Container-type independent power supply

Abstract

The present invention provides a container-type independent power supply unit that can reduce the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of a load device or a system in which such a load device is used. [Solution] A power converter that receives input power from at least one of a power generator and a grid power source and supplies output power to a plurality of load devices, comprising: a power converter that receives the input power, performs power conversion and outputs DC power; a storage battery that stores the power from the power converter; and a switching mechanism that measures the operation of supplying power to one of the plurality of load devices when the power from the power converter or the power stored in the storage battery is supplied as output power, and switches the power supply to another of the plurality of load devices if the result of this measurement indicates that the one load device is not consuming power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container-mounted independent power supply device that converts input power and supplies output power to a plurality of load devices.

Background Art

[0002] Power supply devices that receive input power from at least one of a power generation device and a commercial power system and supply output power to a plurality of load devices have been used. The power generation device is, for example, a hydrogen power generation device, or a power generation device such as a natural energy power generation device or a renewable energy power generation device such as a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, or a hydraulic power generation device. The plurality of load devices are, for example, a heat storage system using a heater or the like, an air conditioning system, a water generation device, or a ventilation device, or an automatic vending machine, an air conditioner, or a heat pump system that intermittently operates using a compressor. Such devices and systems can be applied to, for example, a container-mounted independent power supply device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a prior art in which a vending machine to which a solar power generation unit including a storage battery and a solar power generation unit is applied, and the solar power generation unit is attached to the outer door of the vending machine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Heat source loads such as heat pumps that operate using the above-mentioned compressor are known to have a large difference in power consumption between when the compressor is in use and when it is not, resulting in a large difference between the average power consumption and the maximum power consumption that occurs when the compressor is in use. Power capacity, which represents the inverter size, must be set to match the maximum power consumption. For this reason, an inverter with a large capacity relative to the average power consumption must be installed, resulting in the use of an unnecessarily large-capacity inverter, as the period of time when the power capacity is almost fully utilized is not that long. Furthermore, not only is there waste in the inverter, but the size of the circuit breaker and wiring also increase as the inverter becomes larger, resulting in similar waste. In addition, if a battery storage system is installed, an unnecessarily large-capacity battery storage system is required.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a container-type independent power supply that can reduce the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of a load device or a system in which such a load device is used, in order to solve the problems of the prior art described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A container-type independent power supply unit is equipped with at least one of the following power supply devices: To achieve the above objective, the power supply device according to the present invention is A power supply device that receives input power from at least one of a power generation device and a grid power source, and supplies output power to a plurality of load devices, A power converter that receives the input power, performs power conversion, and outputs DC power, A storage battery in which power from the aforementioned power converter is stored, A switching mechanism that, when power from the power converter or power stored in the battery is supplied as output power, measures the operation of supplying power to one of the multiple load devices, and when the result of this measurement indicates that power is not being consumed by the one load device, switches the power supply to another of the multiple load devices, It is equipped with. The aforementioned multiple load devices may include other load devices in addition to the aforementioned one load device and the other load devices. The power conversion device may also be a device known as a power conditioner. The operation of supplying power to one of the aforementioned multiple load devices refers to an operation that controls the supply of power in order to supply the power, and does not necessarily include the operation of actually supplying power to the load device or the operation of actually consuming power in the load device. Here, the switching mechanism may have a current sensor for measuring the operation of power supply to the first load device. The switching mechanism may also measure the current value in the other load devices using other current sensors, etc., and switch the power supply to the first load device by referring to the current value. Furthermore, the switching of power supply to each load device may be performed by measuring the operation of power supply to the first load device and / or power supply to the other load devices, for example, by detecting the start of operation of equipment such as a compressor, detecting the operating temperature, internal temperature or ambient temperature of the load device, or by referring to a timer, etc.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the power supply device according to the present invention measures the operation of the power supply when the switching mechanism is supplying power to one of the multiple load devices, and when the result of this measurement indicates that power is not being consumed by the one load device, it switches the power supply to another of the multiple load devices. In other words, power is consumed by the other load devices during the time when power is not being consumed by the one load device. This configuration compresses the difference in power consumption along the time axis. That is, the average power consumption increases. Furthermore, this is even more true if the power consumption of the other load devices increases. Therefore, the power supply device according to the present invention can reduce the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of a load device or the system in which the load device is used.

