Module and Module System

Abstract

To provide a module capable of generating electric power applicable to insulated wires.SOLUTION: A module 1 is attached to an insulated wire 3. The insulated wire 3 includes multiple conductors 31 and multiple insulators 32 covering multiple conductors 31 respectively. The module 1 includes multiple electrodes 11 and a power circuit 12. The multiple electrodes 11 are arranged so as to face multiple conductors 31 respectively. The power circuit 12 is connected to multiple electrodes 11. The power circuit 12 generates electric power from a voltage applied across multiple conductors 31, and electric energy generated by an electrostatic capacitance between each of the multiple conductors 31 and the corresponding electrode 11 of the multiple electrodes 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to modules and module systems, and more particularly to modules attached to insulated wires and module systems including the modules.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device that generates power by electrostatic induction from a bare wire such as an overhead power line. The power supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes an induction electrode, a shielding body, and an output unit. The induction electrode is disposed near one of a plurality of conductors (overhead power lines). The shielding body is disposed between another conductor and one conductor among the plurality of conductors, and shields the electric field generated from the other conductor from the induction electrode. The output unit is drawn from both ends of a parallel circuit formed by the stray capacitance and inductance between the induction electrode and the shielding body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The power supply device described in Patent Document 1 is intended for a bare wire such as an overhead power line and cannot be applied to an insulated wire such as a VVF cable.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a module and a module system that can be applied to an insulated wire and can generate power.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A module according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a module attached to an insulated wire. The insulated wire includes a plurality of conductors and a plurality of insulators each covering the plurality of conductors. The module includes a plurality of electrodes and a power supply circuit. The plurality of electrodes are arranged to face the plurality of conductors respectively. The power supply circuit is connected to the plurality of electrodes. The power supply circuit generates power from electrical energy generated by a capacitance between each of the plurality of conductors and a corresponding electrode among the plurality of electrodes based on a voltage, which is a high-frequency voltage having a frequency higher than a commercial frequency, applied between the plurality of conductors. superimposed on a commercial power supply voltage which is a voltage of a commercial frequency a high-frequency voltage that is a voltage having a frequency higher than a commercial frequency superimposed Based on the voltage, power is generated from electrical energy generated by a capacitance between each of the plurality of conductors and a corresponding electrode among the plurality of electrodes.

[0007] A module system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the module and an external device. The external device communicates with the module.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the module and the module system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is applicable to an insulated wire and can generate power.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a power generation system, a power receiving module, and a power supply module according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Each figure described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio. In addition, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made according to the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation system 10 according to the present embodiment is applied to, for example, a distribution board 4 provided in a facility 100, and a power receiving module 1 is attached to an insulated wire 3 drawn out from the distribution board 4, so that power is generated in the power receiving module 1. The facility 100 is, for example, a building in which the distribution board 4 is installed, such as a house such as a single-family house or each household of an apartment house, or a non-residential building such as an office, a store, a factory, or a care facility. In the present embodiment, the case where the facility 100 is a single-family house will be described as an example.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation system 10 includes a plurality (six in the illustrated example) of power receiving modules 1 as a first module (module), and a power supply module 2 as a second module. The power generation system 10 further includes a communication adapter 5 as an external device.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulated electric wire 3. The insulated electric wire 3 is, for example, a VVF (vinyl insulated vinyl sheath flat) cable for indoor electrical wiring, and includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of conductors 31 and a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of insulators 32. The plurality of insulators 32 each cover the plurality of conductors 31.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the power receiving module 1 includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of electrodes 11 and a power supply circuit 12. The plurality of electrodes 11 are arranged so as to face the plurality of conductors 31 respectively. The power supply circuit 12 is connected to the plurality of electrodes 11. The power supply circuit 12 generates electric power from the voltage applied between the plurality of conductors 31 and the electric energy generated by the capacitances C1, C2 between each of the plurality of conductors 31 and the corresponding electrode 11 among the plurality of electrodes 11.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply module 2 is connected to the insulated electric wire 3. The power supply module 2 applies a high-frequency voltage, which is a voltage having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency, to the insulated electric wire 3.

[0016] The communication adapter 5 communicates with the power receiving module 1.

[0017] In the power receiving module 1 attached to the insulated wire 3, capacitances C1 and C2 are generated between each conductor 31 of the insulated wire 3 and the corresponding electrode 11, and electrical energy is generated by the commercial power supply voltage applied between the plurality of conductors 31 and the capacitances C1 and C2. A current i1 (see FIG. 2) due to this electrical energy is input to the power supply circuit 12 via the plurality of electrodes 11, and power is generated in the power supply circuit 12. That is, according to the power receiving module 1 and the power generation system 10 according to the present embodiment, it is applicable to the insulated wire 3 and can generate power.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the power receiving module 1 constitutes a module, the communication adapter 5 constitutes an external device, and the power generation system 10 constitutes a module system. That is, the power generation system 10 includes the power receiving module 1 as a module and the communication adapter 5 as an external device. The communication adapter 5 communicates with the power receiving module 1.

