Assist device

Abstract

To provide an optimal installation place of a radio wave relay per se by transmitting the same communication, measuring and displaying radio wave intensity, etc., in the case where a communication transmitted from any one of a smart meter, an HEMS, and a distributed power source is received indoors.SOLUTION: At a plurality of indoor points (e.g., power supply socket installation points), radio wave intensity during radio communication is measured by an indicator unit or a communication checker, and the measured radio wave intensity is displayed. A radio wave intensity balance between the plurality of indoor points is displayed, and an installation place of a radio wave relay is identified on the basis of the displayed radio wave intensity and balance. A radio wave relay unit is capable of receiving power for amplifying a radio wave by being inserted into a power supply socket, and capable of maintaining necessary and sufficient radio wave intensity permanently. The indicator unit is removed from the radio wave relay unit, such that radio wave intensity is measured by connecting the indicator unit with another radio wave relay unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for installing a radio wave repeater that receives radio waves indoors, amplifies them as necessary, and re-transmits them when installing a specific distributed power source so that power information can be obtained from a smart meter connected to a power inlet line that draws commercial power indoors via wireless communication whose propagation path passes both indoors and outdoors, and to an auxiliary device that is installed to avoid radio wave interference. [Background technology]

[0002] (Existing equipment)

[0003] In homes that are equipped with so-called distributed power sources, such as photovoltaic power generation, storage batteries, or cogeneration systems that generate electricity using gas engines or fuel cells and use exhaust heat in addition to commercial power sources, it is important to monitor overcurrents, reverse power flow, etc. For example, it has been common to monitor distributed power sources such as cogeneration systems by attaching clamp-type current sensors (hereinafter referred to as CT clamps) to the house's distribution board, etc., and connecting them to the control system of the distributed power source such as the cogeneration system through wiring work that penetrates the house's walls.

[0004] Incidentally, if it were possible to obtain data on a home's electricity usage directly from a smart meter, or indirectly from a home controller such as a HEMS (Home Energy Management System), it would be possible to eliminate the need to attach CT clamps to distribution boards and the need to run wiring through the walls of the house; however, this has not yet been realized.

[0005] The smart meter has communication paths A, B, and C for acquiring information.

[0006] Route A is a communication path connecting the smart meter and the electric power company, route B is a communication path connecting the smart meter and a HEMS, etc., and route C is a communication path for providing the data obtained by the electric power company via route A to a third party (such as a retail electricity supplier).

[0007] As a reference regarding smart meters, Patent Document 1 describes the provision of a distribution board that can prevent the board from becoming too large even when accommodating devices that manage both the power usage data of branch electric circuits and the power amount data from smart meters.

[0008] More specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a system that includes a main breaker, multiple branch breakers connected to the main bar, a current sensor unit that measures the current flowing through each branch breaker, and a power information transmission unit that is installed adjacent to the branch breakers and has a power information output unit that receives branch current information measured by the current sensor unit and calculates and outputs the power usage for each branch circuit. The power information transmission unit has a main bar connection unit and performs B-route communication with a smart meter installed on the primary side of the main breaker via the connected main bar using either G3-PLC communication (Power Line Communication) or Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network) wireless communication, and outputs to the outside the power usage data of the branch circuits obtained from the current sensor unit in addition to the power amount data obtained by the communication.

[0009] In addition, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, a power information transmission unit installed in a distribution board performs B-route communication with a smart meter using either G3-PLC or Wi-SUN wireless communication, but the relationship between the power information transmission unit and distributed power sources is not described.

[0010] Furthermore, as prior art relating to improvements in wireless communication within a home, Patent Document 2 describes an indoor wireless system that includes a communication cable that runs from a difficult communication location where it is difficult or impossible to send and receive radio waves for a smart meter, radio waves for Wi-Fi signals, or radio waves such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) to a good communication location where radio waves can be sent and received easily, and antennas connected to both ends of the communication cable and capable of sending and receiving the radio waves, the communication cable connecting the outdoors where a smart meter is installed to a room where a HEMS is installed and running from the outdoors to the room. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-075895 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-009698 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] However, if it is assumed that the control system of a distributed power source such as a cogeneration system obtains power information directly from a smart meter via route B, or indirectly from the smart meter to a HEMS via route B and then from the HEMS via a specific low-power radio, various issues may arise due to wireless communications.

