Switching system

Abstract

To provide a switching system capable of reducing the number of construction works.SOLUTION: A switching system 1 includes a power supply switching unit 2, a control module 3, and a housing C1. The power supply switching unit 2 has at least one power selector switch and a power supply selection unit. The power supply selection unit opens / closes at least one power selector switch. The control module 3 has one or more supply selector switches and a supply control unit. The supply control unit controls one or more supply selector switches to open / close. The housing C1 accommodates the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a switching system, and more particularly to a switching system that switches the state of power supply to a load circuit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling the supply of power to a load (load circuit). More specifically, the power management system described in Patent Document 1 includes a circuit and a control module. The circuit includes a smart node, a breaker, a sensor, and a load. The smart node is controlled by a control signal transmitted from the control module. The smart node controls the amount of power supplied from the power source to the load.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the power management system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the man-hours required for introducing the power management system into a facility increase.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a switching system capable of suppressing man-hours.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A switching system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a power supply switch unit, a control module, and a housing. The power supply switch unit has at least one power supply switch and a power supply selection unit. The at least one power supply switch is electrically connected between a plurality of power supplies including a first power supply and a second power supply and a main breaker of a distribution board. The power supply selection unit switches between a first state in which power is supplied from the first power supply to the main breaker and a second state in which power is supplied from the second power supply to the main breaker by opening and closing the at least one power supply switch. The control module has one or more supply switches and a supply control unit. The one or more supply switches are electrically connected between one or more branch breakers of the distribution board and one or more load circuits corresponding one-to-one to the one or more branch breakers. The supply control unit opens and closes the one or more supply switches. The housing houses the power supply switch a section, the one or more supply switching switches, and the supply control unit accommodates. A switching system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a power supply switching unit, a control module, and a housing. The power supply switching unit has at least one power supply switching switch and a power supply selection unit. The at least one power supply switching switch is electrically connected between a plurality of power supplies including a first power supply and a second power supply and a main breaker of a distribution board. The power supply selection unit switches between a first state in which power is supplied from the first power supply to the main breaker and a second state in which power is supplied from the second power supply to the main breaker by opening and closing the at least one power supply switching switch. The control module has one or more supply switching switches and a supply control unit. The one or more supply switching switches are electrically connected between one or more branch breakers of the distribution board and one or more load circuits corresponding one-to-one to the one or more branch breakers. The supply control unit opens and closes the one or more supply switching switches. The housing houses the power supply switching unit and the control module. The control module further has a selection circuit that switches a power supply path from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches between a first path in which power is directly supplied from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches and a second path in which power is supplied from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches via the distribution board. The first power supply is a commercial power supply. The second power supply is a distributed power supply. When the power supply selection unit changes the power supply state to the main breaker to the second state, the supply control unit sets the power supply path from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches to the first path.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure has the advantage of being able to suppress the number of construction man-hours.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In each of the following embodiments, the switching system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, each of the following embodiments is only a part of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the following embodiments can be variously modified according to design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Also, each of the figures described in the following embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in the figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) (Overview) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching system 1 includes a power supply switching unit 2. The power supply switching unit 2 is, for example, an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch). The power supply switching unit 2 automatically switches the power supply 6 as the power supply source. In the present embodiment, the power supply switching unit 2 is connected to two power supplies 6, that is, a first power supply 61 and a second power supply 62. The first power supply 61 is a commercial power supply, and the second power supply 62 is a distributed power supply. The power supply switching unit 2 automatically switches between a first state of receiving power from the first power supply 61 and a second state of receiving power from the second power supply 62. The power supply switching unit 2 outputs the received power.

[0011] The switching system 1 further includes a control module 3. Also, the switching system 1 is used together with a distribution board 4. The power supply switching unit 2 outputs the power received from the first power supply 61 or the second power supply 62 to the distribution board 4. The distribution board 4 branches the received power into a plurality of branch circuits (the branch circuits include branch breakers 42). One or more of the plurality of branch circuits are electrically connected to the control module 3. The control module 3 has one or more supply switching switches 31 that cut off the power output from the one or more branch circuits. When the supply switching switch 31 is closed, the power output from the branch circuit is supplied to the load circuit 8 via the control module 3.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching system 1 of the present embodiment includes a power supply switching unit 2, a control module 3, and a housing C1. The power supply switching unit 2 has at least one power supply switching switch 21 and a power supply selection unit 26. The at least one power supply switching switch 21 is electrically connected between a plurality of power supplies 6 including the first power supply 61 and the second power supply 62 and the main breaker 41 of the distribution board 4. The power supply selection unit 26 switches between a first state in which power is supplied from the first power supply 61 to the main breaker 41 and a second state in which power is supplied from the second power supply 62 to the main breaker 41 by opening and closing the at least one power supply switching switch 21. The control module 3 has one or more supply switching switches 31 and a supply control unit 361 (see FIG. 3). The one or more supply switching switches 31 are electrically connected between one or more of the plurality of branch breakers 42 of the distribution board 4 and one or more load circuits 8 that correspond one-to-one to the one or more branch breakers 42. The supply control unit 361 opens and closes the one or more supply switching switches 31. The housing C1 houses the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3.

[0013] According to this embodiment, compared with the case where the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 are housed in separate enclosures, the man-hours required for installing the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 can be reduced. For example, since the electric wires (power supply lines or signal lines) connecting between the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 can be pre-wired, the man-hours required for wiring can be reduced. Also, since the wiring can be grouped by the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3, the installation man-hours can be reduced. Further, the man-hours required for installing the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 can be reduced.

[0014] Moreover, the distribution board 4 connected and used with the switching system 1 does not require special specifications. Therefore, the switching system 1 can be introduced without replacing the existing distribution board 4. Thereby, the installation man-hours and the introduction cost can be reduced.

[0015] (Details) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 of this embodiment will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the case where the power distribution system of the electric circuit to which the switching system 1 is applied is a single-phase three-wire system will be described as an example. However, the power distribution system of the electric circuit to which the switching system 1 is applied is not limited to the single-phase three-wire system, and may be, for example, a single-phase two-wire system, a three-phase three-wire system, or a three-phase four-wire system.

[0016] (1) Multiple power supplies and inverters As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply switching unit 2 is connected to the first power supply 61 and the second power supply 62. As described above, the first power supply 61 is a commercial power supply, and the second power supply 62 is a distributed power supply. In this embodiment, the first power supply 61 (commercial power supply) outputs AC power, and the second power supply 62 (distributed power supply) outputs DC power. In this embodiment, the power supply switching unit 2 is connected to the second power supply 62 via the inverter 7.

[0017] An example of the distributed power supply is a power generation system such as a solar power generation system, a hydroelectric power generation system, a fuel cell system, or a diesel power generation system. Another example of the distributed power supply is a battery storage system. Also, the power supply switching unit 2 may be connected to a plurality of distributed power supplies.

[0018] The inverter 7 converts the DC power output from the second power source 62 into AC power. Further, the inverter 7 outputs the converted AC power to the power supply switching unit 2. The inverter 7 has a grid connection terminal 71 and an off-grid terminal 72.