[0019] (2) Details As described above, the power generation system 10 according to the present embodiment is applied to the distribution board 4. That is, the power generation system 10 further includes the distribution board 4 in addition to the power receiving module 1, the power feeding module 2, and the communication adapter 5.

[0020] (2.1) Distribution board As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution board 4 has a plurality of internal devices 40. The plurality of internal devices 40 include a main breaker 41, a plurality of branch breakers 42, a power feeding module 2, and a communication adapter 5.

[0021] (2.1.1) Main breaker The main breaker 41 is, for example, a leakage circuit breaker with a three-pole neutral line open-phase protection function. The three input terminals on the input side (power supply side) of the main breaker 41 are one-to-one and electrically connected to the first voltage line, the second voltage line, and the neutral line in a single-phase three-wire power distribution system. Also, the three output terminals on the output side (load side) of the main breaker 41 are one-to-one and electrically connected to the first conductive bar, the second conductive bar, and the third conductive bar. The first conductive bar is in conduction with the first voltage line, the second conductive bar is in conduction with the second voltage line, and the third conductive bar is in conduction with the neutral line.

[0022] (2.1.2) Branch breaker Each of the plurality of branch breakers 42 is, for example, a circuit breaker equipped with an overcurrent tripping device. The two input terminals on the input side (power supply side) of each branch breaker 42 are one-to-one and electrically connected to either the first conductive bar or the second conductive bar and the third conductive bar. In this case, an AC voltage with an effective value of 100 V is supplied to each branch breaker 42. Note that the two input terminals of one or more branch breakers 42 may be one-to-one and electrically connected to the first conductive bar and the second conductive bar. In this case, an AC voltage with an effective value of 200 V is supplied to one or more branch breakers 42.

[0023] The two terminals on the output side (load side) of each branch breaker 42 are electrically connected to the wiring device 102 via the insulated electric wire 3 for indoor wiring. The wiring device 102 includes, for example, a socket embedded in an indoor wall and a hanging ceiling body provided on the indoor ceiling. One or more loads 101 are connected to each wiring device 102. In FIG. 1, one load 101 is connected to each wiring device 102. The load 101 is, for example, an electrical device such as a washing machine, a refrigerator, a television receiver, or a lighting fixture. Note that loads 101 such as an electromagnetic cooker and a bathroom dryer may be directly connected to the output terminals of the branch breaker 42 without passing through the wiring device 102.

[0024] (2.1.3) Communication adapter As shown in Fig. 1, the communication adapter 5 includes a first communication unit 51, a second communication unit 52, a measurement unit 53, and a control unit 54. The communication adapter 5 is housed in the box 43 of the distribution board 4 together with the above-described main breaker 41 and a plurality of branch breakers 42.

[0025] The first communication unit 51 has, for example, a specific low-power radio module compliant with a specific low-power radio station in the 920 MHz band. The first communication unit 51 performs specific low-power radio communication with a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) (not shown). Note that the first communication unit 51 may have a network controller (integrated circuit) compliant with the standard of a wired LAN such as 100BASE-T or 1000BASE-T instead of the specific low-power radio module. In this case, the first communication unit 51 performs wired communication with the HEMS controller via a LAN cable and a router.

[0026] The second communication unit 52 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with, for example, BLE (Bluetooth[registered trademark] Low Energy). The second communication unit 52 performs wireless communication with the communication circuit 14 of the power receiving module 1 described later. Note that the second communication unit 52 may be configured to perform wireless communication compliant with the standard of a wireless LAN (for example, IEEE802.11b / g / n), wireless communication compliant with ZIG Bee (registered trademark), infrared communication, or the like.

[0027] The measurement unit 53 measures the main current flowing through the main breaker 41 and the branch currents flowing through the respective branch breakers 42. Further, the measurement unit 53 calculates the power consumption of the main circuit including the main breaker 41 and the power consumption of each branch circuit including the respective branch breakers 42 based on the measured main current and each branch current.

[0028] The control unit 54 can be implemented by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the control unit 54 functions by the one or more processors executing a program recorded in the one or more memories of the computer system. The program is recorded in advance in the memory of the control unit 54 here, but may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet, for example, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card. The control unit 54 controls the above-described first communication unit 51, second communication unit 52, and measurement unit 53 separately.

[0029] In the present embodiment, as described above, the communication adapter 5 constitutes an external device. That is, the power generation system 10 includes a power receiving module 1 as a module described later and a communication adapter 5 as an external device. The communication adapter 5 communicates with the power receiving module 1.

