Power Supply System

Abstract

To provide a power supply system that can effectively utilize electric power with little voltage fluctuation.SOLUTION: A power supply system includes a power storage system 30 that can output the power of a power storage battery 32 and a solar power generation unit 31 from a power conditioner 33 to a general distribution board 10 by the interconnection operation connected to a commercial power supply S during a non-power failure, and a first relay 81 that can switch the connection state between the general distribution board 10 and the power storage system 30, and during the non-power failure, the control device 50 disconnects the connection state between the general distribution board 10 and the power storage system 30 by the first relay 81, such that the power storage system 30 is operated independently without being connected to the commercial power supply S, and causes the electric power of the storage battery 32 and / or the solar power generation unit 31 to be output from the power conditioner 33 to an audio room load 23 due to the independent operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a power supply system that supplies electric power. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technology for a power supply system that supplies electric power has been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] In the power supply system described in Patent Document 1, the power storage device operates autonomously during a commercial power outage. With this configuration, power can be supplied from the power storage device to a load (home appliance) during a power outage, allowing the home appliance to be used.

[0004] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the power storage device does not operate independently during normal times other than during a power outage. Here, the power output from the power storage device during independent operation has a characteristic that the voltage fluctuation is smaller than that of power from a commercial power source. In other words, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of effective use of power with small voltage fluctuations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-77570 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power supply system capable of effectively utilizing electric power with little voltage fluctuation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, there is provided a power storage system including a distribution board provided between a commercial power source and a first power load, a rechargeable storage battery provided between the distribution board and a second power load, a power generation unit capable of generating power using natural energy, and a power conditioner connecting the storage battery and the power generation unit to each other, and capable of outputting the power of the storage battery and the power generation unit from the power conditioner to the distribution board by operating in a grid-connected state connected to the commercial power source when there is no power outage, and a first switching unit capable of switching the connection state between the distribution board and the power storage system; a fuel cell that is provided between the distribution board and the power storage system and that is capable of outputting power generated using a fuel to the distribution board by operating in a grid-connected manner in which the fuel cell is connected to a commercial power source when there is no power outage; and a second switching unit that is capable of switching a connection state between the distribution board and the fuel cell. When there is no power outage, the first switching unit disconnects the connection between the distribution board and the power storage system, Disconnecting the second power load from the distribution board; and A control unit that operates the storage system in an independent manner without being connected to a commercial power source and outputs electric power of the storage battery and / or the power generation unit from the power conditioner to the second electric power load by the independent operation. and when the power of the storage battery and / or the power generation unit is insufficient to cover the power consumption of the second power load during a non-power outage, the control unit causes the second switching unit to cut off the connection between the distribution board and the fuel cell, thereby causing the fuel cell to operate independently without being connected to a commercial power source, and causes the power generated by the independent operation of the fuel cell to be output to the power storage system performing the independent operation, and the power is supplied to the second power load via the power storage system. It is something.

[0010] Claim 2 In the present invention, when the control unit obtains a first prediction result indicating that there is a first period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load, based on the respective prediction results of the power consumption of the second power load and the power generation amount of the power generation unit, the control unit performs the independent operation of the fuel cell during the first period.

[0011] Claim 3 In the present invention, when the control unit obtains a second prediction result indicating that there will be a period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient to cover the amount of power consumed by the second power load, even if the fuel cell performs the independent operation during the first period, the control unit charges the storage battery with power from a commercial power source before the first period.

[0012] Claim 4In the present invention, when the control unit obtains a third prediction result based on the respective prediction results of the power consumption of the second power load and the power generation amount of the power generation unit that there is a second period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery is not insufficient for the power consumption of the second power load, and when the control unit obtains a fourth prediction result that the remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient for the power consumption of the second power load during the second period when the second period starts, the control unit performs the independent operation of the fuel cell during the second period.

[0013] Claim 5 The power supply device further includes a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification when the remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load. Effect of the Invention

[0014] The present invention has the following advantages.

[0015] In the present invention, power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a power supply system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection configuration of the control device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing how power is supplied when the audio room is not normally used (when acoustic control is not executed). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how power is supplied during a power outage. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the power supply state in the audio-priority first state when the audio room is normally used (when audio control is being executed). [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the power supply state in the audio-priority second state when the audio room is normally used (when audio control is being executed). [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a first control process of the audio control. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a second control process of the audio control. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a change in the amount of power over time when a first control for audio control is executed. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of a change in the amount of power over time when the first control for audio is executed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of a change in the amount of power over time when the first control for audio is executed. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a first control of an acoustic control according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a second control process of the audio control. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a first control of an acoustic control according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The following describes the configuration of a power supply system 1, which is one embodiment of a power supply system according to the present invention.

[0018] The power supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is installed in a building (a house in this embodiment). The power supply system 1 is a system that supplies power to achieve a predetermined purpose. More specifically, the power supply system 1 is a system that supplies power with little voltage fluctuation to an audio room, which allows audio equipment to stably operate, so that good sound can be enjoyed. The power supply system 1 utilizes power generated by the independent operation of a storage battery 32 and a fuel cell 40, which will be described later, as power with little voltage fluctuation. The power supply system 1 mainly includes a general distribution board 10, a general load 21, an important load 22, an audio room load 23, a power storage system 30 (a solar power generation unit 31, a storage battery 32, and a power conditioner 33), a fuel cell 40, a control device 50, a plurality of power paths, a plurality of relays, and a plurality of breakers.

[0019] First, the configuration of the plurality of power paths, the plurality of relays, and the plurality of breakers will be described with reference to FIG.

[0020] The plurality of power paths are each composed of conductors or the like, and connect the devices in the house (specifically, the general distribution board 10, the power storage system 30, the fuel cell 40, the important load 22, the general load 21, and the audio room load 23 as described above) to distribute electric power. The plurality of power paths include a first power path 71, a second power path 72, a third power path 73, a fourth power path 74, a fifth power path 75, a sixth power path 76, and a seventh power path 77.

[0021] The first power path 71 connects the commercial power source S and the general distribution board 10. The second power path 72 connects the general distribution board 10 and the power storage system 30 (more specifically, the power conditioner 33). The third power path 73 connects the general distribution board 10 and the important load 22. The fourth power path 74 connects a midpoint of the third power path 73 (first contact P1) and the audio room load 23.

[0022] The fifth power path 75 is connected to the power storage system 30 (more specifically, the power conditioner 33), and to the middle part (second contact P2) of the third power path 73 and the middle part (third contact P3) of the fourth power path 74. That is, the fifth power path 75 on the opposite side to the power storage system 30 branches in two directions from the middle part (fourth contact P4). Hereinafter, one of the branched paths, i.e., a portion of the fifth power path 75 that connects the fourth contact P4 and the second contact P2, is referred to as a fifth important load side path 75a. The other branched path, i.e., a portion of the fifth power path 75 that connects the fourth contact P4 and the third contact P3, is referred to as a fifth audio load side path 75b. The second contact P2 is provided on the fifth power path 75 closer to the important load 22 than the first contact P1.

[0023] Furthermore, the sixth power path 76 connects the general distribution board 10 and the fuel cell 40. Furthermore, the seventh power path 77 connects the fuel cell 40 and the power storage system 30 (more specifically, the inverter 33). A predetermined switching board (not shown) is provided at the connection between the seventh power path 77 and the inverter 33. The switching board is configured to be switchable so that the connection between the seventh power path 77 and the inverter 33 is connected during a power outage, and disconnected during normal times (when there is no power outage).

[0024] The plurality of relays and the plurality of breakers are provided on the plurality of power paths configured as described above.

[0025] The relay switches the connection state of a predetermined power path to allow or disallow power to flow. That is, when the relay is switched ON, power can flow through the predetermined power path. In contrast, when the relay is switched OFF, power cannot flow through the predetermined power path. The multiple relays include a first relay 81, a second relay 82, a third relay 83, a fourth relay 84, a fifth relay 85, and a sixth relay 86.

[0026] The breakers are for cutting off the flow of electric power in a predetermined electric power path. The breakers include a first grid-connection breaker 91, a branch breaker 92, an independent output breaker 93, and a second grid-connection breaker 94.

[0027] The first relay 81 and the first grid breaker 91 are provided in the middle of the second power path 72. Specifically, the first relay 81 is provided on the second power path 72 closer to the power storage system 30 than the first grid breaker 91.

[0028] The second relay 82 and the branch breaker 92 are provided in the middle of the third power path 73. Specifically, the second relay 82 is provided between the first contact P1 and the second contact P2 in the third power path 73. Furthermore, the branch breaker 92 is provided in the third power path 73 between the general distribution board 10 and the first contact P1.

[0029] The third relay 83 is provided in the middle of the fourth power path 74. Specifically, the third relay 83 is provided in the fourth power path 74 between the first contact P1 and the third contact P3.

