminate series arcs and parallel arcs.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker system capable of eliminating series arcs and parallel arcs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A circuit breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a circuit breaker, a sensor, a control unit, and a housing. The circuit breaker is provided in the circuit between a power generator that outputs DC power and a power converter, and is electrically connected to the power generator by a positive electrode wire and a negative electrode wire. The sensor detects the current from the power generator when the circuit breaker is conducting. The control unit controls the circuit breaker so that it becomes non-conducting based on the detection result of the sensor. The housing houses the circuit breaker, the sensor, and the control unit. The housing is positioned in the circuit on the power generator side of the point where the positive electrode wire connected to the power generator and the negative electrode wire connected to the power generator converge.

[0008] A circuit breaker system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a circuit breaker and a power supply unit that supplies power to the circuit breaker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, series arcs and parallel arcs can be eliminated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram of a circuit breaker system equipped with a circuit breaker according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the use of a circuit breaker system equipped with the same circuit breaker as described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the installation of the above-mentioned circuit breaker. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a blocking system equipped with a blocking device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. The configuration described in the following embodiments is merely one example of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] The following description of the circuit breaker system C1 equipped with the circuit breaker A1 according to this embodiment will be given with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0013] (1) Blocking system As shown in Figure 2, the circuit breaker system C1 comprises multiple (three in the example in Figure 2) circuit breaker devices A1 and a power supply device B1.

[0014] Multiple circuit breakers A1 are arranged in the electrical circuits (three circuits M1 in the example of Figure 2) between multiple (three in the example of Figure 2) power generators 30 and power converters 40, and are configured to interrupt these circuits.

[0015] Power supply unit B1 is configured to supply power (operating power) to multiple circuit breakers A1. Power supply unit B1 is electrically connected to the distribution board 50. Power supply unit B1 is also electrically connected to the multiple circuit breakers A1 via a pair of power lines.

[0016] The interruption system C1 is used in photovoltaic power generation systems. For example, the interruption system C1 is used in distributed (multi-string) photovoltaic power generation systems. A "distributed photovoltaic power generation system" refers to a photovoltaic power generation system in which each of the multiple power generation devices 30 is directly connected to a power converter 40 via a single circuit M1.

[0017] Each of the multiple power generation devices 30 is configured to output DC power. Since the configuration of each of the multiple power generation devices 30 is the same, unless otherwise specified, the following description will refer to one power generation device 30.

[0018] The power generation device 30 is a solar power generation device. The power generation device 30 is installed, for example, on the roof of a residential house. As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation device 30 has a plurality (in the example of FIG. 1, nine) of solar panels 3. The plurality of solar panels 3 are electrically connected in series-parallel.

[0019] The power conversion device 40 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to convert the DC power from the power generation device 30 into AC power. The power conversion device 40 is, for example, a power conditioner. The power conversion device 40 supplies the converted AC power to the distribution board 50.

[0020] (2) Disconnection device As shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of disconnection devices A1 includes a pair of input terminals 6, 7, a pair of output terminals 8, 9, a circuit breaker 10, a sensor 11, a control unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a housing 19. Since the configurations of the plurality of disconnection devices A1 are common, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, one disconnection device A1 will be described.

[0021] The pair of input terminals 6, 7 are electrically connected to the power generation device 30 via a pair of electric wires L11, L21. The pair of electric wires L11, L21 includes a first positive electrode wire L11 and a first negative electrode wire L21.

[0022] The pair of output terminals 8, 9 are electrically connected to the power conversion device 40 (see FIG. 2) via a pair of electric wires L12, L22. The pair of electric wires L12, L22 includes a second positive electrode wire L12 and a second negative electrode wire L22.

[0023] The circuit M1 includes a pair of electric wires L11, L21 and a pair of electric wires L12, L22. The circuit M1 has a positive electrode wire L1 and a negative electrode wire L2. The positive electrode wire L1 of the circuit M1 includes the first positive electrode wire L11 and the second positive electrode wire L12. The negative electrode wire L2 of the circuit M1 includes the first negative electrode wire L21 and the second negative electrode wire L22.