[0030] (2.1.4) Power supply module As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply module 2 is connected to a conductive bar on the output side of the main breaker 41. The power supply module 2 has a voltage superimposing unit 21. The voltage superimposing unit 21 applies a high-frequency voltage to a commercial power supply voltage (for example, 60 Hz, 100 V) superimposed on the insulated wire 3. The high-frequency voltage is a voltage having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency that is the frequency of the commercial power supply voltage. FIG. 4A is a waveform diagram of the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated wire 3, and FIG. 4B is a waveform diagram in which a high-frequency voltage is superimposed on the commercial power supply voltage. As an example, the voltage superimposing unit 21 superimposes a high-frequency voltage of 2 MHz and 1 V on the commercial power supply voltage.

[0031] The voltage superimposing unit 21 intermittently superimposes a high-frequency voltage on the commercial power supply voltage, for example, at intervals of 10 seconds. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the power consumption of the voltage superimposing unit 21 as compared with the case where the voltage superimposing unit 21 continuously superimposes a high-frequency voltage on the commercial power supply voltage. Here, it is preferable that the timing at which the voltage superimposing unit 21 superimposes a high-frequency voltage on the commercial power supply voltage includes the timing at which the sensor circuit 13 described later senses information (for example, temperature information, humidity information) in the facility 100.

[0032] Further, it is preferable that the voltage superposition unit 21 superimposes a high-frequency voltage on the commercial power supply voltage based on the phase of the commercial power supply voltage. For example, when the high-frequency voltage is superimposed at the timing of the zero cross of the commercial power supply voltage, the influence on the load 101 becomes the maximum, and there is a possibility that the load 101 malfunctions. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the voltage superposition unit 21 preferably superimposes a high-frequency voltage on the commercial power supply voltage, for example, in a range where the phase of the commercial power supply voltage is 90° ± 10° (a predetermined range including the maximum value of the amplitude of the commercial power supply voltage). Thereby, it is possible to minimize the influence on the load 101 due to the high-frequency voltage superimposed on the commercial power supply voltage.

[0033] In this embodiment, the power supply module 2 constitutes the second module and is used as the second module of the power generation system 10.

[0034] (2.2) Power receiving module As shown in FIG. 2, the power receiving module 1 includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of electrodes 11, a power supply circuit 12, a sensor circuit 13, and a communication circuit 14. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the power receiving module 1 further includes a housing 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulated wire 3. In this embodiment, the power receiving module 1 constitutes the first module (module) and is used as the first module 1 of the power generation system.

[0035] (2.2.1) Electrode As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of electrodes 11 are arranged to face the plurality of conductors 31 of the insulating electric wire 3 described later respectively. Each of the plurality of electrodes 11 is formed in an arc shape as shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, each of the plurality of electrodes 11 has a shape along the outer shape of the insulating electric wire 3 in a state where the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulating electric wire 3. Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 11 are in close contact with the insulating electric wire 3 in a state where the housing 15 of the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulating electric wire 3 (see FIG. 6). Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each of the plurality of electrodes 11 is long along a first direction D1 which is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the insulating electric wire 3. The length of each of the plurality of electrodes 11 in the first direction D1 is shorter than the length of the close contact member 6 described later and shorter than the length of the housing 15. The plurality of electrodes 11 are electrically connected to the input end of the power supply circuit 12.

[0036] (2.2.2) Power Supply Circuit As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply circuit 12 is electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes 11. The power supply circuit 12 generates the operating power supply for the sensor circuit 13 and the communication circuit 14 described later. The power supply circuit 12 includes a capacitor, a boosting circuit, and a smoothing circuit. In the power supply circuit 12, power is accumulated in the capacitor via the plurality of electrodes 11, and when the voltage across the capacitor becomes equal to or higher than the minimum operating voltage of the boosting circuit, the boosting circuit generates boosted power at a voltage higher than the voltage across the capacitor. Further, in the power supply circuit 12, the boosted power generated by the boosting circuit is smoothed by the smoothing circuit and supplied to the sensor circuit 13 and the communication circuit 14.

[0037] (2.2.3) Sensor Circuit The sensor circuit 13 senses information within the facility 100. Here, "sensing information" means detecting (measuring) physical quantities such as temperature and humidity within the facility 100. The information within the facility 100 is, for example, the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity. That is, the sensor circuit 13 includes a temperature sensor that detects the indoor temperature and a humidity sensor that detects the indoor humidity. The sensor circuit 13 is supplied with power from the above-described power supply circuit 12 and operates by this power. Note that the information within the facility 100 is not limited to the above-described indoor temperature and indoor humidity, and may be other information as long as it is information within the facility 100.

