Power distribution control system

Abstract

To provide a power distribution control system which can suppress occurrence of electric leakage in water immersion, in a multistoried parking space having charging stands provided in a plurality of cabins.SOLUTION: A power distribution control system includes: vehicular power supply units 20 installed in each of a plurality of parking blocks of a multistory parking space 2 including a basement; a power supply unit G capable of supplying power to each of the vehicular power supply units 20; a water level detection unit 3 which is installed in the basement of the multistory parking space 2 and detects a water immersion depth; and a power distribution control unit 12 for controlling power distribution to the vehicular power supply units 20 from the power supply unit G on the basis of the water immersion depth detected by the water level detection unit 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power distribution control system for controlling power distribution to a power supply device for an electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] With the spread of electric vehicles such as electric cars and PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles), the need for installing charging stands in parking lots with a large number of parking spaces, such as commercial facilities and apartment buildings, has been increasing. In addition, with the expected decrease in gasoline car sales in the future and the expected significant increase in electric vehicles, it is preferable to install charging stands in all types of parking lots. Therefore, in recent years, technologies for installing charging stands in mechanical multi-story parking lots have been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, technologies for preventing lifting operations from being performed while the power supply connector and power supply cable protrude when a charging stand is installed in a mechanical multi-story parking lot have also been disclosed (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, some mechanical parking lots are installed by digging down the underground part. In this case, the pallet on which the parked vehicle is placed may be moved to and stored in the underground part. Such multi-story parking lots are particularly adopted in commercial facilities and apartment buildings in the urban areas of cities where a large site cannot be secured. On the other hand, in recent years, flooding of underground facilities due to guerrilla heavy rain has been increasing in urban areas and has become a problem.

[0006] Therefore, there is a situation where the installation of charging stands in a mechanical multi-story parking lot having such an underground part is not progressing, especially due to concerns about the occurrence of electric leakage accidents caused by flooding.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power distribution control system capable of suppressing the occurrence of electric leakage during flooding in a multi-story parking lot including an underground floor where charging stands are provided in a plurality of parking areas.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, the power distribution control system according to the present invention includes a vehicle power supply unit installed in each of a plurality of parking sections of a multi-story parking lot including an underground floor, a power supply unit capable of supplying necessary power to each of the vehicle power supply units, a power distribution unit that distributes the power of the power supply unit to each of the vehicle power supply units and controls the power distribution to the vehicle power supply units, and a water level detection unit installed in the underground floor of the multi-story parking lot to detect the depth of flooding. The power distribution unit controls the power distribution to the vehicle power supply units based on the depth of flooding detected by the water level detection unit.

[0009] Further, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, when the water level detection unit detects a depth of flooding equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the power distribution to the vehicle power supply units may be interrupted.

[0010] Further, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the power distribution control system further includes a management server communicably connected to a user terminal and the power distribution unit via a network. The management server may permit the power distribution unit to distribute power to the vehicle power supply unit that is the target of the power supply start request based on the power supply start request acquired from the user terminal.

[0011] Further, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the power supply start request may include a unique ID uniquely assigned to the vehicle power supply unit.

[0012] Also, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the management server may transmit a notification to the user terminal based on the water immersion depth acquired from the power distribution unit.

[0013] Also, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the power distribution unit may set the power distribution to the vehicle power supply unit for which power distribution is not permitted to a cut-off state.

[0014] Also, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, for the vehicle power supply unit for which power distribution is permitted, the power distribution unit may set the power distribution to a cut-off state when a predetermined power supply end condition is satisfied.

[0015] Also, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the multi-story parking lot is a mechanical parking lot in which the pallets forming the parking sections move, and the vehicle power supply units may be installed on each of the pallets.

[0016] Also, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the water immersion depth may include the snow depth.

[0017] Also, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the power distribution unit may cut off the power distribution to all the vehicle power supply units based on the water immersion depth detected by the water level detection unit.

[0018] Also, in the power distribution control system according to the present invention, the power distribution unit may cut off the power distribution to the vehicle power supply unit located in the basement floor based on the water immersion depth detected by the water level detection unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention using the above means, in a multi-story parking lot including a basement floor provided with charging stands in a plurality of vehicle compartments, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of electric leakage during water immersion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mechanical multi-story parking lot equipped with power supply devices in a plurality of passenger compartments in one embodiment of the present invention. Among the connection lines in FIG. 1, thick lines indicate power lines for transmitting power, and lines of normal thickness indicate communication lines for transmitting and receiving information.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the power distribution control system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of power supply devices (vehicle power supply units) 20a, 20b, 20c installed in a mechanical multi-story parking lot 2 including a basement floor, a substation control panel (power distribution unit) 10, a power supply unit G, and a water level sensor (water level detection unit) 3. The power distribution control system 1 also includes a management server 41. The management server 41 is communicably connected to the administrator terminal 31, a plurality of user terminals 32a, 32b, and the substation control panel 10 by wire or wirelessly via a network N such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). In the present embodiment, for example, one management server, three power supply devices, one administrator terminal, and two user terminals are configured, but the number of management servers, power supply devices, administrator terminals, and user terminals is not limited to this.