[0019] The inverter 7 operates in one of the operation modes of the grid-connected operation mode and the off-grid operation mode. In the grid-connected operation mode, the grid connection terminal 71 of the inverter 7 is electrically connected to the first power source 61 (commercial power supply). In the off-grid operation mode, the inverter 7 outputs AC power to the output terminal 25 of the power supply switching unit 2 via the off-grid terminal 72.

[0020] (2) Power supply switching unit As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply switching unit 2 includes a power supply switch 21, a service breaker 22, a grid breaker 23, an off-grid breaker 24, an output terminal 25, and a power supply selection unit 26.

[0021] The power supply switch 21 may be a mechanical switch or may be configured by combining a plurality of semiconductor switches.

[0022] The output terminal 25 is electrically connected to the primary side terminal of the main breaker 41 of the distribution board 4.

[0023] The service breaker 22 is electrically connected to the first power source 61. The service breaker 22 and the output terminal 25 are electrically connected by three single-phase three-wire electric wires. That is, the service breaker 22 and the output terminal 25 are electrically connected by two voltage lines (the L1-phase electric wire and the L2-phase electric wire) and a neutral wire (the N-phase electric wire).

[0024] In this embodiment, the power switch 21 is a c-contact switch. The power switch 21 alternately switches between a first connection state and a second connection state by switching the contacts. The first connection state is a state in which the service breaker 22 and the output terminal 25 are electrically connected, and the independent terminal 72 of the inverter 7 and the output terminal 25 are electrically disconnected. The second connection state is a state in which the service breaker 22 and the output terminal 25 are electrically disconnected, and the independent terminal 72 of the inverter 7 and the output terminal 25 are electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 2, in the power switch 21, the neutral line (the middle line extending from the first power supply 61 in FIG. 2) does not have to be disconnected. The neutral line does not have to be disconnected in other switches and breakers either.

[0025] Also, between the power switch 21 and the independent terminal 72 of the inverter 7, they are electrically connected by three single-phase three-wire electric wires, and independent breakers 24 are provided in two of the three electric wires.

[0026] Between the service breaker 22 and the connection terminal 71 of the inverter 7, they are electrically connected by three single-phase three-wire electric wires, and connection breakers 23 are provided in two of the three electric wires.

[0027] The power selection unit 26 includes, for example, a microcontroller. The power selection unit 26 opens and closes the power switch 21. Opening and closing the power switch 21 means switching the contact and non-contact between the contacts of the power switch 21. In this embodiment, the power switch 21 is a c-contact switch, and opening and closing the power switch 21 means switching between the above-described first connection state and second connection state.

[0028] For example, when the power switch 21 is a mechanical switch, the power supply selection unit 26 controls an electric actuator provided near the power switch 21 to open and close the power switch 21. Further, when the power switch 21 is a semiconductor switch, particularly a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), the power supply selection unit 26 opens and closes the power switch 21 by changing the gate voltage of the MOSFET.

[0029] The power supply selection unit 26 switches between a first state and a second state as the power supply state to the main breaker 41 of the distribution board 4 by opening and closing the power switch 21. The first state is a state in which power is supplied from the first power supply 61 (commercial power supply) to the main breaker 41. The second state is a state in which power is supplied from the second power supply 62 (distributed power supply) to the main breaker 41. The above-described first connection state coincides with the first state, and the above-described second connection state coincides with the second state.

[0030] The power supply selection unit 26 opens and closes the power switch 21 according to the information transmitted from the processing circuit 36 of the control module 3.

[0031] Further, the switching system 1 further includes a plurality (two in FIG. 2) of first power supply voltage detection circuits 27 and a plurality (two in FIG. 2) of second power supply voltage detection circuits 28.

[0032] The first power supply voltage detection circuit 27 detects the first voltage input from the first power supply 61 (commercial power supply) to the power switch 21. The first power supply voltage detection circuit 27 is connected to two terminals and detects the voltage between the two terminals. The two terminals are provided, for example, between the power switch 21 and the connection terminal 71 of the inverter 7.

[0033] The second power supply voltage detection circuit 28 detects the second voltage input from the second power supply 62 (distributed power supply) to the power supply switch 21. The second power supply voltage detection circuit 28 is connected to two terminals and detects the voltage between the two terminals. The two terminals are provided, for example, between the power supply switch 21 and the self - supporting terminal 72 of the inverter 7.

[0034] In FIG. 2, the two first power supply voltage detection circuits 27 and the two second power supply voltage detection circuits 28 are illustrated as being provided in the power supply switching unit 2, but actually, they may be housed in the housing 38 (see FIG. 1) of the control module 3.

[0035] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply switching unit 2 further has a housing 29. The housing 29 is housed in the housing C1 of the switching system 1. The housing 29 houses other components in the power supply switching unit 2. Specifically, the housing 29 houses the power supply switch 21, the service breaker 22, the inter - connection breaker 23, the self - supporting breaker 24, the output terminal 25, and the power supply selection unit 26.

[0036] (3) Distribution board As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution board 4 has a main breaker 41 and a plurality (six in FIG. 2) of branch breakers 42.

[0037] Between the primary - side terminal of the main breaker 41 and the output terminal 25 of the power supply switching unit 2, they are electrically connected by three single - phase three - wire electric wires (first power supply line PL1). From the secondary - side terminal of the main breaker 41, three single - phase three - wire electric wires extend, and two of these three electric wires, which are voltage lines, are electrically connected to the primary - side terminals of the plurality of branch breakers 42.

[0038] More specifically, focusing on one branch breaker 42, the primary side terminal is electrically connected to one or two of the three voltage lines among the three electric wires. The branch breaker 42 outputs a voltage corresponding to the potential difference between one voltage line electrically connected to the primary side terminal and the neutral line, or the potential difference between two voltage lines electrically connected to the primary side terminal, from the secondary side terminal. As an example, in the specification of the power supply voltage in the United States, the potential difference between the L1 phase or the L2 phase and the N phase is 120 [V], and the potential difference between the L1 phase and the L2 phase is 240 [V].

[0039] Focusing on at least one branch breaker 42 among the plurality of branch breakers 42, the secondary side terminal of the branch breaker 42 is electrically connected to the input terminal 34 of the control module 3. More specifically, between the secondary side terminal of the branch breaker 42 and the input terminal 34 of the control module 3, they are electrically connected by one or two voltage lines (the second power line PL2).

[0040] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the distribution board 4 further has a cabinet 43. The cabinet 43 houses other components in the distribution board 4. Specifically, the cabinet 43 houses the main breaker 41 and the plurality of branch breakers 42.

[0041] (4) Control Module As shown in FIG. 2, the control module 3 has a plurality (two in FIG. 2) of circuit blocks B1, a processing circuit 36, and a communication circuit 37. Each of the plurality of circuit blocks B1 includes a supply switching switch 31, a current detection circuit 32, a voltage detection circuit 33, an input terminal 34, and an output terminal 35.

[0042] The input terminal 34 is electrically connected to the neutral line extending from the distribution board 4 and one voltage line extending from the secondary side terminal of the branch breaker 42. Alternatively, two voltage lines extending from the secondary side terminal of the branch breaker 42 are electrically connected to the input terminal 34. That is, each circuit block B1 corresponds to both the input of the voltage between the L1 and L2 phases and the input of the voltage between the L1 or L2 phase and the N phase.