[0024] The circuit breaker 10 is installed in the electrical circuit M1 between the power generator 30 and the power converter 40 (see Figure 2). The circuit breaker 10 is, for example, a relay. However, the circuit breaker 10 is not limited to a relay; it may also be, for example, an electromagnetic switch, an electromagnetic contactor, a remote control breaker, etc.

[0025] The circuit breaker 10 is electrically connected to a pair of input terminals 6 and 7. Furthermore, the circuit breaker 10 is electrically connected to the pair of input terminals 6 and 7 on the side opposite to the power generator 30. The circuit breaker 10 is electrically connected to the sensor 11 and the control unit 14, respectively.

[0026] The circuit breaker 10 includes a first switch 1 and a second switch 2. The first switch 1 includes an input terminal and an output terminal. The second switch 2 includes an input terminal and an output terminal.

[0027] The input terminal of the first switch 1 is electrically connected to input terminal 6. The input terminal of the second switch 2 is electrically connected to input terminal 7. The output terminal of the first switch 1 is electrically connected to sensor 11. The output terminal of the second switch 2 is electrically connected to sensor 11.

[0028] The circuit breaker 10 switches between a conductive state and a non-conductive state based on control from the control unit 14.

[0029] Sensor 11 is configured to detect current from the power generator 30 when the circuit breaker 10 is conducting. Sensor 11 is also configured to detect voltage from the power generator 30 when the circuit breaker 10 is conducting. Sensor 11 is electrically connected to the control unit 14. Sensor 11 is also electrically connected to a pair of output terminals 8 and 9.

[0030] The sensor 11 includes a current detection unit 12 and a voltage detection unit 13.

[0031] The current detection unit 12 detects the current from the power generator 30 when the circuit breaker 10 is in a conductive state. The current detection unit 12 also outputs the detected current (detected current) to the control unit 14. The current detection unit 12 is electrically connected to the circuit breaker 10, the control unit 14, and the pair of output terminals 8 and 9. The current detection unit 12 is installed, for example, in the circuit between the output terminal of the first switch 1 in the circuit breaker 10 and the output terminal 8 of the pair of output terminals 8 and 9.

[0032] The voltage detection unit 13 detects the voltage from the power generator 30 when the circuit breaker 10 is in a conductive state. The voltage detection unit 13 also outputs the detected voltage (detected voltage) to the control unit 14. The voltage detection unit 13 is electrically connected to the circuit breaker 10, the control unit 14, and the pair of output terminals 8 and 9. The voltage detection unit 13 is electrically connected between the output terminal of the first switch 1 and the output terminal of the second switch 2.

[0033] The control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10, the sensor 11, and the communication unit 15, respectively. The control unit 14 is configured to operate using the operating power supplied from the power supply unit B1.

[0034] The control unit 14 is implemented, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In other words, the functions of the control unit 14 are realized by one or more processors executing a program stored in memory. The program may be pre-stored in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0035] The control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10 so that it changes from a conductive state to a non-conductive state based on the detection result of the sensor 11. More specifically, the control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10 so that it changes from a non-conductive state based on the detection result of at least one of the detection results of the detected voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 13 of the sensor 11 and the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 of the sensor 11.

[0036] The control unit 14 is configured to determine the type of arc generated in the electrical circuit M1 (for example, the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2) based on the detection result of the sensor 11. The arc types include series arcs and parallel arcs.

[0037] The term "arc" refers to an arc that occurs when there is an abnormality in an electrical wire. "Abnormality in an electrical wire" includes abnormalities such as deterioration of the electrical wire's insulation or partial breakage. "Partial breakage" means that the electrical wire is about to break. For example, if the electrical wire is stranded, it means that some of the strands that make up the stranded wire have broken.

