Solar power generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve power supply efficiency and prevent lifetime reduction.SOLUTION: A photovoltaic power generation system 1 comprises: a photovoltaic power generation device 10; a load device 40 to which generated power of the photovoltaic power generation device 10 is supplied; and a control device 100 which controls the supply of the generated power from the photovoltaic power generation device 10 to the load device 40. The control device 100 includes: a switching control section 110 which executes switching control for starting power supply to the load device 40 when generated power energy W of the photovoltaic power generation device 10 becomes equal to or more than a start threshold WU, and for stopping the power supply to the load device 40 when the generated power energy W becomes equal to or less than a stop threshold WB; a number-of-times acquisition section 120 which acquires an execution number Nc of times of the switching control; and a threshold setting section 130 which increases / decreases at least one of the start threshold WU and the stop threshold WB based on whether or not the execution number Nc of times acquired by the number-of-times acquisition section 120 within a first predetermined term T1 achieves a first upper limit number Nm1 of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a solar power generation system, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that operates the load device with the generated power when the generated power of a photovoltaic power generation device is greater than the power consumption of the load device, stores the surplus power in a storage battery, and operates the load device with the generated power and the discharged power of the storage battery when the generated power is less than the power consumption of the load device. The system described in Patent Document 1 predicts the amount of power generation for a predetermined period from the relationship between the generated power or the horizontal total solar radiation on a clear day and the time, and determines whether to start or stop the operation of the load device based on the prediction result. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-198729 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] In general, in a photovoltaic power generation system, when the amount of power generated by a solar panel (photovoltaic power generation device) reaches or exceeds a predetermined start threshold, power supply to a load device is started, and when the amount of power generated by the solar panel falls below a predetermined stop threshold, power supply to the load device is stopped. Such a series of switching operations to start and stop power supply places a burden on the entire system, including the control device, relay circuit, and solder joints of electronic circuits.

[0005] One way to reduce the number of switching operations is to set the hysteresis width of the control (the difference between the start threshold and the stop threshold) to a large value. However, if the hysteresis width of the control is made large, there is a problem that the opportunities to supply power to the load device are reduced, leading to a deterioration in power supply efficiency. On the other hand, if the hysteresis width of the control is made small, there is a problem that the frequency of the switching operations increases, shortening the lifespan of the entire system.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. That is, one of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can effectively prevent a decrease in the life span of the entire system while improving the efficiency of power supply to a load device.

[0007] A system according to the present disclosure is a solar power generation system (1) including a solar power generation device (10), a load device (40) to which power generated by the solar power generation device (10) is supplied, and a control device (100) that controls supply of the generated power from the solar power generation device (10) to the load device (40), The control device (100) a switching control unit (110) that starts the power supply to the load device (40) when the amount of power generated (W) of the solar power generation device (10) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined start threshold (WU), and executes switching control to stop the power supply to the load device (40) when the amount of power generated (W) of the solar power generation device (10) becomes equal to or less than a predetermined stop threshold (WB) that is smaller than the start threshold (WU); a number acquiring unit (120) for acquiring the number of times (Nc) that the power supply is started or stopped by the switching control; and a threshold setting unit (130) that increases or decreases at least one of the start threshold (WU) and the stop threshold (WB) based on whether the number of executions (Nc) acquired by the number acquisition unit (120) within a first predetermined period (T1) has reached a predetermined first upper limit number of executions (Nm1) that is set as an upper limit number of executions of the switching control within the first predetermined period (T1).

[0008] The method disclosed herein is a control method for a solar power generation system (1) that supplies power generated by a solar power generation device (10) to a load device (40), comprising: a switching control is executed to start the power supply to the load device (40) when the amount of generated power (W) of the solar power generation device (10) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined start threshold (WU), and to stop the power supply to the load device (40) when the amount of generated power (W) falls to or below a predetermined stop threshold (WB) that is smaller than the start threshold (WU); Acquire the number of times (Nc) that the power supply is started or stopped by the switching control; The method is characterized in that at least one of the start threshold (WU) and the stop threshold (WB) is increased or decreased based on whether the number of executions (Nc) obtained within a first predetermined period (T1) has reached a predetermined first upper limit number (Nm1) that is set as the upper limit number of executions of the switching control within the first predetermined period (T1).