[0030] The fourth relay 84, the fifth relay 85, and the independent output breaker 93 are provided in the fifth power path 75. Specifically, the fourth relay 84 is provided in the fifth important load side path 75a of the fifth power path 75. Furthermore, the fifth relay 85 is provided in the fifth audio load side path 75b of the fifth power path 75. Furthermore, the independent output breaker 93 is provided in the fifth power path 75 between the power storage system 30 and the fourth contact P4.

[0031] The sixth relay 86 and the second grid breaker 94 are provided on the sixth power path 76. Specifically, the sixth relay 86 is provided on the sixth power path 76 on the fuel cell 40 side of the second grid breaker 94.

[0032] Next, using Figures 1 and 2, the configurations of the general distribution board 10, general loads 21, important loads 22, audio room loads 23, storage system 30 (solar power generation unit 31, storage battery 32 and power conditioner 33), fuel cell 40 and control device 50 will be described in detail.

[0033] The general distribution board 10 distributes the supplied power to residential loads, a power storage system 30, etc. In this embodiment, the residential loads include a general load 21, an important load 22, and an audio room load 23.

[0034] The general load 21 is a circuit connected to electrical appliances that consume power in a house, and is not likely to be required to supply power during a power outage from the commercial power source S. For example, the general load 21 is connected to lighting in rooms other than the living room of the house.

[0035] The important loads 22 are circuits connected to electrical appliances that consume power in a home, and have a higher need to supply power during a power outage than the general loads 21. For example, the important loads 22 are connected to devices that should be in operation at all times, such as lights in the living room of a home, medical equipment, and refrigerators.

[0036] The audio room load 23 is a circuit connected to audio equipment such as an amplifier and speakers in a room (audio room) that has the audio equipment. Residents of the house can operate the audio equipment connected to the audio room load 23 in the audio room and enjoy sound. In this embodiment, as described later, the audio room load 23 can be supplied with power with little voltage fluctuation (power generated by the independent operation of the storage battery 32 and fuel cell 40) in order to stabilize the operation of the audio equipment. In this embodiment, the power consumption of the audio room load 23 is assumed to be 1500 Wh.

[0037] The power storage system 30 is capable of generating power by utilizing solar light and is also capable of charging and discharging power. The power storage system 30 is connected to the general distribution board 10 via a second power path 72. The power storage system 30 includes a solar power generation unit 31, a storage battery 32, and a power conditioner 33.

[0038] The solar power generation unit 31 is a device that generates power by utilizing sunlight. The solar power generation unit 31 is configured with a solar cell panel, etc. The solar power generation unit 31 is installed in a sunny location, such as on the roof of a house.

[0039] The storage battery 32 is capable of charging and discharging electric power. The storage battery 32 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. The storage battery 32 is provided mainly to supply electric power to the load of the house during a power outage. In this embodiment, the maximum charge amount (the maximum value of the charge amount that can be discharged) of the storage battery 32 is set to 5400 Wh. Also, the minimum charge amount (the minimum value of the charge amount that can be discharged) of the storage battery 32 is set to 0 Wh.

[0040] The power conditioner 33 is a hybrid power conditioner capable of appropriately converting electric power. The power conditioner 33 is a device that is directly connected to the second power path 72 of the power storage system 30 (the solar power generation unit 31, the storage battery 32, and the power conditioner 33). As shown in FIG. 2, the power conditioner 33 is connected to each of the solar power generation unit 31 and the storage battery 32 via a predetermined electric wire.

[0041] 1 and 2, the inverter 33 is connected to a power sensor 34 installed midway along the first power path 71. The power sensor 34 detects the power (magnitude and direction) flowing through the installation location. In this way, the inverter 33 can obtain information about the power flowing through the installation location (first power path 71) of the power sensor 34. For example, the inverter 33 can detect the occurrence of a power outage based on the detection result of the power sensor 34.

[0042] The inverter 33 can also obtain information on the operation of the storage battery 32, the remaining charge, etc. The inverter 33 can also control the operation of the storage battery 32. The inverter 33 can also obtain information on the operation of the solar power generation unit 31, the generated power, etc.

[0043] The inverter 33 can perform two types of operation: grid-connected operation and independent operation. The inverter 33 outputs power (power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 and power from the storage battery 32) to a predetermined power path depending on the operating state. Specifically, when the inverter 33 performs grid-connected operation, it outputs power to the second power path 72 (i.e., the general distribution board 10 side). When the inverter 33 performs independent operation, it outputs power to the fifth power path 75 (i.e., the important load 22 and audio room load 23 side).

[0044] The grid-connected operation of the power conditioner 33 refers to operating the solar power generation unit 31 and the storage battery 32 in a normal state (non-power outage) while being connected to the commercial power source S. That is, when performing the grid-connected operation, the power conditioner 33 can output the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 and the power of the storage battery 32 to the second power path 72 while being connected to the commercial power source S, and can input (charge) the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 and the power from the commercial power source 90 to the storage battery 32.

[0045] In this embodiment, when the inverter 33 is in grid-connected operation, the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 is output preferentially over the power of the storage battery 32. When the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 is surplus to the load, the surplus power is charged to the storage battery 32. In this way, when the inverter 33 is in grid-connected operation, the output and input (charging) of the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 can be performed simultaneously. When the storage battery 32 is not fully charged, it can be charged with power from the commercial power source S, for example, at a predetermined time (for example, at night when the unit price of midnight power is inexpensive).

[0046] Furthermore, when the inverter 33 is operating in a grid-connected manner, the inverter 33 can also perform a follow-up operation based on the detection result of the power sensor 34. That is, when power from the commercial power source S is flowing through the first power path 71 (when there is purchased power), the inverter 33 can output the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 to the general distribution board 10. Furthermore, when power is flowing through the first power path 71 to the commercial power source S (when there is sold power), the inverter 33 can input (charge) the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 to the storage battery 32.

[0047] The independent operation of the inverter 33 means that during a power outage, the inverter 33 operates the solar power generation unit 31 and the storage battery 32 independently of the commercial power supply 90. That is, when performing independent operation, the inverter 33 can output the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 and the power of the storage battery 32 to the fifth power path 75 and input (charge) the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 to the storage battery 32 in a state independent of the commercial power supply 90.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the inverter 33 is operating independently, the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 is output preferentially over the power of the storage battery 32. When the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 is surplus to the load, the surplus power is charged to the storage battery 32. In this way, when the inverter 33 is operating independently, the output and input (charging) of the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 can be performed simultaneously. When the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 is insufficient for the load, the power of the storage battery 32 is output to make up for the shortage.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, even when a power outage does not actually occur (i.e., during normal operation), the power conditioner 33 (power storage system 30) can enter a state during a pseudo power outage (pseudo power outage) and perform independent operation. Here, the pseudo power outage state of the power conditioner 33 (power storage system 30) refers to a state in which the power conditioner 33 (power storage system 30) is disconnected from the commercial power source S and is not connected to the commercial power source S during normal operation, as in the case of a power outage. Specifically, for example, when the first relay 81 of the second power path 72 is switched OFF during normal operation, the power conditioner 33 determines that a power outage has occurred (even when the actual operation is normal) and starts independent operation. The power conditioner 33 performs the same operation during independent operation during a pseudo power outage as during independent operation during normal operation.

[0050] The fuel cell 40 is a device that generates power using gas fuel such as hydrogen. The fuel cell 40 is composed of, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell), a control unit, etc. The fuel cell 40 can perform two types of operation: a grid-connected operation in which it is connected to a commercial power source S during normal operation, and an independent operation in which it is not connected to the commercial power source S during a power outage.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the fuel cell 40 is operating in a grid-connected manner, it generates an arbitrary amount of power between a minimum power generation level (e.g., 50 W) and a maximum power generation level (e.g., 700 W) depending on, for example, the amount of power consumed by the load. In contrast, when the fuel cell 40 is operating in an independent manner, it continues to generate power at a constant output. For example, in this embodiment, when the fuel cell 40 is operating in an independent manner, it generates 650 Wh of power.

[0052] Furthermore, the fuel cell 40 outputs the generated power to a predetermined power path depending on the operating state. Specifically, when the fuel cell 40 is operating in a grid-connected manner, it outputs the generated power to a sixth power path 76 (i.e., the general distribution board 10 side). When the fuel cell 40 is operating in an independent manner, it outputs the generated power to a seventh power path 77 (i.e., the power storage system 30 side).

[0053] During independent operation, the power generated by the fuel cell 40 is output to the seventh power path 77 (i.e., the side of the power storage system 30) and then charged into the storage battery 32 of the power storage system 30, or output via the power conditioner 33 to the fifth power path 75 (i.e., the side of the important load 22 and the audio room load 23).

