Power supply design method for equipment installed outdoors, and power supply system

Abstract

To make it possible to accurately calculate solar panel capacity required in the case of a region having short sunshine hours in winter, a rainy season or the like.SOLUTION: With regard to a storage battery as a power supply of a device installed outdoors and a solar panel, a capacity CB of the storage battery is calculated using a design tolerance FS1 relating to the storage battery, a power consumption Q per day of the device installed outdoors, and the maximum consecutive days D not exceeding global solar radiation S of total days serving as a reference, (mathematical formula 1) CB=FS1×Q×D, and a capacity CS of the solar panel is calculated using a design tolerance FS2 relating to the solar panel, efficiency ES relating to charging / discharging of the device installed outdoors, an annual average T of sunshine hours per day, the global solar radiation S of total days serving as the reference, the power consumption Q per day of the device installed outdoors, and inverse A of standard solar radiation intensity, (mathematical formula 2) CS=FS2×Q / (ES×S×A).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply design method and a power supply system for devices installed outdoors. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technology for designing and setting specifications related to the power supply of devices (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as outdoor devices in this specification) installed outdoors that require stable independent operation with a non-external power source, such as monitoring devices, temperature sensors, illuminance sensors, and other information-collecting devices and information-transmitting devices installed on utility poles and transmission towers, and a power supply system for outdoor devices with specifications designed and set by such a technology. [Background technology]

[0002] Power companies are required to reduce costs and labor burdens by improving the efficiency of patrols of outdoor facilities. Patrol work includes checking the distance between heavy machinery and power lines at construction sites around power transmission and distribution lines, checking the distance between trees and vines and power lines, and checking for nests of crows and other insects. Many of these patrol work tasks can be supported or performed by long-term fixed-point monitoring using still images. Therefore, it is thought that the efficiency of patrols can be improved by distributing inexpensive monitoring devices over a wide area, automatically detecting abnormalities through video analysis, and notifying the person in charge only when an abnormality occurs.

[0003] The inventors previously proposed a method for designing a power supply for equipment to be installed outdoors by combining solar panels and storage batteries, which can achieve an appropriate balance between miniaturization of the observation / monitoring equipment and stable long-term independent operation using a non-external power source (Patent Document 1).

[0004] The design method for the power supply of this outdoor device is to estimate the amount of power generated per day using an index related to direct solar radiation, called the number of sunshine hours, and then calculate the capacity of the storage battery and solar panel from the characteristics related to charging and discharging and the maximum number of consecutive days when sunlight is insufficient at the installation location. In other words, the design margin for the storage battery F S1,The capacity of the storage battery C is calculated using the daily power consumption Q of the outdoor equipment and the maximum number of consecutive days N that does not exceed the minimum total solar radiation I. B Calculate the design margin F for the solar panels. S2 ,Efficiency E of charging and discharging the equipment installed outdoors S , the annual average of daily sunshine hours T, the minimum total solar radiation I, and the light receiving efficiency E of the solar panel installation angle θ The daily power consumption of the outdoor equipment, Q, and the capacity of the solar panels, C, are calculated using the inverse of the standard solar radiation intensity, A. S The above formula is calculated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-49885 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when solar panels and storage batteries were designed based on the method described in Patent Document 1 and devices were actually installed outdoors in various locations to conduct long-term operation tests to verify the solar panel capacity and storage battery capacity, good results were obtained in that monitoring data could be transmitted for a long period of time, but it became clear that the solar panels and storage batteries had a larger capacity than necessary in areas such as the Japan Sea coast in winter, where there is no sunshine for many days. In order to clarify this phenomenon, the inventors checked the remaining battery capacity and found that the storage voltage was rising even though there was no sunshine, and that there were days during the rainy season when the storage battery voltage was not dropping as much as expected. This shows that electricity was generated and charging was occurring even on slightly cloudy days.

[0007] In other words, it was found that the method described in Patent Document 1 calculates that solar panels and storage batteries with larger capacities than necessary are necessary in areas where the average sunshine duration T is short for many days, such as the Japan Sea coast in winter or during the rainy season. This is thought to be because the amount of power generated in one day is estimated using an index related to direct solar radiation, which is the sunshine duration, and therefore the amount of power generated in one day is estimated to be low in weather where sunshine cannot be expected, such as on cloudy or rainy days.

[0008] In other words, we found that the power generation capacity of solar panels is underestimated on cloudy days, in other words, even with diffuse solar radiation, sufficient power generation and charging is possible as an independent power source for equipment installed outdoors. From this, we came to know that by incorporating an index that includes the amount of power generated by diffuse solar radiation, it is possible to reduce the impact of weather with short daylight hours such as cloudy days and to more accurately calculate the capacity of solar panels.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply design method and a power supply system for equipment to be installed outdoors that can accurately calculate the required solar panel capacity even in areas with short daylight hours in winter or during the rainy season. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a storage battery and a solar panel as a power source for an outdoor device, and a design margin F S1 Using the daily power consumption Q of the device and the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the standard daily total global solar radiation S, the following formula 1 is calculated. (Formula 1) C B = F S1 ×Q×D The capacity of the battery is C B Calculate the design margin F for the solar panels. S2 , the efficiency of charging and discharging the device E S Using the standard daily total global solar radiation S, the daily power consumption Q of the device, and the reciprocal A of the standard solar radiation intensity, the following formula 2 is calculated. (Formula 2) C S= F S2 ×Q / (E S ×S×A) The capacity of the solar panel is C S The calculation is performed as follows.