[0013] For example, if a smart meter is installed near the entrance or open corridor of an apartment building, and a distributed power source such as a cogeneration system (including its control system) is installed on the balcony side across the space of the house, the walls and furniture (regardless of whether they are electrical appliances, wooden products, etc.) that make up the house may weaken the radio wave strength of communication between the smart meter and the control system of the distributed power source such as the cogeneration system, causing communication to fail.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, even if a smart meter and a distributed power source such as a cogeneration system (including its control system) are installed on each of a pair of parallel exterior walls that sandwich the interior of a detached house, the shortest communication distance will be the route that passes through the interior of the house, and just as in an apartment building, walls and furniture (regardless of whether they are electrical appliances, wooden products, etc.) may weaken the radio wave strength during communication between the smart meter and the control system of the distributed power source such as the cogeneration system, causing communication to fail.

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and auxiliary device for installing a radio wave repeater that can transmit the same communication indoors when it receives communication transmitted from a smart meter, HEMS, or distributed power source, and that can provide the optimal installation location for the radio wave repeater itself by measuring and displaying the radio wave strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The radio wave repeater installation method of the present invention is a method for installing a radio wave repeater indoors that receives radio waves, amplifies them as necessary, and re-transmits them when installing a specific distributed power source so that power information can be obtained from a smart meter connected to a power inlet line that brings commercial power indoors through wireless communication whose propagation path passes both indoors and outdoors.The method is characterized by measuring the radio wave strength during the wireless communication at multiple locations indoors, displaying the measured radio wave strength, and displaying the balance of radio wave strength between the multiple locations indoors, and identifying the installation location of the repeater based on the displayed radio wave strength and balance.

[0017] According to the present invention, the radio wave strength during wireless communication is measured by an indicator unit or a communication checker at multiple indoor locations (e.g., power outlet installation locations, etc.), the measured radio wave strength is displayed, and the balance of radio wave strength between multiple indoor locations is displayed, and the installation location of the repeater can be identified based on the displayed balance of radio wave strength. The radio wave repeater unit can receive radio waves from a power supply source including a power outlet, obtain power to amplify and retransmit as necessary, and can permanently maintain communication between the smart meter, HEMS, and distributed power source with necessary and sufficient radio wave strength. The indicator unit can also be removed from the radio wave repeater and connected to another radio wave repeater to measure radio wave strength.

[0018] In the present invention, the repeater receives power from a power source including an indoor power outlet to maintain the function of continuously receiving radio waves and amplifying and re-transmitting them as necessary, and the installation location is selected from among a plurality of the power sources.

[0019] The auxiliary device of the present invention is an auxiliary device that is installed to avoid radio interference indoors when a distributed power source is installed so that power information can be obtained via wireless communication from a smart meter connected to a power inlet line for drawing commercial power indoors, and part or all of the propagation path of the wireless communication passes indoors.The auxiliary device has a radio wave relay unit that receives radio waves, amplifies them as necessary, and re-transmits them, and an indicator unit that identifies the indoor installation location of the radio wave relay unit.

[0020] In the present invention, the radio wave relay unit and the indicator unit are detachable, and the indicator unit is connectable to another radio wave relay unit.

[0021] In the present invention, the radio wave relay unit receives power from a power source including an indoor power outlet to maintain the function of receiving radio waves and amplifying and re-transmitting them as necessary, and the installation location identified by the indicator unit is selected from among a plurality of indoor power sources.

[0022] The auxiliary device of the present invention is an auxiliary device that is installed to avoid radio interference indoors when a distributed power source is installed so that power information can be obtained by wireless communication from a smart meter connected to a power inlet line for drawing commercial power indoors, and part or all of the propagation path of the wireless communication passes indoors.The auxiliary device has a radio wave relay unit that receives radio waves, amplifies them as necessary, and re-transmits them, and a memory unit that distinguishes between a first reception strength from the smart meter and a second reception strength from the HEMS or the distributed power source and stores the first reception strength and the second reception strength.

[0023] The auxiliary device of the present invention is an auxiliary device that is installed to avoid radio interference indoors when a distributed power source is installed so that power information can be obtained via wireless communication from a smart meter connected to a power inlet line that draws commercial power indoors, and part or all of the propagation path of the wireless communication passes indoors.The auxiliary device has a radio wave relay unit that receives radio waves, amplifies them as necessary, and re-transmits them, and an antenna that improves the reception sensitivity of radio waves from the smart meter, HEMS, or distributed power source.