[0009] The program of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer of a solar power generation system (1) that supplies power generated by a solar power generation device (10) to a load device (40) to: a switching control is executed to start the power supply to the load device (40) when the amount of generated power (W) of the solar power generation device (10) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined start threshold (WU), and to stop the power supply to the load device (40) when the amount of generated power (W) falls to or below a predetermined stop threshold (WB) that is smaller than the start threshold (WU); Acquire the number of times (Nc) that the power supply is started or stopped by the switching control; The method is characterized in that a process is executed to increase or decrease at least one of the start threshold (WU) and the stop threshold (WB) based on whether the number of executions (Nc) obtained within a first predetermined period (T1) has reached a predetermined first upper limit number (Nm1) defined as the upper limit number of executions of the switching control within the first predetermined period (T1).

[0010] According to the above configuration, the threshold setting unit (130) increases or decreases at least one of the start threshold (WU) and the stop threshold (WB) based on whether or not the number of times (Nc) of execution of the switching control has reached the first upper limit number (Nm1). As a result, for example, when the number of times (Nc) of execution has reached the first upper limit number (Nm1), the hysteresis width of the control, which is the difference between the start threshold (WU) and the stop threshold (WB), can be set large, and the frequency of execution of the switching control can be reduced. By reducing the frequency of execution of the switching control, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the life span of the entire system. Furthermore, when the number of times (Nc) of execution has not reached the first upper limit number (Nm1), the hysteresis width of the control can be set small, and the frequency of execution of the switching control can be increased. By increasing the frequency of execution of the switching control, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power supply to the load device (40).

[0011] In the above description, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the symbols used in the embodiments are added in parentheses to the constituent elements of the invention corresponding to the embodiments, but each constituent element of the invention is not limited to the embodiment defined by the said symbols. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a software configuration of the control device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 10 is a timing chart illustrating an effect of decreasing the power supply start threshold when the number of times the ON / OFF control is executed is equal to or less than a first upper limit number of times. [Figure 4] 10 is a timing chart illustrating an effect of increasing a power supply start threshold value when the number of times that ON / OFF control has been executed reaches a first upper limit number of times. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a routine of a threshold setting process performed by a threshold setting unit. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for power supply suspension control based on a first suspension condition by a power supply suspension control unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for power supply suspension control based on a second suspension condition by a power supply suspension control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, a solar power generation system, a control method, and a program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [Hardware configuration] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of a solar power generation system 1 according to this embodiment. The solar power generation system 1 is mounted on a vehicle V, and includes a solar panel 10, a load device 40, a relay circuit 50, and a control device 100.

[0015] The solar panel 10 is a solar power generation device that receives sunlight and generates power. The power generated by the solar panel 10 (hereinafter, generated power) is supplied to the control device 100. The amount of power generated by the solar panel 10 depends on the amount of sunlight. The solar panel 10 can be provided, for example, on the roof of the vehicle V.

[0016] The load device 40 includes a main battery 20 and an auxiliary system 30. Power generated by a solar panel 10 is supplied to the load device 40 via a control device 100.

[0017] The main battery 20 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The main battery 20 is a battery for supplying power to a drive device (not shown) used to drive the vehicle V, such as a driving motor mounted on the vehicle V. The main battery 20 can store the generated power supplied from the solar panel 10 via the control device 100 and the relay circuit 50.

[0018] The auxiliary system 30 includes auxiliary devices 31 other than drive system devices, such as an air conditioner and a lighting device, and an auxiliary battery 32 for supplying power to the auxiliary devices 31. The auxiliary devices 31 are operated by power generated by the solar panel 10 via the control device 100 or power supplied from the auxiliary battery 32. The auxiliary battery 32 is, for example, a lead storage battery with a rated voltage of 12 V, and can store the generated power supplied from the solar panel 10 via the control device 100.

[0019] The relay circuit 50 is provided between the control device 100 and the main battery 20. The relay circuit 50 is configured to be switchable between a power supply start state (ON) in which the supply of generated power from the solar panel 10 to the main battery 20 starts, and a power supply stop state (OFF) in which the supply of generated power from the solar panel 10 to the main battery 20 stops, in response to a command from the control device 100.