[0043] The output terminal 35 is electrically connected to the load circuit 8. The load circuit 8 includes at least one load. Also, a plurality of load circuits 8 are provided.

[0044] Note that not all of the plurality of load circuits 8 need to be electrically connected to the output terminal 35 of the control module 3. As shown in FIG. 2, some of the load circuits 81 may be electrically connected to the output terminal 35, and the other load circuits 82 may be electrically connected to the secondary side terminal of the branch breaker 42 of the distribution board 4 without passing through the control module 3.

[0045] The input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35 are electrically connected by two electric wires. Between the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35, a supply switching switch 31, a current detection circuit 32, and a voltage detection circuit 33 are provided.

[0046] The supply switching switch 31 may be a mechanical switch or a semiconductor switch. By opening and closing the supply switching switch 31, the state of conduction and interruption between the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35 is switched.

[0047] The current detection circuit 32 detects the current flowing between the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35. That is, the current detection circuit 32 detects the current output to the load circuit 8 via the output terminal 35. The current detection circuit 32 includes, for example, a shunt resistor, a Hall element current sensor, a current transformer, or a Rogowski coil.

[0048] The control module 3 has a current detection circuit 32 in each of the plurality of circuit blocks B1. That is, the control module 3 has a plurality of current detection circuits 32. Thus, the control module 3 has one or more current detection circuits 32, and the one or more current detection circuits 32 correspond one-to-one to one or more load circuits 8. The one or more current detection circuits 32 detect the current output to the corresponding load circuit 8.

[0049] The voltage detection circuit 33 includes, for example, a voltmeter. The voltage detection circuit 33 detects the voltage output to one or more load circuits 8. In the present embodiment, the voltage detection circuit 33 is electrically connected between two electric wires between the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35.

[0050] In FIG. 1, the electric wire PL5 between the output terminal 35 and the load circuit 8 passes through the cabinet 43 of the distribution board 4, but the electric wire PL5 does not necessarily have to pass through the cabinet 43.

[0051] The control module 3 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least some functions of the control module 3 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, may be provided through an electrical communication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0052] The processing circuit 36 includes the one or more processors described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 36 includes a supply control unit 361, a voltage acquisition unit 362, an arithmetic unit 363, a setting unit 364, and a determination unit 365. Note that these only indicate the functions realized by the processing circuit 36 and do not necessarily indicate a physical configuration.

[0053] The supply control unit 361 opens and closes the supply changeover switch 31. For example, when the supply changeover switch 31 is a mechanical switch, the supply control unit 361 controls an electric actuator provided near the supply changeover switch 31 to open and close the supply changeover switch 31. When the supply changeover switch 31 is a semiconductor switch, particularly a MOSFET, the supply control unit 361 opens and closes the supply changeover switch 31 by changing the gate voltage of the MOSFET.

[0054] The voltage acquisition unit 362 acquires the voltage detection result from the voltage detection circuit 33 of each circuit block B1. The calculation unit 363 calculates the power output to the load circuit 8 based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 33 and the current detected by the current detection circuit 32.

[0055] The supply control unit 361 of the control module 3 opens and closes the supply switching switch 31 based on the power calculated by the calculation unit 363. More specifically, the calculation unit 363 calculates the output power for each circuit block B1, that is, the input power for each load circuit 8. Therefore, the supply control unit 361 preferentially shuts off the supply switching switch 31 included in the circuit block B1 with a larger output power, for example, during a power outage. In other words, the supply control unit 361 preferentially stops the power supply to the load circuit 8 with a larger input power, for example. Thereby, the power consumption is reduced, and the power can be supplied to the load circuit 8 where the power supply continues for a longer time.

[0056] Also, a priority may be set for each circuit block B1. The supply control unit 361 may correct the output power for each circuit block B1 calculated by the calculation unit 363 according to the priority. Specifically, the supply control unit 361 may correct the output power calculated by the calculation unit 363 to a smaller value as the priority of the circuit block B1 is higher. Thereby, the possibility that the supply switching switch 31 included in the circuit block B1 with a higher priority is cut off is reduced.

[0057] Also, the timing at which the supply control unit 361 shuts off at least some of the supply switching switches 31 is not limited to a power failure. For example, when power is being supplied from the second power source 62 (distributed power source), the supply control unit 361 may shut off at least some of the supply switching switches 31 according to the state of the second power source 62. The state of the second power source 62 is, for example, a state related to output power, output voltage, etc. The supply control unit 361 may shut off at least some of the supply switching switches 31, for example, when the output power or output voltage of the second power source 62 drops below the corresponding threshold value. Also, when the second power source 62 is a battery system, the state of the second power source 62 is, for example, a state related to the charge level (remaining capacity) of the battery system. The supply control unit 361 may shut off at least some of the supply switching switches 31, for example, when the charge level drops below a predetermined threshold value.

[0058] The setting unit 364 will be described in Embodiment 2.

[0059] The determination unit 365 determines whether the power supply state to the main breaker 41 is in the first state or the second state based on the first voltage detected by the first power supply voltage detection circuit 27 and the second voltage detected by the second power supply voltage detection circuit 28. That is, the determination unit 365 discriminates between the first state in which power is supplied from the first power source 61 and the second state in which power is supplied from the second power source 62.

[0060] More specifically, in the first state, the inverter 7 inputs and outputs power from the tie terminal 71 and stops the output from the self - supporting terminal 72. As a result, the first voltage becomes greater than the threshold value, and the second voltage becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. Therefore, the determination unit 365 determines that the power supply state is the first state by comparing the first voltage and the second voltage with the threshold value.

[0061] In the second state, the inverter 7 stops power input / output at the connection terminal 71 and outputs power from the self-sustaining terminal 72. As a result, the first voltage becomes equal to or lower than the threshold value, and the second voltage becomes greater than the threshold value. Therefore, the determination unit 365 determines that the power supply state is the second state by comparing the first voltage and the second voltage with the threshold value.

[0062] The supply control unit 361 of the control module 3 opens and closes the supply switching switch 31 based on the determination result of the determination unit 365. For example, when the power supply state is the second state, the supply control unit 361 may open more supply switching switches 31 compared to the first state. That is, in the second state, the number of load circuits 8 to which power is supplied may be reduced compared to the first state.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the control module 3 further has a housing 38. The housing 38 is provided adjacent to the housing 29 of the power supply switching unit 2. The housing 38 is housed in the housing C1 of the switching system 1. The housing 38 houses other components in the control module 3. Specifically, the housing 38 houses a plurality of circuit blocks B1, a processing circuit 36, and a communication circuit 37.

[0064] The control module 3 further has a plurality of display units 39. The plurality of display units 39 display the open / closed states of the supply switching switches 31 of the respective circuit blocks B1. Each display unit 39 includes, for example, a light source, and displays the open / closed state of each supply switching switch 31 by changing the lighting state of the light source.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication circuit 37 of the control module 3 communicates with the external terminal E1. That is, the communication circuit 37 and the external terminal E1 exchange signals directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like by an appropriate communication method of wired communication or wireless communication.