[0024] What is new about this invention is that it can receive communications between a smart meter and a cogeneration system, or between a smart meter and a HEMS, or between a HEMS and a distributed power source, and amplify and retransmit the same communications as necessary.This is a major advancement in that it improves situations in which radio waves are attenuated due to the distance between devices or obstacles, resulting in communication failure, and also provides an optimal location for installing the radio wave repeater itself. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, when communication transmitted from a smart meter, HEMS, or distributed power source is received indoors, the signal can be amplified as necessary and the same communication can be transmitted again, and the radio wave repeater can provide the optimal installation location for the repeater itself by measuring and displaying the radio wave strength, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system according to an embodiment of the present invention and a house in which the cogeneration system is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a controller of the cogeneration system. [Diagram 3] This is a transition characteristic diagram of electricity usage, tank hot water storage amount, hot water usage, and gas usage based on living conditions (daily lifestyle). [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing the positional relationship between a smart meter and a cogeneration system in an apartment building, and FIG. 1B is a plan view showing the positional relationship between a smart meter and a cogeneration system in a detached house. [Diagram 5] 1A is a perspective view showing an inspector holding the auxiliary device and inspecting radio wave intensity inside a house, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the auxiliary device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a cogeneration system according to a modified example of the present embodiment and a house in which the cogeneration system is installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a household fuel cell cogeneration system (hereinafter, in this embodiment, simply referred to as a "cogeneration system 10") as an example of a distributed power supply facility according to this embodiment.

[0028] The cogeneration system 10 is a system in which a tank unit and a fuel cell unit are installed side by side. Note that "side by side" does not mean that they are physically adjacent to each other, but rather that they are linked to each other. In other words, the tank unit and the fuel cell unit may be installed separately and connected by piping, electrical wiring, etc.

[0029] The cogeneration system 10 is installed along the outer wall of a house 12 as shown in FIG. 1, and workers go to the site to carry out the installation work.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the installation work is complete, the trial operation is completed, and the system is ready for steady operation in conjunction with various facilities (electrical appliances, hot water facilities, etc.) in the house 12.

[0031] (Configuration of cogeneration system 10)

[0032] Although not shown in the figure, the cogeneration system 10 is equipped with a hot module, a power conditioner, an exhaust heat recovery device, a heat storage tank, a radiator, a heat exchanger, etc., each of which is controlled in cooperation with each other by the controller 14 via a hot water supply related control unit 27 and a power generation related control unit 29 (both see Figure 2).

[0033] The hot module extracts hydrogen in a fuel processor, supplies the extracted hydrogen to a fuel cell stack, and generates DC power using oxygen in the air.

[0034] The power conditioner converts the generated direct current power into alternating current power and supplies it to the house.

[0035] The exhaust heat recovery device recovers heat from the exhaust gas generated during power generation.

[0036] The heat storage tank can store the heat recovered via the heat transfer medium at high temperatures, and the stored heat is used to supply hot water.

[0037] The radiator dissipates heat from the heat transfer medium. The radiator is not essential.

[0038] The heat exchanger uses the high-temperature heat medium from the heat medium tank to heat the tap water. The heat exchanger is not essential.

[0039] The cogeneration system 10 can also send the generated power to the heat source unit 16 via a power line 15. The heat source unit 16 further heats the hot water heated by the cogeneration system 10 by burning city gas (e.g., 13A) as necessary and supplies the hot water to the house 12.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 14 includes a microcomputer 28 that is made up of a CPU 18, a RAM 20, a ROM 22, an I / O 24, and a bus 26 such as a data bus or a control bus that connects these components.

[0041] A hot water supply related control section 27 and a power generation related control section 29 are connected to the I / O 24, and operations relating to hot water supply and power generation are controlled by the controller 14.

[0042] In addition, a large-scale storage device 30 is connected to the I / O 24, which stores processing programs related to power generation and hot water supply executed by the controller 14, as well as historical information based on power generation (for example, in this embodiment, communication interval adjustment information, etc.).

[0043] Furthermore, a remote control 32 is connected to the I / O 24. The remote control 32 is installed inside the house 12 in which the cogeneration system 10 is to be installed, and has a function that allows a user to input commands regarding the cogeneration system 10 (and the heat source unit 16), a function that displays the status of the cogeneration system 10, and the like.

[0044] (Configuration of distributed power sources)

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, in the distributed power supply according to this embodiment, a commercial power supply 34 and power generated by a cogeneration system 10 are used as power sources for a house 12 .