[0038] A series arc refers to an arc that occurs when one of a pair of wires (positive wire L1 and negative wire L2) is partially broken (for example, positive wire L1). A parallel arc refers to an arc that occurs when a pair of wires is short-circuited.

[0039] The control unit 14 determines whether the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 has the characteristics of a series arc. For example, the control unit 14 determines that the type of arc is a series arc if the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 is a high-frequency current (a current containing high-frequency components).

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 14 determines whether the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 has the characteristics of a parallel arc. For example, the control unit 14 determines that the type of arc is a parallel arc if the waveform of the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as "current waveform") changes and the current waveform is different from the current waveform when it is a series arc. In other words, the control unit 14 determines that the type of arc is a parallel arc if the current waveform changes and the current waveform is not the waveform of a high-frequency current.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 14 determines whether the detected voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 13 has the characteristics of a parallel arc. For example, the control unit 14 determines that the type of arc is a parallel arc if the voltage value of the detected voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 13 is less than a specified value.

[0042] In this embodiment, the control unit 14 determines that the type of arc is a parallel arc when both the waveform of the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 changes and the waveform of the detected current is not that of a high-frequency current, and the voltage value of the detected voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 13 is less than a specified value. This improves the detection accuracy of parallel arcs in the circuit breaker A1.

[0043] The control unit 14 is configured to determine that the type of arc is a parallel arc when both the waveform of the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 changes and the waveform of the detected current is not that of a high-frequency current, and the voltage value of the detected voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 13 is less than a specified value, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0044] The control unit 14 may be configured to determine that the type of arc is a parallel arc when the waveform of the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 changes and the waveform of the detected current is not that of a high-frequency current. Alternatively, the control unit 14 may be configured to determine that the type of arc is a parallel arc when the voltage value of the detected voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 13 is less than a specified value. This allows the circuit breaker A1 to detect parallel arcs at high speed. Therefore, the circuit breaker A1 can immediately switch the circuit breaker 10 from a conducting state to a non-conducting state when a parallel arc occurs.

[0045] Therefore, the control unit 14 only needs to determine that the type of arc is a parallel arc if the waveform of the detected current detected by the current detection unit 12 of the sensor 11 changes and the waveform of the detected current is not that of a high-frequency current, or if the voltage value of the detected voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 13 of the sensor 11 is less than a specified value.

[0046] The control unit 14 stores the result (type of arc) determined based on the detection result of the sensor 11 in the memory (hereinafter referred to as "first memory").

[0047] The control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10 so that at least one of the first switch 1 and the second switch 2 changes from a conductive state to a non-conductive state when the arc type is a series arc. The control unit 14 also controls the circuit breaker 10 so that both the first switch 1 and the second switch 2 change from a conductive state to a non-conductive state when the arc type is a parallel arc.

[0048] The communication unit 15 is configured to communicate with the power supply unit B1. For example, the communication unit 15 is configured to perform wired communication with the power supply unit B1. The communication unit 15 is electrically connected to the control unit 14.

[0049] The control unit 14 has a function to check the operating state of the sensor 11. For example, when the control unit 14 receives a signal from the power supply unit B1 (for example, an inspection signal) at the communication unit 15, it applies a simulated voltage or current to the sensor 11 to operate it and determines whether the sensor 11 is operating normally or not. The control unit 14 also stores the determined operating state of the sensor 11 (normal state or abnormal state) in the first memory.

[0050] The communication unit 15 is configured to transmit at least one piece of information to the power supply unit B1, which includes the state of the circuit breaker 10, the type of arc determined by the control unit 14, and the operating state of the sensor 11. Specifically, the control unit 14 controls the communication unit 15 to transmit the above at least one piece of information from the communication unit 15 to the power supply unit B1. The state of the circuit breaker 10 is either conductive or non-conductive. The type of arc is either a series arc or a parallel arc. The operating state of the sensor 11 is either normal or abnormal.