[0020] The control device 100 is, for example, a so-called ECU (Electronic Control Unit) equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an interface device, etc. The CPU executes various programs stored in the ROM. The ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores data and the like required for the CPU to execute the various programs. The RAM is a volatile memory that provides a working area in which the various programs are expanded when they are executed by the CPU. The interface device is a communication device for communicating with an external device. The control device 100 electrically connects the solar panel 10 to the relay circuit 50 and the auxiliary system 30, and supplies the power generated by the solar panel 10 to the main battery 20 and the auxiliary system 30.

[0021] 1, the relay circuit 50 is shown only on the main battery 20 side, but a relay circuit (not shown) is also provided on the auxiliary system 30 side. Therefore, in the following description, the relay circuits provided in the main battery 20 and the auxiliary system 30 will be collectively referred to as the "relay circuit." In addition, in the following description, the main battery 20 and the auxiliary system 30 will be collectively referred to as the "load device 40."

[0022] [Software configuration] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the software configuration of the control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0023] 2, the control device 100 includes, as functional elements, an ON / OFF control unit 110, an ON / OFF count unit 120, a threshold setting unit 130, a power supply pause control unit 140, etc. Each of these functional elements 110 to 140 is realized by the CPU of the control device 100 reading a program stored in a ROM into a RAM and executing the program. Note that, in this embodiment, each of the functional elements 110 to 140 is described as being included in the control device 100 which is an integrated piece of hardware, but any part of these functional elements may be provided in another control device separate from the control device 100.

[0024] The ON / OFF control unit 110 is an example of a switching control unit of the present disclosure, and acquires the amount of power generated W of the solar panel 10. The ON / OFF control unit 110 also executes ON / OFF control for switching between power supply start (ON) for starting the supply of generated power from the solar panel 10 to the load device 40 and power supply stop (OFF) for stopping the supply of generated power from the solar panel 10 to the load device 40.

[0025] Specifically, when the generated power amount W of the solar panel 10 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined power supply start threshold value WU, the ON / OFF control unit 110 controls the relay circuit to be ON. When the relay circuit is turned ON, power supply to the load device 40 is started. On the other hand, during power supply to the load device 40, when the generated power amount W of the solar panel 10 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined power supply stop threshold value WB, the ON / OFF control unit 110 controls the relay circuit to be OFF. When the relay circuit is turned OFF, power supply to the load device 40 stops. Here, the power supply stop threshold value WB is a value smaller than the power supply start threshold value WU (WB < WU). The power supply stop threshold value WB is desirably set to a value equal to or slightly larger than the power consumption amount necessary to maintain the operation of, for example, the control device 100 or the like.

[0026] The ON / OFF count unit 120 is an example of the number-of-times acquisition unit of the present disclosure, and counts the number of power supply times in which generated power is supplied from the solar panel 10 to the load device 40, that is, the number of executions Nc of ON / OFF control by the ON / OFF control unit 110. Here, the number of executions Nc of ON / OFF control is counted, for example, with one series of operations from turning the relay circuit ON to turning it OFF regarded as one time. That is, the ON / OFF count unit 120 counts either the number of times the relay circuit is turned ON or the number of times it is turned OFF by the ON / OFF control unit 110 as the number of executions Nc. The count unit 120 stores the counted number of executions Nc in association with date and time information in the storage unit (for example, RAM) of the control device 100. The date and time information may be acquired, for example, from the clock function provided in the control device 100 or other in-vehicle devices (for example, a navigation device or the like).

[0027] The threshold setting unit 130 executes a threshold setting process for increasing or decreasing the power supply start threshold value WU based on the number of executions Nc of ON / OFF control counted by the ON / OFF count unit 120. Specifically, in the storage unit of the control device 100, a reference start threshold value WU 0 is stored in advance as an initial value (default value). This reference start threshold value WU 0is a value larger than the power supply stop threshold WB. In addition, a first upper limit number Nm1 that defines the upper limit number of times that ON / OFF control is executed in a first predetermined period T1 (for example, one day) is stored in the storage unit of the control device 100. This first upper limit number Nm1 is set, for example, based on a number that can effectively prevent a decrease in the life span of the entire system, such as the control device 100 and the relay circuit. The first upper limit number Nm1 may be a fixed value, or may be a variable value that decreases with aging or an increase in the cumulative number of times that ON / OFF control is executed.