[0038] (2.2.4) Communication Circuit The communication circuit 14 performs wireless communication, for example, with the second communication unit 52 (see FIG. 1) of the communication adapter 5 as an external device. The communication circuit 14 is configured to perform wireless communication compliant with, for example, BLE. The communication circuit 14 is supplied with power from the above-described power supply circuit 12 and operates by this power. Note that the communication circuit 14 may also be configured to perform wireless communication compliant with the standards of wireless LAN (for example, IEEE802.11b / g / n), ZIG Bee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or infrared communication.

[0039] (2.2.5) Housing The housing 15 is a molded product made of a synthetic resin such as, for example, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) resin. The housing 15 is, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in FIG. 3. The housing 15 has two divided housings 151 and 152. The two divided housings 151 and 152 are connected to each other so as to be openable and closable by a connecting body 153 formed in an arc shape. Hereinafter, one of the two divided housings 151 and 152 may also be referred to as the first divided housing 151 and the other as the second divided housing 152.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first divided housing 151 is a rectangular box shape with a first concave portion 155 provided on one surface (the right surface in FIG. 6) in a third direction D3 that is orthogonal to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first concave portion 155 has a semi-elliptical shape in a plan view from the first direction D1.

[0041] Here, the second direction D2 is a direction that intersects (is orthogonal to) the first direction D1, which is the longitudinal direction of the insulated electric wire 3, and also intersects (is orthogonal to) the direction in which a plurality of conductors 31 of the insulated electric wire 3 are arranged. Further, as described above, the third direction D3 is a direction that intersects (is orthogonal to) both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, and is the direction in which the plurality of conductors 31 are arranged.

[0042] Similar to the first divided housing 151, the second divided housing 152 is a rectangular box shape with a second concave portion 156 provided on one surface (the left surface in FIG. 6) in the third direction D3. The second concave portion 156 has a semi-elliptical shape in a plan view from the first direction D1. Also, the second divided housing 152 has a coupling plate 154. The coupling plate 154 has a rectangular shape in a plan view from the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the housing 15 is attached to the insulated electric wire 3, a part (tip portion) of the coupling plate 154 protrudes toward the first divided housing 151 side in the third direction D3 (the left-right direction in FIG. 6). For this reason, in a state where the housing 15 is attached to the insulated electric wire 3, the movement (rotation) of the first divided housing 151 with respect to the second divided housing 152 is restricted by the coupling plate 154. As a result, it becomes possible to maintain the state where the housing 15 is attached to the insulated electric wire 3.

[0043] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the coupling plate 154 is provided with a groove 1541. The groove 1541 is recessed in a rectangular shape along the thickness direction of the coupling plate 154 (the vertical direction in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, with the insulating electric wire 3 attached to the housing 15, insert the tip of a tool (for example, a minus driver) into the groove 1541, and move the tool so that the base end portion of the tool (the end portion opposite to the tip portion) approaches the housing 15. As a result, the tip portion of the coupling plate 154 can be deformed in a direction away from the housing 15 (upward in FIG. 6), and the first split housing 151 is rotated with respect to the second split housing 152 with the tip portion of the coupling plate 154 deformed. As a result, the power receiving module 1 can be removed from the insulating electric wire 3.

[0044] That is, the two split housings 151 and 152 are connected to be openable and closable with each other at one end portion (the lower end portion in FIG. 6) in the second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1 which is the longitudinal direction of the insulating electric wire 3. Further, the two split housings 151 and 152 are coupled to each other at the other end portion (the upper end portion in FIG. 6) in the second direction D2.

[0045] Here, in a state where the housing 15 is attached to the insulating electric wire 3, as shown in FIG. 6, an elliptical holding portion 150 is formed by the first concave portion 155 of the first split housing 151 and the second concave portion 156 of the second split housing 152 in a plan view from the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 150 has a shape along the outer shape of the insulating electric wire 3 (the outer shape of the sheath 33). That is, the housing 15 has a holding portion 150 along the outer shape of the insulating electric wire 3. And the plurality of electrodes 11 described above are arranged along the opposing surfaces 1551 and 1561 (see FIG. 5) with the insulating electric wire 3 in the holding portion 150.

[0046] (2.3) Insulating Electric Wire The insulating electric wire 3 is, for example, a power supply line that supplies power to the load 101 in the facility 100. The insulating electric wire 3 is, for example, a VVF cable for indoor electrical wiring. The insulating electric wire 3 includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of conductors 31, a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of insulators 32, and a sheath 33, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0047] Each of the plurality of conductors 31 is, for example, a copper wire composed of a single wire or a stranded wire. Each of the plurality of insulators 32 is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a material and covers the corresponding conductor 31 among the plurality of conductors 31. The sheath 33 is made of polyvinyl chloride as a material, like the insulator 32, and covers the plurality of insulators 32. That is, in the insulated electric wire 3, the plurality of conductors 31 are covered by a double insulator (insulator 32 and sheath 33). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cross-sectional shape of the sheath 33 is an elliptical shape having a major axis in the third direction D3 when viewed from the first direction D1 which is the longitudinal direction of the insulated electric wire 3. In the present embodiment, an AC voltage (commercial power supply voltage) of 60 Hz and 100 V is applied between the plurality of conductors 31.