[0011] Here, the standard daily total global solar radiation S is 1.0 [kWh / m 2 It is preferable to use the format "-days".

[0012] In addition, the power supply design method for an outdoor device of the present invention is B When calculating, the following formula 3 is further used: (Formula 3) E θ = cos|30-θ| Light receiving efficiency E of solar panel installation angle θ Using the following formula 4 (Formula 4) C S = F S2 ×Q / (E S ×E θ ×S×A) The capacity of the solar panel is C S It is preferable to calculate Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the power supply design method of the present invention for equipment to be installed outdoors, the total daily global solar radiation taking into account scattered solar radiation is used as an index to more accurately estimate the amount of power generated by solar panels even on days with short sunshine hours. This makes it possible to more accurately calculate the required solar panel capacity and storage battery capacity even in areas with continuous short days of sunshine, such as the Japan Sea coast in winter when there is no sunshine possible, and makes it possible to achieve an appropriate balance between the miniaturization of equipment to be installed outdoors and stable, long-term independent operation.

[0017] Also, this Set by the power supply design method According to the power supply system, the required solar panel capacity can be accurately calculated even in areas with short daylight hours in winter or during the rainy season, so the capacity C that accurately matches the conditions required for the power supply device can be calculated. S ,C BBy equipping the system with solar panels and a storage battery, the power supply device can operate autonomously for long periods of time without using an external power source, and the system is configured as a power source for equipment to be installed outdoors that is efficiently set up. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of an embodiment of a power supply system for an apparatus installed outdoors according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an embodiment of a power supply design method for an outdoor device according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the change in battery voltage during operation of a monitoring device installed on a utility pole in a heavy snowfall area and the change in sunshine hours observed at a weather station close to the installation location. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described in detail based on an example of an embodiment shown in the drawings.

[0020] 1 and 2 show a monitoring device and its power supply system for monitoring power distribution lines, power transmission lines, or power transmission and distribution equipment installed on power distribution poles and power transmission towers, as an example of an embodiment of the power supply design method and power supply system for equipment installed outdoors according to the present invention.

[0021] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a monitoring device 11 for monitoring a distribution line, a transmission line, or power transmission and distribution equipment provided on a distribution pole or a transmission tower as a monitored object is installed on the distribution pole or a transmission tower, and a solar panel 14 serving as a power source for supplying power to the monitoring device 11 is installed along the side surface of the distribution pole or along the framework of the transmission tower. When the monitoring device 11 is installed on a distribution pole or a transmission tower, it is preferable that the solar panel 14 is installed along the side surface of the distribution pole as a countermeasure against strong winds, and is adjusted so as not to protrude significantly beyond the width of the distribution pole.

[0022] Surveillance System The monitoring system 10 of this embodiment includes a monitoring device 11 equipped with an outdoor device, for example, an imaging means 12, and a storage battery 15 and a solar panel 14 as power sources for the monitoring device 11. The storage battery 15 has a capacity C B However, the design margin F S1 Using the daily power consumption Q of the monitoring device and the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the standard daily total global solar radiation (referred to as the standard daily total global solar radiation value S in this specification), (Formula 1) C B = F S1 ×Q×D The capacity of the solar panel 14 is calculated by C S However, the design margin for solar panels is F S2 ,Efficiency E of the charging and discharging of the monitoring device S Using the daily total global solar radiation standard value S, the daily power consumption of the monitoring device Q, and the reciprocal A of the standard solar radiation intensity, the following formula 2 is calculated. (Formula 2) C S = F S2 ×Q / (E S ×S×A) The calculation is made as follows.

[0023] The monitoring system 10 includes, for example, a monitoring device 11 equipped with an imaging means 12 and a control means 13 , a solar panel 14 and a storage battery 15 as power sources for the monitoring device 11 , and a power supply controller 16 .

[0024] The imaging means 12 is for acquiring still image data by photographing the distribution lines and transmission lines as objects to be monitored, and photographing the power transmission and distribution equipment as objects to be monitored that are installed on distribution poles and transmission towers.

[0025] For example, a digital camera equipped with an image sensor is used as the imaging means 12. A still image captured by the imaging means 12 (in other words, image data captured by the imaging means 12) may be a color image (in other words, an RGB (red, green, blue) image) or a monochrome image (or a grayscale image).

[0026] The resolution of the still image acquired by photographing with the imaging means 12 is not limited to a specific number of pixels, but rather is appropriately selected based on the purpose of monitoring the monitored object (in other words, the content of the monitoring), and a number of pixels is appropriately selected that allows the situation related to the monitored object to be determined and the image data to be used to calculate the dimensions and distance related to the monitored object by image analysis / image processing, etc.