[0051] Furthermore, the communication unit 15 is configured to communicate with other circuit breakers A1. In other words, each of the multiple circuit breakers A1 is configured to communicate with each other (for example, via wired communication). The communication unit 15 is configured to transmit, for example, information on the type of arc determined by the control unit 14 (hereinafter referred to as "arc information") to other circuit breakers A1.

[0052] Specifically, the control unit 14 controls the communication unit 15 to transmit arc information from the communication unit 15 to other circuit breakers A1. For example, if the type of arc is a parallel arc, the control unit 14 controls the communication unit 15 to transmit a signal (instruction signal) to the other circuit breaker A1 instructing it to deconduct both the first switch 1 and the second switch 2. This allows circuit breaker A1 to control the circuit breaker 10 of other circuit breakers A1, enabling multiple circuit breakers A1 to operate in conjunction.

[0053] The housing 19 houses a pair of input terminals 6 and 7, a pair of output terminals 8 and 9, a circuit breaker 10, a sensor 11, a control unit 14, and a communication unit 15. The housing 19 has a box-like shape.

[0054] (3) Power supply device Power supply unit B1 comprises a control unit 20, a power supply unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a notification unit 23.

[0055] The control unit 20 controls the power supply unit 21, the communication unit 22, and the notification unit 23, respectively.

[0056] The control unit 20 is implemented, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In other words, the functions of the control unit 20 are realized by one or more processors executing a program stored in memory. The program may be pre-stored in memory, provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0057] The power supply unit 21 is configured to generate the operating power for the control unit 20 based on the power supply from the distribution board 50 (see Figure 2), and to supply the generated operating power to the control unit 20. For example, the power supply unit 21 converts the AC power from the distribution board 50 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the control unit 20 as the operating power.

[0058] Furthermore, the power supply unit 21 is configured to supply the generated operating power to the control unit 14 of each of the multiple circuit breaker A1. For example, the power supply unit 21 supplies the converted DC power as the operating power to the control unit 14 of each of the multiple circuit breaker A1.

[0059] The power supply unit 21 is, for example, an AC / DC converter. The power supply unit 21 is electrically connected to the distribution board 50 and the control unit 20, respectively. The power supply unit 21 is also electrically connected to a plurality of circuit breakers A1 via a pair of power lines.

[0060] The communication unit 22 is configured to communicate with each of the multiple circuit breakers A1. For example, the communication unit 22 is configured to communicate via wired connection with the communication unit 15 of each of the multiple circuit breakers A1. The communication unit 22 is connected to the communication unit 15 of each of the multiple circuit breakers A1 via a pair of communication lines.

[0061] Furthermore, the communication unit 22 is configured to receive information transmitted from at least one of the multiple blocking devices A1.

[0062] The control unit 20 stores the information received by the communication unit 22 in the memory (hereinafter referred to as the "second memory").

[0063] The notification unit 23 is configured to provide notifications based on information transmitted from at least one of the multiple circuit breakers A1. For example, the notification unit 23 provides notifications based on information received by the communication unit 22 or information stored in the second memory. That is, the notification unit 23 provides notifications of at least one of the following: the state of the circuit breaker 10, the type of arc determined by the control unit 14, and the operating state of the sensor 11.

[0064] The notification unit 23 is configured to communicate with, for example, a public wireless communication network. The communication standard of the public wireless communication network is, for example, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). The notification unit 23 is electrically connected to the control unit 20.

[0065] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 3, the housing 19 is positioned in the circuit M1 on the side of the power generator 30, closer to the power generator 30 than the point S1 where the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2, which are electrically connected to the power generator 30, converge. For example, the housing 19 is positioned in the circuit M1 on the side of the power generator 30 than the point S1 where the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 are bundled in the conduit N1.