[0009] The switching mechanism has a control device, When the control device switches the power supply from supplying power to the first load device to supplying power to the other load device, it may output a command to the other load device to encourage it to accelerate power consumption. The power supply switching can be performed under the monitoring and direct / indirect switching control of the control device, so it is preferable for this control device to output a command to encourage the accelerated power consumption. Here, the command to encourage accelerated power consumption is a command to cause the load device to perform an accelerated operation and consume power. This accelerated operation is an operation that can be performed at any timing, for example, an operation that can be linked to the operation or inaction of another load device connected to the same system, or an operation that is flexible, and is an operation in which the other load device that performs the predetermined operation performs the predetermined operation that will be necessary in the future in advance or ahead of schedule at a time when the other load device, such as the first load device, is not operating and not consuming power. Even if the predetermined operation that will be necessary in the future is performed in advance at this timing, the state changed by this operation is maintained in a state that is almost unchanged or has only changed slightly, so that the same or close result as if the predetermined operation had been performed at that future timing can be obtained. Furthermore, as can be understood from the above, the power consumption of the other load devices by the aforementioned command does not simply cause power to be consumed unnecessarily or cause the other load devices to perform unnecessary operations. This configuration allows for increased power consumption by having the other load devices perform necessary operations in advance or ahead of schedule. This is even more true if the power consumption of the other load devices is increased by the commands from the control device. Therefore, the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of the load device or the system in which the load device is used can be further reduced.

[0010] Here, the output of the command from the control device toward the other load device may include an output such as a command signal that is directly input to the other load device, but it may also be an output by the control device that displays the command, for example. For example, upon receiving this output or display toward the other load device, an operator may set the other load device, which has an input means, to perform accelerated power consumption (accelerated operation) (indirect input to the other load device). The display, etc., may be a screen display of the command prompting the accelerated power consumption, or it may be the illumination of a lamp indicating the switching of the power supply. Furthermore, the command may also include a command to increase the power consumption of the other load device. The timing of the output of the command prompting the accelerated power consumption of the other load device does not have to be when the power supply is switched. For example, it may be when the power supply device is started up. Alternatively, from the start of the other load device's startup, an operator may set the other load device to perform accelerated power consumption (accelerated operation) at a later date.

[0011] Equipped with a DC-AC converter, The output power may be power from the power converter, or AC power supplied to the plurality of load devices via the DC-AC converter from power stored in the battery. The DC-AC converter converts the DC power output from the power converter or the battery into AC power, and supplies this AC power to a subsequent load device that operates on AC power.

[0012] The switching mechanism may have a current relay for switching the power supply for each of the first load device and the other load devices. This allows for safe and precise switching of power supply, minimizing power loss and ensuring a stable supply of electricity to the load. When the switching mechanism has the above-mentioned current relay, The switching mechanism has a control device, In switching the power supply between the first load device and the other load device, the control device may output a signal to cause each of the current relays to perform an interlock operation. Furthermore, if the switching mechanism has the current relay, The switching mechanism has an interlock circuit, In switching the power supply between the first load device and the other load device, the interlock circuit may output a signal to cause each of the current relays to perform an interlock operation. As a result, interlock operation can be achieved when switching power supplies.

[0013] A conversion device that performs at least one of the following between the switching mechanism and the other load device may be provided: AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, voltage conversion, and frequency conversion. For example, the power consumption of one load device that operates intermittently may fluctuate over time. In the case of a vending machine, power consumption may fluctuate over time because it involves not only compressor operation but also heater operation, etc. In this case, in order to maintain the power supply capacity at a high average power, it may be necessary to adjust the power consumption of the other load devices in response to the fluctuations in the power consumption of the first load device. In this configuration, it is possible to variably control the voltage, frequency, etc., of the power supplied to the other load device. Therefore, it is possible to vary the power consumption of the other load device.

[0014] The container-type independent power supply device according to the present invention is As already mentioned, the power supply device described in any one of the above, A container for housing the aforementioned power supply device, The aforementioned power generation device includes at least one of the following: a hydrogen power generation device, a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, and a hydroelectric power generation device. It is equipped with.