[0048] Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power receiving module 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of contact members 6. The plurality of contact members 6 are made of an elastic material such as rubber, for example, and have an arc shape along the shapes of the first recess 155 and the second recess 156 of the housing 15 (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of contact members 6 is provided between the corresponding electrode 11 among the plurality of electrodes 11 and the opposing surface 1551 of the first recess 155 or the opposing surface 1561 of the second recess 156 in the third direction D3 (the left-right direction in FIG. 6). The opposing surface 1551 is the opposing surface of the first recess 155 with respect to the insulated electric wire 3. The opposing surface 1561 is the opposing surface of the second recess 156 with respect to the insulated electric wire 3.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of contact members 6 bring the plurality of electrodes 11 into close contact with the insulated electric wire 3 in a state where the housing 15 of the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulated electric wire 3. Thereby, it becomes possible to increase the capacitances C1 and C2 generated between each electrode 11 and the corresponding conductor 31, and as a result, it becomes possible to increase the power generated by the power supply circuit 12.

[0050] (3) Characteristics of the power receiving module Next, the characteristics of the power receiving module 1 will be described.

[0051] As described above, in the power receiving module 1, each of the multiple electrodes 11 generates capacitances C1 and C2 between itself and a corresponding one of the multiple conductors 31, i.e., a conductor 31 that faces itself in one direction (third direction D3). Here, the resistance value of the conductor that connects the multiple conductors 31 to the power supply circuit 12 is Rc, and the voltage applied between the multiple conductors 31 is Vs. In this case, the resistance value Rc is calculated based on formula (1).

[0052]

number

[0053] Then, the current i1 flowing into the power supply circuit 12 is calculated based on the formula (2).

[0054]

number

[0055] The current i1 shown in equation (2) flows through the capacitor of the power supply circuit 12, and power is stored in the capacitor. Then, as described above, when the voltage across the capacitor becomes equal to or higher than the minimum operating voltage of the boost circuit, the boost circuit generates a boosted voltage higher than the voltage across the capacitor, and the boosted voltage generated by the boost circuit is smoothed by the smoothing circuit. The power supply circuit 12 supplies the power (DC power) smoothed by the smoothing circuit to the sensor circuit 13 and the communication circuit 14.

[0056] In this way, the power supply circuit 12 generates power to be supplied to the sensor circuit 13 and the communication circuit 14 from the voltage (commercial power supply voltage) applied between the multiple conductors 31 of the insulated wire 3 and the electric energy generated by the electrostatic capacitances C1, C2 between each of the multiple conductors 31 and a corresponding one of the multiple electrodes 11. In other words, the power receiving module 1 according to this embodiment is applicable to the insulated wire 3 and is capable of generating power.

[0057] Incidentally, in the power generation system 10 according to the present embodiment, as described above, a high-frequency voltage is superimposed on the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated wire 3. As a result, it is possible to increase the current value of the current i1 output to the power supply circuit 12 as compared with the case where only the commercial power supply voltage is applied to the insulated wire 3. For example, when a high-frequency voltage of 2 MHz and 1 V is superimposed on the commercial power supply voltage, the current value of the current i1 can be increased to about 300 times. That is, in the power generation system 10 according to the present embodiment, the voltage applied between the plurality of conductors 31 is a voltage including the above-described high-frequency voltage, and more specifically, a voltage obtained by superimposing the high-frequency voltage on the commercial power supply voltage.

[0058] (4) Effects In the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment, when the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulated wire 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, each electrode 11 and the corresponding conductor 31 face each other. As a result, capacitances C1 and C2 are generated between each electrode 11 and the corresponding conductor 31. Then, the power supply circuit 12 generates power from the voltage Vs applied between the plurality of conductors 31 and the electrical energy generated by the capacitances C1 and C2. That is, according to the power receiving module 1 according to the present embodiment, it is applicable to the insulated wire 3 and can generate power.

[0059] Further, in the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment, each of the plurality of electrodes 11 has a shape along the outer shape of the insulated wire 3 when the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulated wire 3. As a result, it is possible to increase the capacitances C1 and C2 generated between each electrode 11 and the corresponding conductor 31, and as a result, it is possible to generate larger power.

[0060] Further, in the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment, each of the plurality of electrodes 11 is elongated along the longitudinal direction (first direction D1) of the insulated wire 3. As a result, it is possible to increase the capacitances C1 and C2 generated between each electrode 11 and the corresponding conductor 31, and as a result, it is possible to generate larger power.