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when no power outage has actually occurred (i.e., during normal times), the fuel cell 40 can enter a state during a pseudo power outage (pseudo power outage) and perform independent operation. Here, the pseudo power outage state of the fuel cell 40 refers to a state in which, during normal times, the fuel cell 40 is disconnected from the commercial power source S, as in the case of a power outage, and is not connected to the commercial power source S. Specifically, for example, when the sixth relay 86 of the sixth power path 76 is switched OFF during normal times, the fuel cell 40 determines that a power outage has occurred (even when the actual time is normal) and starts independent operation. Even during independent operation during a pseudo power outage, the fuel cell 40 performs the same operation as during independent operation during normal times.

[0055] The fuel cell 40 is also provided with a hot water storage tank 41. The fuel cell 40 can produce hot water using heat (exhaust heat) generated during power generation, and store the produced hot water in the hot water storage tank 41. When the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41 reaches its maximum capacity (when the hot water storage tank 41 cannot store any more heat), the fuel cell 40 stops power generation (cannot generate power). The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41 is supplied to a bathroom or the like by the operation of a specified hot water supply device in response to the hot water supply demand of the bathroom or the like.

[0056] The control device 50 manages information within the power supply system 1 and controls each device constituting the power supply system 1. The control device 50 has an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and a storage unit such as a RAM or a ROM. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 50 is connected to each device (relays such as the first relay 81, breakers such as the first grid-connection breaker 91, the power storage system 30 (power conditioner 33), the fuel cell 40, etc.) through a network established within the house.

[0057] The control device 50 is also configured to be able to communicate (receive and transmit) with an external device (e.g., a public organization related to meteorology) outside the power supply system 1. In this way, the control device 50 can obtain information (e.g., a weather forecast) transmitted (or transmitted) from an external device outside the power supply system 1.

[0058] The control device 50 can also obtain information relating to the operation of each of the devices, and store the obtained information. The control device 50 can also control the operation of each of the devices.

[0059] For example, the control device 50 can obtain the operating state of the storage battery 32 (for example, whether it is operating in a grid-connected manner or in an independent manner) and the remaining capacity, etc., via the inverter 33. The control device 50 can also control the operation of the storage battery 32 via the inverter 33. The control device 50 can also obtain the amount of power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 via the inverter 33. The control device 50 can also obtain whether or not there is a power outage via the inverter 33.

[0060] The control device 50 can also obtain the operating state and power generation amount of the fuel cell 40, and the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41. The control device 50 can also operate a specified hot water supply device to forcibly supply hot water from the hot water storage tank 41 to the bathroom (i.e., regardless of the presence or absence of hot water demand or operation by the resident, etc.). In this way, the control device 50 can forcibly (automatically) fill the bathtub. The control device 50 can also obtain the amount of hot water used in the house. In other words, the control device 50 can obtain from the hot water storage tank 41 the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 41.

[0061] The control device 50 can also obtain the power consumption of the loads (general load 21, important load 22, and audio room load 23) in the house.

[0062] The control device 50 can also acquire the state of each breaker, such as the first grid-connection breaker 91. The control device 50 can also acquire the state of each relay, such as the first relay 81. The control device 50 can also control the operation of each relay (switching between ON and OFF). The control of the operation of each relay is performed by the control device 50 based on a predetermined rule that is set in advance. The control of the operation of each relay, such as the first relay 81, will be described below.

[0063] That is, the control of the operation of each relay by the control device 50 is performed by dividing the relays into four preset blocks. Hereinafter, the four blocks are referred to as a first block B10, a second block B20, a third block B30, and a fourth block B40, respectively.

[0064] 1, the first block B10 includes a first relay 81. Furthermore, the second block B20 includes a fourth relay 84 and a fifth relay 85. The fourth relay 84 and the fifth relay 85 are exclusively controlled such that when one of them is ON, the other is OFF.

[0065] The third block B30 is divided into a third block B31 and a third block B32. The third block B31 includes a fourth relay 84 and a second relay 82. The fourth relay 84 and the second relay 82 are exclusively controlled so that when one of them is ON, the other is OFF. The third block B32 includes a fifth relay 85 and a third relay 83. The fifth relay 85 and the third relay 83 are exclusively controlled so that when one of them is ON, the other is OFF. The fourth block B40 includes a sixth relay 86.

[0066] Thus, the fourth relay 84 is included in both the second block B20 and the third block B30 (more specifically, the third block B31), and the fifth relay 85 is included in both the second block B20 and the third block B30 (more specifically, the third block B32).

[0067] In this way, for example, when the operations of the fourth relay 84 and the fifth relay 85 are controlled in the second block B20, the operations of the switches in the third block B30 are controlled in response to the control. Specifically, when the operations of the fourth relay 84 and the fifth relay 85 are controlled in the second block B20, the operation of the second relay 82 is controlled in the third block B31 of the third block B30, and the operation of the third relay 83 is controlled in the third block B32.

[0068] The operation of each relay in this manner changes the connection state of each device (a connected state allowing power to flow and a disconnected state allowing power to not flow), thereby changing the power supply mode.

[0069] Furthermore, the control device 50 can use machine learning to make various predictions (acquire prediction results) based on information acquired from outside and past data accumulated regarding the operation of each of the devices. For example, the control device 50 can predict the power consumption of the audio room load 23 on the next day, the power generation amount of the solar power generation unit 31 on the next day, the charge amount of the storage battery 32, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41, and the like. The control device 50 can also predict the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41 that will be used within the house.

[0070] 2, the control device 50 is provided with a display unit 51 and an operation unit 52. The display unit 51 displays various information including that of the power supply system 1. The operation unit 52 is used to perform various operations. The display unit 51 and the operation unit 52 are installed in a living space such as a living room or an audio room so that they can be used by the residents of the house.

[0071] Furthermore, the control device 50 can execute various types of control (processing) that are defined in advance so that the mode of power supply can be appropriately changed in consideration of the convenience, comfort, and the like of the occupants.

[0072] Here, for example, the power from the commercial power source S may have a distorted voltage waveform or may fluctuate (hereinafter simply referred to as "voltage fluctuation") depending on the use of electrical appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, etc.) connected to the general loads 21 and important loads 22. For this reason, for example, if audio equipment such as speakers is connected to the general loads 21 and important loads 22, the operation of the audio equipment may become unstable due to the voltage fluctuation of the supplied power, making it difficult to obtain good sound.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 50 executes control for allowing the occupants to enjoy good sound using audio equipment such as speakers. Specifically, the control device 50 executes control for supplying the audio equipment with power that has little voltage fluctuation and enables the audio equipment to operate stably by connecting a power supply source different from the power supply source connected to the general load 21 and the important load 22 to the audio room load 23. Note that hereinafter, the above control is referred to as "audio control."

[0074] The following provides an overview of the audio control.

[0075] When the audio control is executed, the operation of each relay is controlled as described below, and the connection relationship between the audio room load 23 and the general load 21 and the important load 22 is switched to a state in which power cannot flow. Also, the connection relationship between the audio room load 23 and the power storage system 30 is switched to a state in which power can flow via the fifth power path 75 (fifth audio load side path 75b).

[0076] Furthermore, the power storage system 30 is put into a state during a pseudo power outage, and independent operation is started. That is, the power output from the power storage system 30 by the independent operation during the pseudo power outage is supplied to the audio room load 23. Note that the power output from the power storage system 30 by the independent operation during the pseudo power outage includes the power of the storage battery 32 and the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 (if power generation is being performed). That is, the audio control is executed on the premise that at least the power of the storage battery 32 by the independent operation can be supplied to the audio room load 23.

[0077] Furthermore, if the power of the storage battery 32 and the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 are insufficient to cover the power consumption of the audio room load 23, the fuel cell 40 is placed in a simulated power outage state and independent operation is started. That is, the power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation during the simulated power outage is supplied to the audio room load 23 in addition to the power of the storage battery 32 and the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31.

[0078] In this way, when audio control is executed, the audio room load 23 is connected to the power storage system 30 and fuel cell 40, which operate independently and are different from the power supply sources connected to the general loads 21 and important loads 22, making it possible to supply power with relatively little voltage fluctuation to the audio room load 23. In this way, the audio equipment can be operated stably in the audio room, allowing the occupants to enjoy good sound.

[0079] The acoustic control is started, for example, when a resident who uses the audio room operates the operation unit 52. Information on whether the audio room is available for use (i.e., whether the storage battery 32 has a remaining capacity that allows it to be discharged by independent operation during a simulated power outage) is displayed on the display unit 51 so that the resident can check it.

[0080] The operation of each relay and a specific power supply mode in the power supply system 1 configured as above will be described below.

[0081] First, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of the power supply mode in the power supply system 1 when the audio room is not in use (that is, when the acoustic control is not executed) during normal operation will be described.