[0015] Since the container-stored independent power supply device according to the present invention includes the power supply device described in any one of the above, it can achieve each of the effects described above. Therefore, this container-stored independent power supply device can reduce the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of the load device or the system in which the load device is used.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] The container-stored independent power supply device according to the present invention can reduce the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of the load device or the system in which the load device is used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of an independent power supply system to which the power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a general power circuit applied to the independent power supply system. [Figure 3] Figure (A) is a waveform diagram showing the temperature-dependent operation of a heat pump type vending machine, and Figure (B) is a waveform diagram showing the power consumption at that time. [Figure 4A] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power circuit in the power supply device according to the above embodiment. [Figure 4B] It is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the power circuit in the power supply device. [Figure 5] Figure (A) is a waveform diagram showing an example of the temperature-dependent operation of a heat pump type load device in a system using the power supply device, and Figure (B) is a waveform diagram showing an example of the power consumption of the entire system at that time. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the power supply device. [Figure 7] Figure (A) is a waveform diagram showing another example of the temperature-dependent operation of a heat pump type load device in a system using the power supply device, and Figure (B) is a waveform diagram showing another example of the power consumption of the entire system at that time. [Figure 8]This diagram shows an example of a configuration in the above-mentioned power supply device, which includes a converter for AC-DC conversion between the switching mechanism and the load device. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an example of a configuration in the above-mentioned power supply device, which includes a converter for AC-DC conversion and an inverter for DC-AC conversion between the switching mechanism and the load device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] A power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the external configuration of an independent power supply system to which a power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied as an example. Generally, an independent power supply system is a unit that incorporates, for example, solar panels on the roof, a wind turbine on the side if necessary, and load devices etc. inside. Because these are integrated, the unit can be moved as a whole. In order to ensure mobility, the structure 9 of the unit may be a transport container as described later. In this case, the independent power supply system is also called a container-type independent power supply device.

[0019] Specifically, the independent power system includes, for example, a wind turbine 5 and a solar power generator 6, which are power generation devices, and receives input power from them. Alternatively, it may also include a hydrogen power generator or a hydroelectric power generator. This independent power system, consisting of a transport container or the like that houses the wind turbine 5 and solar power generator 6, can further house a battery, power converter, control device, etc., and can function as a mobile, container-mounted independent power source (a mobile, container-mounted independent power source) in locations without grid power, and can also be used as an emergency power source. The independent power system may also receive input power from a commercial grid power source (not shown in the figure), or from other DC or AC power generators.

[0020] The wind power generation device 5 comprises, for example, a wind turbine 12 and a generator GE (not shown) that is driven by the wind turbine 12 to generate electricity. The wind turbine 12 is configured as a vertical-axis wind turbine. Specifically, the wind turbine 12 has a plurality of blades 12a (two in the example shown) and a blade support 12b that supports these blades 12a. Each blade 12a extends in the vertical direction, and the blade support 12b is rotatably supported at the upper end of the support column 14 via a bearing (not shown) around a vertical axis. The two blades 12a are positioned at 180-degree phase differences with respect to the axis of the support column 14. The support column 14 is fixed to the upper center of one of the peripheral walls or side walls 9c of the structure 9, which will be described later.

[0021] The above-mentioned generator GE is installed inside a generator casing 13a attached to the upper part of the support column 14. The fixed ring of the bearing is attached to the generator casing 13a, and the rotating ring of the bearing is connected to the blade support 12b. As the wind turbine 12 rotates, the rotor of the generator GE rotates inside the generator casing 13a together with the rotating ring, causing the generator GE to generate electricity. For the generator GE, for example, an induction generator or a synchronous generator can be used. The above-mentioned vertical-axis wind turbine is suitable as a wind turbine 12 for a wind power generation device 5 installed on a transportable structure 9 because it can generate electricity by receiving wind even if it is relatively small. However, the wind turbine may also be a horizontal-axis wind turbine.