[0027] The imaging means 12 may be, for example, an infrared camera that captures images of only light rays / electromagnetic waves of a specific wavelength and creates image data.

[0028] The imaging means 12 and the control means 13 are connected, and the imaging means 12 captures images in accordance with commands from the control unit 13a of the control means 13, and outputs image data acquired by capturing images to the control means 13. The image data acquired and output by the imaging means 12 is input to the control means 13.

[0029] The control means 13 controls the operation of the imaging means 12 (for example, shooting images, etc.) and performs processes related to the acquisition and transmission of image data output from the imaging means 12.

[0030] The control means 13 includes a control unit 13a, a recording unit 13b, and a communication unit 13c, which are mutually connected by a signal line such as a bus.

[0031] The control means 13 may be configured using a computer. When the control means 13 is configured by a computer, the control means 13 executes a predetermined program to control the operation of the imaging means 12 and to perform processes related to the acquisition and transmission of image data.

[0032] Preferably, a small computer is used as the control means 13, especially when the monitoring system 10 is installed, for example, on a utility pole or transmission tower.

[0033] Particularly when a computer / small computer is used as the control means 13, a camera connectable to the control means 13, such as a camera compatible with UVC (short for USB Video Class) (also called a "USB camera"), may be used as the imaging means 12.

[0034] The imaging means 12 may be a camera that receives power from the control means 13 to which the imaging means 12 is connected, such as a UVC-compatible camera (USB camera).

[0035] Here, if the monitoring content is, for example, monitoring the distance between vines and power lines, in other words, monitoring the growth of vines around power lines, in order to perform fixed-point observation, the growth rate of the vines being observed will be taken into consideration, and the shooting area will be set to a range of several meters around the position where the vines are expected to reach the power lines or distribution equipment when they grow. It is expected that photos will be taken about once a day during the day, and the still image data obtained by the photo will be transmitted.

[0036] Considering the frequency of photographing, most of the time in the monitoring device 11 is in standby mode, and it is considered that the standby power of the control means 13 is the dominant factor in the power consumption of the entire monitoring device 11. Therefore, it is preferable to use a control means 13 (specifically, for example, a small computer) that consumes little power in standby mode (i.e., standby power).

[0037] The control unit 13a of the control means 13 controls the entire control means 13 in accordance with a predetermined program, controls the operation of the imaging means 12, and performs calculations related to the acquisition and transmission of image data related to the object to be monitored, and is configured to include, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

[0038] The control unit 13a outputs a signal containing a command to the imaging means 12 to take a photograph at a fixed time every day, for example, and controls the acquisition of image data output from the imaging means 12 and the processing related to the transmission of the image data.

[0039] The recording unit 13b of the control means 13 is for saving image data output from the imaging means 12 and input to the control means 13, and specifically, is constituted by, for example, a RAM (abbreviation of Random Access Memory).

[0040] The communication unit 13c of the control means 13 is a communication interface for connecting to a communication network / communication line, and is equipped with a wireless module for wireless communication or a wired module for wired communication, and connects to the network to perform data communication between terminal devices (e.g., mobile information terminals, personal computers) used by monitoring personnel and servers.

[0041] The network used by the communication unit 13c refers to a communication network or communication lines used for sending and receiving signals between the control means 13 and the terminal equipment of the monitoring staff (e.g., the Internet, WAN, LAN, etc.), and includes all types of communication such as wired communication, wireless communication, and a combination of wired communication and wireless communication, and the method of signal transmission, etc. is not limited to a specific mechanism, and the equipment, etc. used for signal transmission is not limited to a specific mechanism.

[0042] The communication method between the installation location of the monitoring device 11 installed for observation and the terminal device of the monitoring staff may specifically be, for example, communication using a mobile phone line, data communication using Wi-Fi and a relay server, or communication via a mesh network using ZigBee.

[0043] The image data may be read from the recording unit 13b and transmitted by e-mail to the terminal device of the person in charge of monitoring via the communication unit 13c and the network. The person in charge of monitoring who receives the still image checks the soundness of the object to be monitored, for example, by checking the distance between the object to be monitored and the vine plant.

[0044] The image data output from the imaging means 12 and input to the control means 13 may be transferred directly to the terminal device of the monitoring person by the communication unit 13c without being stored in the recording unit 13b. In that case, the control means 13 may be configured without having the recording unit 13b.

[0045] A combination of a solar panel 14 and a storage battery 15 is used as a power source for the monitoring device 11 to enable the monitoring device 11 to perform long-term observations (e.g., observations for one year or more) in an autonomous state without using an external power source.

[0046] Specifically, for example, a lead-acid battery can be used as the storage battery 15.

[0047] The power supply controller 16 is connected to the solar panel 14 and the storage battery 15 as well as to the control means 13, and controls the flow of electricity generated and output by the solar panel 14, electricity related to charging / discharging the storage battery 15, and electricity supplied to the control means 13.