[0082] 3, in the third block B31, the second relay 82 is switched ON by the control device 50, and power is allowed to flow through the second relay 82. In the first block B10, the first relay 81 is switched ON, and power is allowed to flow through the first relay 81. In the fourth block B40, the sixth relay 86 is switched ON, and power is allowed to flow through the sixth relay 86.

[0083] In this way, power from the commercial power source S, power from the storage system 30 (power generated by the solar power generation unit 31), and power generated by the fuel cell 40 are supplied to the general loads 21 and important loads 22 via a specified power path and the general distribution board 10.

[0084] In this case, in the third block B32, the third relay 83 is switched to the OFF state, so that no power is supplied to the audio room load 23.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 3, power is output from the power storage system 30 to the general distribution board 10. However, when the storage battery 32 charges with power from the commercial power source S (e.g., at night), power may be supplied from the general distribution board 10 to the power storage system 30.

[0086] Next, an example of a power supply state during a power outage will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that it is assumed that the audio room is not used during a power outage (i.e., there is no need to supply power to the audio room load 23).

[0087] 4, in the third block B31, the second relay 82 is switched OFF, and power cannot flow to the second relay 82. When the second relay 82 is switched OFF in the third block B31, the fourth relay 84 included in the third block B31 is switched ON, and power can flow to the fourth relay 84. Since the fourth relay 84 is also included in the second block B20, the fifth relay 85 included in the second block B20 is switched OFF, and power cannot flow to the fifth relay 85.

[0088] Furthermore, when a power outage occurs, the second interconnection breaker 94 cuts off the flow of power through the sixth power path 76, and the fuel cell 40 is disconnected from the commercial power source S. In this way, the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation and outputs the generated power to the seventh power path 77 (i.e., to the power storage system 30 side).

[0089] Furthermore, when a power outage occurs, the first grid-connection breaker 91 cuts off the flow of power through the second power path 72, and the inverter 33 (power storage system 30) is disconnected from the commercial power source S. In this manner, the inverter 33 performs an independent operation and outputs power from the power storage system 30 (power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 and power from the storage battery 32) to the fifth power path 75.

[0090] Then, the electricity output from the power storage system 30 through independent operation during a power outage (the power generated by the fuel cell 40, the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31, and the power from the storage battery 32) is supplied to the important load 22 via the fifth power path 75 (fifth important load side path 75a) and the third power path 73.

[0091] As a result, during a power outage, the residents of the house can use electrical appliances connected to important loads 22, i.e., living room lights, medical equipment, refrigerators, etc., which are in high need of power during a power outage, using not only the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31, but also the power output from the storage system 30 and fuel cell 40 through independent operation.

[0092] Note that no power is supplied to the general load 21. Also, because power cannot flow to the fifth relay 85, the power output from the power storage system 30 and the fuel cell 40 in independent operation is not supplied to the audio room load 23. Thus, during a power outage, the occupants can use the electrical appliances connected to the important load 22 for a relatively long period of time.

[0093] Next, an example of the power supply mode in the power supply system 1 when the audio room is normally in use (that is, when acoustic control is being executed) will be described.

[0094] As described above, when the execution of audio control is started, first, the power of the storage battery 32 in independent operation during the simulated power outage and the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 (if power generation is occurring) are supplied to the audio room load 23. Then, if these powers alone are insufficient to cover the power consumption of the audio room load 23, the power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation during the simulated power outage is supplied to the audio room load 23 in addition to the power of the storage battery 32 and the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31.

[0095] Therefore, in the following, when the audio control is being executed, the state of each device when power from the storage battery 32 through independent operation during a simulated power outage and power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 are being supplied is referred to as the "audio priority first state", and the state in which these powers are supplied in addition to the power generated by the fuel cell 40 through independent operation during a simulated power outage is referred to as the "acoustic priority second state", and an example of the power supply mode of the power supply system 1 when each control is executed will be described.

[0096] First, using Figure 5, we will explain an example of the power supply mode in the power supply system 1 when audio control is being executed and the state of each device is in the audio priority first state (when power from the storage battery 32 due to independent operation during a simulated power outage and power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 are being supplied).

[0097] 5, when the state of each device is the audio priority first state, in the third block B31, the second relay 82 is switched ON, and power is allowed to flow to the second relay 82. When the second relay 82 is switched ON in the third block B31, the fourth relay 84 included in the third block B31 is switched OFF, and power is not allowed to flow to the fourth relay 84. Since the fourth relay 84 is also included in the second block B20, the fifth relay 85 included in the second block B20 is switched ON, and power is allowed to flow to the fifth relay 85.

[0098] In the first block B10, the first relay 81 is switched OFF, the power storage system 30 is disconnected from the commercial power source S, the power conditioner 33 of the power storage system 30 is in a state during a pseudo power outage, and independent operation during the pseudo power outage is started. In the fourth block B40, the sixth relay 86 is switched ON, and power can flow through the sixth relay 86.

[0099] In this way, the power from the commercial power source S and the power generated by the fuel cell 40 are supplied to the general load 21 and the important load 22 via the general distribution board 10. In addition, the power output from the power storage system 30 due to independent operation during the simulated power outage (the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 and the power of the storage battery 32) is supplied to the audio room load 23 via the fifth power path 75 (fifth audio load side path 75b).

[0100] In this way, by executing the audio control, when the audio room is in use during normal times, the electrical appliances connected to the general load 21 and the important load 22 can operate using power from the commercial power source S or power generated by the fuel cell 40. Also, the audio equipment connected to the audio room load 23 is disconnected from the general load 21 and the important load 22, and can operate using power output from the power storage system 30 (power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 or power from the storage battery 32) through independent operation during the simulated power outage.

[0101] Here, the power output from the power storage system 30 in independent operation during the simulated power outage is not supplied to the electrical appliances connected to the general loads 21 and the important loads 22, and therefore the power has little voltage fluctuation.

[0102] In this way, when the audio room is in use under normal circumstances, power with little voltage fluctuation can be supplied to the audio equipment. In other words, by utilizing the power of the storage battery 32 through independent operation, the operation of the audio equipment can be stabilized, and the occupants can enjoy good sound.

[0103] 5, if the audio room is used for a long period of time or if the solar power generation unit 31 is not generating power during a certain time period, the power output from the power storage system 30 may be insufficient to cover the power consumption of the audio room load 23. Therefore, as described above, if the power output from the power storage system 30 is insufficient to cover the power consumption of the audio room load 23 in the audio priority first state, the state of each device is switched to the audio priority second state.

[0104] Next, using Figure 6, we will explain an example of the power supply mode in the power supply system 1 when audio control is being executed and the state of each device is in the audio-priority second state (when the power generated by the fuel cell 40 through independent operation during a simulated power outage, the power of the storage battery 32, and the power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 are being supplied).

[0105] The second sound-priority state differs from the first sound-priority state in that the fuel cell 40 is made to perform independent operation during a simulated power outage.

[0106] Specifically, in the fourth block B40, the sixth relay 86 is switched OFF, the fuel cell 40 is disconnected from the commercial power source S, the fuel cell 40 enters a state during a simulated power outage, and starts independent operation during the simulated power outage. Also, in the seventh power path 77, the switch panel is switched under the control of the control device 50 to connect the seventh power path 77 to the inverter 33. In this way, the power generated by the fuel cell 40 due to independent operation during the simulated power outage is output to the inverter 33 via the seventh power path 77.

[0107] The generated power of the fuel cell 40 output to the power conditioner 33 is supplied to the audio room load 23 via a fifth power path 75 (a fifth audio load side path 75b) together with the power of the storage battery 32, which is also operating independently.

[0108] In this way, by executing the audio control, when the audio room is normally used and the power consumption of the audio room load 23 is insufficient in the audio priority first state, the state is switched to the audio priority second state, and the power shortage can be made up by the power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation. In this way, the occupants can use the audio room for long periods of time.

[0109] The following describes the processing of the control device 50 when performing sound control according to the first embodiment.

[0110] The acoustic control includes two types of control (first control and second control) executed by the control device 50. The first control is a control for determining in advance a time period during which the audio room will be in the first acoustic priority state or the second acoustic priority state for use on the next day. The second control is a control for modifying the predetermined time period during which the audio room will be in the first acoustic priority state or the second acoustic priority state in accordance with the actual situation for use on the current day.

[0111] In the following, first, the process of the control device 50 when the first control among the acoustic controls according to the first embodiment is executed will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0112] The first control is a control for determining in advance a time period during which the audio room will be in the first audio-priority state or the second audio-priority state for use on the following day as described above. Specifically, in the first control, in order to prevent as much as possible the storage battery 32 from running out of power and becoming unable to use the audio room, a time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage is determined in advance. The first control is performed at a predetermined time on the previous day (11pm in this embodiment) (i.e. once a day).

[0113] In step S101, the control device 50 acquires the current remaining capacity of the storage battery 32. After the process of step S101, the control device 50 proceeds to step S102.