[0022] The solar power generation device 6 includes solar panels 6a installed on the top wall or top plate 9a of the structure 9. The structure 9 is transportable, box-shaped, and robust, with double-hinged doors DR for loading and unloading of stored goods. The doors DR are configured to be lockable by authorized persons, such as customers. The structure 9 has a roughly rectangular top wall 9a and bottom wall 9b, and four peripheral walls 9c provided between these top wall 9a and bottom wall 9b, forming an overall roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, this structure 9 is, for example, a robust transport container or a transportable simple building. Inside the structure 9, in addition to stored goods, control devices and electrical circuits for power supply devices, inverters, storage batteries, etc. may be installed, and vending machines and heat storage systems may also be provided. The inside of the structure 9 can also be used as an office or workspace.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a typical power circuit configuration diagram applicable to the independent power supply system. Generally, the diagram shows a configuration in which input power from generators such as solar power generation equipment and wind power generation equipment is converted to charge a storage battery, and output power can be supplied from the generator, storage battery, or both, to load devices such as vending machines, air conditioners, thermal storage systems, and ventilation equipment, under the control of a control device. Specifically, in the configuration shown in the diagram, input power is received from the solar panels 6a of the solar power generation equipment 6 and the generator GE of the wind power generation equipment 5, and output power is supplied to multiple load devices. Note that this configuration may also receive input power from the commercial grid power supply CP. In this embodiment, the multiple load devices include one or more load devices 700 (load device A), which is a single load device, and one or more load devices 900 (load device B), which is another load device.

[0024] In this configuration, the system includes a power converter 100 that receives the input power, performs power conversion, and outputs DC power, and a storage battery 200 that stores the power from the power converter 100. The figure also includes a DC / AC converter 300, and the output power is AC power supplied to the multiple load devices via the DC / AC converter 300 from either the power from the power converter 100 or the power stored in the storage battery 200. In addition, the figure also includes a control device 400 that controls the power converter 100 and the DC / AC converter 300, controls and manages the charging and discharging of the storage battery 200, and controls the opening and closing of switches 500A and 500B connected in series to the load devices 700 and 900, respectively. In this embodiment, switches 500A and 500B are, for example, current relays that can switch the power supply to the load devices.

[0025] Load device 700 (Load device A) is, for example, a vending machine, air conditioner, or heat pump system that operates intermittently using a compressor. Load device 900 (Load device B) is, for example, a heat storage system or air conditioning system using a heater, a water generation device using a pump, or a ventilation device using a fan. Load device 700 operates intermittently at predetermined timings depending on the internal temperature of the storage unit or the room temperature, while load device 900 can be operated at any timing. Therefore, load device 700 and load device 900 are connected in parallel, and operating load device 900 when load device 700 is not operating is a desirable operating configuration in terms of peak power consumption reduction, etc.

[0026] Here, we will explain vending machines as a load. Vending machines and air conditioners are devices that use heat pump technology with a compressor, and by repeating the cycle of compression, evaporation, condensation, and expansion, they can handle a larger amount of heat than their actual power consumption, thus contributing to energy saving by reducing power consumption. Vending machines have both cold storage units and hot storage units, and in recent vending machines, the heat pump type mentioned above, which is highly energy-efficient, has become the mainstream.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the time-series waveform of the temperature-controlled operation and power consumption of a heat pump vending machine. This figure is an example of hot food storage, where the temperature is controlled intermittently by ON / OFF control of the compressor, and the temperature of the warming cabinet rises and falls in conjunction with this, as shown in Figure (A). When the temperature falls below the target temperature, at time t1 the heat pump operating temperature is reached, and as shown in Figure (B), the compressor is turned on to heat again towards the target temperature (compressor ON control). At time t2 the threshold Tth is reached, and the compressor is stopped (compressor OFF control). Power consumption occurs during this time. Through this operation, the heat pump vending machine maintains the temperature inside the cabinet near the target temperature. Thus, the compressor operates intermittently, and the actual average power consumption is the average of the power consumption during periods when the compressor is operating (e.g., t1-t2, t3-t4, t5-t6) and the power consumption during periods when the compressor is not operating (e.g., t2-t3, t4-t5).