[0028] When the number of execution times Nc of the ON / OFF control in the first predetermined period T1 is equal to or less than the first upper limit number of times Nm1, the threshold setting unit 130 sets the reference start threshold WU 0 The power supply start threshold value WU (= WU 0 −W1). The first correction value W1 may be either a fixed value or a variable value. When the first correction value W1 is a variable value, the first correction value W1 may be set to a larger value as the difference (absolute value) between the first upper limit number of times Nm1 and the number of executions Nc increases.

[0029] In this way, when the number of execution times Nc of the ON / OFF control is equal to or less than the first upper limit number of times Nm1, the power supply start threshold WU is set to the reference start threshold WU 0 , the hysteresis width (=WU-WB) of the ON / OFF control becomes narrower. Reducing the power supply start threshold WU can increase the possibility that the amount of power generated by the solar panel 10, W, will reach the power supply start threshold WU. In other words, the ON / OFF control unit 110 can increase the frequency at which the relay circuit is turned ON, or lengthen the period during which it is kept ON. This makes it possible to effectively ensure opportunities to supply power to the load device 40, improving power supply efficiency.

[0030] When the number of execution times Nc of the ON / OFF control in the first predetermined period T1 exceeds the first upper limit number of times Nm1, the threshold setting unit 130 sets the reference start threshold WU 0 The power supply start threshold value WU (= WU 0+W2). The second correction value W2 may be either a fixed value or a variable value. When the second correction value W2 is a variable value, the second correction value W2 may be set to a larger value as the difference (absolute value) between the first upper limit number of times Nm1 and the number of executions Nc increases.

[0031] In this way, when the number of execution times Nc of the ON / OFF control exceeds the first upper limit number of times Nm1, the power supply start threshold WU is set to the reference threshold WU 0 from , the hysteresis width (=WU-WB) of the ON / OFF control becomes wider. Increasing the power supply start threshold WU can reduce the possibility that the power generation amount W of the solar panel 10 will reach the power supply start threshold WU. In other words, the frequency with which the ON / OFF control unit 110 switches the relay circuit from OFF to ON can be reliably reduced. This can reduce the burden on the control device 100, the relay circuit, etc., associated with repeated ON / OFF control, making it possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the life span of the entire system.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a timing chart illustrating the effect of reducing the power supply start threshold WU when the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control is equal to or less than the first upper limit number Nm1. Fig. 3(A) shows the amount of power generated W of the solar panel 10, which changes according to the amount of sunlight. Fig. 3(B) shows the ON / OFF of the relay circuit of this embodiment, which reduces the power supply start threshold WU. Fig. 3(C) shows the case where the power supply start threshold WU is not reduced, that is, the power supply start threshold WU is set to the reference start threshold WU. 0 4 shows the ON / OFF state of a relay circuit of a comparative example that maintains the state at the ON / OFF state.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, when the generated power amount W reaches the power supply start threshold WU at time t1, in the present embodiment shown in (B), the relay circuit is switched from OFF to ON to start power supply to the load device 40. On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in (C), when the generated power amount W reaches the reference start threshold WU 0 Since the power supply to the load device 40 is not performed.

[0034] When the amount of generated power W falls to the power supply stop threshold WB at time t2, in this embodiment shown in (B), the relay circuit is switched from ON to OFF to stop power supply to the load device 40. After that, when the amount of generated power W reaches the power supply start threshold WU at time t3, in this embodiment shown in (B), the relay circuit is switched from OFF to ON to resume power supply to the load device 40. On the other hand, in the comparative example shown in (C), when the amount of generated power W falls below the reference start threshold WU 0 At time t4, the amount of generated power W does not reach the reference start threshold WU 0 When this is reached, the comparative example shown in (C) also starts supplying power to the load device 40.