[0066] Furthermore, "position S1 where the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 meet" means the position where the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 are in close proximity. Also, "the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 are in close proximity" is not limited to cases where the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 are in contact, but also includes cases where, for example, the distance between the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 (hereinafter referred to as "the distance between the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2") is less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 5 cm).

[0067] Furthermore, the "position S1 where the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 meet" is not limited to the position S1 where the positive electrode wire L1 electrically connected to the power generation device 30 and the negative electrode wire L2 electrically connected to the power generation device 30 meet (are bundled), but also includes, for example, the position where the positive electrode wire L1 electrically connected to the power generation device 30 and the negative electrode wire L2 electrically connected to another power generation device 30 meet, and the position where the negative electrode wire L2 electrically connected to the power generation device 30 and the positive electrode wire L1 electrically connected to another power generation device 30 meet.

[0068] (4) Effects The circuit breaker A1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a circuit breaker 10, a sensor 11, a control unit 14, and a housing 19. The housing 19 is positioned in the circuit M1 on the side of the power generator 30, beyond the point S1 where the positive electrode wire L1 and the negative electrode wire L2 connected to the power generator 30 converge (see Figure 3).

[0069] As a result, in circuit breaker A1, the distance between the first positive wire L11 and the first negative wire L21 is longer than the distance between the second positive wire L12 and the second negative wire L22 that converge at position S1, so that a parallel arc does not occur in the circuit between the generator 30 and circuit breaker A1. In other words, in circuit breaker A1, the distance between the positive wire L1 and the negative wire L2 between the generator 30 and circuit breaker A1 is longer than the distance between the positive wire L1 and the negative wire L2 that converge at position S1, so that a parallel arc does not occur in the circuit between the generator 30 and circuit breaker A1.

[0070] Furthermore, in the circuit breaker A1, if a parallel arc occurs between, for example, the second positive wire L12 and the second negative wire L22, the control unit 14 will trip the circuit breaker 10 based on the detection result of the sensor 11, thereby eliminating the parallel arc condition. In addition, in the circuit breaker A1, if a series arc occurs between, for example, the positive wire L1 or the negative wire L2, the control unit 14 will trip the circuit breaker 10 based on the detection result of the sensor 11, thereby eliminating the series arc condition.

[0071] Therefore, the circuit breaker A1 can eliminate both series arcs and parallel arcs.

[0072] The control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10 to a non-conducting state based on the detection result of at least one of the voltage and current detected by the sensor 11. This improves the arc detection accuracy of the circuit breaker A1. Furthermore, the circuit breaker A1 can detect arcs at high speed and quickly switch the circuit breaker 10 from a conductive state to a non-conducting state when an arc occurs.

[0073] The control unit 14 determines the type of arc occurring in the circuit M1 based on the detection result of the sensor 11. If the arc type is a series arc, the control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10 so that at least one of the first switch 1 and the second switch 2 becomes non-conductive. If the arc type is a parallel arc, the control unit 14 controls the circuit breaker 10 so that both the first switch 1 and the second switch 2 become non-conductive.

[0074] As a result, the circuit breaker A1 can prevent accidents caused by arcs generated in the circuit M1. Furthermore, the circuit breaker A1 can prevent failures of the power generator 30 or the power converter 40 caused by arcs generated in the circuit M1. In addition, since the circuit breaker A1 controls the circuit breaker 10 (specifically the first switch 1 and the second switch 2) according to the type of arc, the lifespan of the circuit breaker 10 can be extended.

[0075] The control unit 14 determines that the arc type is a series arc if the current detected by the sensor 11 is a high-frequency current. Furthermore, the control unit 14 determines that the arc type is a parallel arc if the waveform of the current detected by the sensor 11 changes and is different from the waveform of the high-frequency current, or if the voltage value detected by the sensor 11 is less than a specified value. This allows the circuit breaker A1 to accurately determine the arc type.

[0076] The interruption system C1 comprises an interruption device A1 and a power supply device B1. This allows the interruption system C1 to eliminate both series arcs and parallel arcs.