[0066] (5) External Terminal The external terminal E1 is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a personal computer. The external terminal E1 includes an output interface such as a display and an input interface such as a touch panel.

[0067] The communication circuit 37 of the control module 3 transmits information regarding at least one of the power calculated by the arithmetic unit 363, the open / closed state of the power switch 21, and the open / closed state of the supply switch 31 to the external terminal E1. The external terminal E1 presents the received information to the user through the output interface.

[0068] Also, the communication circuit 37 receives setting information regarding the operation of the supply control unit 361 for opening and closing the supply switch 31 from the external terminal E1. The setting information is specified, for example, when the user operates the input interface of the external terminal E1. The setting information is, for example, information regarding the output power of the circuit block B1. The information regarding the output power includes, for example, information regarding the output voltage.

[0069] The supply control unit 361 opens and closes the supply switch 31 according to the setting information. For example, when at least a part of the circuit block B1 does not include the voltage detection circuit 33, the arithmetic unit 363 uses the information regarding the output voltage of at least a part of the circuit block B1 included in the setting information instead of the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 33 to calculate the output power (the power output to the load circuit 8) of at least a part of the circuit block B1. Based on the power calculated in this way, the supply control unit 361 opens and closes the supply switch 31.

[0070] (6) Housing As shown in FIG. 1, the housing C1 of the switching system 1 houses the power switching unit 2 and the control module 3. The housing C1 has a body C11 and a cover C12. The body C11 is formed in a box shape having an opening C110 on the front surface. The cover C12 covers the opening C110 of the body C11.

[0071] In addition, the cover C12 has a window portion C120 (opening). When the cover C12 covers the opening C110 of the body C11, the plurality of display portions 39 of the control module 3 are exposed from the window portion C120.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing C1 may have at least one (three in FIG. 4) knockout C13. In the present embodiment, the knockout C13 is provided on the side surface of the body C11. The knockout C13 is a portion formed with lower strength than the surroundings on the side surface of the body C11. More specifically, the knockout C13 is, for example, formed thinner than the surroundings. Alternatively, for example, a notch is provided in the knockout C13. In the present embodiment, the knockout C13 is provided in an annular shape. When the knockout C13 is punched out, a through hole is formed in the side surface of the body C11. The first power line PL1 (see FIG. 2) and the second power line PL2 (see FIG. 2) are passed through the through hole formed in this way. The first power line PL1 electrically connects between the power switch 21 and the main breaker 41. The second power line PL2 electrically connects between the branch breaker 42 and the supply switch 31.

[0073] In addition, the first end of the wire conduit D1 (see FIG. 1) is passed through the through hole formed by punching out the knockout C13. The second end of the wire conduit D1 is passed through a through hole provided in the cabinet 43 of the distribution board 4. The wire conduit D1 is a tube for protecting wires (the first power line PL1 and the second power line PL2). The first power line PL1 and the second power line PL2 are passed through the inside of the wire conduit D1.

[0074] In FIG. 1, the wires electrically connecting the power switching unit 2 and the first power source 61, and the wires electrically connecting the power switching unit 2 and the inverter 7 are also passed through the inside of the wire conduits D2 and D3, respectively.

[0075] Note that even when the housing C1 is not provided with the knockout C13, the above through hole may be formed by an operator as appropriate.

[0076] (7) Connection between the switching system and the control module The switching system 1 further includes an electric wire PL3 (see FIG. 2) that electrically connects the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3. One end of the electric wire PL3 is electrically connected, for example, between the output terminal 25 of the power supply switching unit 2 and the power supply switching switch 21. The electric wire PL3 supplies power from the power supply switching unit 2 to the control module 3.

[0077] (8) Advantages As described above, in the switching system 1 of the present embodiment, the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 are housed in one housing C1. Therefore, there are the following advantages.

[0078] First, the power supply line (electric wire PL3), signal line, etc. connecting the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 can be pre-wired before bringing the switching system 1 to the installation site (for example, at the stage before shipment of the switching system 1). Therefore, the man-hours at the installation site can be reduced.

[0079] Also, the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 can share the configuration. For example, when the power supply switching unit 2 needs to communicate with the external terminal E1 to notify the user of the open / closed state of the power supply switching switch 21, the power supply switching unit 2 can communicate using the communication circuit 37 of the control module 3.

[0080] Also, the wiring can be grouped together by the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3. Thereby, the switching system 1 can be made more compact and the number of construction man-hours can be reduced. For example, both the first power supply line PL1 and the second power supply line PL2 can be passed through the through-hole formed by punching out the knockout C13. Also, the number of necessary through-holes and conduit pipes D1 can be reduced.

[0081] Also, by attaching the housing C1 to an attachment target such as a wall, the attachment of the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 is completed. Therefore, compared with the case where the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 are provided in separate housings, the man-hours required for attachment can be reduced.

[0082] (Modification Example of Embodiment 1) The following are modification examples of Embodiment 1. The following modification examples may be realized in appropriate combinations.

[0083] In Embodiment 1, the determination unit 365 determines whether the power supply state to the main breaker 41 is in the first state or the second state based on the first voltage detected by the first power supply voltage detection circuit 27 and the second voltage detected by the second power supply voltage detection circuit 28. In contrast, the determination unit 365 may determine whether the power supply state to the main breaker 41 is in the first state or the second state based on the information acquired from the inverter 7. That is, the inverter 7 can output information regarding which of the linked operation mode and the independent operation mode the operation mode of the inverter 7 is to the determination unit 365. Since the linked operation mode corresponds to the first state and the independent operation mode corresponds to the second state, the determination unit 365 can distinguish between the first state and the second state.

[0084] The number of the power supply changeover switches 21 is not limited to one. For example, a plurality of power supply changeover switches of the a contact or the b contact may be used to realize the same function as the power supply changeover switch 21 in Embodiment 1.

[0085] The number of the circuit blocks B1 is not particularly limited and may be one or more. Further, it is not essential that the circuit block B1 includes the current detection circuit 32 and the voltage detection circuit 33.

[0086] In Embodiment 1, the supply changeover switch 31 is a double-throw switch. However, the supply changeover switch 31 may be a single-throw switch.

[0087] In FIG. 2, some of the load circuits 82 are electrically connected to the secondary side terminals of the branch breakers 42 of the distribution board 4 without passing through the control module 3. The electrical quantities (for example, current, voltage, and power) related to this load circuit 82 may also be measured using instruments.

[0088] The supply control unit 361 may open and close the supply changeover switch 31 in response to a signal output when the user performs a predetermined operation on the external terminal E1.

[0089] The control module 3 may incorporate a power source for operating the control module 3. The power source is, for example, a storage battery or a large-capacity capacitor or the like.

[0090] Instead of the knockout C13, the housing C1 may have a through hole through which the first power line PL1 and the second power line PL2 are passed. Further, the housing C1 may have both the knockout C13 and the through hole.

[0091] The execution entity of the switching system 1 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. By the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, at least a part of the functions as the switching system 1 in the present disclosure is realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunication line, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). Here, integrated circuits such as the IC or LSI mentioned here have different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, for an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit sections inside the LSI, it can also be adopted as a processor. The one or more electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be provided distributed on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be provided distributed in a plurality of devices. The computer system mentioned here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0092] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description will be omitted. Note that each modification example of Embodiment 1 can also be appropriately applied to Embodiment 2.