[0114] In step S102, the control device 50 predicts the power consumption of the audio room (audio room load 23) for each hour of the next day (i.e., from 0:00 to 24:00 of the next day). After the process of step S102, the control device 50 proceeds to step S103.

[0115] In step S103, the control device 50 predicts the amount of power generated for each hour of the next day by the solar power generation unit 31. After the process of step S103, the control device 50 proceeds to step S104.

[0116] In step S104, the control device 50 determines whether or not there is a time period in the next day during which the remaining amount of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient. Specifically, the control device 50 performs a predetermined calculation every hour from 0:00 to 24:00 of the next day.

[0117] Specifically, the control device 50 first determines whether or not the amount of power generated by the solar power generation unit 31 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the audio room load 23 in each time period from midnight to midnight the following day. If the control device 50 determines that the amount of power is insufficient (there is a shortfall) in a certain time period, it determines whether or not the shortfall can be made up for by discharging the storage battery 32. If the shortfall cannot be made up for by discharging the storage battery 32, or if the storage battery 32 has no remaining charge in the first place, the control device 50 determines that the certain time period is a time period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient.

[0118] When the control device 50 determines that there is a time period in the next day when the remaining amount of the storage battery 32 is insufficient (Yes in step S104), the control device 50 proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when the control device 50 determines that there is no time period in the next day when the remaining amount of the storage battery 32 is insufficient (No in step S104), the first control ends.

[0119] In step S105, the control device 50 predicts the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation during the simulated power outage. Specifically, the control device 50 predicts the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 when the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during the simulated power outage during a time period in which it is determined that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient (shortage time period) (i.e., when the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation during the simulated power outage is added to the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 during the shortage time period). After processing of step S105, the control device 50 proceeds to step S106.

[0120] In step S106, the control device 50 determines a time period during which the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage (switches from the first acoustic priority state to the second acoustic priority state). Specifically, the control device 50 first determines that the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage during the shortage time period. If the control device 50 determines by the process of step S105 that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is still insufficient if the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage during the shortage time period, the control device 50 determines that the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage during the time period immediately preceding the shortage time period. In this way, the control device 50 determines the time periods during which the fuel cell 40 performs (starts) independent operation during a simulated power outage, going back one by one, within the range up to midnight of the following day, until the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is no longer insufficient during the shortage time period. After the process of step S106, the control device 50 proceeds to step S107.

[0121] In step S107, the control device 50 determines whether or not there is a time period of shortage even if the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during the simulated power outage during the time period determined by the processing in step S106. That is, in the processing in step S106, since there is a limit to the time period that can be traced back, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 may still be insufficient despite the processing in step S106. If the control device 50 determines that there is no time period of shortage (No in step S107), it ends the first control. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that there is a time period of shortage (Yes in step S107), it proceeds to step S108.

[0122] In step S108, the control device 50 charges the storage battery 32 with the required amount of power from the commercial power source S during a time period when the audio room is not in use and there is no power generated by the solar power generation unit 31. In this embodiment, the control device 50 selects an arbitrary time period (e.g., midnight) from the nighttime time period when it is assumed that the audio room is not in use and the midnight power unit price is inexpensive. After the process of step S108, the control device 50 ends the first control.

[0123] In this way, when executing the first control among the audio controls in the first embodiment, in order to prevent as much as possible a situation in which the storage battery 32 has no remaining charge and the audio room becomes unusable, it is possible to determine in advance a time period during which the fuel cell 40 will operate autonomously during a simulated power outage (switch from the audio priority first state to the audio priority second state).

[0124] Next, the process of the control device 50 when the second control of the acoustic control according to the first embodiment is executed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0125] The second control is a control for correcting the time period of the predetermined audio priority first state or audio priority second state according to the actual situation for the use of the audio room on that day as described above. Specifically, in the second control, since it is assumed that the situation on that day will be different from the prediction, the time period for switching from the audio priority first state to the audio priority second state is changed every predetermined time in order to prevent as much as possible the storage battery 32 from running out of power and becoming unable to use the audio room. The second control is performed every predetermined time on the day (every hour in this embodiment) (i.e., 24 times a day).

[0126] In step S201, the control device 50 judges whether the audio room is in use. If the control device 50 judges that the audio room is not in use (No in step S201), the control device 50 ends the second control. On the other hand, if the control device 50 judges that the audio room is in use (Yes in step S201), the control device 50 proceeds to step S202.

[0127] In step S202, the control device 50 judges whether or not there is remaining charge in the storage battery 32. If the control device 50 judges that there is no remaining charge in the storage battery 32 (No in step S202), the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the control device 50 judges that there is remaining charge in the storage battery 32 (Yes in step S202), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0128] In step S203, the control device 50 stops the independent operation of all devices (only the storage battery 32, or the storage battery 32 and the fuel cell 40) (which are performing independent operation during the simulated power outage). The control device 50 also displays a message on the display unit 51 that the audio room is unusable due to a power shortage. After the process of step S203, the control device 50 ends the second control.

[0129] In step S204, the control device 50 judges whether the next hour (the relevant time period) is a time period determined by the prior first control (when the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage). If the control device 50 judges that the relevant time period is a time period determined when the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage (Yes in step S204), it ends the second control. On the other hand, if the control device 50 judges that the relevant time period is not a time period determined when the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage (No in step S204), it proceeds to step S205.

[0130] In step S205, the control device 50 judges whether or not the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient in the relevant time period. Specifically, the control device 50 judges whether or not the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient in the relevant time period (i.e., the remaining charge will run out halfway through the relevant time period) based on the current remaining charge of the storage battery 32, the power generation amount of the solar power generation unit 31, the power generation amount of the storage battery 32 by independent operation during the simulated power outage, and the power consumption amount of the audio room load 23. If the control device 50 judges that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient in the relevant time period (Yes in step S205), it proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the control device 50 judges that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will not be insufficient in the relevant time period (No in step S205), it proceeds to step S206.

[0131] In step S206, if the fuel cell 40 is performing independent operation during the simulated power outage, the control device 50 stops the independent operation. That is, even if the time period is not a time period determined in advance for the fuel cell 40 to perform independent operation during the simulated power outage, as described below (see step S210), the fuel cell 40 may be performing independent operation during the simulated power outage. Even in such a case, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient during the time period (No in step S205), so the control device 50 stops the independent operation. After processing in step S206, the control device 50 ends the second control.

[0132] In step S207, the control device 50 judges whether or not the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient even if the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during the simulated power outage. Specifically, the control device 50 judges whether or not the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient during the time period, taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 during the simulated power outage, with respect to the information judged in step S205 (the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 at the current time, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation unit 31, the amount of power generated by the independent operation of the storage battery 32 during the simulated power outage, and the amount of power consumed by the audio room load 23). If the control device 50 judges that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be insufficient during the time period (Yes in step S207), it proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the control device 50 judges that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is not insufficient (No in step S207), it proceeds to step S210.

[0133] In step S210, the control device 50 starts the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 during the simulated power outage. This allows the occupant to use the audio room during that time period without causing a shortage of remaining power in the storage battery 32. After the process of step S210, the control device 50 ends the second control.

[0134] In step S208, the control device 50 displays a message that the audio room is unavailable due to insufficient power on the display unit 51. After the process of step S208, the control device 50 proceeds to step S209.

[0135] In step S209, the control device 50 stops the independent operation of all units (only the storage battery 32, or the storage battery 32 and the fuel cell 40) (which are performing independent operation during the simulated power outage). After the process of step S203, the control device 50 ends the second control.

[0136] In this way, when executing the second control of the acoustic control according to the first embodiment, even if the situation on the day differs from that predicted, the time period for switching from the acoustic priority first state to the acoustic priority second state is changed at specified time intervals according to the actual situation, so that it is possible to prevent as much as possible the storage battery 32 from running out of power and becoming unable to use the audio room.

[0137] A specific example of the change over time in the amount of power when the first control of the audio control according to the first embodiment as described above is executed will be described below with reference to Figs.

[0138] First, a first example of the change in the amount of power over time will be described with reference to FIG.

[0139] Of the two tables shown in Fig. 9, the top table shows the prediction results of the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 obtained when the processes from step S101 to step S105 in the flowchart of Fig. 7 are executed. Note that the top table shows the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 at the current time (23:00, the "prediction point") obtained in the process of step S101, the prediction results of the power consumption of the audio room load 23 obtained in the process of step S102, and the prediction results of the power generation amount of the solar power generation unit 31 obtained in the process of step S103.

[0140] As shown in the 22:00 column in the upper table of Fig. 9, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is predicted to be 800Wh, and the power consumption of the audio room is predicted to be 1500Wh at 22:00. In other words, if the audio room is used at 22:00, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be exhausted before 23:00. At 23:00, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is calculated to be negative.