[0061] Further, in the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 11 are in close contact with the insulating electric wire 3 in a state where the housing 15 of the power receiving module 1 is attached to the insulating electric wire 3. Thereby, by simply attaching the housing 15 of the power receiving module 1 to the insulating electric wire 3, the conductors 31 corresponding to the respective electrodes 11 can be brought into close contact with each other, and the workability can be improved.

[0062] Further, in the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment, the two divided housings 151 and 152 are connected to each other so as to be openable and closable at one end in the second direction D2. Further, the two divided housings 151 and 152 are coupled to each other at the other end in the second direction D2. Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the power receiving module 1 to the insulating electric wire 3 and also possible to easily remove the power receiving module 1 from the insulating electric wire 3.

[0063] Further, the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment further includes an adhesion member 6 that adheres the plurality of electrodes 11 to the insulating electric wire 3. Thereby, it is possible to improve the adhesion of the plurality of electrodes 11 to the insulating electric wire 3, and as a result, it is possible to further increase the capacitances C1 and C2 generated between each electrode 11 and the corresponding conductor 31.

[0064] Further, in the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment, the insulating electric wire 3 is a power supply line that supplies power to the load 101 in the facility 100. Thereby, it is only necessary to attach the power receiving module 1 to the insulating electric wire 3 previously wired in the facility 100, and the working time can be shortened.

[0065] Further, in the power receiving module 1 according to the embodiment, the sensor circuit 13 and the communication circuit 14 are supplied with power from the power supply circuit 12. Thereby, it is possible to operate the sensor circuit 13 and the communication circuit 14 with the power generated by the power supply circuit 12.

[0066] Further, the power generation system 10 according to the embodiment includes the above-described power receiving module 1. Thereby, it can be applied to the insulating electric wire 3 and power can be generated.

[0067] (5) Variation The above-described embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be variously modified according to the design or the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Hereinafter, variations of the above-described embodiment will be listed. The variations described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0068] (5.1) Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the insulated wire 3 is a VVF cable, but the insulated wire 3 is not limited to a VVF cable, and may be, for example, a VCTF (vinyl cab tire) cable. As shown in FIG. 7A, the insulated wire 3 includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of conductors 31, a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of insulators 32, and a sheath 33. The sheath 33 is circular in a plan view from the longitudinal direction of the insulated wire 3 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7A). In this case, each of the plurality of electrodes 11 is arranged along the outer shape of the sheath 33 so as to face the corresponding conductor 31 among the plurality of conductors 31, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0069] Further, the insulated wire 3 may be, for example, an NNFF (chloroprene rubber insulated flat) cord. As shown in FIG. 7B, the insulated wire 3 includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of conductors 31 and a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of insulators 32. Each of the plurality of insulators 32 has an elliptical shape in a plan view from the longitudinal direction of the insulated wire 3 (a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7B). In this case, each of the plurality of electrodes 11 is arranged along the outer shape of the corresponding insulator 32 among the plurality of insulators 32 so as to face the corresponding conductor 31 among the plurality of conductors 31, as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0070] Also, the insulated wire 3 may be, for example, a VFF (vinyl flat) cable. As shown in FIG. 7C, the insulated wire 3 includes a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of conductors 31 and a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of insulators 32. Each of the plurality of insulators 32 has an elliptical shape in a plan view from the longitudinal direction of the insulated wire 3 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7C). In this case, as shown in FIG. 7C, each of the plurality of electrodes 11 is arranged along the outer shape of the corresponding insulator 32 so as to face the corresponding conductor 31 among the plurality of conductors 31.

[0071] (5.2) Modification 2 In the above-described embodiment, the power supply module 2 has the voltage superposition unit 21, and the voltage superposition unit 21 superimposes a high-frequency voltage on the commercial power supply voltage, thereby increasing the power generated by the power supply circuit 12. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the power supply module 2A may have a switching element 22 and a control circuit 23. Hereinafter, the power supply module 2A according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0072] The power supply module 2A according to Modification 2 has a switching element 22 and a control circuit 23 as shown in FIG. 8. The switching element 22 is a semiconductor switch such as, for example, a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). The switching element 22 is, for example, an N-channel type MOSFET, but may be a P-channel type MOSFET. The switching element 22 is inserted into the circuit between the output side of the main breaker 41 and the input side of each branch breaker 42, and it is possible to turn on / off the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated wire 3 by turning on / off the switching element 22.