[0035] That is, in the present embodiment shown in (B), by narrowing the hysteresis width of the ON / OFF control, the number of times the relay circuit is switched from OFF to ON can be effectively increased compared to the comparative example shown in (C). As a result, for example, when the amount of generated power W of the solar panel 10 is smaller than the reference start threshold WU 0 Even when the power supply voltage Vp is changing to a value lower than the threshold voltage Vp, it is possible to effectively secure an opportunity to supply power to the load device 40.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a timing chart illustrating the effect of increasing the power supply start threshold WU when the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control reaches the first upper limit number Nm1. Fig. 4(A) shows the amount of power generated W of the solar panel 10, which changes according to the amount of sunlight. Fig. 4(B) shows the ON / OFF of the relay circuit of this embodiment, which increases the power supply start threshold WU. Fig. 4(C) shows the case where the power supply start threshold WU is not increased, that is, the power supply start threshold WU is set to the reference threshold WU. 0 4 shows the ON / OFF state of a relay circuit of a comparative example that maintains the state at the ON / OFF state.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, at time t1, the amount of generated power W is below the reference start threshold WU 0In the comparative example shown in (C), when the generated power amount W reaches the power supply start threshold WU, the relay circuit is switched from OFF to ON to start power supply to the load device 40. On the other hand, in the present embodiment shown in (B), the generated power amount W does not reach the power supply start threshold WU, so the relay circuit is maintained OFF.

[0038] When the amount of generated power W falls to the power supply stop threshold WB at time t2, in the comparative example shown in (C), the relay circuit is switched from ON to OFF to stop the power supply to the load device 40. After that, at time t3, the amount of generated power W falls to the reference start threshold WU 0 When the power supply threshold WU is reached at time t4, in the comparative example shown in (C), the relay circuit is switched from OFF to ON to resume power supply to the load device 40. On the other hand, in the present embodiment shown in (B), the relay circuit is still maintained OFF because the generated power amount W does not reach the power supply start threshold WU. When the generated power amount W reaches the power supply start threshold WU at time t4, the relay circuit is also switched from OFF to ON in the present embodiment shown in (B) to start power supply to the load device 40.

[0039] That is, in the present embodiment shown in (B), by widening the hysteresis width of the ON / OFF control, the frequency at which the relay circuit is switched from OFF to ON can be effectively reduced compared to the comparative example shown in (C). This reliably reduces the burden on the control device 100, the relay circuit, etc., and effectively prevents a decrease in the life span of the entire system.

[0040] Although the threshold setting unit 130 has been described as increasing or decreasing the power supply start threshold WU as the threshold setting process, it may increase or decrease the power supply stop threshold WB or both the power supply start threshold WU and the power supply stop threshold WB. In this case, it is desirable to increase or decrease the power supply stop threshold WB in consideration of the power consumption of the control device 100 and the load device 40 at that time, for example.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 2, when any one of the following suspension conditions is met, the power supply suspension control unit 140 executes power supply suspension control to suspend (prohibit) power supply to the load device 40 for a predetermined time. (1) First pause condition: The number of times Nc that the ON / OFF control is executed within a second predetermined period T2 reaches a predetermined second upper limit number Nm2. (2) Second pause condition: When the relay circuit is switched from ON to OFF by the ON / OFF control unit 110.

[0042] When the first pause condition is satisfied, the power supply pause control unit 140 pauses power supply to the load device 40 from immediately after the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control reaches the second upper limit number of times Nm2 until the predetermined first time H1 has elapsed. That is, even if the generated power amount W reaches the power supply start threshold value WU until the first time H1 has elapsed, the relay circuit is maintained OFF. The second predetermined period T2 is preferably a period (e.g., 1 hour, 3 hours, morning, afternoon, etc.) shorter than the above-mentioned first predetermined period T1. Note that the second predetermined period T2 may be the same as the first predetermined period T1. When the second predetermined period T2 is shorter than the first predetermined period T1, the second upper limit number of times Nm2 may be set by multiplying the first upper limit number of times Nm1 by the second predetermined period T2 and dividing the result by the first predetermined period T1 (Nm2=Nm1×H2 / H1). When the second predetermined period T2 is the same as the first predetermined period T1, the second upper limit number Nm2 may be set to the same as the first upper limit number Nm (Nm2=Nm1).

[0043] The first time H1 may be a fixed value or may be a variable value. In the case of a variable value, the first time H1 may be set to a longer time as the cumulative value of the number of times Nc of the ON / OFF control is executed in the first predetermined period T1 is larger. In this way, when the number of times Nc of the ON / OFF control is executed reaches the second upper limit number Nm2, power supply to the load device 40 is suspended until the first time H1 has elapsed, so that it is possible to effectively prevent the number of times Nc of the ON / OFF control is executed from reaching the first upper limit number N1 in a short period of time.