[0141] In such a case, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 32 is predicted taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation during the simulated power outage, and the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during the simulated power outage is determined (see steps S105 and S106).

[0142] Specifically, it is first determined that the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage in the 11pm time slot when it is determined that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient. Thus, as shown in the 11pm column in the lower table of FIG. 9, 650Wh of the power generated by the fuel cell 40 will be supplied to the audio room load 23 during the 11pm time slot. Even if the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage in the 11pm time slot, the insufficient remaining charge of the storage battery 32 during that 11pm time slot will not be resolved, so it is determined that the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage even during the 10pm time slot. In this way, the time slots for the fuel cell 40 to perform independent operation during a simulated power outage are determined by going back one hour at a time until the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is no longer insufficient.

[0143] 9, the time period from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. is determined as the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform autonomous operation during the simulated power outage. In this case, the remaining charge in the storage battery 32 at 11 p.m. is 1250 Wh, and the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 is 650 Wh, so the total amount of power generated by these exceeds the amount of power consumed (1500 Wh) by the audio room load 23. In other words, the audio room can be used without interruption even at 11 p.m.

[0144] Next, a second example of the change over time in the amount of power will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that a description of the same content as in the first example will be omitted.

[0145] As shown in the 9 o'clock column in the upper table of Fig. 10, at 9 o'clock, the remaining charge of storage battery 32 is predicted to be 680 Wh, the power generation amount of solar power generation unit 31 is predicted to be 180 Wh, and the power consumption amount of the audio room is predicted to be 1500 Wh. In other words, if the audio room is used at 9 o'clock, the remaining charge of storage battery 32 will be exhausted before 10 o'clock is reached. At 10 o'clock, the remaining charge of storage battery 32 is calculated to be negative. At any time period after this, there is no time period during which the remaining charge of storage battery 32 exceeds the power consumption amount of the audio room.

[0146] In such a case, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 32 is predicted taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation during the simulated power outage, and the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during the simulated power outage is determined (see steps S105 and S106).

[0147] Specifically, as in the first example described above, the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage is determined by going back one hour at a time from the time period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient until there is no longer a shortage. Note that, if there is a time period during the process going back one hour in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 reaches the maximum charge amount (5400Wh), the independent operation during that time period will be suppressed (for example, see the time periods of 7:00 and 13:00). Note that suppressing the independent operation includes cases in which the independent operation itself is interrupted, cases in which the amount of power output is suppressed while the independent operation itself continues, etc.

[0148] 10, two time periods, from midnight to 4:00 and from 8:00 to 23:00, are determined as time periods during which the fuel cell 40 will operate autonomously during a simulated power outage. In this case, the remaining charge in the storage battery 32 at 23:00 is 2510 Wh, and the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 is 650 Wh, so the total amount of power exceeds the amount of power consumed (1500 Wh) by the audio room load 23. In other words, the audio room can be used without interruption even at 23:00.

[0149] In this embodiment, the time period from 0:00 to 4:00 is selected as the earlier of the two time periods during which the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage. In other words, the time period from 5:00 to 7:00 is not used for the fuel cell 40 to perform independent operation, and the earlier time period is selected as the time period during which the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage. In this way, in addition to the above-mentioned method (a method of determining the time period during which the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage by going back one hour from the time period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient until there is no shortage of charge), if the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 can be increased to a required level, an earlier time period sandwiched between an appropriate time period during which the fuel cell 40 does not perform independent operation can also be determined as the time period during which the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation. In this way, by securing the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 in advance, it is possible to deal with unexpected use of the audio room.

[0150] This also makes it possible to determine the time period during which the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage in response to the demand for hot water, for example. That is, if it is expected that a relatively large demand for hot water will occur in a time period earlier than the time period determined by the above-mentioned method (a method of determining the time period during which the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage by going back one hour from the time period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient until there is no shortage of charge), the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41 can be increased in response to the demand for hot water by moving the time period during which the independent operation is performed earlier, while ensuring the remaining charge of the storage battery 32. Note that the selection (decision) of moving up the time period during which the independent operation is performed is performed under the control of the control device 50.

[0151] Next, a third example of the change over time in the amount of power will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that a description of the same contents as in the first and second examples described above will be omitted.

[0152] As shown in the 11:00 pm column in the upper table of FIG. 11, at 2:00 pm, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is predicted to be 100 Wh, and the power consumption of the audio room is predicted to be 1,500 Wh. In other words, if the audio room is used at 2:00 pm, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 will be depleted before 3:00 pm is reached. At 3:00 pm, the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is calculated to be negative. At any time period after this, there is no time period during which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 exceeds the power consumption of the audio room.

[0153] In such a case, the remaining capacity of the storage battery 32 is predicted taking into consideration the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 40 in independent operation during the simulated power outage, and the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during the simulated power outage is determined (see steps S105 and S106).

[0154] Specifically, similar to the first and second examples described above, the time periods during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage are determined by going back one hour from the time period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient until there is no longer a shortage of the remaining charge of the storage battery 32. Here, the third example shows a case in which the shortage of the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 at 23:00 is not resolved even though the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage during all time periods (see Yes in step S107).

[0155] In such a case, during a time period when the audio room is not in use and there is no power generated by the solar power generation unit 31, the storage battery 32 is charged with the required amount of power from the commercial power source S. In the third example, it is determined that the storage battery 32 is charged with the required amount of power (2000 Wh) from the commercial power source S during the time period of midnight (see step S108).

[0156] 11, the time period from midnight to 11pm is determined as the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform autonomous operation during the simulated power outage, and it is determined that 2000Wh of power will be charged to the storage battery 32 from the commercial power source S during the midnight time period. In this case, the remaining power in the storage battery 32 during the 11pm time period is 1080Wh, and the power generated by the fuel cell 40 is 650Wh, so that the total power amount exceeds the power consumption (1500Wh) of the audio room load 23. In other words, the audio room can be used without interruption even during the 11pm time period.

[0157] The following describes the processing of the control device 50 when performing sound control according to the second embodiment.

[0158] As described above, the fuel cell 40 produces hot water using heat (exhaust heat) generated during power generation, and stores the produced hot water in the hot water storage tank 41. In other words, when the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage, the hot water storage tank 41 is likely to become full because the fuel cell 40 continues to generate power at a constant output. Furthermore, when the hot water storage tank 41 becomes full, the fuel cell 40 cannot continue generating power and stops. Therefore, in the audio control according to the second embodiment, the control device 50 executes control taking into account the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41.

[0159] In the following, first, the process of the control device 50 when the first control of the acoustic control according to the second embodiment is executed will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0160] 12, the same reference numerals (step numbers) are used to denote processes having the same content as those in the first control for sound according to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted. The first control for sound according to the second embodiment differs from the first control for sound according to the first embodiment in that processes in steps S111 and S112 are executed between steps S106 and S107.

[0161] In step S111 to which the control device 50 proceeds from step S106, the control device 50 displays whether or not there is a time period during which the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will be full within the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during the simulated power outage, as determined by the processing of step S106. If the control device 50 determines that there is a time period during which the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will be full (Yes in step S111), the control device 50 proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that there is no time period during which the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will be full (No in step S111), the control device 50 proceeds to step S107.

[0162] In step S112, the control device 50 displays the time period during which it is determined that the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will be full on the display unit 51. After the process of step S112, the control device 50 proceeds to step S209.

[0163] In this way, when the first control of the acoustic control according to the second embodiment is executed, the occupant can be notified in advance of the time period when it is determined that the hot water tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will be full the next day. This makes the occupant aware that there is a possibility that the audio room will not be available the next day, and urges him or her to take measures, such as filling the bathtub earlier than the time period mentioned above to reduce the amount of hot water stored in the hot water tank 41.

[0164] Next, the process of the control device 50 when the second control of the acoustic control according to the second embodiment is executed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0165] 13, the processes of the second control for sound according to the second embodiment that are the same as those of the second control for sound according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals (step numbers) and their explanations are omitted. The process of the second control for sound according to the second embodiment differs from the second control for sound according to the first embodiment in that after the process of step S210, the processes of step S211, step S212, and step S213 are executed.

[0166] In step S211, which is moved from step S210, the control device 50 determines whether or not the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will be full during the relevant time period. If the control device 50 determines that the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will not be full during the relevant time period (No in step S211), it ends the second control. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will be full during the relevant time period (Yes in step S211), it proceeds to step S212.

[0167] In step S212, the control device 50 displays a message indicating that the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 is full on the display unit 51. After the process of step S212, the control device 50 proceeds to step S213.

[0168] In step S213, the control device 50 automatically starts filling the bathroom with hot water. That is, the control device 50 operates a specified hot water supply device to forcibly supply hot water from the hot water storage tank 41 to the bathroom (that is, regardless of the presence or absence of hot water demand or the operation of the resident, etc.).