[0028] As shown in the figure, there is a large difference in power consumption between when the compressor is in use and when it is not. As a result, the difference between the intermittent power consumption (which includes the maximum power consumption during time periods such as t1-t2, t3-t4, t5-t6, etc.) and the average power consumption becomes large. Therefore, it is necessary to set the power supply capacity, such as the inverter size, to match the maximum power consumption, which requires a power supply with a larger capacity than the actual average power consumption, such as a high-capacity inverter. In this way, if the capacity of the power supply is determined to match this intermittent power consumption, the power supply will be selected to match the intermittent power consumption, which may be several times the average power consumption, resulting in excess power capacity and waste, where the power supply capacity is not being used at 100%, such as when the compressor is OFF. In addition, if there is a power difference between the ON / OFF operation of the compressor, the potential of the inverter input will change significantly, which is expected to increase the load on the inverter. The above-mentioned discrepancy between maximum power consumption and average power consumption is also shown in catalogs for vending machines, etc., and the annual power consumption based on JIS or ISO generally represents the average power consumption. This value represents annual power consumption, and while it is expected to vary slightly depending on the installation location, the average power consumption can be calculated by dividing it by 8760 hours (= 365 days × 24 hours). This value shows a significant discrepancy with the value attributed to the vending machine's power consumption.

[0029] Based on the above, this embodiment proposes a system that can effectively utilize idle or surplus power during periods when intermittent load devices are not operating, such as the container-type independent power supply unit described above. In other words, it proposes a power supply device that can reduce the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of the load device used in this system or the system in which the load device is used. Generally speaking, this embodiment prevents periods of idle or surplus power consumption from occurring relative to the power supply capacity by having another load device perform the necessary operations during periods when the intermittent load device is not operating.

[0030] Figures 4A and 4B show the configuration of the power circuit in the proposed system and power supply device according to this embodiment, and Figure 5 shows the temperature-dependent operation of the heat pump type load device in the proposed system using the power supply device and the time-series waveform diagram of the power consumption of the entire system at that time. The configuration diagrams in Figures 4A and 4B are applications and developments of the configuration shown in Figure 2. In the power supply device PA in Figures 4A and 4B, the power supply for the intermittent operation of the load device 700 is detected by the current sensor CS, and the operating status can be measured and monitored. As shown in Figure 5, the power supply device PA operates other load devices 900 when the load device 700 is not operating. The load device 700 operates and consumes power during time periods such as t1-t2, t3-t4, and t5-t6, and the load device 900 operates and consumes power during time periods such as t2-t3 and t4-t5. The load device 900 is, so to speak, a load device capable of flexible operation that can be operated in conjunction with the operation or inaction of the load device 700 without causing any problems. Examples of load devices capable of such flexible operation include heat storage systems, water generators, ventilation systems, and air conditioning systems.

[0031] Furthermore, if there are multiple load devices 700 (for example, two load devices 700A and 700B), the operation of load devices 700 during time periods such as t1-t2, t3-t4, and t5-t6 may involve parallel operation of load devices 700A and 700B, or one of the time periods may be operated by load device 700A and the remaining time period may be operated by load device 700B. Furthermore, there may be time periods in which the operation of load device 700A and load device 700B overlap. Similarly, if there are multiple load devices 900 (for example, two load devices 900A and 900B), the operation of load devices 900 during time periods such as t2-t3 and t4-t5 may involve parallel operation of load devices 900A and 900B, or one of the time periods may be operated by load device 900A and the remaining time period may be operated by load device 900B.

[0032] According to Figures 4A and 4B, in the power supply device PA of this embodiment, power generated from the solar panel 6a and the generator GE of the wind power generation device is either charged to the storage battery 200 via the power converter 100, or directly supplied to the load device via the power converter 100. If there is no power generation, power is supplied from the storage battery 200 to the load device via the power converter 100. The power supply device PA of this embodiment includes a switching mechanism 500 that measures the operation of supplying power to one load device, load device 700, when power from the power converter 100 or power stored in the storage battery 200 is supplied as output power, and switches the power supply from load device 700 to another load device, load device 900, if the result of this measurement indicates that power is not being consumed by load device 700. The switching mechanism 500 of this embodiment can similarly perform the operation of switching from load device 900 to load device 700.

[0033] As explained using Figure 5, the intermittently operating load device 700 typically operates for a certain period of time, typically several minutes or more, and stops when the internal temperature reaches the target temperature Tth. This operating timing is also influenced by the ambient temperature, contents, and room size, and the aforementioned certain period varies depending on these conditions. The operation of the load device 700 is monitored by a current sensor CS connected to the load device 700. If the current value detected by the current sensor CS exceeds a specified value, the load device 700 is considered to be operating; conversely, if it is below the specified value, it is considered to be not operating. If it is determined that the load device 700 is not operating, the power supply is switched to the load device 900, which is connected in parallel, as described above. This switching operation may be performed using an analog circuit such as an interlock circuit as shown in Figure 4A, using a current sensor and current relay, as described later, or it may be performed using a control device such as a microcontroller as shown in Figure 4B. In this switching operation, if the load device 700 has a communication function such as RS485, the synchronization control of the load device 900 may be performed based on the signal from this communication. In this case, it is necessary to configure the load device 700 and the load device 900 so that they are not turned ON at the same time due to interlock operation.