[0048] The electricity generated and output by the solar panel 14 is input to the power supply controller 16 and passed through the power supply controller 16 to the storage battery 15, where it is used to charge the storage battery 15 or to supply power to the control means 13.

[0049] The electricity output (in other words, discharged) from the storage battery 15 is input to the power supply controller 16 and passed through the power supply controller 16 to be used to supply power to the control means 13 .

[0050] Depending on the configuration of the monitoring device 11, power may be supplied directly from the power supply controller 16 to the imaging means 12 as necessary (specifically, for example, when the imaging means 12 is not receiving power supply from the control means 13).

[0051] The power supply controller 16 is selected so that the solar panel 14 and the storage battery 15 can be connected thereto, and so that the power supply controller 16 is compatible with the input voltage of the control means 13 (and also the imaging means 12, if necessary).

[0052] <Power supply design equipment> The power supply design device 21 is for designing and setting the capacity of the solar panel 14 and the capacity of the storage battery 15 of the monitoring system 10.

[0053] The power supply design device 21 has a calculation unit 22 and a storage unit 23 that stores programs and data. The calculation unit 22 and the storage unit 23 included in the power supply design device 21 are connected to each other by a signal line such as a bus.

[0054] The power supply design device 21 is configured using, for example, a computer, and performs calculations relating to the power supply design of the monitoring device based on various data by executing a predetermined program.

[0055] The storage unit 23 of the power supply design device 21 is a device capable of storing at least data and programs, and specifically includes, for example, a hard disk, a ROM (short for Read Only Memory), or a RAM (short for Random Access Memory).

[0056] The calculation unit 22 of the power supply design device 21 controls the entire power supply design device 21 and performs calculations and computations related to the power supply design of the monitoring device in accordance with a power supply design program 24 stored in the memory unit 23, and is configured to include, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

[0057] The calculation unit 22 performs calculations relating to the power supply design of the monitoring device by the power supply design method for the monitoring device according to the present invention.

[0058] <Power supply design method for monitoring device> In the power supply design method for the monitoring device of the present embodiment, a storage battery 15 and a solar panel 14 as the power supply of the monitoring device 11 equipped with the imaging means 12 are designed to have a design margin F S1 Using the daily power consumption Q of the monitoring device and the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the daily total solar radiation standard value S, the following formula 7 is calculated. (Formula 7) C B = F S1 ×Q×D The capacity of the storage battery 15 is C B Calculate the design margin F for the solar panels. S2 ,Efficiency E of the charging and discharging of the monitoring device S Using the daily total global solar radiation standard value S, the daily power consumption of the monitoring device Q, and the reciprocal A of the standard solar radiation intensity, the following formula 8 is calculated. (Formula 8) C S = F S2 ×Q / (E S ×S×A) The capacity of the solar panel 14 is C S The calculation is performed as follows.

[0059] Building / securing a power source is important for the long-term operation of the monitoring device 11 that performs fixed-point observation. In the present invention, in order to design a monitoring device 11 that is small yet operates stably and independently for a long period of time (for example, one year or more), the power consumption of the monitoring device 11 and the capacity of the solar panel 14 and storage battery 15 that serve as the power source are adjusted to have an appropriate balance.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to enable stable, independent operation of the monitoring device 11 over a long period of time using the solar panel 14 and the storage battery 15, the capacity of the solar panel 14 and the capacity of the storage battery 15 are adjusted to suit the sunlight conditions at the installation location.

[0061] For these reasons, the capacity of the solar panel 14 and the storage battery 15 of the monitoring device 11 are designed based on the power consumption of the control means 13 (e.g., a small computer) and the imaging means 12 (e.g., a USB camera), as well as the installation conditions of the solar panel 14 and the storage battery 15 and weather constraints at the installation location.

[0062] The specific details of the design method are described below (see FIG. 2). The inventors conducted a long-term operation test using a monitoring system that estimates the amount of power generated in one day using an index related to direct solar radiation, called sunshine hours. As a result, they found that the amount of power generated in one day is calculated to be lower in weather where sunlight cannot be expected, such as cloudy or rainy days, and that the capacity of the solar panels is calculated to be larger in areas where the average sunshine hours T are short. This is because the amount of power generated in one day is estimated using an index related to direct solar radiation, called sunshine hours, and therefore the amount of power generated in one day is calculated to be lower in weather where sunlight cannot be expected, such as cloudy or rainy days.

[0063] Figure 3 shows the relationship between the battery voltage during operation of a device installed on a utility pole in a heavy snowfall area (for example, solar panel: 8.5 W, daily power consumption of the device: approximately 3.6 Wh / day) and the sunshine hours observed at a weather station close to the installation location. Since the installation location of the observation device and the observation point for sunshine hours are different, the relationship between the increase in the battery voltage and the sunshine hours is not accurately shown, but there is no significant drop in the battery voltage even when there are consecutive days with short sunshine (bad weather). The battery voltage does not drop significantly even when the sunshine hours are moderate or less than one hour. This shows that the solar panel, which is the power source of the observation device, is also generating power from scattered solar radiation. From this, it is believed that by incorporating an index that includes the amount of power generated by scattered solar radiation, it is possible to reduce the influence of weather with short sunshine hours such as cloudy days and to calculate the solar panel capacity more accurately.

