Power conditioner management method and power conditioner management system

Abstract

To provide a management method for a power conditioner in a power generating system that can improve the efficiency of management of the power conditioner at the occurrence of abnormality, and to provide a management method for a power conditioner that allows a power generation business operator to continue to use the power conditioner at a relatively low cost in a remaining FIT period.SOLUTION: A management method for a power conditioner has: replacing a power conditioner after the lapse of a predetermined period of use with a replacement power conditioner provided through fixed-price lending; an automatic notification step of, when abnormality occurs, automatically notifying a management entity of the details of the abnormality; an automatic selection step of, based on the details of the abnormality, automatically selecting whether the abnormality indicates that the replacement power conditioner should be directly maintained on site; and a maintenance measures step of executing, for a power generating system, direct maintenance measures on site or remote maintenance measures through remote control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing a power conditioner and a management system for a power conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a monitoring system capable of diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormality in a power generation system connected to the same power receiving point as a power storage system is known. The monitoring system calculates a second charging power index value indicating the power charged by the power generation power of the power generation system connected to the power receiving point among the charging power of the power storage system, based on a first charging power index value indicating the charging power of the power storage system and an input / output power index value indicating the amount of power input / output from / to the system from the power receiving point to which the power storage system is connected. The monitoring system includes a management server having a calculation means for calculating the second charging power index value and a diagnosis means for diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormality in the power generation system based on the second charging power index value calculated by the calculation means. Further, the power storage system and the power generation system each include a power conditioner for a storage battery and a power conditioner for a solar cell (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Regarding the above invention, when efficiently managing the occurrence of an abnormality in the power generation system, it is considered necessary to efficiently manage the occurrence of an abnormality in the power conditioner, which is essential for operating the power generation system. For example, when an abnormality occurs in the power conditioner, maintenance corresponding to the abnormality is required. However, if the abnormality does not require an external construction contractor or the like to dispatch to the site of the abnormality for maintenance, a means for notifying this is necessary to prevent unnecessary dispatch. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the power conditioner, downtime occurs and there is a risk that the power generation efficiency of the power conditioner will decrease. Therefore, management to shorten the downtime as much as possible is necessary.

[0004] In addition, the warranty period of a power conditioner is generally 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, the legal effective period of the feed-in tariff (FIT) system, which is a system obliging power companies, etc. to purchase electricity generated from renewable energy at a price determined by the state, is 20 years. For this reason, power generation companies, who are users of power conditioners, need to replace the power conditioner at least once during the 20-year power generation business. However, since the replacement work of a power conditioner generally requires a large amount of cost, there were cases where power generation companies could not cope with the large amount of cost and the power conditioner was left in a failed state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the ultimate object is to provide a method for managing a power conditioner in a power generation system that can improve management efficiency and reduce downtime when an abnormality occurs in the power conditioner. Another object is to provide a method for managing a power conditioner that enables a power generation company to continue using the power conditioner relatively inexpensively during the remaining period of the FIT (hereinafter referred to as the "remaining FIT period").

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention for solving the above problems is a method for managing a power generation system including a power supply device and a power conditioner that performs power conversion of the power supplied from the power supply device and enables power transfer with a power grid, Replace the power conditioner whose specified usage period has elapsed with an alternative power conditioner provided by flat-rate lending, an automatic notification step of automatically notifying the management entity of the details of an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the alternative power conditioner; an automatic selection step of automatically selecting, based on the details of each abnormality notified in the automatic notification step, whether the abnormality is an abnormality for which the alternative power conditioner should be directly maintained on-site; a maintenance response step of performing a direct maintenance response on-site or a remote maintenance response by remote operation on the power generation system based on the result of the automatic selection by the automatic selection step; having a method for managing a power conditioner.

[0008] According to the present invention, when the specified usage period (for example, the warranty period) of the power conditioner has elapsed during the FIT period, the power conditioner can be used at a lower cost compared to the case of newly purchasing and using a power conditioner. As a result, during the remaining FIT period, the risk that the power conditioner whose specified usage period has elapsed is left non-operational is reduced, and the user of the power conditioner can obtain an alternative power conditioner without incurring sudden expenses and continue to engage in the power generation business. In addition, when an abnormality occurs in the alternative power conditioner, the management entity can quickly learn of the occurrence of the abnormality and limit the dispatch to the local area, such as a construction contractor, only when necessary, so the management efficiency of the alternative power conditioner is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the downtime of the alternative power conditioner and improve the power generation efficiency.