[0046] The commercial power source 34 is connected to a smart meter 36. The smart meter 36 measures power information such as the current, power, and power amount of the commercial power source 34, and is capable of transmitting the measured information to a specific communication destination via communication paths A, B, and C.

[0047] In other words, route A is a communication path connecting the smart meter 36 and the electric power company, route B is a communication path connecting the smart meter 36 and equipment installed in the house 12 (e.g., the controller if a HEMS is installed), and route C is a communication path for providing data obtained by the electric power company via route A to a third party (such as a retail electricity supplier).

[0048] A power line 38 output from the smart meter 36 is wired to a distribution board 40 installed in the house 12 .

[0049] In the distribution board 40, assuming that the smart meter 36 side is the upstream side, a service breaker 42, an earth leakage breaker 46, and a safety breaker 48 are installed in this order from the upstream side.

[0050] The service breaker 42 is a circuit breaker for determining the contract capacity, but may not be installed.

[0051] The earth leakage circuit breaker 46 is a circuit breaker that quickly detects and cuts off leakage current in the internal wiring or electrical equipment of the house 12, thereby preventing electrical accidents.

[0052] The safety breaker 48 is attached to each branch circuit for transmitting electricity from the distribution board 40 to each point of use in the house 12, and is a breaker that automatically protects the circuit if it detects a short circuit caused by an electrical equipment failure or an amount of electricity usage above a certain level.

[0053] Here, the power generated by the cogeneration system 10 is merged with the commercial power source 34 via a dedicated safety breaker 48A installed in the distribution board 40, and can be used as a power source for electrical equipment inside the house 12.

[0054] Although not shown in the figure, the cogeneration system 10 is provided with a power line dedicated to use in the event of a power outage from the commercial power source 34, so that in a situation where power is not supplied from the commercial power source 34 due to a power outage, the power generated by the cogeneration system 10 can be supplied via a power outage-dedicated outlet attached to part of the house 12.

[0055] Here, the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 needs to control the generated power in accordance with the amount of power used in the house 12, which varies from moment to moment.

[0056] As an example, Fig. 3 shows transition characteristics of power consumption, tank hot water storage amount, hot water consumption, and gas consumption based on living conditions (daily lifestyle). In Fig. 3, as an example, the rated power generation output of the cogeneration system 10 is 0.7 kW, and when the power consumption in the house 12 is 0.7 kW or less, the system is controlled to operate only with the power generation output, and when the power consumption in the house 12 exceeds 0.7 kW, the system is controlled to supply power from the generated power and the commercial power source 34. For this reason, the controller 14 uses the communication path of route B from the smart meter 36 to obtain power information such as the current, power, and power amount of the commercial power source 34.

[0057] In this embodiment, the standard interval for obtaining power information from the smart meter 36 via the communication path of Route B is once every 30 seconds. This interval allows control that roughly tracks the ever-changing power usage in the house 12 without violating various standards for wireless communication and that approximates the power transition characteristics of FIG.

[0058] However, the smart meter 36 and the installed cogeneration system 10 are both fixed in position and basically cannot be moved. For this reason, there are restrictions on the installation location of the cogeneration system 10 (the controller 14 thereof), which requires wireless communication with the smart meter 36, in terms of performing wireless communication.

[0059] In other words, the cogeneration system 10 needs to be installed in an optimal position where a predetermined radio wave strength can be ensured for communication with the smart meter 36 via the communication path of route B, but in the past, there was an obstacle that prevented communication due to the relative positions of the smart meter 36 and the cogeneration system 10. The obstacle was the unstable securing of radio wave strength passing through the inside of the house 12.

[0060] That is, one of the factors that weakens the radio wave strength is the presence of obstacles such as walls that constitute the house 12.

[0061] FIG. 4(A) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the smart meter 36 and the cogeneration system 10 in an apartment building 12A.

[0062] In the apartment building 12A, the smart meter 36 is generally installed near the entrance 50. Meanwhile, the cogeneration system 10 may be installed on a balcony 52. ​​In such an installation relationship between the smart meter 36 and the cogeneration system 10, the walls 54 and furniture 56 (regardless of whether they are electrical products, wooden products, etc.) inside the apartment building 12A may weaken the radio wave strength of the communication between the smart meter 36 and the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10.

[0063] Next, FIG. 4(B) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the smart meter 36 and the cogeneration system 10 in the detached house 12B.