[0064] Therefore, the inventors investigated the daily total global solar radiation, which is the total solar radiation for one day in 2020, for each of the cities of Sapporo, Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, Toyama, Maebashi, and Tokyo. Specifically, the inventors investigated the minimum daily total global solar radiation in a year, the average daily total solar radiation in a year, and the daily total global solar radiation when the values ​​were 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 [kWh / m 2·days) and the number of consecutive days without exceeding that solar radiation level were calculated from data from the Japan Meteorological Agency. Specifically, the distribution of daily total global solar radiation was checked from the Japan Meteorological Agency website, and the maximum number of consecutive days D without exceeding the standard value S for daily total global solar radiation was calculated. Here, to see what kind of variation exists in Japanese cities, standard daily total global solar radiation levels of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 [kWh / m 2 In order to compare with the method described in Patent Document 1, the total solar radiation for one hour before noon on each day in 2020 was set to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 [kWh / m 2 We also investigated the number of consecutive days during which the mean daily blood pressure did not exceed 100 mg / kg. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066] From this result, the total daily solar radiation [kWh / m 2 It can be seen that the minimum and average values ​​of [1000-1500 days] have little variation across Japan. When the number of consecutive days D during which the daily total global solar radiation standard value S is not exceeded is large, it is necessary to cover the power during that time by increasing the size of the storage battery. Storage batteries are not always fully charged, and it is difficult to use all of the battery's energy to prevent over-discharge. In other words, since it is difficult to accurately predict when the device will run out of power, it is necessary to design the storage battery so that it can be used for a long time with a margin larger than the number of consecutive days. In addition, it is also necessary to consider that not all of the solar radiation can be used to power the observation device due to losses during conversion, etc.

[0067] On the other hand, if most of the solar radiation during low illuminance is diffuse solar radiation, it can be assumed that the light receiving efficiency does not depend on the panel installation angle. S is the charge / discharge efficiency E of the solar panel under low solar radiation conditions. S The efficiency of charging and discharging in sufficient sunlight is expected to differ from that in other cases. In addition, there is also a large difference depending on the type of solar panel.

[0068] Therefore, in the power supply design method for the monitoring device according to the present invention, the total daily global solar radiation considering the scattered solar radiation is used as an index to enable more accurate estimation of the amount of power generation even on days when the sunshine hours are short. In other words, the capacity calculation method of the present invention calculates the capacity of the solar panel 14 and the capacity of the storage battery 15 from the characteristics related to charging and discharging, the standard value S of the total daily global solar radiation, and the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the standard value S of the total daily global solar radiation at the installation site or in the area including the installation site. In addition, two design margins are introduced, making it possible to select the solar panel 14 and the storage battery 15 according to the importance of the monitored object.

[0069] Step 1: Setting and calculating various parameters Battery design margin F S1 , solar panel design margin F S2 , the loss coefficient E for charging and discharging the observation device S is defined at design time. In addition, the distribution of total global solar radiation for one day is examined from the Japan Meteorological Agency website, and the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the standard value S for daily total global solar radiation is calculated.

[0070] The parameters used to calculate the capacity of the storage battery 15 and the capacity of the solar panel 14 are as follows. Note that the variables (symbols) used in the description are shown in parentheses. 1) Battery Design Margin (F S1 ) 2) Design margin for solar panels (F S2 ) 3) Efficiency of charging and discharging the monitoring device (E S ) 4) Reciprocal of standard solar irradiance [m 2 / kWh] (A) 5) Power consumption of the monitoring device per day [Wh / day] (Q) 6) Standard value of daily total solar radiation [kWh / m 2 ·Sun〕(S) 7) Maximum number of consecutive days (D) during which the daily total solar radiation does not exceed the standard value S

[0071] Design margin F for storage batteries (above 1) S1 and the design margin F for the solar panels in 2) above. S2 is not limited to a specific value, but is set to an appropriate value taking into consideration the importance of the object to be monitored by the monitoring device 11. S1 and solar panel design margin F S2 Specifically, for example, can be set to an appropriate value in the range of about 1.5 to 2.5.

[0072] Efficiency E of the monitoring device for charging and discharging (3) above S is set as a single variable that takes into account losses related to charging and discharging, such as losses due to a decrease in the power generation capacity of the solar panel 14 caused by a rise in temperature and losses during charging and discharging. S , that is, the loss coefficient E for charging and discharging the observation device S Although is not limited to a specific value, specifically, it is set to 0.5, for example.

[0073] The reciprocal A of the standard solar irradiance in 4) above is a constant. Specifically, for example, when the standard solar irradiance is 1 [kWh / m 2 ], so 1 [m 2 / kWh.

[0074] The daily power consumption Q [Wh / day] of the monitoring device in 5) above is set based on the actual values ​​measured while the equipment used as the monitoring device 11 (i.e., the imaging means 12, the control means 13 (including the communication module required as the communication section 13c)) and the power supply controller 16 are actually operating.