[0009] In the present invention, there may also be provided a payment status confirmation step for automatically confirming the payment status of the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner, and in the payment status confirmation step, when non-payment of the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner for a predetermined period or longer is confirmed, a remote stop step of stopping the function of the alternative power conditioner by remote operation. According to this, the management efficiency for non-payment of the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner for a predetermined period or longer can be improved. Usually, for such non-payment, the management entity may take measures to stop the function of the alternative power conditioner. And for that purpose, it is necessary to dispatch an operator or the like to the site, which leads to deterioration of profits. By the payment status confirmation step and the remote stop step, such deterioration of profits can be suppressed, and the management efficiency of the alternative power conditioner is improved.

[0010] In the present invention, in the remote stop step, the function of the alternative power conditioner may be stopped by remotely operating to stop the SIM of the alternative power conditioner, which may be a management method of the power generation system. By this, it is possible to more easily stop the function of the alternative power conditioner. Also, when the SIM of the alternative power conditioner is stopped, the power generation of the alternative power conditioner stops, but the power supply is in the ON state. When non-payment of the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner for a predetermined period or longer is resolved, the function of the alternative power conditioner may be restarted. According to the present invention, restart is easy.

[0011] In the present invention, in the remote stop step, by remote operation, the alternative As a method for managing a power generation system, it may be characterized in that the function of the alternative power conditioner is stopped by setting the output of the power conditioner to zero. When the output of the alternative power conditioner is set to zero, the function of the alternative power conditioner is completely stopped, and it takes time to restart. If the outstanding payment for the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner for a predetermined period or longer is not resolved, the usage contract of the power generation system may be terminated. According to the present invention, it is efficient in switching the availability of the alternative power conditioner.

[0012] Further, the present invention for solving the above problems includes a power supply device and a power conditioner that performs power conversion of the power supplied from the power supply device, enables power transfer with the grid, and a power conditioner management system for assisting the management by the management entity of the alternative power conditioner in a power generation system in which the power conditioner after a predetermined usage period has elapsed is replaced by an alternative power conditioner provided by fixed-term rental, an automatic notification means for automatically notifying the management entity of the content of the abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the alternative power conditioner; an automatic selection means for automatically selecting whether or not the abnormality notified by the automatic notification means is an abnormality that should be directly maintained on-site for the alternative power conditioner based on the content of the abnormality for each of the abnormalities; A power conditioner management system characterized by comprising the above may also be provided.

[0013] According to the present invention, a power generation company that is a user of the alternative power conditioner can use the power conditioner at a low cost, and the management entity of the alternative power conditioner can obtain a stable income. In addition, the management entity can easily grasp the content of the abnormality occurring in the alternative power conditioner during fixed-term rental, and can limit the dispatch to the site of a construction company or the like only when necessary, so the management efficiency of the alternative power conditioner is improved. Furthermore, by implementing maintenance measures promptly, the downtime of the alternative power conditioner can be reduced, so the power generation efficiency is improved.