[0034] With this configuration, in this embodiment, power is not supplied to load device 700 and load device 900 simultaneously. For example, in Figure 4A or Figure 4B, when current relay 500A is closed and current relay 500B is opened to supply power to load device 700, power is initially consumed by load device 700. Subsequently, when the compressor operation ends, power consumption by load device 700 ceases. Therefore, based on the measurement result of the current sensor CS, i.e., the detected current value, current relay 500A is opened and current relay 500B is closed, and the power supply is switched from load device 700 to load device 900. In this way, the interlock operation is achieved. The operation of switching the power supply from load device 900 to load device 700 is similar.

[0035] The switching mechanism 500 in Figure 4A has an analog circuit such as an interlock circuit 500C, and outputs a signal from the interlock circuit 500C to cause the current relays 500A and 500B to perform an interlock operation when switching the power supply between the load device 700 and the load device 900. In this interlock operation, the interlock circuit 500C controls the opening and closing operations of the current relays 500A and 500B by referring to the current value measured to the load device 700 by the current sensor CS, thereby switching the power supply between the load device 700 and the load device 900. Note that the switching by the interlock circuit 500C may be performed under monitoring or indirect switching control by the control device 400.

[0036] The switching mechanism 500 in Figure 4B uses a control device, such as a microcontroller, to switch the power supply between load device 700 and load device 900. The control device 400 outputs a signal to the current relays 500A and 500B respectively to perform an interlock operation. In this interlock operation, the current value measured by the current sensor CS to load device 700 is input to the analog input terminal AI of the control device 400. Control signals from the digital output terminals DA and DB of the control device 400 control the opening and closing operations of the current relays 500A and 500B to switch the power supply between load device 700 and load device 900. Here, in Figures 4A and 4B, the switching mechanism may also measure the current value in load device 900 using an ammeter (not shown) and switch the power supply by referring to this current value.

[0037] In the power supply device PA of this embodiment, when the control device 400 switches the power supply from supplying power to the load device 700 to supplying power to the load device 900 in each of the switching mechanisms 500 described above, it outputs a command to the load device 900 to encourage accelerated power consumption in the load device 900. Here, the command to encourage accelerated power consumption is a command to cause the load device to perform an accelerated operation and consume power. This command may further include a command to increase the power consumption in the load device 900.

[0038] This advance operation is an operation that can be performed at any time, for example, in conjunction with the operation or inaction of another load device connected to the same system, or an operation that is flexible and can be performed without problems. It is an operation in which a load device that performs a predetermined operation performs the predetermined operation in advance or ahead of schedule when the other load device is not operating and consuming power. With this advance or ahead of schedule operation, as shown in Figure 5, the predetermined operation that will be needed in the future can be performed at a time when there is available power consumption time relative to the power capacity of the system. Furthermore, even if the predetermined operation that will be needed in the future is performed in advance at this timing, the state changed by this operation is maintained in a state that is almost unchanged or with little change, so that the same or close result as if the predetermined operation had been performed at the future timing is obtained.Therefore, since the changed state is maintained in a state that is almost unchanged or with little change, this advance operation will also be called a reserve operation (or storage operation, securing operation) below.

[0039] For reference, pumped-storage power plants are another device, equipment, or facility that performs an operation similar to this advance operation or reserve operation. Pumped-storage power plants perform a pumping operation in advance, which is one of their predetermined operations, in order to generate electricity that will be needed in the future. This pumping operation is performed at night when electricity consumption is low. It should be noted that, as can be understood from the above, the power consumption of the load device 900 by the command is not simply to consume electricity indiscriminately or to cause the load device 900 to perform unnecessary operations. From the above, the power supply device PA of this embodiment can fill the idle time in the power capacity of the above system and can reduce the difference between the maximum power consumption and the average power consumption of the system in which the load device is used.