[0093] The switching system 1 of this embodiment differs from the switching system 1 of Embodiment 1 in terms of the arrangement of a plurality (three in FIG. 5) of voltage detection circuits 33. Each of the three voltage detection circuits 33 is connected to corresponding two terminals and detects the voltage between the two terminals. The three voltage detection circuits 33 detect the voltage output from the power supply switching unit 2 to the main breaker 41. The voltage acquisition unit 362 (see FIG. 3) of the control module 3 acquires the voltage detection results from each of the three voltage detection circuits 33.

[0094] The voltage detection circuit 33 is housed in the housing C1 of the switching system 1. In FIG. 5, the three voltage detection circuits 33 are illustrated as being provided in the power supply switching unit 2, but actually, they may be housed in the housing 38 (see FIG. 1) of the control module 3.

[0095] The three voltage detection circuits 33 detect different voltages. More specifically, the three voltage detection circuits 33 detect the voltage between the L1 phase and the N phase, the voltage between the L2 phase and the N phase, and the voltage between the L1 phase and the L2 phase.

[0096] The setting unit 364 (see FIG. 3) of the control module 3 sets the correspondence between the three voltage detection circuits 33 and one or more load circuits 81. That is, focusing on one load circuit 81, the setting unit 364 associates the voltage detection circuit 33 that detects the voltage between the two electric wires electrically connected to the load circuit 81 with the load circuit 81. As an example, for a load circuit 81 electrically connected to the L1-phase electric wire and the N-phase electric wire, the setting unit 364 associates the voltage detection circuit 33 that detects the voltage between the same phases, that is, between the L1 phase and the N phase.

[0097] The calculation unit 363 (see FIG. 3) calculates the power output to the load circuit 81 based on the voltage detected by the corresponding voltage detection circuit 33 among the three voltage detection circuits 33 and the current detected by the current detection circuit 32. Thereby, similarly to Embodiment 1, the calculation unit 363 can calculate the power output to the load circuit 81. Also, regardless of the number of circuit blocks B1, the number of voltage detection circuits 33 can be limited to three.

[0098] Further, since the power supply switching unit 2 and the control module 3 are housed in one housing C1, wires for each voltage detection circuit 33 to acquire voltage can be pre-wired. That is, wiring can be pre-done between the voltage detection circuit 33 and the circuit in which voltage is detected by the voltage detection circuit 33. Thereby, the number of construction man-hours can be suppressed. Also, the possibility of incorrect wiring can be reduced.

[0099] The setting unit 364 sets the correspondence between the three voltage detection circuits 33 and one or more load circuits 81, for example, based on information transmitted from the external terminal E1. That is, the user can specify which voltage detection circuit 33 each load circuit 81 corresponds to by operating the external terminal E1. The correspondence between the three voltage detection circuits 33 and one or more load circuits 81 is stored in the memory of the control module 3.

[0100] Note that, as a first modification example of the present embodiment, the voltage detection circuit 33 may be provided outside the housing C1 of the switching system 1. For example, the voltage detection circuit 33 may be provided in the distribution board 4.

[0101] Also, as a second modification example of the present embodiment, instead of operating the external terminal E1, the user may specify which voltage detection circuit 33 each load circuit 81 corresponds to by operating an operation unit (for example, a DIP switch) provided in the switching system 1.

[0102] Also, as a third modification example of the present embodiment, the voltage detection circuit 33 may be omitted. In this case, the setting unit 364 sets the voltage applied to each load circuit 81. The setting unit 364 sets the voltage applied to each load circuit 81 based on, for example, the information transmitted from the external terminal E1. That is, the user can specify, for each load circuit 81 individually, what voltage [V] is being applied by operating the external terminal E1. For example, the user can select the voltage applied to each load circuit 81 from 120 [V] and 240 [V]. The information on the voltage applied to each load circuit 81 is stored in the memory of the control module 3. The calculation unit 363 calculates the power output to the load circuit 81 based on the voltage set by the setting unit 364. In the third modification example, the user may specify, for each load circuit 81 individually, what voltage [V] is being applied by operating an operation unit (for example, a DIP switch) provided in the switching system 1.

[0103] Also, as a fourth modification example of the present embodiment, for example, when introducing the switching system 1 into a facility such as a single-phase two-wire system, since the voltage is, for example, 120 [V] regardless of the measurement point, it is not necessary to associate the voltage detection circuit 33 with the load circuit 81 and to set the voltage, etc.

[0104] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description thereof will be omitted. Note that each modification example of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 (including modification examples) can also be appropriately applied to Embodiment 3.

[0105] The control module 3 further includes a selection circuit S1. More specifically, at least one circuit block B10 among the plurality of circuit blocks B1 of the control module 3 further includes a selection circuit S1 and an input terminal I1. The selection circuit S1 includes two c-contact switches provided on two electric wires electrically connecting the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35. The selection circuit S1 switches between a state where the supply switch 31 and the input terminal I1 are electrically connected and a state where the supply switch 31 and the input terminal 34 are electrically connected. The input terminal I1 is electrically connected to the output terminal 25 of the power supply switching unit 2.

[0106] The selection circuit S1 switches the power supply path from the power supply switching unit 2 to the supply switch 31 between a first path and a second path. The first path is a path in which power is directly supplied from the power supply switching unit 2 to the supply switch 31. That is, the first path is a path in which power is supplied from the power supply switching unit 2 to the supply switch 31 via the input terminal I1. The second path is a path in which power is supplied from the power supply switching unit 2 to the supply switch 31 via the distribution board 4. That is, the second path is a path in which power is supplied from the distribution board 4 to the supply switch 31 via the input terminal 34.

[0107] The supply control unit 361 opens and closes the two c-contact switches of the selection circuit S1. For example, when the power supply selection unit 26 changes the power supply state to the main breaker 41 to the second state, the supply control unit 361 sets the power supply path from the power supply switching unit 2 to the supply switch 31 to the first path.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, when the first power supply 61 (commercial power supply) is unavailable due to a power outage, power can be supplied to the load circuit 8 connected to the control module 3 via the second path that does not pass through the distribution board 4.

[0109] Also, when a plurality of supply switching switches 31 are provided, the second path may not be provided in each of all the supply switching switches 31, and as shown in FIG. 6, it may be provided only in some of the supply switching switches 31. That is, only some of the circuit blocks B10 may include the selection circuit S1.

[0110] Note that the switches included in the selection circuit S1 are not limited to c-contact switches, and may be a-contact switches or b-contact switches.

[0111] Also, the first path and the second path may be switched according to appropriate conditions, or the first path and the second path may be switched according to a user operation on the external terminal E1.

[0112] (Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description will be omitted. Note that each modification of Embodiment 1 and Embodiments 2 and 3 (including modifications) can also be appropriately applied to Embodiment 4.