[0014] Further, in the present invention, there may be provided a payment status confirmation means for automatically confirming the payment status of the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner, and a remote stop means for stopping the function of the alternative power conditioner by remote operation when the payment status confirmation means confirms that the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner has not been paid for a predetermined period or more. According to this, it is easy to take measures against non-payment of the rental fee of the alternative power conditioner for a predetermined period or more, and the management efficiency of the alternative power conditioner is improved.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the management efficiency of the power conditioner in the power generation system can be improved, and further, the power generation efficiency of the power conditioner can be improved. In addition, during the remaining FIT period, the power generator can continue to use the power conditioner at a relatively low cost, and the provider of the power conditioner can stably secure income.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] 〔Application Example〕 The method for managing the power conditioner in this application example is related to the fixed-rate lending service of the power conditioner that is essential for the power generation business, and the fixed-rate lending service includes a remote monitoring service using a remote monitoring system. The fixed-rate lending service of the power conditioner in this application example is a service that provides a new power conditioner for fixed-rate lending when the warranty period of the power conditioner has elapsed during the FIT period. Also, in this application example, when an abnormality occurs in the power conditioner provided to the power generation operator using the remote monitoring service, the abnormality is automatically detected, and it is automatically selected whether to directly maintain the power conditioner on-site.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the fixed-term lending service of the power conditioner 1 to which the present invention is applicable. In this application example, the power generation company 2 is a user of the power conditioner 1. Here, the power generation company 2 operates a low-voltage stand-alone solar power plant. The service provider 3 and the leasing company 4 have formed a joint venture 5 through a business alliance. By forming the leasing company 4 and the joint venture 5, the service provider 3 can achieve off-balance and avoid personal credit risks. When a contract for the fixed-term lending service of the power conditioner 1 by the power generation company 2 is established, the joint venture 5 lends the power conditioner 1 to the power generation company 2 at a fixed amount, for example, when the warranty period of the power conditioner 1a owned by the power generation company 2 has passed. When the service provider 3 first lends the power conditioner 1 to the power generation company 2 at a fixed amount, the construction company 3a is dispatched to the location of the power generation company 2. The construction company 3a transports the power conditioner 1 to the location of the power generation company 2 and performs replacement work between the power conditioner 1a owned by the power generation company 2 and the power conditioner 1. This enables the power generation company 2 to continue its power generation business. The warranty periods of the power conditioners 1 and 1a are, for example, 10 years. After the replacement work, the construction company 3a also performs application procedures for use to the power company (not shown) so that the power generation company 2 can use the power conditioner 1. The number of power conditioners 1 lent by the service provider 3 at a fixed amount may be one or more. The more power conditioners 1 the service provider 3 lends at a fixed amount, the higher the power generation amount and power generation efficiency at the location of the power generation company 2, and the more mass procurement inbound can be obtained.

[0019] Also, in the joint venture 5, the leasing company 4 leases the power conditioner 1 to the service provider 3 under the lease contract concluded with the service provider 3. The leasing company 4 also receives and manages the service fees paid monthly by the power generation company 2 to the leasing company 4 at a fixed amount. And a part of this service fee is distributed to the service provider 3 as lease payment revenue. The power conditioner 1 is purchased by the service provider 3 from a supplier (not shown) such as a manufacturer.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remote monitoring service by the remote monitoring system 7 included in the rated lending service of the power conditioner 1 to which the present invention is applicable. Regarding the flow, only an outline will be described in this application example, and the details will be described in Example 1 below.

[0021] When an abnormality occurs in the power conditioner 1, an email describing the error content is sent to the terminal owned by the service provider 3, and the abnormality in the power conditioner 1 is automatically classified into an abnormality that requires the dispatch of the construction contractor 3a and an abnormality that does not require it. Based on the result of this automatic classification, the service provider 3 determines whether or not it is necessary to dispatch the construction contractor 3a. If dispatch is necessary, the construction contractor 3a directly performs maintenance on the power conditioner 1. If dispatch is unnecessary, the service provider 3 or the construction contractor 3a remotely performs maintenance on the power conditioner 1, or, in some cases where the abnormality is environmentally derived and the abnormality may be automatically resolved, the state is maintained.

[0022] By the above remote monitoring service, the dispatch of the construction contractor 3a can be limited only when necessary, and the management efficiency of the power conditioner 1 is improved. In addition, since the service provider 3 can quickly know the abnormality of the power conditioner 1, the downtime of the power conditioner 1 can be reduced, and the power generation efficiency of the power generation company 2 is improved.

[0023] [Example 1] Hereinafter, a method for managing a power conditioner and a power conditioner management system in a power generation system according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the rated lending service of the power conditioner included in Example 1 is a service that provides a new power conditioner for rated lending when the guarantee period of the power conditioner has elapsed within the FIT period. Note that the method for managing a power conditioner and the power conditioner management system according to the present invention are not intended to be limited to the following configuration.