[0040] As load devices capable of the above-mentioned accelerated operation, the following can be used as load device 900: a heat storage system or air conditioning system using a heater, a water generation device such as an electrolytic water generator or a sterilized water generator, or a ventilation device. In a heat storage system or air conditioning system using a heater, etc., the heater, etc. can be operated in advance or ahead of schedule to store heat or change the temperature, and this changed state can be maintained in a nearly unchanged state or with minimal change. Similarly, in a water generation device, water can be generated in advance or ahead of schedule and this state can be maintained in a nearly unchanged state or with minimal change. In a ventilation device, ventilation can be performed in advance or ahead of schedule and this purified air can be maintained in a nearly unchanged state or with minimal change.

[0041] The load device 900 is equipped with a mechanism that allows for accelerated operation, for example, to perform the predetermined operation in advance or ahead of schedule. Preferably, the operation details, such as the time period and intensity of the predetermined operation, can be scheduled or programmed. Such a configuration that allows for accelerated operation is especially necessary in an independent power system that is mobile and can be used as an emergency power source, in order to make effective use of limited power. In this case, it is preferable that the load device 900 performs the predetermined operation at a slightly increased level during reserve operation, and maintains a state that is slightly excessive, in other words, it is preferable to anticipate the desired state in an over-specified manner.

[0042] The load device 900 includes a human interface (HI) for the operator to set the advance operation, and a mechanism to perform the advance operation in response to input from the HI or command signals from the control device 400. The input from the HI and the command signals from the control device 400 include commands such as specifying the operation of the controlled object, setting the time period in which the operation will be performed, and setting the intensity of the operation (power consumption). The operation of the controlled object may involve repeating the same operation or a mixture of different operations.

[0043] As described above, when the control device 400 switches the power supply from supplying power to the load device 700 to supplying power to the load device 900, it outputs a command to the load device 900 to prompt it to accelerate power consumption. However, the timing of this output does not have to be when the power supply is switched. For example, it may be when the power supply device PA is started up. Alternatively, the load device 900 may be set from the start up by an operator or other person to accelerate power consumption (accelerated operation) at a later date. The output of the command from the control device 400 to the load device 900 could be an output of a command signal that is directly input to the load device 900, but the control device 400 may also output the command by displaying it, for example. For example, upon receiving this output or display to the load device 900, an operator or other person may set the load device 900, which has an input means, to accelerate power consumption (accelerated operation) (indirect input to the load device 900). The display may be a screen display of a command to encourage accelerated power consumption, or it may be a lamp that lights up to indicate a power supply switch.

[0044] Next, the operation flow will be explained with reference to Figure 6. In this flow, after the power supply device PA is started up (START), power is first supplied to the load device 700. After this startup, the power supply device PA uses the current sensor CS to detect the power consumption of the load device 700 (step S100). If power consumption of the load device 700 is detected (YES in step S100), the reserve operation of the load device 900 described above is not performed (step S200). Then, the process returns to step S100. If power consumption of the load device 700 is not detected (NO in step S100), the reserve operation of the load device 900 is started (step S300). In other words, the switching mechanism 500 switches the power supply via the DC / AC converter 300 from the load device 700 to the load device 900. In response, the control device 400 outputs a command to the load device 900 to encourage it to accelerate power consumption. This command is then directly or indirectly input to the load device 900, and the load device 900 begins reserve operation.

[0045] After this, the power consumption of the load device 700 or the start of operation is detected again (step S400). This detection is performed by detecting the start of compressor operation of the load device 700, etc. In step S400, the internal temperature of the load device 700 may be detected for the purpose of detecting the start of compressor operation, etc., or a timer for stopping the reserve operation of the load device 900 may be referenced. If power consumption of the load device 700 is not detected (NO in step S400), the reserve operation of the load device 900 is maintained (return to step S300). If power consumption of the load device 700 is detected (YES in step S400), the reserve operation of the load device 900 is stopped (step S500). In other words, for example, the control device 400 outputs a command to the load device 900 to stop the reserve operation in the load device 900, and this command is directly / indirectly input to the load device 900, causing the load device 900 to stop the reserve operation. In response, the switching mechanism 500 switches the power supply from the load device 900 to the load device 700. Then the load device 700 resumes operation, and the power supplied via the DC / AC converter 300 is consumed by the load device 700.