[0073] The control circuit 23 controls the on / off of the switching element 22. More specifically, the control circuit 23 controls the on / off of the switching element 22 at a switching frequency of, for example, 2 MHz. Thereby, during the period when the switching element 22 is switched at high speed, it becomes possible to make the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated electric wire 3 a high-frequency voltage. That is, the control circuit 23 controls the on / off of the switching element 22 so that the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated electric wire 3 becomes a high-frequency voltage. Thereby, it becomes possible to increase the current value of the current i1 output to the power supply circuit 12 as compared with the case where no switching operation is performed on the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated electric wire 3. For example, when a high-frequency voltage of 2 MHz and 100 V is applied to the insulated electric wire 3, it becomes possible to increase the current value of the current i1 by about 30,000 times.

[0074] Here, the control circuit 23 controls the on / off of the switching element 22 based on the phase of the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated electric wire 3. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit 23 turns the switching element 22 on / off at a switching frequency of 2 MHz in a range where the phase of the commercial power supply voltage is 90° ± 10° (the range indicated by hatching in FIG. 9). Thereby, while supplying power to the plurality of loads 101 respectively connected to the plurality of branch breakers 42, it becomes possible to minimize the influence on the load 101 due to switching.

[0075] In Modification 2, the insulated electric wire 3 is a power supply line to which the commercial power supply voltage is applied, but the insulated electric wire 3 may be a dedicated line. It is preferable that the end of the dedicated line is open. In this case, by attaching the power receiving module 1 to the insulated electric wire 3 made of the dedicated line, it becomes possible to generate power in the power receiving module 1.

[0076] (5.3) Other Modifications Hereinafter, other modifications will be listed.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the commercial power supply voltage applied to the insulated wire 3 is 60 Hz and 100 V. However, the commercial power supply voltage is not limited to 60 Hz and 100 V, and may be, for example, 50 Hz and 100 V. Further, the commercial power supply voltage may be, for example, 50 Hz and 200 V, or 60 Hz and 200 V.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the shape of each electrode 11 is arc-shaped. However, the shape of each electrode 11 is not limited to the arc shape, and may be, for example, a flat plate shape. Further, the number of the plurality of electrodes 11 is not limited to two, and may be, for example, three. In this case, it is preferable that the number of the conductors 31 is also three, and the plurality of electrodes 11 and the plurality of conductors 31 correspond to each other one-to-one.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the number of the conductors 31 of the insulated wire 3 is two. However, the number of the conductors 31 is not limited to two, and may be, for example, three. In this case, it is preferable that the number of the insulators 32 is also three, and the plurality of conductors 31 and the plurality of insulators 32 correspond to each other one-to-one.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the housing 15 is rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. However, the housing 15 is not limited to the rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be spherical as long as it has a structure having the holding portion 150.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the distribution board 4 has a plurality of branch breakers 42 as internal devices 40. However, the distribution board 4 may have one branch breaker 42.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the power supply module 2 is connected to the electric circuit between the output side of the main breaker 41 and the input side of each branch breaker 32. On the other hand, the power supply module 2 may be connected to, for example, the output side of the branch breaker 42 to which the wiring device 102 and the load 101 are not connected.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the power generation system 10 includes the power supply module 2, but the power supply module 2 may be omitted. That is, the power generation system (module system) 10 according to the present embodiment only needs to include the power receiving module 1 as a module and the communication adapter 5 as an external device that communicates with the power receiving module 1.

[0084] (Aspect) The following aspects are disclosed in this specification.

[0085] The module (1) according to the first aspect is a module (1) attached to the insulated wire (3). The insulated wire (3) includes a plurality of conductors (31) and a plurality of insulators (32) each covering the plurality of conductors (31). The module (1) includes a plurality of electrodes (11) and a power supply circuit (12). The plurality of electrodes (11) are arranged so as to face the plurality of conductors (31) respectively. The power supply circuit (12) is connected to the plurality of electrodes (11). The power supply circuit (12) generates electric power from the voltage applied between the plurality of conductors (31) and the electric energy generated by the capacitance (C1, C2) between each of the plurality of conductors (31) and the corresponding electrode (11) among the plurality of electrodes (11).

[0086] According to this aspect, it is applicable to the insulated wire (3) and can generate electric power.

[0087] In the module (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, each of the plurality of electrodes (11) has a shape along the outer shape of the insulated wire (3) in a state of being attached to the insulated wire (3).

[0088] According to this aspect, it is possible to increase the capacitance (C1, C2) between each electrode (11) and the corresponding conductor (31), and as a result, it is possible to generate more electric power.

[0089] In the module (1) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, each of the plurality of electrodes (11) is elongated along the longitudinal direction (D1) of the insulated wire (3).

[0090] According to this aspect, it is possible to increase the capacitance (C1, C2) between each electrode (11) and the corresponding conductor (31), and as a result, it is possible to generate more power.