[0024] <System Configuration> Here, return to the description of FIG. 1. The power conditioner 1a in the first embodiment corresponds to the power conditioner in which a predetermined usage period in the present invention has elapsed. Also, the power conditioner 1 lent from the consortium 5 to the power generator 2 corresponds to the alternative power conditioner in the present invention. In FIG. 1, when the service provider 3 acquires the power generator 2 as a customer, a partner 6 may be interposed between the power generator 2 and the service provider 3. In this case, the partner 6 may directly acquire the power generator 2 and introduce it to the service provider 3. In this case, the service provider 3 pays the partner 6 a contract reward as consideration for the introduction. Also, regarding the flow path of lending the power conditioner 1 from the service provider 3 shown in FIG. 1 to the power generator 2 on a fixed amount basis, although the illustration is omitted, there is also an existing commercial flow through a trading company and an installer. Here, the service provider 3 corresponds to the management entity in the present invention.

[0025] Also, the service fee paid by the power generator 2 to the leasing company 4 is fixed and includes the following. That is, the usage fee of the power conditioner 1, the replacement work cost of the power conditioner 1, the removal fee of the power conditioner 1a, the repair cost when an abnormality occurs in the power conditioner 1, movable property insurance, fixed asset tax, and the fee related to the application to the power company, etc. are included. Note that the service fee may be paid monthly.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the advantages of the rated lending service of the power conditioner 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram for explaining the benefits obtained when performing a batch replacement compared to replacing the power conditioner 1 each time when performing multiple replacement works. In FIG. 2A, the cylindrical columns hatched with oblique lines represent the cost of the replacement work of the power conditioner 1, and the white cylindrical columns represent the cost related to the rated borrowing of the power conditioner 1. Note that FIG. 2A shows an example of replacing nine power conditioners 1. When the power conditioner 1 is replaced each time the usage period of the power conditioner 1a elapses, the cost of the replacement work occurs each time one unit is replaced. Therefore, when replacing nine units, the cost of the replacement work occurs nine times will occur. On the other hand, when replacing nine power conditioners 1a with the power conditioner 1 in a batch, the replacement work cost occurs only once, and the cost related to the rated borrowing during the FIT period can be equalized.

[0027] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram for explaining the benefits obtained when continuing to use the latest model of the power conditioner 1 compared to continuing to use the old model of the power conditioner 1a. As shown in FIG. 2B, the latest model of the power conditioner 1 has higher power generation efficiency compared to the old model of the power conditioner 1a. And in the remaining FIT period, by continuing to use the latest model of the power conditioner 1, compared to the case of continuing to use the old model of the power conditioner 1a, the total power generation amount increases by the area hatched with oblique lines in the remaining FIT period. Note that the increase amount is, for example, about 1.6% per unit. In addition, the latest model of the power conditioner 1 consumes less power compared to the old model of the power conditioner 1a, and it is possible to reduce the power consumption by replacing it with the latest model of the power conditioner 1 instead of the old model of the power conditioner 1a. Therefore, in the remaining FIT period, compared to the case of continuing to use the old model of the power conditioner 1a, the earlier the replacement time and the replacement with the latest model of the power conditioner 1, the greater the profit of the power generation company 2 will be.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a system block diagram showing the mechanism of the remote monitoring system 7 used for the purpose of detecting the occurrence of an abnormality in the power conditioner 1 included in the rated lending service of the power conditioner 1 in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the mechanism of the remote monitoring system 7 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Note that the remote monitoring system 7 corresponds to the management system of the power conditioner in the present invention. The power generation system 8 having the power conditioner 1 as a component also has, as other components, a solar cell 9, a detection unit 11, a control unit 12, and the like. In the power generation business, the solar cell 9 generates DC power, and the power conditioner 1 has a function of converting the DC power into AC power. Further, for example, the detection unit 11 detects an abnormality occurring in the power conditioner 1, and the control unit 12 has a function of classifying the error content. Note that the power conditioner 1 may directly include the detection unit 11 and the control unit 12 as components. Here, the solar cell 9 corresponds to the power supply device in the present invention.