[0044] When the second pause condition is satisfied, the power supply pause control unit 140 pauses the power supply to the load device 40 from immediately after the relay circuit is switched from ON to OFF until a predetermined second time H2 has elapsed. That is, until the second time H2 has elapsed, the relay circuit is maintained OFF even if the generated power amount W reaches the power supply start threshold value WU. The second time H2 of the second pause condition may be the same as the first time H1 of the first pause condition. Also, the second time H2 may be a fixed value or a variable value. When the second time H2 is a variable value, for example, the second time H2 may be set to a longer time as the cumulative value of the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control in the first predetermined period T1 increases. In this way, when the relay circuit is switched from ON to OFF, the power supply to the load device 40 is paused until the second time H2 has elapsed, so that it is possible to effectively prevent the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control from reaching the first upper limit number N1 in a short period of time.

[0045] Next, a threshold setting process routine performed by the threshold setting unit 130 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0046] In step S100, the threshold setting unit 130 determines whether or not ON / OFF control has been performed by the ON / OFF control unit 110. If ON / OFF control has been performed (Yes), the threshold setting unit 130 proceeds to the determination process of step S110. On the other hand, if ON / OFF control has not been performed (No), the threshold setting unit 130 proceeds to the process of step S170, which will be described later.

[0047] In step S110, the threshold setting unit 130 determines whether the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control counted by the ON / OFF count unit 120 within the first predetermined period T1 exceeds a first upper limit number Nm1. If the number of executions Nc does not exceed the first upper limit number Nm1 (No), the threshold setting unit 130 proceeds to the process of step S120.

[0048] In step S120, the threshold setting unit 130 sets the reference start threshold WU 0 The value obtained by subtracting the first correction value W1 from the power supply start threshold WU (=WU 0-W1). Next, in step S170, the threshold setting unit 130 determines whether or not the first predetermined period T1 has elapsed. If the first predetermined period T1 has not elapsed (No), the threshold setting unit 130 returns to the process of step S100. On the other hand, if the first predetermined period T1 has elapsed (Yes), the threshold setting unit 130 proceeds to the process of step S180, resets the count value of the number of times Nc that the ON / OFF control has been executed, and returns to this routine.

[0049] If the determination in step S110 is positive (Yes), that is, if the number of execution times Nc of the ON / OFF control exceeds the first upper limit number of times Nm1, the threshold setting unit 130 proceeds to the process of step S130. 0 The power supply start threshold WU (= WU 0 +W2), and the process proceeds to step S170.

[0050] Next, a routine for power supply suspension control based on the first suspension condition by the power supply suspension control unit 140 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG 6. This routine is executed in parallel with the routine shown in FIG 5.

[0051] In step S200, the power supply suspension control unit 140 determines whether or not a first suspension condition is satisfied. The first suspension condition is satisfied when the number of execution times Nc of the ON / OFF control reaches a predetermined second upper limit number of times Nm2 within a second predetermined period T2. If the first suspension condition is satisfied (Yes), the power supply suspension control unit 140 proceeds to the process of step S210. On the other hand, if the first suspension condition is not satisfied (No), the power supply suspension control unit 140 returns to this routine.

[0052] In step S210, the power supply pause control unit 140 pauses power supply to the load device 40. Next, in step S220, the power supply pause control unit 140 determines whether or not the first time H1 has elapsed. If the first time H1 has not elapsed (No), the power supply pause control unit 140 returns to the process of step S210 and maintains the power supply pause. On the other hand, if the first time H1 has elapsed (Yes), the power supply pause control unit 140 proceeds to the process of step S230 and cancels the power supply pause. Next, in step S240, the power supply pause control unit 140 resets the count value of the number of times Nc that the ON / OFF control is performed within the second predetermined period T2, and returns to this routine. Note that the processes of step S230 and step S240 may be performed in any order and may be performed simultaneously.

[0053] Next, a routine for power supply suspension control based on the second suspension condition by the power supply suspension control unit 140 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. This routine is executed in parallel with the routines shown in Figs.