[0075] Specifically, the standby power consumption for the standby time (e.g., approximately 24 hours), the power consumption during shooting-related operations for the number of shootings (e.g., one time), and the power consumption during image data transmission-related operations for the number of transmissions (e.g., one time) are actually measured.

[0076] The standard value of the total daily solar radiation amount (kWh / m2 In this embodiment, the value of 1.0 for [days]S was selected using meteorological data (for example, data on the total daily global solar radiation in the area where the monitoring device is installed or in the most relevant area, held by the Japan Meteorological Agency).

[0077] Here, the standard value of total daily solar radiation [kWh / m 2 The reason for selecting S as 1.0 is as follows.

[0078] First, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency database, the total solar radiation per day is approximately 1.0 [kWh / m 2 When the solar radiation level drops below 1.5 days, the solar radiation duration is nearly zero. As for the weather, it is cloudy and rainy, and it is considered to be an appropriate indicator for accurately calculating the required solar panel capacity even in areas with short sunlight hours in winter or during the rainy season. On the other hand, when this value is large (for example, 2.5 or 3.0), it indicates the value for sunny days (the influence of direct solar radiation becomes greater) and the influence of factors such as the installation angle of the solar panels also comes into play. In addition, among the eight cities covered, the number of days that do not exceed the standard value is not too many (in other words, the number of days with insufficient power generation is small) and not too few (in other words, the solar panels do not perform excessively well).

[0079] In addition, the standard value of total daily solar radiation [kWh / m 2 In selecting [kWh / m2 / day]S, we chose three benchmark values, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5, as round numbers that are likely to be taken on cloudy days, in order to see the variation in Japanese cities. 2 If we use the formula: [1000 W / day], then the ideal daily power generation from a 50W solar panel can be calculated as 50Wh / day. Incidentally, in reality, there is a loss coefficient (efficiency of charging and discharging the monitoring device) so it will not be 50Wh / day. However, it can be used as a guideline to get a very easy-to-understand value.

[0080] Therefore, using small, easy-to-understand numbers such as 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 as examples, we calculated the maximum number of consecutive days D during which the daily total global solar radiation for each city did not exceed the standard value S.

[0081] In this case, if D becomes larger, the battery needs to be larger. 1.5 [kWh / m 2 When the ratio is 0.5, the maximum value of D in the surveyed cities was 15 (Akita City). In this case, the ideal capacity of the storage battery would be more than 15 times the amount of power consumed, and considering the efficiency of charging and discharging and the design margin of the storage battery, it would require a storage battery of at least 20 times the amount of power consumed by the device in a day, which is not very realistic. On the other hand, when the ratio is 0.5, the storage battery can be made smaller, but in return, the output of the solar panel required to cover the amount of power consumed by the device must be doubled compared to when the ratio is 1.0. Simply put, the panel area doubles. However, depending on the installation location, for example in areas with heavy snowfall, this is not very realistic.

[0082] From this, the above-mentioned standard value of daily total global solar radiation [kWh / m 2 The value of S is 1.0 [kWh / m 2 100 days. It is possible that a more appropriate value can be calculated by optimization calculation. However, since it is not always possible to prepare products with the calculated appropriate capacity for solar panel output or storage battery capacity, and the margins and losses vary depending on the device, it is not thought that there is much need to seek a strict optimal solution.

[0083] The maximum number of consecutive days (D) that does not exceed the standard value S of daily total global solar radiation in 7) above is calculated using meteorological data (specifically, for example, data on daily total global solar radiation in the area where the monitoring device is installed or in the area most relevant to the area, held by the Japan Meteorological Agency). In this embodiment, from Table 1, the maximum number of consecutive days (D) that does not exceed the standard value S of daily total global solar radiation is calculated using meteorological data (specifically, data on daily total global solar radiation in the area where the monitoring device is installed or in the area most relevant to the area, held by the Japan Meteorological Agency). 21.0 [kWh / m2] is set as the standard value, and the maximum number of consecutive days D not to exceed this value is set at 6 days (based on Niigata City). Of course, the maximum number of consecutive days D may be selected for each location where the equipment is installed, but if there is no large variation and the maximum value is selected and designed, it will be possible to accurately calculate the required solar panel capacity even in areas with short hours of sunlight in winter and during the rainy season, where excessive performance would occur, and it will be possible to provide a power source that will not cause problems when used in areas west of the Kanto region where hours of sunlight are relatively long. In other words, the standard value for total daily global solar radiation is set at 1.0 [kWh / m2]. 2 When the design is made with a daily total global solar radiation amount (S) of 100,000 days, the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the standard daily total global solar radiation S is 6 days or less in all cities, indicating that this parameter can be used in many locations.

[0084] Each parameter may be reviewed (i.e., recalculated or defined) at regular intervals.