[0046] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. For example, the above embodiments may be modified as follows:

[0047] As a variation, we will describe a configuration in which the power consumption of the intermittently operating load device 700 fluctuates over time, as shown in Figure 7. For example, in the case of a vending machine, power consumption may fluctuate over time because it involves not only compressor operation but also heater operation, etc. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, in order to maintain the power supply capacity at a high average power and to stay within the power supply capacity, it may be necessary to vary the power consumption of the load device 900 in response to the fluctuations in the power consumption of the load device 700.

[0048] To accommodate the above-described operation, the power supply device PA in this modified example may include a converter 600 between the switching mechanism 500 and the load device 900 that performs at least one of AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, voltage conversion, and frequency conversion. For example, if the load device 900 is a device that operates on DC power, such as a heater, the power supply device PA may include an AC / DC converter 600A, a type of converter 600, after the current relay 500B between the DC / AC converter 300 and the load device 900 (Figure 8). This configuration allows DC power to be supplied to the load device 900, and enables variable control of the voltage of the supplied power. Furthermore, if the load device 900 is equipment that operates on AC power, such as a pump or fan, the power supply device PA may also include a DC / AC converter (inverter) 600B similar to the converter 600, in addition to the AC / DC converter 600A, after the current relay 500B between the DC / AC converter 300 and the load device 900 (Figure 9). This configuration makes it possible to variably control the voltage, frequency, etc., of the power supplied to the load device 900. Therefore, the power consumption of the load device 900 can be varied. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 5. Wind power generation equipment (power generation equipment) 6. Solar power generation equipment (power generation equipment) 100 Power converter 200 Battery 300 DC / AC Converter (Direct Current to Alternating Current Converter) 400 Control Unit 500 Switching mechanism 500A, 500B Current Relay 500C Interlock Circuit 600, 600A, 600B converter 700 Load device A (one load device) 900 Load device B (other load device) CP grid power supply CS current sensor PA power supply

Claims

1. A container-type independent power supply unit comprising a power supply device that receives input power from at least one of a power generation device and a grid power supply and supplies output power to a plurality of load devices, A power converter that receives the input power, performs power conversion, and outputs DC power, A storage battery in which power from the aforementioned power converter is stored, A power supply device comprising: a switching mechanism that measures the operation of supplying power to one of the plurality of load devices when power from the power converter or power stored in the battery is supplied as output power, and switches the power supply to another of the plurality of load devices if the result of this measurement indicates that power is not being consumed by the one load device; A container for housing the aforementioned power supply device, The aforementioned power generation device includes at least one of the following: a hydrogen power generation device, a solar power generation device, a wind power generation device, and a hydroelectric power generation device. A container-type independent power supply unit equipped with the following features.

2. In the container-type independent power supply device according to claim 1, The switching mechanism has a control device, When the control device switches the power supply from supplying power to the first load device to supplying power to the other load device, it outputs a command to the other load device to encourage it to accelerate power consumption. Container-type independent power supply unit.

3. In the container-type independent power supply device according to claim 1, Equipped with a DC-AC converter, The output power is AC power supplied to the plurality of load devices via the DC-AC converter, either from the power converter or from the power stored in the battery. Container-type independent power supply unit.

4. In the container-type independent power supply device according to claim 1, The switching mechanism has a current relay for switching the power supply for each of the one load device and the other load devices. Container-type independent power supply unit.

5. In the container-type independent power supply device according to claim 4, The switching mechanism has a control device, In switching the power supply between the first load device and the other load device, the control device outputs a signal to cause each of the current relays to perform an interlock operation. Container-type independent power supply unit.

6. In the container-type independent power supply device according to claim 4, The switching mechanism has an interlock circuit, In switching the power supply between the first load device and the other load device, the interlock circuit outputs a signal to cause each of the current relays to perform an interlock operation. Container-type independent power supply unit.

7. In the container-type independent power supply device according to claim 1, The switching mechanism has a current sensor for measuring the operation of power supply to the first load device. Container-type independent power supply unit.

8. In the container-type independent power supply device according to claim 1, The switching mechanism is provided with a converter between it and the other load device that performs at least one of AC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, voltage conversion, and frequency conversion. Container-type independent power supply unit.

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