[0064] In the detached house 12B, the smart meter 36 is installed on an exterior wall 58, and the cogeneration system 10 may be installed along the opposite exterior wall 60 that is parallel to the exterior wall 58 and separated by the internal space of the detached house 12B.

[0065] In such an installation relationship between the smart meter 36 and the cogeneration system 10, the exterior walls 58, 60, interior walls 61, and furniture 63 (regardless of whether they are electrical appliances, wooden products, etc.) of the detached house 12B may cause the radio wave strength of communication between the smart meter 36 and the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 to be weakened.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, an auxiliary device 70 (see FIG. 5) is used to measure the radio wave intensity of the smart meter 36 or the cogeneration system 10 within the house 12, and a location of a relay device 74 (attached to the auxiliary device 70, described in detail later) that relays between the smart meter 36 and the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 is searched for.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary device 70 includes a receiving device 72 and a repeater device 74 .

[0068] The receiving device 72 and the relay device 74 are connected by a cable 76 , and at least the relay device 74 is detachable from the cable 76 .

[0069] In addition, the relay device 74 is equipped with an adapter that runs on a 100V power source, and by inserting the power plug 74A into a power outlet 78 inside the house 12, it receives the necessary power from the adapter, and when it receives communication transmitted from the smart meter 36 or the cogeneration device 10, it is capable of relaying by amplifying the communication as necessary and transmitting the same communication again.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5(A), an inspector 80 moves around inside the house 12 while holding the auxiliary device 70, in a state in which radio waves in the radio frequency band of route B are being transmitted from the smart meter 36.

[0071] The receiving device 72 can receive radio waves from the smart meter 36 (i.e., radio waves based on the communication path of Route B). That is, by appropriately changing the position of the receiving device 72, it is possible to obtain a positional relationship that eliminates the obstruction.

[0072] An inspector 80 holding the auxiliary device 70 moves between the power outlets 78 inside the house 12 as the inspection position, and checks the strength of the received radio waves with the power plug 74A of the repeater device 74 inserted into the power outlet 78.

[0073] Here, a power outlet 78 where the relay device 74 is to be installed continuously is selected from among the power outlet installation locations where the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The relay device 74 is detached from the cable 76, and thereafter the relay device 74 is kept as a standalone device inside the house 12 (at a specified power outlet) and continues to function as a relay of radio waves during wireless communication between the smart meter 36 and the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10.

[0074] The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

[0075] (Testing Procedure)

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5(B), the receiving device 72 is provided with a monitor 72A. The monitor 72A has a gauge section 82 that can display the radio wave strength in stages (0 to 10 stages in FIG. 5(B)), and the display of the gauge section 82 changes in stages depending on the strength of the received radio wave. Therefore, an inspector 80 of the radio wave strength can visually grasp the radio wave strength (by looking at the state of the gauge section 82). The monitor 72A may be a display section that uses a light source such as an LED. The receiving device 72 and the relay device 74 do not need to be detachable. In this case, it is preferable to mount a simple indicator that indicates the radio wave strength instead of the monitor 72A provided on the detachable receiving device 72.

[0077] In addition, an OK threshold line 84 is displayed superimposed on the gauge section 82, and if the radio wave strength index value of the gauge section 82 is above this OK threshold line 84 (in this embodiment, level 6 or higher), the radio wave strength is determined to be valid.

[0078] The positions where the signal strength exceeds the OK threshold line 84 are displayed as repeater installation location candidates 86.

[0079] In this candidate repeater installation location 86, an inspector 80 carries the receiving device 72 of this embodiment and moves around the inside of the house 12, inserting the power plug 74A of the repeater 74 into multiple power outlets 78 in the house 12 to measure the radio wave strength. Marks 86A, 86B, and 86C of different radio wave strengths are then displayed on a coordinate axis that mimics the interior of the house 12.

[0080] 5(B), for example, the order of increasing radio wave strength is indicated by triangular mark 86A, circle mark 86B, and star mark 86C. By looking at the arrangement of marks 86A, 86B, and 86C, inspector 80 can determine the location of power outlet 78 suitable for installing relay device 74.

[0081] Once the position of the relay device 74 has been determined, the relay device 74 is detached from the cable 76 and functions alone as a relay device during wireless communication between the smart meter 36 and the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 .

[0082] Alternatively, the receiver 72 (and cable 76) can be reused as a signal strength testing device, for example when the tester 80 travels to another house 12 and installs a new repeater 74.