[0029] The power conditioner 1 or the power generation system 8 transmits management information related to the power conditioner 1. Here, the means for transmitting the management information may be, for example, email. The transmitted management information is received by the terminal 16 via the gateway 13, the router 14, and the server 15 on the cloud connected to the power conditioner 1 or the power generation system 8. Note that the connection between the power conditioner 1 and the gateway 13 and the connection between the power conditioner 1 and the router 14 may be wired or wireless. Also, in the present embodiment, including the power generation system 8, the gateway 13 and the router 14 are systems installed on the side of the power generation operator 2, and the terminal 16 is a system installed on the side of the service provider 3. Further, the terminal 16 can transmit a remote command to the power conditioner 1 or the power generation system 8 via the server 15, the router 14, and the gateway 13 on the cloud. Here, the gateway 13 and the router 14 correspond to the automatic notification means in the present invention. Also, the terminal 16 corresponds to the automatic selection means in the present invention.

[0030] Here, return to the description of FIG. 4. Hereinafter, the flow of the remote monitoring service according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. In this flowchart, first, when an abnormality occurs in the power conditioner 1 (S101), the detection unit 11 detects the abnormality, and the control unit 12 classifies the error content in the power conditioner 1 (S102). The error content will be exemplified in FIG. 5 below. Information related to the error content is automatically sent by email from the power conditioner 1 or the power generation system 8 (S103). The service provider 3's terminal 16 automatically receives the email via the gateway 9, router 11, and server 12 connected to the power conditioner 1 (S104). Also, the means for notifying the service provider 3 of the error content generated in the power conditioner 1 does not have to be email. For example, only the error code shown in FIG. 5 (described later) may be encoded and transmitted. Here, S103 and S104 correspond to the automatic notification step in the present invention. The terminal 16 that has automatically received the email automatically distributes the abnormality in the power conditioner 1 (S105), and the service provider 3 determines whether it is necessary to dispatch the construction contractor 3a (S106). Here, S105 corresponds to the automatic sorting step in the present invention. If dispatch is necessary (S106: yes), the construction contractor 3a dispatches to the power generation company 2 and performs maintenance on the power conditioner 1 (S107). If dispatch is unnecessary (S106: no), it is determined whether maintenance by remote operation using the remote monitoring system 7 is necessary (S108). If maintenance by remote operation is necessary (S108: yes), the service provider 3 or the construction contractor 3a performs maintenance on the power conditioner 1 by remote operation from the terminal 16 (S109). Here, S107 and S109 correspond to the maintenance response step in the present invention. If maintenance by remote operation is also unnecessary (S108: no), since it is a failure due to environmental factors, etc., that state is maintained (S110).

[0031] Through the remote monitoring service provided by the above remote monitoring system 7, the service provider 3 can quickly learn about the abnormalities occurring in the air conditioner 1. Depending on the error content, it may not be necessary for the construction contractor 3a to dispatch to the site, improving the management efficiency of the air conditioner 1. Furthermore, the downtime of the air conditioner 1 can also be reduced.

[0032] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the classification of error contents of the air conditioner 1. When an abnormality occurs in the air conditioner 1, an error code is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the air conditioner 1. The error code is defined for each error content. Regarding S103 and S104 in Figure 4, this error code is recorded in the email. Also, depending on the error content, possible causes and countermeasures are defined. Usually, following the countermeasures, the abnormality occurring in the air conditioner 1 can be removed.

[0033] The error content of the power conditioner 1 is roughly classified into device abnormalities and system abnormalities. A device abnormality is a so-called hardware abnormality that occurs inside the power conditioner 1. A system abnormality is an abnormality that occurs due to the external environment of the power conditioner 1. Here, regarding S105 and S106 in FIG. 4, for the abnormality that occurred in the power conditioner 1, at the terminal owned by the service provider 3, it is automatically sorted whether the error content is a device abnormality or a system abnormality, and it is determined whether it is necessary for the construction contractor 3a to dispatch according to the classification. More specifically, if the error content is a device abnormality, it is determined that it is necessary for the construction contractor 3a to dispatch, and if the error content is a system abnormality, it is determined that it is unnecessary for the construction contractor 3a to dispatch. When it is unnecessary for the construction contractor 3a to dispatch, as shown in S109 and S110 in FIG. 4, the construction contractor 3a performs remote maintenance support or maintains that state. For example, when the error code is "E3-4.0", the error content is "abnormal device temperature", which is an abnormality due to the high temperature inside the power conditioner 1. The error content is classified as a device abnormality, and it is determined that it is necessary for the construction contractor 3a to dispatch. Also, for example, when the error code is "E1-7.0" or "E1-7.1", the error content is "instantaneous overvoltage detection", which is an abnormality due to the commercial system voltage being 123V or higher. The error content is classified as a system abnormality, and it is determined that it is unnecessary for the construction contractor 3a to dispatch. Basically, the state may be maintained until the voltage of the commercial system returns to normal, but if it still does not recover, the construction contractor 3a may perform remote maintenance support.