[0085] Step 2: Calculate the battery capacity Based on the daily power consumption Q of the monitoring device and the maximum number of consecutive days D during which the total daily global solar radiation does not exceed the standard value S, calculated in step 1, if the storage battery has a capacity of Q x D, it will be able to operate on D days even if there is no solar power generation.

[0086] At this time, it is assumed that if the daily total global solar radiation is equal to or greater than the reference value S, it will be possible to generate more than a day's worth of electricity.

[0087] However, the first day of the period corresponding to the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the daily total global solar radiation reference value S is not necessarily the day when the storage battery 15 is fully charged. S1 The battery capacity C is calculated by the following formula 10, which also takes into account B Select . (Formula 10) C B = F S1 ×Q×D

[0088] Step 3: Calculate the solar panel capacity The capacity of the solar panel 14 is defined (in other words, set) so as to satisfy the condition of generating power equal to or greater than the daily total global solar radiation reference value S, which is the premise used in the above-mentioned step 2. In other words, when there is diffuse solar radiation equal to or greater than the daily total global solar radiation reference value S, the capacity of the solar panel 14 is calculated so as to cover the daily power consumption Q of the monitoring device.

[0089] Specifically, the solar panel capacity C S For example, the standard value of the total daily solar radiation S is set to 1.0 [kWh / m 2 10 days), and prepare solar panels that can generate electricity even on cloudy days when the daily total solar radiation is low.

[0090] When generating electricity using a solar panel 14 with a power output of X, the diffuse solar radiation is calculated as "X × E S × S × A". Therefore, the capacity of the solar panel 14 that can cover the daily power consumption Q of the monitoring device is "Q / (E S ×S×A).

[0091] And the design margin for solar panels F S2 The capacity C of the solar panel 14 is calculated by the following formula 11, which also takes into account S is calculated. (Formula 11) C S = F S2 ×Q / (E S ×S×A)

[0092] In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, various data etc. required for calculating and defining each of the parameters 1) to 7) described above are recorded and stored in memory unit 23 of power supply design device 21, for example, as data files for each type of data etc. (in FIG. 1, reference numerals 25A, 25B, ... (as appropriate as necessary)).

[0093] Then, the calculation unit 22 appropriately reads from the memory unit 23 a predetermined data file 25A, 25B, ... (any of them) required for calculation according to each parameter to be calculated, and calculates each parameter based on various data.

[0094] The calculated parameters are stored / preserved in the storage unit 23.

[0095] Additionally, parameters that need to be identified or defined by the monitoring personnel may be predefined in the power supply design program 24, or may be input by the monitoring personnel at an appropriate stage in the power supply design process (with the input values ​​then being stored / saved in the memory unit 23).

[0096] Then, the calculation unit 22 calculates the capacity C of the storage battery 15, which is an item to be calculated. B and the capacity of solar panel 14 C S Predetermined parameters required for the calculation according to each of the above are appropriately read from the storage unit 23, and the capacity C of the storage battery 15 is calculated by the formula 10. B is calculated, and the capacity C of the solar panel 14 is calculated by Equation 11. S is calculated.

[0097] Then, the capacity C calculated by the power supply design device 21 B Storage battery 15 and capacity C S The monitoring system 10 is designed and configured to include the solar panel 14.

[0098] According to the power supply design method for the monitoring device configured as described above, the capacity C of the solar panel 14 that accurately matches the conditions required for the monitoring device 11 is determined. S and the capacity C of the storage battery 15 B is calculated, the capacity C of the solar panel 14 that can operate the monitoring device 11 autonomously for a long period of time without using an external power source and that is not wasted as a power source for the monitoring device 11 is S and the capacity C of the storage battery 15 B Therefore, it is possible to achieve a proper balance between miniaturization of the monitoring device 11 and stable long-term independent operation using a non-external power source.

[0099] In addition, according to the monitoring system 10 equipped with the power supply system configured as above, the capacity C S ,C B Since the monitoring device 11 has a solar panel 14 and a storage battery 15 set to a maximum capacity of 1000 W, the monitoring device 11 can operate autonomously for a long period of time without using an external power source and can be configured as a system having the monitoring device 11 set to operate efficiently. This allows the monitoring device 11 to operate autonomously and stably for a long period of time despite its small size. A demonstration experiment was carried out in winter in which a monitoring device equipped with a power supply system whose capacity was calculated using the power supply design method of this embodiment was installed on a power distribution pole in a heavy snowfall area. As a result, it was confirmed that a power supply could be secured even in winter when the hours of sunlight are short (FIG. 3) and that operation throughout the year was possible, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the method of the present invention.

[0100] Although the above-mentioned embodiment is an example of a preferred form for carrying out the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a monitoring device equipped with an imaging means for monitoring a power transmission and distribution facility, etc., has been mainly described as an example of a device installed outdoors, but the device installed outdoors is not limited to a monitoring device equipped with an imaging means, and it goes without saying that the power supply system can be applied to a power supply design of a monitoring device equipped with a temperature sensor or an illuminance sensor instead of an imaging means, or a device installed outdoors that requires stable independent operation by a non-external power source, such as a device that collects information from a temperature sensor or an illuminance sensor, or a device that transmits information, or a device installed outdoors other than a monitoring device.