[0077] The power supply unit B1 includes a communication unit 22. The communication unit 22 communicates with the circuit breaker A1 and receives information from the circuit breaker A1. As a result, the circuit breaker system C1 can inform a communication terminal owned by a business operator, such as a construction company, of the status of the circuit breaker A1 (such as the status of the circuit breaker 10, the type of arc generated in the circuit M1, and the operating status of the sensor 11).

[0078] The power supply unit B1 further includes a notification unit 23. The notification unit 23 provides notifications based on information from the circuit breaker A1. This allows the circuit breaker system C1 to inform the user of the status of the circuit breaker A1.

[0079] The circuit breaker system C1 comprises a plurality of circuit breaker devices A1. Each of the plurality of circuit breaker devices A1 further comprises a communication unit 15 that communicates with each other. Each of the plurality of circuit breaker devices A1 is supplied with power from a power supply unit B1.

[0080] As a result, in the interruption system C1, multiple interruption devices A1 can be linked together, making it possible to further eliminate series arcs and parallel arcs. Furthermore, because multiple interruption devices A1 can be linked together in the interruption system C1, it is possible to avoid accidents caused by arcs generated in the circuit between multiple power generators 30 and power converters 40. In addition, because multiple interruption devices A1 can be linked together in the interruption system C1, it is possible to avoid failure of the power generators 30 or power converters 40 due to arcs generated in the circuit.

[0081] Furthermore, in the interruption system C1, for example, as shown in Figure 2, when multiple circuits M1 are concentrated and connected to the power converter 40, the overall voltage (total voltage) in the multiple circuits M1 decreases, and arc current may flow through the sensors 11 (for example, the current detection unit 12) of each of the multiple interruption devices A1. Therefore, in the interruption system C1, the multiple interruption devices A1 are linked, and the power supply unit B1 receives information from the interruption devices A1 via the communication unit 22, which improves the accuracy of arc detection and makes it possible to further eliminate series arcs and parallel arcs.

[0082] (5) Variant It is preferable that the housing 19 be positioned in the circuit M1 near the point S1 where the positive electrode wire L1 connected to the power generator 30 and the negative electrode wire L2 connected to the power generator 30 converge. This ensures that in the circuit breaker A1, the distance between the first positive electrode wire L11 and the first negative electrode wire L21 is reliably longer than the distance between the second positive electrode wire L12 and the second negative electrode wire L22 that converge at point S1, thereby further eliminating series arcs and parallel arcs.

[0083] The communication unit 15 is configured to perform wired communication with the power supply unit B1, but it may also be configured to perform wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication) with the power supply unit B1. For example, the communication unit 15 may be configured to perform wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth® standard with the power supply unit B1.

[0084] The communication unit 22 is configured to perform wired communication with the communication unit 15 of the blocker A1, but it may also be configured to perform wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication) with the communication unit 15. For example, the communication unit 22 may be configured to perform wireless communication with the communication unit 15 that conforms to the Bluetooth® standard. Alternatively, the communication unit 22 may be configured to perform wireless communication with the communication unit 15 via a gateway.

[0085] The communication unit 22 is connected to the communication unit 15 of the circuit breaker A1 via a pair of communication lines, but it may also be connected to the communication unit 15 via a pair of power lines. In this case, the communication unit 22 is configured to communicate with the communication unit 15, for example, using PLC (Power Line Communications).

[0086] The notification unit 23 is configured to communicate with a public wireless communication network, but is not limited to this configuration. The notification unit 23 may be configured to output light. If the notification unit 23 is configured to output light, it may be, for example, an LED. The notification unit 23 may also be configured to output sound. If the notification unit 23 is configured to output sound, it may be, for example, a buzzer.