[0034] Also, in this embodiment, when the error content is classified as a device abnormality and when it is classified as a system abnormality the mode of the abnormality lamp (not shown) of the power conditioner 1 is different. More specifically, when the error content is classified as a device abnormality, the abnormality lamp lights up, and when the error content is classified as a system abnormality, the abnormality lamp blinks twice. Thus, a person near the power conditioner 1 can roughly distinguish the error content without checking the inside of the power conditioner 1.

[0035] [Example 2] Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. In Example 2, using the remote monitoring system 7 in Example 1, an example is shown in which the function of the power conditioner is stopped by remote operation for a delinquent in the service fee related to the rated lending service of the power conditioner 1 in Example 1.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remote monitoring service by the remote monitoring system 7, which is used for the purpose of stopping the power conditioner 1 in use by a delinquent of the service fee included in the fixed-term lending service of the power conditioner 1 in Embodiment 2. Hereinafter, the flow of the remote monitoring service will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In this flowchart, first, when the service fee for a predetermined number of months determined at the time of contracting the fixed-term lending service of the power conditioner 1 is in arrears, the service provider 3 confirms the power generation business operator who is the delinquent of the service fee (hereinafter simply referred to as "delinquent 2") based on the management information related to the power conditioner 1 transmitted to the terminal 16 (S111). Here, S111 corresponds to the payment status confirmation step in the present invention. When the delinquent 2 is confirmed, the power generation plant information of the delinquent 2 is extracted (S112). Based on the power generation plant information of the delinquent 2 and the serial information of the power conditioner 1 in use by the delinquent 2, the service provider 3 transmits a remote command from the terminal 16 via the server 15, the router 14, and the gateway 13. Here, the remote command is a command to disconnect the SIM of the power conditioner 1 or an output zero command for the power conditioner 1 (S113). Here, S113 corresponds to the remote stop step in the present invention. When the SIM is stopped, the power of the power conditioner 1 is ON, but power generation stops. When the output zero command is issued, the power conditioner 1 completely stops. When the power conditioner 1 becomes unusable, the delinquent 2 is notified to that effect (S114). The means of notification is, for example, by email or the like. Thereafter, a grace period determined at the time of contracting is given to the delinquent 2, and the service provider 3 confirms from the terminal 16 whether the delinquent 2 has paid the overdue payment (S115). If the delinquent 2 has paid the overdue payment within the said grace period (S115: yes), the power conditioner 1 is restarted from the gateway 13 and the router 14 to make it usable (S116). If the delinquent 2 has not paid the overdue payment (S115: no), the delinquent 2 is terminated from the contract (S117).

[0037] With the above remote monitoring service, it is not necessary for service provider 3 to dispatch workers to stop the function of power conditioner 1. This can reduce the cost associated with dispatching workers and prevent the deterioration of the revenue of the flat-rate rental service of power conditioner 1. In the control according to this flowchart, the processes of S115 and S116 may be omitted. That is, when non-payment for a predetermined month is confirmed, the defaulter 2 may be forced to cancel the contract. Here, for the remote monitoring system 7 used for the purpose of stopping the power conditioner 1 in use by the defaulter 2, the terminal 16 shown in FIG. 3 also corresponds to the payment status confirmation means in the present invention. Further, the gateway 13 and the router 14 shown in FIG. 3 also correspond to the remote stop means in the present invention.