[0101] In addition, the power supply design method and the power supply system according to the above-described embodiment incorporate an index including the amount of power generated by scattered solar radiation, thereby reducing the influence of weather with short sunshine hours, such as cloudy days, and enabling more accurate calculation of the solar panel capacity. Therefore, in areas where snow or rain continues to fall, the light receiving efficiency E associated with differences in the installation angle of the solar panel can be calculated. θ, but in areas west of Kanto where there is little snow and long hours of sunlight, the solar panel installation angle has a large effect on the light receiving efficiency E θ In other words, in order to propose a power source for an outdoor device that combines solar panels and storage batteries to achieve an appropriate balance between downsizing of the observation / monitoring device and stable long-term independent operation using a non-external power source regardless of where it is installed in Japan, the capacity of the storage battery C B When calculating the efficiency of solar panel installation angle E, θ Using the following formula 13, the capacity of the solar panel C S It is preferable to calculate (Formula 12) E θ = cos|30-θ| (Formula 13) C S = F S2 ×Q / (E S ×E θ ×S×A) Here, the light receiving efficiency E of the solar panel installation angle θ is a parameter resulting from the installation of the solar panel 14, and is the installation angle of the solar panel, i.e., the inclination angle of the solar panel surface with respect to the horizontal plane, which is the angle between the horizontal plane and the solar panel surface. Specifically, for example, the solar panel installation angle θ [°] can be set to θ=90° when the monitoring device 11 is installed on a utility pole and the solar panel 14 is installed along the side surface of the utility pole.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, the monitoring of the distance between the vine and the electric wire, in other words, the fixed-point monitoring of the growth of the vine around the electric wire, is given as an example, but the monitoring of the power distribution facility is not limited to the monitoring of the distance between the vine and the electric wire, and it goes without saying that it can be applied to other phenomena, such as the observation of snowfall on the power distribution facility and the observation of bird nests on the power distribution facility. Furthermore, it is not limited to the monitoring of the growth of vines, but it may be used to monitor the growth of other plants, or it may be used to observe the ecology of animals. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the monitoring device 11 and the solar panel 14 are installed on a power distribution pole or a power transmission tower, but the installation location of the monitoring device 11 and the solar panel 14 is not limited to a power distribution pole or a power transmission tower. Furthermore, the present invention may be used to monitor the state of various facilities, buildings, etc., not limited to power transmission and distribution facilities. From this point of view, as described above, the installation location of the monitoring device 11 and the solar panel 14 is not limited to a power distribution pole or a power transmission tower.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the monitoring device is configured as a remote monitoring system equipped with an imaging means 12 and a communication unit 13c, but this is not particularly limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to a monitoring device that is not remote, and that includes other observation equipment, for example, a voltmeter, a light meter, an accelerometer, a vibrometer, or various sensors such as a temperature / humidity / barometer.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the reference value of the total daily global solar radiation is set to 1.0 [kWh / m 2 When the total daily global solar radiation amount S is designed as 100 / day, the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the standard daily total global solar radiation amount S is 6 days or less in all cities, and this is likely to become a parameter that can be used in many locations, but it goes without saying that it is not limited to this value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10. Surveillance System 11 Equipment to be installed outdoors (monitoring equipment) 12 Imaging means 13 Control Means 13a Control section 13b Recording section 13c Communications Department 14. Solar Panels 15. Storage battery 16 Power Controller 21 Power supply design equipment 22 Arithmetic section 23 Memory section 24 Power Supply Design Program C B Battery capacity C S Solar panel capacity

Claims

【Request 1】 Regarding the storage battery and the solar panel as the power source of the device to be installed outdoors, the design margin F S1 , the power consumption Q of the device per day, and the maximum number of consecutive days D that does not exceed the reference total daily solar radiation S are calculated using the following formula 1. (Formula 1) C Ｂ = F S1 xQxD The capacity C of the storage battery is Ｂ and the design margin F for the solar panel is calculated. S2 , the efficiency E of the device with respect to charging and discharging Ｓ , the standard daily total global solar radiation S, the daily power consumption Q of the device, and the reciprocal A of the standard solar radiation intensity are used to calculate the following formula 2. (Formula 2) C Ｓ = F S2 ×Q / (E Ｓ ×S×A) The capacity C of the solar panel is Ｓ A power supply design method for an outdoor device, comprising the steps of: 【Request 2】 The standard daily total global solar radiation S is 1.0 [kWh / m ２ 2. The method for designing a power supply for an outdoor device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply is set to 1000 kW per day. 【Request 3】 The capacity C of the storage battery Ｂ When calculating, the following formula 3 is further used: (Formula 3) E θ = cos | 30-θ | The light receiving efficiency E of the solar panel installation angle θ Using the following formula 4 (Formula 4) C Ｓ = F S2 ×Q / (E Ｓ ×E θ ×S×A) The capacity C of the solar panel is Ｓ 3. The power supply design method for an outdoor device according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

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