[0087] Each of the multiple blockers A1 is configured to communicate with each other via wired communication, but may also be configured to communicate with each other via wireless communication. More specifically, each of the multiple blockers A1 may be configured to communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication. For example, each of the multiple blockers A1 may be configured to communicate with each other via wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth® standard. Alternatively, each of the multiple blockers A1 may be configured to communicate with each other via wireless communication through a gateway.

[0088] The interruption system C1 is equipped with multiple interruption devices A1, but it may also be equipped with only one interruption device A1. Furthermore, although the interruption system C1 is used in a solar power generation system, it may also be used in systems other than solar power generation systems. For example, each of the multiple interruption devices A1 may be used in a wind power generation system, etc.

[0089] Multiple solar panels 3 are electrically connected in series and parallel, but for example, they may be electrically connected in series or electrically connected in parallel.

[0090] The power generation device 30 is a solar power generation device, but it may be a power generation device other than a solar power generation device. For example, the power generation device 30 may be a wind power generation device or the like.

[0091] The power supply unit B1 may include a display unit that displays information transmitted from at least one of the multiple circuit breakers A1. In this case, the circuit breaker system C1 can display information received by the communication unit 22 or information stored in the second memory on the display unit.

[0092] (Aspect) This specification discloses the following aspects:

[0093] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the first embodiment comprises a circuit breaker (10), a sensor (11), a control unit (14), and a housing (19). The circuit breaker (10) is installed in the circuit (M1) between a power generator (30) that outputs DC power and a power converter (40), and is electrically connected to the power generator (30) by a positive electrode wire (L1) and a negative electrode wire (L2). The sensor (11) detects the current from the power generator (30) when the circuit breaker (10) is conducting. The control unit (14) controls the circuit breaker (10) so that it becomes non-conducting based on the detection result of the sensor (11). The housing (19) houses the circuit breaker (10), the sensor (11), and the control unit (14). The enclosure (19) is positioned in the circuit (M1) on the side of the power generator (30) rather than at the point (S1) where the positive electrode wire (L1) connected to the power generator (30) and the negative electrode wire (L2) connected to the power generator (30) converge.

[0094] According to this embodiment, series arcs and parallel arcs can be eliminated.

[0095] In the second embodiment of the circuit breaker (A1), the sensor (11) further detects a voltage from the power generator (30) when the circuit breaker (10) is in a conducting state. The control unit (14) controls the circuit breaker (10) to a non-conducting state based on the detection result of at least one of the voltage detected by the sensor (11) and the current detected by the sensor (11).

[0096] According to this embodiment, the accuracy of arc detection can be improved. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, arc detection can be accelerated, and the circuit breaker (10) can be immediately switched from a conductive state to a non-conductive state when an arc occurs.

[0097] The circuit breaker (A1) according to the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, includes a circuit breaker (10) comprising a first switch (1) and a second switch (2). The first switch (1) is electrically connected to a positive electrode wire (L1). The second switch (2) is electrically connected to a negative electrode wire (L2). The control unit (14) determines the type of arc generated in the circuit (M1) based on the detection result of the sensor (11). The types of arcs include series arcs and parallel arcs. If the type of arc is a series arc, the control unit (14) controls the circuit breaker (10) so that at least one of the first switch (1) and the second switch (2) becomes non-conductive. If the type of arc is a parallel arc, the control unit (14) controls the circuit breaker (10) so that both the first switch (1) and the second switch (2) become non-conductive.

[0098] According to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid accidents caused by arcing.

[0099] In the fourth embodiment of the circuit breaker (A1), in the third embodiment, the control unit (14) determines that the type of arc is a series arc when the current detected by the sensor (11) is a high-frequency current. The control unit (14) determines that the type of arc is a parallel arc when the waveform of the current detected by the sensor (11) changes and is different from the waveform of the high-frequency current, or when the voltage value of the voltage detected by the sensor (11) is less than a specified value.

[0100] According to this embodiment, the type of arc can be determined with high accuracy.