[0038] 〔Example 3〕 Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described. In Example 3, a flat-rate rental service that further expands the content of the flat-rate rental service of power conditioner 1 in Example 1 will be described. Note that the flat-rate rental service of the power conditioner in Example 3 is also a service that provides a new power conditioner for flat-rate rental when the warranty period of the power conditioner has elapsed within the FIT period.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the flat-rate rental service of power conditioner 10 in Example 3. Only the differences between the outline of the flat-rate rental service of power conditioner 10 shown in FIG. 7 and the outline of the flat-rate rental service of power conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 of Example 1 will be described.

[0040] ​Service provider 30 may lease to power generator 20 both the power conditioner 10 (hereinafter referred to as "in-house manufactured power conditioner 10") manufactured by service provider 30 itself or its affiliated company, and in addition, the power conditioner 100 (hereinafter referred to as "outsourced power conditioner 100") manufactured by second supplier 17 with which service provider 30 has a business partnership. Note that second supplier 17 may be a manufacturer, a trading company, or a combination of a manufacturer and a trading company. Service provider 30 purchases the outsourced power conditioner 100 from second supplier 17. The purposes of increasing the types and numbers of power conditioners that can be leased to service provider 30 at a fixed rate are as follows. That is, the first point is that when replacing some of the plurality of power conditioners, it is necessary to introduce a power conditioner with the same manufacturer as the remaining power conditioners. The second point is that since single-phase power conditioners and three-phase power conditioners are not compatible, three-phase power conditioners need to be installed at power generation plants where three-phase power conditioners are installed.

[0041] Also, the power conditioner 10a recovered by construction contractor 30a from power generator 20 after the replacement work of the power conditioner does not necessarily have to have passed the usage period (warranty period). That is, power generator 20 can receive an early buyback of power conditioner 10a. As a result, power generator 20 can use a new power conditioner during a longer remaining FIT period, and if the power conditioner is the latest model, the power generation amount can be further improved.

[0042] In addition, the construction contractor 30a has entered into a construction commission contract with the electrical work partner 18 for the replacement work of the power conditioner 100 manufactured by other companies. As a result, the construction contractor 30a can perform the replacement work of the in-house manufactured power conditioner 10, but the replacement work of the power conditioner 100 manufactured by other companies that the construction contractor 30a cannot perform or is difficult to perform can be carried out by the electrical work partner 18, thus increasing the convenience of dealing with the replacement work of the power conditioner.

[0043] In addition, in the third embodiment, the advantages of the flat-rate rental service of the power conditioner, the flow of the remote monitoring service using the remote monitoring system, and the classification of the error content of the power conditioner are as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 of the first embodiment and FIG. 6 of the second embodiment.

[0044] <Appendix 1> A method for managing a power conditioner in a power generation system (8) including a power supply device (9) and a power conditioner (1a, 10a) that performs power conversion of power supplied from the power supply device and enables power transfer to and from a power grid, comprising: replacing the power conditioner after a predetermined usage period has elapsed with an alternative power conditioner (1, 10, 100) provided by flat-rate rental; an automatic notification step (S103, S104) of automatically notifying a management entity (3, 30) of the content of an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the alternative power conditioner; for each of the abnormalities notified in the automatic notification step, automatically selecting whether the abnormality is an abnormality that requires on-site direct maintenance of the alternative power conditioner based on the content of the abnormality; an automatic selection step (S105); a maintenance response step (S107, S109) of performing on-site direct maintenance response or remote maintenance response by remote operation on the power generation system based on the result of automatic selection by the automatic selection step; and a method for managing a power conditioner.

[0045] <Appendix 2> A power conditioner management system for assisting the management by a management entity (3, 30) of an alternative power conditioner in a power generation system (8) that includes a power supply device (9) and a power conditioner (1a, 10a) that performs power conversion on the power supplied from the power supply device, enables power transfer with a grid, and in which the power conditioner after a predetermined usage period has elapsed is replaced by an alternative power conditioner (1, 10, 100) provided by flat-rate lending, the system comprising: Automatic notification means (13, 14) for automatically notifying the management entity of the details of an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the alternative power conditioner; Automatic selection means (16) for automatically selecting, based on the details of each abnormality notified by the automatic notification means, whether the abnormality is one for which the alternative power conditioner should be directly maintained on-site; A power conditioner management system (7), characterized by comprising the above.