[0113] In the present embodiment, when the power supply state to the main breaker 41 is switched from the first state to the second state, the supply control unit 361 of the control module 3 opens (cuts off) a preset supply switching switch 31 among the plurality of supply switching switches 31. That is, when the operation mode of the inverter 7 is switched from the grid-connected operation mode to the stand-alone operation mode, the supply control unit 361 opens a preset supply switching switch 31 among the plurality of supply switching switches 31. The supply control unit 361 may open some of the supply switching switches 31 or all of the supply switching switches 31.

[0114] According to this embodiment, at the start of the autonomous driving mode, the supply control unit 361 opens at least some of the supply switching switches 31 to cut off at least some of the load circuits 8, so that the possibility of the output of the inverter 7 reaching the upper limit can be reduced. After opening at least some of the supply switching switches 31, the supply control unit 361 may close at least some of the supply switching switches 31 according to conditions.

[0115] (Embodiment 5) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description will be omitted. Note that each modification of Embodiment 1 and Embodiments 2-4 (including modifications) can also be appropriately applied to Embodiment 5.

[0116] In this embodiment, when the power supply state to the main breaker 41 is in the second state and the power supply from the second power source 62 to the main breaker 41 has stopped, the supply control unit 361 of the control module 3 opens (cuts off) the preset supply switching switch 31 among the plurality of supply switching switches 31. That is, when the output of the second power source 62 (distributed power source) stops, the supply control unit 361 opens the preset supply switching switch 31 among the plurality of supply switching switches 31. The supply control unit 361 may open some of the supply switching switches 31 or may open all of the supply switching switches 31.

[0117] According to this embodiment, in conjunction with the stop of the output of the distributed power source, at least some of the load circuits 8 can be cut off.

[0118] (Embodiment 6) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description will be omitted. Note that each modification of Embodiment 1 and Embodiments 2-5 (including modifications) can also be appropriately applied to Embodiment 6.

[0119] In at least one circuit block B1 among the plurality of circuit blocks B1 of the present embodiment, the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35 are electrically connected by one electric wire PL4. The electric wire PL4 is provided with a supply switching switch 31 and a current detection circuit 32.

[0120] A load circuit 8 that receives the voltage between two voltage lines (L1 phase and L2 phase) is electrically connected, for example, between the output terminal 35 of the first circuit block and the input terminal 34 of the second circuit block among the plurality of circuit blocks B1. The input terminal 34 of the first circuit block and the output terminal 35 of the second circuit block are each electrically connected to the secondary side terminals of the branch breaker 42.

[0121] A load circuit 8 that receives the voltage between one voltage line and the neutral line is electrically connected, for example, between the secondary side terminals of the branch breaker 42 and the input terminal 34 of the third circuit block among the plurality of circuit blocks B1. The output terminal 35 of the third circuit block is electrically connected to the neutral line extending from the distribution board 4.

[0122] Note that in the present embodiment, in each circuit block B1, the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35 may be used interchangeably.

[0123] Also, when it is necessary to detect the voltage output to the load circuit 8, for example, as shown in Embodiment 2 (see FIG. 5), the voltage applied to the electric wire of the power supply switching unit 2 or the voltage applied to the electric wire of the distribution board 4 may be detected.

[0124] According to the present embodiment, the number of wirings of the control module 3 can be reduced.

[0125] Further, when the control module 3 has a plurality of circuit blocks B1, the configuration in which the input terminal 34 and the output terminal 35 are electrically connected by one electric wire PL4 does not have to be applied to all the circuit blocks B1, and may be applied only to some of the circuit blocks B1.

[0126] (Embodiment 7) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, each modification of Embodiment 1 and Embodiments 2-6 (including modifications) can also be appropriately applied to Embodiment 7.

[0127] The switching system 1 of this embodiment is used together with the expansion module 9. The expansion module 9 has a housing 98. The expansion module 9 is provided outside the housing C1. That is, the housing 98 of the expansion module 9 is provided outside the housing C1. Since the configuration of the expansion module 9 is the same as that of the control module 3, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] Similar to the control module 3, the expansion module 9 has at least one circuit block B1. The circuit block B1 of the expansion module 9 is electrically connected between the branch breaker 42 and the load circuit 8.

[0129] The circuit block B1 of the expansion module 9 includes a supply switching switch 31, and by opening the supply switching switch 31, the power output from the branch breaker 42 is cut off. The supply switching switch 31 of the expansion module 9 may be controlled in the same manner as the supply switching switch 31 of the control module 3.

[0130] In addition, the circuit block B1 of the expansion module 9 preferably includes a current detection circuit 32 to detect the current output to the load circuit 8.

[0131] In addition, the circuit block B1 of the expansion module 9 preferably includes a voltage detection circuit 33 to detect the voltage output to the load circuit 8.

[0132] The expansion module 9 communicates with the power supply switching unit 2. That is, the expansion module 9 and the power supply switching unit 2 exchange signals directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater or the like by an appropriate communication method of wired communication or wireless communication with each other.

[0133] In addition, the expansion module 9 communicates with the external terminal E1. Thereby, the expansion module 9 receives setting information regarding the operation of opening and closing the supply switching switch 31 from the external terminal E1. Further, the expansion module 9 transmits information regarding at least one of the power output to the load circuit 8 and the open / closed state of the supply switching switch 31 to the external terminal E1.

[0134] According to this embodiment, by using the expansion module 9, it is possible to control the supply of power to more load circuits 8.

[0135] (Embodiment 8) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to Embodiment 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. For the configurations similar to those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals will be given and the description thereof will be omitted. Note that each modification of Embodiment 1 and Embodiments 2-7 (including modifications) can also be appropriately applied to Embodiment 8.

[0136] In this embodiment, the configuration of the power supply switching unit 2 is different from that in Embodiment 1. Other aspects are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply switching switch 21 is an a-contact switch or a b-contact switch. The self-supporting terminal 72 of the inverter 7 is electrically connected to the circuit between the power supply switching switch 21 and the output terminal 25.

[0138] When the inverter 7 is operating in the grid-connected operation mode, the power supply selection unit 26 closes the power supply switching switch 21. Thereby, the power supply switching unit 2 enters the first state of receiving power from the first power supply 61. In the first state, the grid-connected terminal 71 of the inverter 7 is electrically connected to the first power supply 61.

[0139] When the inverter 7 is operating in the self-supporting operation mode, the power supply selection unit 26 opens the power supply switching switch 21. Thereby, the power supply switching unit 2 enters the second state of receiving power from the second power supply 62. In the second state, the inverter 7 outputs AC power to the output terminal 25 of the power supply switching unit 2 via the self-supporting terminal 72.

[0140] (Modification of Embodiment 8) Hereinafter, the switching system 1 according to a modification of Embodiment 8 will be described. For the same configurations as those in Embodiment 8, the same reference numerals will be given and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0141] In Embodiment 8, the independent terminal 72 of the inverter 7 may be used as a terminal that also serves as the connection terminal 71 and the independent terminal 72. In this case, the inverter 7 may not be provided with the connection terminal 71.

[0142] In order to system-connect the inverter 7, the power supply selection unit 26 closes the power supply changeover switch 21. As a result, the power supply changeover unit 2 enters a first state in which it receives power from the first power supply 61. In the first state, the independent terminal 72 of the inverter 7 is electrically connected to the first power supply 61.