[0169] In this way, when the second control of the acoustic control according to the second embodiment is executed, the resident can be notified in advance that there is a possibility that the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 will become full during the relevant time period, making the audio room unusable. In addition, by automatically filling the water tank with water to reduce the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41, the hot water storage tank 41 is less likely to become full, and this can be done automatically (without the need for the resident to operate) so that the audio room can continue to be used. Although the water is filled automatically, by notifying the resident in advance, the resident can stop filling the water at their discretion if they do not wish to do so (if there is no need to continue using the audio room).

[0170] The following describes the processing of the control device 50 when performing sound control according to the third embodiment.

[0171] In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the control device 50 executes control taking into consideration the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41. Of the first and second control processes for sound control according to the third embodiment, the second control process is similar to the second control process according to the second embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0172] Hereinafter, the process of the control device 50 when the first control among the acoustic controls according to the third embodiment is executed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0173] 14, the same reference numerals (step numbers) are used to denote processes having the same content as those in the first control for sound according to the second embodiment, and their explanations are omitted. The first control for sound according to the third embodiment differs from the first control for sound according to the second embodiment in that processes in steps S301 and S302 are executed between steps S102 and S103, and that processes in steps S104, S105, S106, S111, and S112 of the first control according to the second embodiment are not executed.

[0174] In step S301 following step S102, the control device 50 predicts the amount of hot water used for each hour of the next day (i.e., from 0:00 to 24:00 the following day). After the process of step S301, the control device 50 proceeds to step S302.

[0175] In step S302, the control device 50 determines a time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation during a simulated power outage so that the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 does not become full, in accordance with the predicted amount of hot water usage. Specifically, the control device 50 determines a time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation so that the hot water storage tank 41 will not become full even if the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage. After processing step S302, the control device 50 proceeds to step S103. Note that after processing step S103, the control device 50 proceeds to step S107 instead of step S104, unlike the second embodiment.

[0176] In this way, when the first control of the acoustic control of the third embodiment is executed, the processing of step S302 determines a time period during which the hot water storage tank 41 will not become full even if the fuel cell 40 performs independent operation during a simulated power outage as the time period during which the fuel cell 40 will perform independent operation, thereby preventing the audio room from becoming unusable the next day because the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40 is full.

[0177] As described above, in the power supply system 1 which is one embodiment of the power supply system according to the present invention, A general distribution board 10 provided between a commercial power source S and a first power load (general load 21 and important load 22); a power storage system 30 provided between the general distribution board 10 and a second power load (audio room load 23), the power storage system 30 having a chargeable and dischargeable storage battery 32, a power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) capable of generating power using natural energy, and a power conditioner 33 connecting the storage battery 32 and the power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) to each other, the power storage system 30 being capable of outputting the power of the storage battery 32 and the power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) from the power conditioner 33 to the general distribution board 10 by a grid-connected operation connected to a commercial power source S during non-power outages; A first switching unit (first relay 81) capable of switching a connection state between the general distribution board 10 and the power storage system 30; a control unit (control device 50) that, during a non-power outage, disconnects the connection between the general distribution board 10 and the power storage system 30 using the first switching unit (first relay 81) to cause the power storage system 30 to operate independently without being connected to a commercial power source S, and causes the power of the storage battery 32 and / or the power generation unit (photovoltaic power generation unit 31) to be output from the power conditioner 33 to the second power load (audio room load 23) during the independent operation; It is equipped with the following.

[0178] With this configuration, power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized. That is, by connecting the audio room load 23 to the power storage system 30 that operates independently and is different from the power supply source connected to the general loads 21 and important loads 22, it is possible to supply power with relatively little voltage fluctuation to the audio room load 23. In this way, the audio equipment can be operated stably in the audio room, allowing the occupants to enjoy good sound.

[0179] In addition, in the power supply system 1, A fuel cell 40 that is provided between the general distribution board 10 and the power storage system 30 and that is capable of outputting power generated using fuel to the general distribution board 10 by interconnected operation connected to a commercial power source S during non-power outages; A second switching unit (sixth relay 86) capable of switching a connection state between the general distribution board 10 and the fuel cell 40; Equipped with The control unit (control device 50) When there is no power outage, the second switching unit (sixth relay 86) disconnects the connection between the general distribution board 10 and the fuel cell 40, causing the fuel cell 40 to operate independently without being connected to the commercial power source S, and the electricity generated by the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 is output to the storage system 30 which is also operating independently.

[0180] With this configuration, power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized. That is, by connecting the audio room load 23 to the power storage system 30 and fuel cell 40, which operate independently and are different from the power suppliers connected to the general loads 21 and important loads 22, it is possible to supply power with relatively little voltage fluctuation to the audio room load 23. In this way, the audio equipment can be operated stably in the audio room, allowing the occupants to enjoy good sound.

[0181] In addition, in the power supply system 1, The control unit (control device 50) Based on the respective prediction results (steps S101, S102) of the power consumption of the second power load (audio room load 23) and the power generation amount of the power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31), if a first prediction result is obtained indicating that there is a first period during which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient for the power consumption of the second power load (audio room load 23) (Yes in step S104), the fuel cell 40 is operated autonomously during the first period (steps S105, S106).

[0182] With this configuration, a plan for autonomous operation of the fuel cell 40 during a simulated power outage can be made over a predetermined period of time, so that electric power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized over a comparatively long period of time.

[0183] In addition, in the power supply system 1, The control unit (control device 50) Even if the fuel cell 40 performs the independent operation during the first period, if a second prediction result is obtained indicating that there will be a period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load (audio room load 23) (Yes in step S107), power from the commercial power source S is charged to the storage battery 32 before the first period (step S108).

[0184] With this configuration, power from the commercial power source S can be utilized as needed, so that power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized for a relatively long period of time.

[0185] In addition, in the power supply system 1, The control unit (control device 50) When a third prediction result is obtained (step S104) indicating that there is a second period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is not insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load (audio room load 23) based on the prediction results (steps S101 and S102) of the amount of power consumed by the power generation unit (photovoltaic power generation unit 31), When the second period starts, if a fourth prediction result is obtained that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient to cover the power consumption of the second power load (audio room load 23) during the second period (Yes in step S205), the fuel cell 40 is operated autonomously during the second period (step S210).

[0186] With this configuration, a plan for autonomous operation of the fuel cell 40 during a simulated power outage, which was determined in advance, can be modified according to the actual situation, making it possible to effectively utilize power with little voltage fluctuation.

[0187] In addition, in the power supply system 1, The device is provided with an alarm unit (display unit 51) that issues a predetermined alarm when the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load (audio room load 23) (No in step S202 or Yes in step S208).

[0188] With this configuration, when the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient, for example, the resident can use the audio room for only the minimum period necessary, thereby improving convenience for the resident, and ultimately enabling effective use of electricity with less voltage fluctuation.

[0189] As described above, in the power supply system 1 which is one embodiment of the power supply system according to the present invention, A general distribution board 10 provided between a commercial power source S and a first power load (general load 21); a fuel cell 40 that is provided between the general distribution board 10 and a second power load (audio room load 23) and that is capable of outputting power generated using fuel to the general distribution board 10 by interconnected operation connected to a commercial power source S during non-power outages, and that has a hot water storage tank 41 that stores hot water generated using heat generated during power generation; A second switching unit (sixth relay 86) capable of switching a connection state between the general distribution board 10 and the fuel cell 40; a control unit (control device 50) that, when there is no power outage, disconnects the connection between the general distribution board 10 and the fuel cell 40 using the second switching unit (sixth relay 86) to cause the fuel cell 40 to operate independently without being connected to a commercial power source S, and outputs the power generated by the independent operation to a second power load (audio room load 23); a notification unit (display unit 51) that performs a predetermined notification when first information is acquired that the hot water storage tank 41 will become full due to the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 (step S112 / step S212); It is equipped with the following.

[0190] With this configuration, power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized. That is, by connecting the audio room load 23 to an autonomously operating fuel cell 40 that is different from the power supply source connected to the general loads 21 and important loads 22, it is possible to supply power to the audio room load 23 with relatively little voltage fluctuation. In this way, the audio equipment in the audio room can be operated stably, allowing the occupants to enjoy good sound. Also, if the hot water storage tank 41 becomes full and there is a possibility that the autonomous operation of the fuel cell 40 will stop, the occupants can be notified and encouraged to make preparations in advance, such as by using hot water.