[0054] In step S300, the power supply suspension control unit 140 determines whether or not a second suspension condition is satisfied. The second suspension condition is satisfied when the relay circuit is switched from ON to OFF by the ON / OFF control unit 110. If the second suspension condition is satisfied (Yes), the power supply suspension control unit 140 proceeds to the process of step S310. On the other hand, if the second suspension condition is not satisfied (No), the power supply suspension control unit 140 returns to this routine.

[0055] In step S310, the power supply pause control unit 140 pauses power supply to the load device 40. Next, in step S320, the power supply pause control unit 140 determines whether or not the second time H2 has elapsed. If the second time H2 has not elapsed (No), the power supply pause control unit 140 returns to the process of step S310 and maintains the power supply pause. On the other hand, if the second time H2 has elapsed (Yes), the power supply pause control unit 140 proceeds to the process of step S330, cancels the power supply pause, and then returns to this routine.

[0056] The above describes the solar power generation system, control method, and program according to the present embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Variations] For example, in the above embodiment, the threshold setting unit 130 is described as increasing or decreasing the power supply start threshold WU based on whether the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control has reached the first upper limit number Nm1, but it is also possible to configure the power supply start threshold WU to be increased or decreased based on the fluctuation tendency (history) of the amount of sunlight in the past. Below, the details of the threshold setting process of the modified example will be described.

[0058] The threshold setting unit 130 obtains the execution history of ON / OFF control for each time period (e.g., every hour), i.e., the execution frequency for each time period, based on the number of executions Nc of ON / OFF control that are linked to date and time information and stored by the ON / OFF counting unit 120 during a predetermined period in the past (e.g., the most recent few days, weeks, or months). It can be inferred that the amount of sunlight is stable during time periods when the frequency of ON / OFF control is low, and that the amount of sunlight is unstable during time periods when the frequency of ON / OFF control is high.

[0059] The threshold setting unit 130 sets the power supply start threshold WU to a reference start threshold WU during a time period when the frequency of execution of the ON / OFF control is low, that is, during a time period when the amount of sunlight is expected to be stable. 0 This makes it easier for the relay circuit to be continuously kept ON during times when the amount of sunlight is estimated to be stable, thereby improving the efficiency of power supply to the load device 40. The amount by which the power supply start threshold WU is reduced may be a fixed value or a variable value. If it is a variable value, the amount of reduction may be set to be larger as the frequency (history) of execution of the ON / OFF control is lower.

[0060] On the other hand, in a time period in which the ON / OFF control is frequently performed, that is, in a time period in which the amount of sunlight is expected to be unstable, the threshold setting unit 130 sets the power supply start threshold WU to the reference start threshold WU 0This reduces the frequency of execution of ON / OFF control, making it possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the life span of the entire system. The amount by which the power supply start threshold WU is increased may be a fixed value or a variable value. If it is a variable value, the amount of increase may be set to be larger the higher the frequency (history) of execution of ON / OFF control.

[0061] In addition, the threshold setting unit 130 acquires a time period in which the relay circuit is switched from OFF to ON in a relatively short time from the past execution history of the ON / OFF control, that is, a time period in which the amount of sunlight is estimated to recover in a relatively short time after decreasing, and reduces the power supply stop threshold WB for a certain period of time during the time period. That is, even if the amount of power generated by the solar panel 10 temporarily decreases below the amount of power consumed by the load device 40, the power supply stop threshold WB is reduced during a time period in which the amount of sunlight is estimated to recover relatively quickly, making it easier to maintain the relay circuit ON. This makes it possible to effectively improve the power supply efficiency. Furthermore, by continuing the power supply state, it is possible to reduce the frequency of execution of the ON / OFF control, and to suppress a decrease in the lifespan of the entire system.

[0062] The threshold setting unit 130 may increase or decrease the power supply start threshold WU by using not only the execution history of the ON / OFF control of the vehicle V (own vehicle) but also the execution history of the ON / OFF control of a plurality of vehicles (other vehicles) (so-called big data). In this way, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the threshold setting. The threshold setting unit 130 may also acquire information on sunlight in the area where the vehicle V is located from a meteorological center via communication, and increase or decrease the power supply start threshold WU based on the meteorological information.