[0101] The fifth embodiment of the tripping system (C1) comprises one tripping device (A1) according to the first to fourth embodiments and a power supply device (B1). The power supply device (B1) supplies power to the tripping device (A1).

[0102] According to this embodiment, series arcs and parallel arcs can be eliminated.

[0103] In the sixth embodiment, the interruption system (C1) is provided with a communication unit (22) that communicates with the interruption device (A1) in the fifth embodiment. The communication unit (22) receives information from the interruption device (A1).

[0104] According to this embodiment, the status of the blocking device (A1) can be notified, for example, to a communication terminal owned by the operator.

[0105] In the seventh embodiment, the tripping system (C1) further comprises a power supply unit (B1) that provides notification based on information from the tripping device (A1).

[0106] According to this embodiment, the status of the circuit breaker (A1) can be communicated to the user.

[0107] The eighth embodiment of the interruption system (C1) comprises a plurality of interruption devices (A1) in the fifth embodiment. Each of the plurality of interruption devices (A1) further comprises a communication unit (22) that communicates with each other. Each of the plurality of interruption devices (A1) is supplied with power from a power supply unit (B1).

[0108] According to this embodiment, multiple circuit breakers (A1) can be linked together, making it possible to further eliminate series arcs and parallel arcs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Switch 1 2. Second switch 10 Circuit breakers 11 sensors 14 Control Unit 19 cabinets 22 Communications Department 23 Notification Department 30 Power generation equipment 40 Power converter A1 Circuit breaker B1 Power supply C1 Blocking System L1 positive electrode wire L2 negative electrode wire M1 electrical circuit S1 position

Claims

1. A circuit breaker is provided in the circuit between a power generator that outputs DC power and a power converter, and is electrically connected to the power generator by positive and negative wires, A sensor that detects the current from the power generation device when the circuit breaker is in a conductive state, A control unit that controls the circuit breaker so that it becomes non-conductive based on the detection result of the sensor, The system comprises a housing that houses the circuit breaker, the sensor, and the control unit, The housing is positioned in the circuit on the side of the power generation device, closer to the power generation device than the point where the positive electrode wire connected to the power generation device and the negative electrode wire connected to the power generation device converge. Circuit breaker.

2. The sensor further detects the voltage from the power generation device when the circuit breaker is in a conductive state. The control unit controls the circuit breaker so that it becomes non-conductive, based on the detection result of at least one of the voltage detected by the sensor and the current detected by the sensor. The circuit breaker according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned circuit breaker is A first switch electrically connected to the positive electrode wire, It includes a second switch electrically connected to the negative electrode wire, The control unit determines the type of arc generated in the circuit based on the detection result of the sensor, The aforementioned arc types include series arcs and parallel arcs. The control unit, If the type of arc is the series arc, the circuit breaker is controlled so that at least one of the first switch and the second switch becomes non-conductive. If the type of arc is the parallel arc, the circuit breaker is controlled so that both the first switch and the second switch are in a non-conductive state. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The control unit, If the current detected by the sensor is a high-frequency current, it is determined that the type of arc is a series arc. If the waveform of the current detected by the sensor changes and is different from the waveform of the high-frequency current, or if the voltage value of the voltage detected by the sensor is less than a specified value, it is determined that the type of arc is the parallel arc. The circuit breaker according to claim 3.

5. A circuit breaker according to claim 1 or claim 2, The system includes a power supply device that supplies power to the aforementioned circuit breaker, Shutdown system.

6. The power supply unit includes a communication unit that communicates with the circuit breaker, The communication unit receives information from the blocking device. The circuit breaker system according to claim 5.

7. The power supply unit further includes a notification unit that provides notifications based on information from the circuit breaker. The blocking system according to claim 6.

8. Equipped with multiple such circuit breakers, Each of the plurality of circuit breakers is It is further equipped with a communication unit that communicates with each other, Power is supplied from the aforementioned power supply device. The circuit breaker system according to claim 5.

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