[0191] In addition, in the power supply system 1, a power storage system 30 that is provided between a commercial power source S, the fuel cell 40, and a second power load (audio room load 23), and that has a chargeable and dischargeable storage battery 32, a power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) that can generate power using natural energy, and a power conditioner 33 that connects the storage battery 32 and the power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) to each other, and that is capable of outputting power from the storage battery 32 and / or the power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) from the power conditioner 33 to the general distribution board 10 by operating in a grid-connected state connected to the commercial power source S when there is no power outage; A first switching unit (first relay 81) capable of switching a connection state between the general distribution board 10 and the power storage system 30; Equipped with The control unit (control device 50) When there is no power outage, the first switching unit (first relay 81) disconnects the connection between the general distribution board 10 and the energy storage system 30, thereby putting the energy storage system 30 into independent operation without being connected to a commercial power source S, and the independent operation enables the power of the storage battery 32 and / or the power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) to be output from the power conditioner 33 to the second power load (audio room load 23).

[0192] With this configuration, power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized. That is, by connecting the audio room load 23 to the power storage system 30 and fuel cell 40, which operate independently and are different from the power suppliers connected to the general loads 21 and important loads 22, it is possible to supply power with relatively little voltage fluctuation to the audio room load 23. In this way, the audio equipment can be operated stably in the audio room, allowing the occupants to enjoy good sound.

[0193] In addition, in the power supply system 1, The control unit (control device 50) Based on the prediction results (steps S101 and S102) of the power consumption of the second power load (audio room load 23) and the power generation amount of the power generation unit (photovoltaic power generation unit 31), if a first prediction result is obtained indicating that there is a first period during which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient for the power consumption of the second power load (audio room load 23) (Yes in step S104), the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 is performed during the first period (steps S105 and S106), The predetermined notification includes a first notification regarding the time when the hot water tank 41 is predicted to become full during the first period (step S112).

[0194] With this configuration, when the hot water storage tank 41 becomes full and there is a possibility that the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 will stop, the resident can be notified and prompted to make preparations such as using hot water in advance. In this way, it is possible to prevent the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 from stopping unintentionally by the resident, and to effectively utilize electric power with little voltage fluctuation.

[0195] In addition, in the power supply system 1, The control unit (control device 50) When a third prediction result is obtained (step S104) indicating that there is a second period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is not insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load (audio room load 23) based on the prediction results (steps S101 and S102) of the amount of power consumed by the power generation unit (photovoltaic power generation unit 31), When the second period starts, if a fourth prediction result is obtained that the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load (audio room load 23) during the second period (Yes in step S205), the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 is performed during the second period (step S210), The predetermined notification includes a second notification regarding a prediction that the hot water tank 41 will be full during the second period (step S212).

[0196] With this configuration, even if the hot water storage tank 41 is not expected to become full according to the prior plan, information according to the actual situation can be notified to residents, and electricity with little voltage fluctuation can be used effectively.

[0197] In addition, in the power supply system 1, The control unit (control device 50) When the second notification is made, hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 41 by control (step S213).

[0198] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the hot water tank 41 from becoming full and causing the fuel cell 40 to stop operating independently, without the need for any operation by the resident. In this way, it is possible to effectively utilize electric power with little voltage fluctuation.

[0199] The control unit (control device 50) Based on the prediction results of the power consumption of the second power load (audio room load 23), the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41, and the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 41, if a prediction result is obtained that there is power consumption in the second power load (audio room load 23) and that there is a period in which the hot water storage tank 41 will not become full even with the independent operation of the fuel cell 40, the independent operation of the fuel cell 40 is performed during that period (steps S102, S301, and S302 in Figure 14).

[0200] With this configuration, power with little voltage fluctuation can be effectively utilized. That is, a plan for autonomous operation of the fuel cell 40 during a simulated power outage can be determined by giving priority to the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 41 of the fuel cell 40. In this way, it is possible to prevent the autonomous operation of the fuel cell 40 from being stopped as much as possible due to the hot water storage tank 41 becoming full.

[0201] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0202] Although the power supply system 1 is installed in a house in this embodiment, it can be used in various buildings such as stores, office buildings, and apartment buildings, in addition to houses.

[0203] In the present embodiment, the control of the operation of each relay, such as the first relay 81, is configured to be performed by the control device 50, but this is not limiting. For example, the operation of each relay, such as the first relay 81, may be configured to be performed manually by a resident of the house. Also, for example, the operation of each relay, such as the first relay 81, may be configured to be automatically performed in response to detection of a breaker, such as the first grid-connection breaker 91.

[0204] The control device 50 according to the present embodiment may be configured, for example, by a home server (not shown), a control unit of the storage battery 32, or a HEMS provided in a house.

[0205] In addition, in this embodiment, the audio room load 23 is one embodiment of the second power load according to the present invention, but the second power load according to the present invention is not limited to the audio room load 23. For example, the second power load may be any load for which it is desired to effectively utilize power with little voltage fluctuation, such as electrical appliances such as medical equipment.

[0206] In this embodiment, the storage battery 32 and the fuel cell 40 operate independently, but may be provided with a transformer circuit, a frequency change circuit, etc. (not shown) so that the voltage and frequency of the power output by the independent operation can be changed as desired. In this way, the storage battery 32 and the fuel cell 40 can supply power of an optimal voltage and frequency according to the connected audio equipment to the audio room load 23. With this configuration, the audio equipment can be operated using power of the optimal voltage and frequency, allowing the residents of the house to enjoy better sound.

[0207] In addition, in this embodiment, the power generation unit (solar power generation unit 31) generates power by using sunlight as natural energy, but this is not limited to this. That is, the power generation unit may generate power by using hydraulic power, wind power, tidal power, etc. as natural energy.

[0208] In addition, in this embodiment, the values ​​used as the remaining charge of the storage battery 32 and the power generation amount of the fuel cell 40 are merely examples, and are not limited to these. For example, the threshold value used to determine whether the storage battery 32 has a remaining charge can be any value other than 0. In this way, for example, when using an audio room, the power of the storage battery 32 can be utilized even if a power outage occurs.

[0209] In addition, in this embodiment, the notification unit is the display unit 51 of the control device 50, but is not limited to this. For example, the notification unit may be a portable device such as a mobile terminal owned by the resident. Furthermore, the notification performed by the notification unit is not limited to using a display (image), and may use sound, light, etc. Furthermore, the notification unit is capable of notifying all information acquired by the control device 50.

[0210] In this embodiment, in the process of step S213, the control device 50 automatically starts filling the tub with hot water, but the use of the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 41 is not limited to filling the tub with hot water. For example, the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 41 can be used for any purpose, such as floor heating. Also, instead of being used within the house, the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 41 can be discharged outside the house. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 1. Power supply system 10 General distribution board 10 21 General load 21 22 Important load 22 23 Audio Room Load 23 30 Solar Power Generation Section 31 31 Storage battery 32 32 Power conditioner 33 50 Control device 81 First Relay 81 S Commercial power supply

Claims

1. A distribution board provided between a commercial power source and a first power load; a power storage system provided between the distribution board and a second power load, the power storage system having a chargeable and dischargeable storage battery, a power generation unit capable of generating power using natural energy, and a power conditioner connecting the storage battery and the power generation unit to each other, the power storage system being capable of outputting power from the power conditioner to the distribution board by operating in a grid-connected manner connected to a commercial power source when there is no power outage; A first switching unit capable of switching a connection state between the distribution board and the power storage system; a fuel cell that is provided between the distribution board and the power storage system and that is capable of outputting power generated using a fuel to the distribution board by operating in a grid-connected manner connected to a commercial power source when there is no power outage; a second switching unit capable of switching a connection state between the power distribution board and the fuel cell; a control unit that, when there is no power outage, disconnects the connection between the distribution board and the power storage system using the first switching unit, thereby disconnecting the connection between the second power load and the distribution board and putting the power storage system into an independent operation that is not connected to a commercial power source, and outputs power from the power conditioner to the second power load during the independent operation; Equipped with The control unit is When the power of the storage battery and / or the power generation unit is insufficient to cover the power consumption of the second power load during a non-power outage, the second switching unit cuts off the connection between the distribution board and the fuel cell, thereby causing the fuel cell to operate independently without being connected to a commercial power source, and the power generated by the independent operation of the fuel cell is output to the storage system operating independently, and is supplied to the second power load via the storage system. Power supply system.

2. The control unit is when a first prediction result is obtained that there is a first period during which the remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load based on each of the prediction results of the amount of power consumed by the second power load and the amount of power generated by the power generation unit, performing the independent operation of the fuel cell during the first period; The power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is When a second prediction result is acquired indicating that there will be a period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load even if the fuel cell performs the independent operation during the first period, power from a commercial power source is charged into the storage battery before the first period. The power supply system according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit is When a third prediction result is obtained based on the prediction results of the power consumption of the second power load and the power generation amount of the power generation unit, the third prediction result indicates that there is a second period in which the remaining charge of the storage battery is not insufficient for the power consumption of the second power load, when a fourth prediction result is obtained at the start of the second period that the remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load during the second period, performing the independent operation of the fuel cell during the second period; The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification when a remaining charge of the storage battery is insufficient for the amount of power consumed by the second power load; The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images