Description of Signs

[0046] 1, 1a, 10, 10a, 100: Power conditioner 2, 20: Power generation business operator (arrears payer) 3, 30: Service provider 3a, 30a: Construction contractor 4, 40: Leasing company 5, 50: Joint venture 6, 60: Partner 7: Remote monitoring system 8: Power generation system 9: Solar cell 11: Detection unit 12: Control unit 13: Gateway 14: Router 15: Server 16: Terminal 17: Second supplier 18: Electrical work partner

Claims

1. A method for managing a power conditioner in a power generation system that includes a power supply device and a power conditioner that performs power conversion on the power supplied from the power supply device and enables power transfer with a power grid, the method comprising: replacing the power conditioner after a predetermined usage period has elapsed with a replacement power conditioner provided by flat-rate lending; the power generation system includes a detection unit that detects that an error has occurred in the replacement power conditioner and a control unit that classifies the content of the error; when an error occurs in the replacement power conditioner, an automatic notification step in which the detection unit detects the error, the control unit classifies the content of the error, and information about the content of the error is automatically transmitted from the replacement power conditioner or the power generation system to a management terminal possessed by a management entity; for each of the errors transmitted to the management terminal in the automatic notification step, an automatic sorting step in which, based on the content of the error, the management terminal automatically sorts whether the error is one that should be directly maintained on-site for the replacement power conditioner or an error that should be remotely maintained by remote operation from the management terminal; A method for managing a power conditioner.

2. A payment status confirmation step in which, based on the management information of the replacement power conditioner transmitted from the replacement power conditioner or the power generation system to the management terminal, the management terminal automatically checks whether there is any unpaid loan fee for the replacement power conditioner for a predetermined period or longer; a remote stop step of stopping the function of the replacement power conditioner by remote operation of transmitting a remote command from the management terminal when it is confirmed in the payment status confirmation step that there is an unpaid loan fee for the replacement power conditioner for a predetermined period or longer; The method for managing a power conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. In the remote stop step, the function of the replacement power conditioner is stopped by cutting the SIM of the replacement power conditioner by remote operation of transmitting a remote command from the management terminal. The method for managing a power conditioner according to claim 2.

4. In the remote stop step, the power conditioner management method according to claim 2, characterized in that the function of the alternative power conditioner is stopped by setting the output of the alternative power conditioner to zero by a remote operation for transmitting a remote command from the management terminal.

5. A power conditioner management system for assisting the management by the management entity of an alternative power conditioner in a power generation system, comprising a power supply device and a power conditioner that performs power conversion on the power supplied from the power supply device, enabling power transfer with a power grid, and where the power conditioner after a predetermined usage period has elapsed is replaced by an alternative power conditioner provided by flat-rate lending. The power generation system includes a detection unit that detects that an error has occurred in the alternative power conditioner, and a control unit that classifies the content of the error. When an error occurs in the alternative power conditioner, an automatic notification unit that automatically transmits information about the content of the error detected by the detection unit and classified by the control unit from the alternative power conditioner or the power generation system to the management terminal possessed by the management entity. An automatic selection unit that, for each of the errors transmitted to the management terminal by the automatic notification unit, automatically selects, based on the content of the error, whether the error requires on-site direct maintenance of the alternative power conditioner or remote maintenance by a remote operation from the management terminal at the management terminal. A power conditioner management system, characterized by comprising the above.

6. A payment status confirmation unit that automatically checks, at the management terminal, whether there is any outstanding payment for the lending fee of the alternative power conditioner for a period longer than a predetermined period, based on the management information of the alternative power conditioner transmitted from the alternative power conditioner or the power generation system to the management terminal. A remote stop unit that stops the function of the alternative power conditioner by a remote operation for transmitting a remote command from the management terminal when it is confirmed by the payment status confirmation unit that there is an outstanding payment for the lending fee of the alternative power conditioner for a period longer than a predetermined period. The power conditioner management system according to claim 5, further characterized by comprising the above.

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