[0083] In this embodiment, auxiliary device 70 is configured as a combination of receiving device 72 and relay device 74, and relay device 74 performs its relay function by receiving power from power outlet 78. However, auxiliary device 70 may also be configured as a receiving device 72 and an antenna (regardless of shape, such as rod-shaped, linear, or flat) detachably attached to receiving device 72, and a location where the radio wave strength received by receiving device 72 is high may be selected as the installation location for the relay device.

[0084] The length of the antenna may be set to match the frequency band of the radio waves of route B transmitted from the smart meter 36, and is preferably set to 1 / 2 or 1 / 4 of the wavelength.

[0085] (Modification)

[0086] The controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 according to this embodiment is adapted to obtain power information directly from the smart meter 36 installed in the house 12 via route B.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, a HEMS 62 is installed in a house 12 according to the modified example.

[0088] The HEMS 62 manages in real time the electricity and gas used in the house 12 to save energy, and is also useful in combating global warming, such as by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0089] By connecting home appliances and the like to the HEMS controller 64 built into the HEMS 62 and managing electricity and gas usage on a monitor, visualization (monitor display) is achieved and the home appliances are automatically controlled.

[0090] Meanwhile, the HEMS controller 64 obtains data on which the HEMS controller 64 is managed from the smart meter 36. In other words, the HEMS controller 64 obtains the same power information as the smart meter 36.

[0091] Therefore, in a modified example, a communication protocol is established between the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10 and the HEMS controller 64 using a communication means such as Wi-SUN HAN wireless communication, Wi-SUN Enhanced HAN wireless communication, specific low power wireless communication, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), etc., and power information is obtained from the HEMS controller 64.

[0092] In the case where the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 acquires power information from the HEMS controller 64 as in this modification, the failure described in the first embodiment may occur.

[0093] Therefore, an inspector 80 (see Figure 5 (A)) can use the receiving function of the receiving device 72 of the auxiliary device 70 to inspect the proper position of the relay device 74 and remove the relay device 74 from the cable 76, allowing the relay device 74 to function alone as a relay device during wireless communication between the HEMS controller 64 and the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10, thereby avoiding any failures.

[0094] The combination of distributed power sources is not limited to the commercial power source 34 and the cogeneration system 10, but the present invention can be applied to all configurations in which the distributed power sources are combined with other renewable energy sources such as solar power generation, geothermal power generation, wind power generation, and storage batteries, and power information is obtained from a smart meter 36 or the like to control the amount of power generation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Cogeneration equipment 12 Houses 12A apartment complex 12B Detached house 14 Controller 15 Power line 16 Heat source machine 18 CPU 20 RAM 22 ROM 24 I / O 26 Bus 27 Hot water supply related control unit 28 Microcomputer 29 Power generation related control section 30 Mass storage 32 Remote Control 34 Commercial power supply 36 Smart Meter 38 Power line 40 Distribution Board 42 Service breaker 46 Earth leakage circuit breaker 48 Safety Breaker 48A Safety Breaker 50 Entrance 52 Balcony 54 Wall 56 Furniture 58 Exterior Wall 60 Exterior Wall 61 Inner wall 62 HEMS 63 Furniture 64 HEMS Controller 70 Auxiliary equipment 72 Receiver (indicator unit) 72A Monitor 74 Repeater (radio wave repeater unit) 74A power plug 76 Cable 78 Power Outlets 80 Inspectors 82 Gauge section 84 OK threshold line 86 Candidate locations for repeater installation 86A Triangle mark 86B circle mark 86C Star Mark

Claims

[Claim 1] An auxiliary device that is installed to avoid radio wave interference indoors when a distributed power source is installed so that power information can be obtained by wireless communication from a smart meter connected to a power lead-in line for drawing commercial power indoors, and when a part or all of a propagation path of the wireless communication passes indoors, the auxiliary device comprises: a radio wave relay unit that receives radio waves, amplifies them as necessary, and transmits them again, the radio wave relay unit receiving power for maintaining the function of receiving the radio waves, amplifying them as necessary, and transmitting them again from a power supply source including the indoor power outlet; an indicator unit for identifying an indoor installation location of the radio wave relay unit, the installation location being selected from among a plurality of indoor power supply sources; a cable connecting the radio wave relay unit and the indicator unit, the cable including a connector that is connected to the radio wave relay unit when identifying the installation location of the radio wave relay unit and that is removed from the radio wave relay unit after the radio wave relay unit is installed at the installation location; An auxiliary device having:

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