[0063] The threshold setting process of the modified example can be executed in combination with the threshold setting process of the above embodiment. That is, the threshold setting unit 130 may increase or decrease the power supply start threshold WU based on whether the number of executions Nc of the ON / OFF control has reached the first upper limit number of executions Nm1, and may further increase or decrease the power supply start threshold WU based on the past execution history of the ON / OFF control. The threshold setting process of the modified example is not limited to a configuration in which the power supply start threshold WU is increased or decreased, and may be configured to increase or decrease the power supply stop threshold WB or both the power supply start threshold WU and the power supply stop threshold WB.

[0064] Furthermore, the present disclosure can be widely applied to solar power generation systems other than vehicle-mounted types. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1... solar power generation system, 10... solar panel, 20... main battery, 30... auxiliary system, 40... load device, 50... relay circuit, 100... control device, 110... ON / OFF control unit, 120... ON / OFF count unit, 130... threshold setting unit, 140... power supply suspension control unit

Claims

1. A solar power generation system including a solar power generation device, a load device to which power generated by the solar power generation device is supplied, and a control device that controls supply of the generated power from the solar power generation device to the load device, The control device includes: a switching control unit that executes switching control to start the power supply to the load device when the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined start threshold, and to stop the power supply to the load device when the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device becomes equal to or less than a predetermined stop threshold that is smaller than the start threshold; a frequency acquisition unit that acquires a frequency of execution of starting or stopping the power supply by the switching control; a threshold setting unit that increases or decreases at least one of the start threshold and the stop threshold based on whether the number of executions acquired by the number acquisition unit within a first predetermined period has reached a predetermined first upper limit number that is set as an upper limit number of executions of the switching control within the first predetermined period. A solar power generation system comprising:

2. The solar power generation system according to claim 1, The power supply control unit further includes a power supply suspension control unit that suspends the power supply to the load device until a predetermined time has elapsed since the first suspension condition is satisfied, where the number of executions acquired by the number acquisition unit within a second predetermined period reaches a predetermined second upper limit number of times set as an upper limit number of executions of the switching control within the second predetermined period, or a second suspension condition where the switching control unit stops the power supply to the load device. Photovoltaic power generation system.

3. The solar power generation system according to claim 1 or 2, The threshold setting unit further increases or decreases at least one of the start threshold and the stop threshold for each predetermined time period based on a change in the amount of sunlight for each predetermined time period in the past. Photovoltaic power generation system.

4. The solar power generation system according to claim 3, The threshold setting unit estimates a change in the amount of sunlight for each of the predetermined time periods based on a history of the number of executions for each of the predetermined time periods acquired by the number acquisition unit. Photovoltaic power generation system.

5. A solar power generation system including a solar power generation device, a load device to which power generated by the solar power generation device is supplied, and a control device that controls supply of the generated power from the solar power generation device to the load device, The control device includes: a switching control unit that executes switching control to start the power supply to the load device when the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined start threshold, and to stop the power supply to the load device when the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device becomes equal to or less than a predetermined stop threshold that is smaller than the start threshold; a threshold setting unit that increases or decreases at least one of the start threshold and the stop threshold for each predetermined time period based on a change in the amount of sunlight for each predetermined time period in the past. A solar power generation system comprising:

6. A control method for a solar power generation system that supplies power generated by a solar power generation device to a load device, comprising: When the amount of generated power of the solar power generation device becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined start threshold, the power supply to the load device is started, and when the amount of generated power falls to or below a predetermined stop threshold which is smaller than the start threshold, switching control is executed to stop the power supply to the load device; Obtaining the number of times the power supply is started or stopped by the switching control; At least one of the start threshold and the stop threshold is increased or decreased based on whether or not the number of executions acquired within a first predetermined period has reached a first predetermined upper limit number that is set as an upper limit number of executions of the switching control within the first predetermined period. A control method comprising:

7. A computer of a photovoltaic power generation system that supplies power generated by a photovoltaic power generation device to a load device, When the amount of generated power of the solar power generation device becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined start threshold, the power supply to the load device is started, and when the amount of generated power falls to or below a predetermined stop threshold which is smaller than the start threshold, switching control is executed to stop the power supply to the load device; Obtaining the number of times the power supply is started or stopped by the switching control; Executing a process of increasing or decreasing at least one of the start threshold value and the stop threshold value based on whether or not the number of executions acquired within a first predetermined period has reached a first predetermined upper limit number of times that is set as an upper limit number of executions of the switching control within the first predetermined period. A program characterized by:

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