[0143] In order to operate the inverter 7 independently, the power supply selection unit 26 opens the power supply changeover switch 21. As a result, the power supply changeover unit 2 enters a second state in which it receives power from the second power supply 62. In the second state, the inverter 7 outputs AC power to the output terminal 25 of the power supply changeover unit 2 via the independent terminal 72.

[0144] (Summary) From the embodiments described above, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0145] The switching system (1) according to the first aspect includes a power supply switching unit (2), a control module (3), and a housing (C1). The power supply switching unit (2) has at least one power supply switching switch (21) and a power supply selection unit (26). The at least one power supply switching switch (21) is electrically connected between a plurality of power supplies (6) including a first power supply (61) and a second power supply (62), and the main breaker (41) of the distribution board (4). The power supply selection unit (26) switches between a first state in which power is supplied from the first power supply (61) to the main breaker (41) and a second state in which power is supplied from the second power supply (62) to the main breaker (41) by opening and closing the at least one power supply switching switch (21). The control module (3) has one or more supply switching switches (31) and a supply control unit (361). The one or more supply switching switches (31) are electrically connected between one or more branch breakers (42) among the plurality of branch breakers (42) of the distribution board (4) and one or more load circuits (8) that correspond one-to-one to the one or more branch breakers (42). The supply control unit (361) opens and closes the one or more supply switching switches (31). The housing (C1) houses the power supply switching unit (2) and the control module (3).

[0146] According to the above configuration, the man-hours required for installing the power supply switching unit (2) and the control module (3) can be suppressed as compared with the case where the power supply switching unit (2) and the control module (3) are housed in separate housings.

[0147] Also, in the switching system (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the control module (3) further includes a voltage acquisition unit (362), one or more current detection circuits (32), and a calculation unit (363). The voltage acquisition unit (362) acquires the detection result of the voltage from the voltage detection circuit (33). The voltage detection circuit (33) detects the voltage output from the power supply switching unit (2) to the main breaker (41) or the voltage output from the control module (3) to one or more load circuits (8). One or more current detection circuits (32) correspond one-to-one to one or more load circuits (8) and detect the current output to the corresponding load circuit (8). The calculation unit (363) calculates the power output to one or more load circuits (8) based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit (33) and the current detected by one or more current detection circuits (32). The supply control unit (361) of the control module (3) opens and closes one or more supply switching switches (31) based on the power calculated by the calculation unit (363).

[0148] According to the above configuration, since the current can be detected by one or more current detection circuits (32) of the control module (3), the trouble of installing one or more current detection circuits (32) in the distribution board (4) etc. can be saved.

[0149] Also, in the switching system (1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, a plurality of voltage detection circuits (33) are provided. The plurality of voltage detection circuits (33) detect different voltages respectively. The control module (3) further includes a setting unit (364). The setting unit (364) sets the correspondence between the plurality of voltage detection circuits (33) and one or more load circuits (8). The calculation unit (363) calculates the power output to one or more load circuits (8) based on the voltage detected by the corresponding voltage detection circuit (33) among the plurality of voltage detection circuits (33) and the current detected by one or more current detection circuits (32).

[0150] According to the above configuration, the power corresponding to the voltage applied to the load circuit (8) can be calculated.

[0151] Also, in the switching system (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the control module (3) further has a communication circuit (37) that communicates with the external terminal (E1).

[0152] According to the above configuration, the control module (3) can exchange information with the external terminal (E1).

[0153] Also, in the switching system (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the communication circuit (37) transmits information regarding at least one of the power calculated by the arithmetic unit (363), the open / closed state of at least one power supply switching switch (21), and the open / closed state of one or more supply switching switches (31) to the external terminal (E1).

[0154] According to the above configuration, the information obtained in the switching system (1) can be provided to the external terminal (E1).

[0155] Also, in the switching system (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the communication circuit (37) receives setting information regarding the operation of the supply control unit (361) for opening and closing one or more supply switching switches (31) from the external terminal (E1).

[0156] According to the above configuration, the setting of the switching system (1) can be executed by the external terminal (E1).

[0157] Also, in the switching system (1) according to the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control module (3) further includes a selection circuit (S1). The selection circuit (S1) switches the power supply path from the power supply switching unit (2) to one or more supply switching switches (31) between a first path in which power is directly supplied from the power supply switching unit (2) to one or more supply switching switches (31) and a second path in which power is supplied from the power supply switching unit (2) to one or more supply switching switches (31) via the distribution board (4). The first power supply (61) is a commercial power supply. The second power supply (62) is a distributed power supply. The supply control unit (361) sets the power supply path from the power supply switching unit (2) to one or more supply switching switches (31) to the first path when the power supply selection unit (26) changes the power supply state to the main breaker (41) to the second state.

[0158] According to the above configuration, when the commercial power supply is unavailable due to a power outage, power can be supplied to the load circuit (8) via the second path that does not pass through the distribution board (4).

[0159] Further, the switching system (1) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, further includes a first power supply voltage detection circuit (27) and a second power supply voltage detection circuit (28). The first power supply voltage detection circuit (27) detects a first voltage input from the first power supply (61) to at least one power supply switching switch (21). The second power supply voltage detection circuit (28) detects a second voltage input from the second power supply (62) to at least one power supply switching switch (21). The control module (3) further includes a determination unit (365). The determination unit (365) determines whether the power supply state to the main breaker (41) is in the first state or the second state based on the first voltage detected by the first power supply voltage detection circuit (27) and the second voltage detected by the second power supply voltage detection circuit (28). The supply control unit (361) of the control module (3) opens and closes one or more supply switching switches (31) based on the determination result of the determination unit (365).

[0160] According to the above configuration, the determination unit (365) can determine the power supply state to the main breaker (41). In particular, when the inverter (7) is provided as in the embodiment, the determination unit (365) can determine the power supply state to the main breaker (41) from the first voltage and the second voltage without obtaining a signal indicating whether the inverter (7) is in the grid-connected operation or the self-sustained operation. Thus, since the control module (3) does not necessarily communicate with the inverter (7), the construction work required for the communication between the control module (3) and the inverter (7) can be omitted. Further, the determination unit (365) can determine the power supply state to the main breaker (41) without adapting the processing of the control module (3) to the specifications of the inverter (7).

[0161] Further, in the switching system (1) according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first power source (61) is a commercial power source. The second power source (62) is a distributed power source. When the power supply state to the main breaker (41) switches from the first state to the second state, the supply control unit (361) of the control module (3) opens a preset supply switching switch (31) among one or more supply switching switches (31).

[0162] According to the above configuration, at least a part of the load circuits (8) can be cut off during a power failure.

[0163] Further, in the switching system (1) according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the first power source (61) is a commercial power source. The second power source (62) is a distributed power source. When the power supply state to the main breaker (41) is in the second state and the power supply from the second power source (62) to the main breaker (41) stops, the supply control unit (361) of the control module (3) opens a preset supply switching switch (31) among one or more supply switching switches (31).

[0164] According to the above configuration, at least a part of the load circuits (8) can be cut off when the output of the distributed power source stops.

[0165] Also, the switching system (1) according to the 11th aspect further includes a wire (PL3) that electrically connects the power supply switching unit (2) and the control module (3) in any one of the 1st to 10th aspects. The wire (PL3) supplies power to the control module (3) from the power supply switching unit (2).