[0091] The module (1) according to the fourth aspect further includes a housing (15) in any one of the first to third aspects. The housing (15) has a holding portion (150) along the outer shape of the insulated wire (3). The plurality of electrodes (11) are arranged along the opposing surfaces (1551, 1561) of the holding portion (150) with the insulated wire (3). The plurality of electrodes (11) are in close contact with the insulated wire (3) in a state where the housing (15) is attached to the insulated wire (3).

[0092] According to this aspect, by simply attaching the housing (15) of the module (1) to the insulated wire (3), each electrode (11) and the corresponding conductor (31) can be brought into close contact, and the workability can be improved.

[0093] In the module (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the housing (15) has two split housings (151, 152). The two split housings (151, 152) are connected to each other so as to be openable and closable at one end in the second direction (D2) that intersects the first direction (D1) which is the longitudinal direction of the insulated wire (3). The two split housings (151, 152) are joined to each other at the other end in the second direction (D2).

[0094] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily attach the module (1) to the insulated wire (3) and also possible to easily remove the module (1) from the insulated wire (3).

[0095] The module (1) according to the sixth aspect further includes a contact member (6) in the fourth or fifth aspect. The contact member (6) brings a plurality of electrodes (11) into close contact with the insulated electric wire (3) in a state where the housing (15) is attached to the insulated electric wire (3).

[0096] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to improve the adhesion of the plurality of electrodes (11) to the insulated electric wire (3), and as a result, it becomes possible to further increase the capacitances (C1, C2) generated between each electrode (11) and the corresponding conductor (31).

[0097] In the module (1) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the insulated electric wire (3) is a power supply line that supplies power to a load (101) in a facility (100).

[0098] According to this aspect, it is only necessary to attach the module (1) to the insulated electric wire (3) pre-wired in the facility (100), and it becomes possible to shorten the working time.

[0099] The module (1) according to the eighth aspect further includes a sensor circuit (13) and a communication circuit (14) in any one of the first to seventh aspects. The sensor circuit (13) senses information in the facility (100). The communication circuit (14) communicates with an external device (5). The sensor circuit (13) and the communication circuit (14) are supplied with power from the power supply circuit (12).

[0100] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to operate the sensor circuit (13) and the communication circuit (14) with the power generated by the power supply circuit (12).

[0101] The module system (10) according to the ninth aspect includes the module (1) according to the eighth aspect and an external device (5). The external device (5) communicates with the module (1).

[0102] According to this aspect, it is applicable to the insulated electric wire (3) and can generate power.

[0103] The configurations according to the second to eighth aspects are not essential configurations of the module (1) and can be appropriately omitted.

Explanation of Signs

[0104] 1 Power receiving module (module) 3 Insulated wire 5 Communication adapter (external device) 6 Contact member 10 Power generation system (module system) 11 Electrode 12 Power supply circuit 13 Sensor circuit 14 Communication circuit 15 Housing 31 Conductor 32 Insulator 100 Facility 101 Load 151, 152 Divided housing C1, C2 Capacitance D1 First direction (longitudinal direction of the insulated wire) D2 Second direction

Claims

1. A module attached to an insulated wire including a plurality of conductors and a plurality of insulators each covering the plurality of conductors, a plurality of electrodes arranged to face each of the plurality of conductors respectively, and a power supply circuit connected to the plurality of electrodes, wherein the power supply circuit generates power from electrical energy generated by a capacitance between each of the plurality of conductors and a corresponding electrode among the plurality of electrodes based on a voltage obtained by superimposing a high-frequency voltage, which is a voltage having a frequency higher than the commercial frequency, on a commercial power supply voltage, which is a voltage of the commercial frequency applied between the plurality of conductors. Module.

2. Each of the plurality of electrodes has a shape along the outer shape of the insulated wire in a state of being attached to the insulated wire. The module according to claim 1.

3. Each of the plurality of electrodes is elongated along the longitudinal direction of the insulated wire. The module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The module further includes a housing having a holding portion along the outer shape of the insulated wire, wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged along a facing surface with the insulated wire in the holding portion, and the housing is in close contact with the insulated wire in a state of being attached to the insulated wire. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The housing has two split housings, wherein the two split housings are openably and closably connected to each other at one end in a second direction intersecting a first direction which is the longitudinal direction of the insulated wire, and coupled to each other at the other end in the second direction. The module according to claim 4.

6. The module further includes a close contact member that closely contacts the plurality of electrodes to the insulated wire in a state of the housing being attached to the insulated wire. The module according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The insulated wire is a power supply line that supplies power to a load in a facility. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The module further includes a sensor circuit that senses information in a facility and a communication circuit that communicates with an external device, wherein the sensor circuit and the communication circuit are supplied with the power from the power supply circuit. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A module system including the module according to claim 8 and an external device that communicates with the module. The module according to claim 8 and an external device that communicates with the module. Module system.

Images