[0166] According to the above configuration, since there is no need to connect an external power supply to the control module (3), the number of construction man-hours can be suppressed.

[0167] Also, in the switching system (1) according to the 12th aspect, in any one of the 1st to 11th aspects, the housing (C1) has at least one of a through hole and a knockout (C13). The first power line (PL1) and the second power line (PL2) are passed through the through hole. The first power line (PL1) electrically connects between at least one power supply switching switch (21) and the main breaker (41). The second power line (PL2) electrically connects between one or more branch breakers (42) and one or more supply switching switches (31). The knockout (C13) is formed with lower strength than the surroundings, and a through hole is formed by punching it out.

[0168] According to the above configuration, since the first power line (PL1) and the second power line (PL2) are passed through one through hole, the space occupied by the first power line (PL1) and the second power line (PL2) can be suppressed as compared with the case where the first power line (PL1) and the second power line (PL2) are passed through separate through holes. Also, when connecting the housing (C1) of the switching system (1) and the distribution board (4) with a wire pipe (D1) for protecting the wires and passing the first power line (PL1) and the second power line (PL2) through the wire pipe (D1), the number of wire pipes (D1) may be one, so the number of construction man-hours can be suppressed.

[0169] Regarding the configuration other than the 1st aspect, it is not an essential configuration for the switching system (1) and can be appropriately omitted.

Explanation of Signs

[0170] 1 Switching System 2 Power Switching Unit 3 Control Module 4 Distribution Board 6 Power Supply 8 Load Circuit 21 Power Switch 26 Power Selection Unit 27 First Power Supply Voltage Detection Circuit 28 Second Power Supply Voltage Detection Circuit 31 Supply Switching Switch 32 Current Detection Circuit 33 Voltage Detection Circuit 37 Communication Circuit 41 Main Breaker 42 Branch Breaker 61 First Power Supply 62 Second Power Supply 361 Supply Control Unit 362 Voltage Acquisition Unit 363 Arithmetic Unit 364 Setting Unit 365 Judgment Unit C1 Housing C13 Knockout E1 External Terminal PL1 First Power Supply Line PL3 Electric Wire S1 Selection Circuit

Claims

1. At least one power switch electrically connected between a plurality of power sources including a first power source and a second power source and a main breaker of a distribution board, and by opening and closing the at least one power switch, a first state in which power is supplied from the first power source to the main breaker and a second state in which power is supplied from the second power source to the main breaker, and a power selection unit for switching between them, and a power switching unit having the same; One or more supply switches electrically connected between one or more branch breakers among a plurality of branch breakers of the distribution board and one or more load circuits corresponding one-to-one to the one or more branch breakers, and a supply control unit for opening and closing the one or more supply switches, and a control module having the same; A housing that houses the power switching unit, the one or more supply switches, and the supply control unit; A switching system.

2. The control module includes: A voltage acquisition unit that acquires a voltage detection result from a voltage detection circuit that detects a voltage output from the power switching unit to the main breaker or a voltage output from the control module to the one or more load circuits; One or more current detection circuits that correspond one-to-one to the one or more load circuits and detect a current output to the corresponding load circuit; An arithmetic unit that calculates power output to the one or more load circuits based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit and the current detected by the one or more current detection circuits; and The supply control unit of the control module opens and closes the one or more supply switches based on the power calculated by the arithmetic unit. The switching system according to Claim 1.

3. A plurality of the voltage detection circuits are provided; The plurality of voltage detection circuits each detect a different voltage; The control module further includes a setting unit that sets the correspondence between the plurality of voltage detection circuits and the one or more load circuits. The calculation unit calculates the power output to the one or more load circuits based on the voltage detected by the corresponding voltage detection circuit among the plurality of voltage detection circuits and the current detected by the one or more current detection circuits. The switching system according to claim 2.

4. The control module further includes a communication circuit that communicates with an external terminal. The switching system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The communication circuit transmits information regarding at least one of the power calculated by the calculation unit, the open / closed state of the at least one power supply switching switch, and the open / closed state of the one or more supply switching switches to the external terminal. The switching system according to claim 4.

6. The communication circuit receives setting information regarding the operation of the supply control unit for opening and closing the one or more supply switching switches from the external terminal. The switching system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The control module further includes a selection circuit that switches the power supply path from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches between a first path in which power is directly supplied from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches and a second path in which power is supplied from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches via the distribution board. The first power supply is a commercial power supply. The second power supply is a distributed power supply. When the power supply selection unit changes the power supply state to the main breaker to the second state, the supply control unit sets the power supply path from the power supply switching unit to the one or more supply switching switches to the first path. The switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A first power supply voltage detection circuit that detects a first voltage input from the first power supply to the at least one power supply switching switch. A second power supply voltage detection circuit for detecting a second voltage input from the second power supply to the at least one power supply switching switch; The control module further includes a determination unit for determining whether the power supply state to the main breaker is in the first state or the second state based on the first voltage detected by the first power supply voltage detection circuit and the second voltage detected by the second power supply voltage detection circuit; The supply control unit of the control module opens and closes the one or more supply switching switches based on the determination result of the determination unit; The switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first power supply is a commercial power supply; The second power supply is a distributed power supply; When the power supply state to the main breaker switches from the first state to the second state, the supply control unit of the control module opens a preset supply switching switch among the one or more supply switching switches; The switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first power supply is a commercial power supply; The second power supply is a distributed power supply; When the power supply state to the main breaker is in the second state and the power supply from the second power supply to the main breaker stops, the supply control unit of the control module opens a preset supply switching switch among the one or more supply switching switches; The switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Further comprising an electric wire electrically connecting the power supply switching unit and the control module and supplying power to the control module from the power supply switching unit; The switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The housing is A first power line electrically connecting between the at least one power switch and the main breaker, and a second power line electrically connecting between the one or more branch breakers and the one or more supply switches, and a through hole through which they pass, Having at least one of a knockout formed with a lower strength than the surroundings and through which the through hole is formed by punching. The switching system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. At least one power switch electrically connected between a plurality of power sources including a first power source and a second power source and a main breaker of a distribution board, and by opening and closing the at least one power switch, a first state in which power is supplied from the first power source to the main breaker, and a second state in which power is supplied from the second power source to the main breaker, and a power selection unit for switching between them, and a power switching unit having the same, One or more supply switches electrically connected between one or more branch breakers among the plurality of branch breakers of the distribution board and one or more load circuits corresponding one-to-one to the one or more branch breakers, and a supply control unit for opening and closing the one or more supply switches, and a control module having the same, A housing for housing the power switching unit and the control module. The control module further has a selection circuit for switching a power supply path from the power switching unit to the one or more supply switches between a first path in which power is directly supplied from the power switching unit to the one or more supply switches and a second path in which power is supplied from the power switching unit to the one or more supply switches via the distribution board. The first power source is a commercial power source. The second power source is a distributed power source. When the power selection unit changes the power supply state to the main breaker to the second state, the supply control unit sets the power supply path from the power switching unit to the one or more supply switches to the first path. Switching system.

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