[0024] The three-dimensional parking lot 2 is a so-called mechanical three-dimensional parking lot, and in this embodiment, it is a commercial three-dimensional parking lot used by an unspecified number of users. As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional parking lot 2 has, for example, in the interior of a building surrounded by the upper and side directions from the second basement floor to the third floor above ground, a cage 4 that can move up and down in the vertical direction. In the cage 4, pallets 5a, 5b, and 5c, which are platforms for loading vehicles, are provided for each parking section for parking one vehicle. Further, the three-dimensional parking lot 2 of this embodiment is provided with an entrance / exit on the first floor above ground where vehicles can enter and exit. The three-dimensional parking lot 2 is provided with a control device (not shown) that controls the supply of power required for the lifting of the cage 4 and the control of the lifting of the cage 4. In FIG. 1, for the sake of simplicity, the three-dimensional parking lot 2 is shown as a cage lifting type with three levels of parking sections, but the number of parking sections and the form of movement of the parking sections are not limited to this.

[0025] The power supply devices 20a, 20b, 20c (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the power supply device 20 when there is no need to distinguish them individually) are so-called charging stands for supplying power to the batteries of electric vehicles such as electric cars and plug-in hybrid cars. In this embodiment, they are small wall-mounted ones of, for example, Mode 3 type that can be retrofitted to the cage 4. The power supply device 20 of this embodiment can supply power to one electric vehicle at a time per unit, and is installed in each parking section as a charging interface for the electric vehicle. In addition, each power supply device 20 is assigned a unique ID (hereinafter, referred to as the power supply device ID), and the power distribution control panel 10 or the management server 41 can identify, manage, or control each power supply device 20.

[0026] The sub - power control panel 10 is a cabinet - type control panel installed to control the power distribution to each feeder 20, which has a power distribution configuration (to be described later) inside for distributing the power received from the power supply unit G to each feeder 20. In this embodiment, the sub - power control panel 10 is installed at a position (for example, the first floor above ground) inside the building of the multi - story parking lot 2 that is less likely to be affected by flooding on the ground floor. In addition to the power distribution configuration, the sub - power control panel 10 is provided with a communication unit 11 and a power distribution control unit 12 that can communicate with each other. The communication unit 11 is connected to each feeder 20 and the water level sensor 3 so as to be able to communicate either wired or wirelessly. Also, the communication unit 11 is connected to a management server 41 installed remotely, that is, outside the multi - story parking lot 2, either wired or wirelessly via the network N.

[0027] The power supply unit G is, for example, a distribution board provided for distributing power to the feeder 20 and various electrical devices and facilities such as the cage lifting equipment and lighting in the multi - story parking lot 2. The power distribution line to the feeder 20 among them is electrically connected to the upstream side of the sub - power control panel 10, so that power can be supplied to each feeder 20 via the sub - power control panel 10. The upstream side of the power supply unit G is further connected to a distribution line from the power supply company, etc., and can receive the power required for the operation of the entire multi - story parking lot 2.

[0028] The water level sensor 3 is a level meter that continuously detects the water level of the water that has entered the building of the multi - story parking lot 2 in time series and generates water level information (depth of inundation). For example, it is composed of a conductivity - type level meter, an electrostatic - type level meter, etc. In this embodiment, the water level sensor 3 is installed on the wall surface of the building or the like at a position where the height of the water surface (water level) from the floor surface can be continuously detected on the lowest floor of the multi - story parking lot 2. The water level information detected by the water level sensor 3 is acquired by the power distribution control unit 12 of the sub - power control panel 10 at any time.

[0029] The management server 41 is provided outside the multi-story parking lot 2 in order to comprehensively manage, control, and monitor the power distribution control system 1. The management server 41 consists of one or more servers (computers) that execute processing based on a program, and has various arithmetic units and storage units. The management server 41 is managed by, for example, a power supply management business operator who manages and operates the power supply device 20 of the multi-story parking lot 2. Note that the management server 41 does not necessarily have to be a server, and may be a PC (personal computer) connectable to the network N or an information terminal such as a smartphone.

[0030] The administrator terminal 31 is an information processing terminal such as a PC or smartphone used by the power supply management business operator. The administrator terminal 31 is connected to the management server 41 via the network N in a wired or wireless manner so as to be communicable, and has a function of remotely browsing, controlling, and managing a part of the functions of the management server 41. Specifically, the administrator terminal 31 accesses the management server 41 by using the installed dedicated application software (app) or the operating environment (API (application programming interface), platform, etc.) provided by the management server 41, and performs power distribution control to the power supply device 20 in the distribution control panel 10, or displays the usage status and error log of the power supply device 20. In addition, the administrator terminal 31 can receive and display warnings and messages generated by the management server 41.

[0031] User terminals 32a and 32b (hereinafter referred to as user terminal 32 collectively when there is no need to distinguish them individually) are information processing terminals such as a PC or a smartphone used by a user who uses the power feeder 20. Note that the user is not necessarily limited to a person who charges the vehicle at the power feeder 20, and may be an administrator who manages the power feeder 20 in the multi-story parking lot 2. In this embodiment, the user who uses the power feeder 20 includes not only the user who actually connects the power feeder 20 to the electric vehicle and starts power supply, but also the user who has generated a reservation for using the power feeder 20 in the future in the management server 41. The user terminal 32 communicates with the management server 41 via a dedicated application or API, and can transmit a power supply start request including the power feeder ID at the start of using the power feeder 20, authenticate the user, reserve the power feeder 20, send and receive information such as payment of charging fees at the power feeder 20, and receive messages and warnings from the management server 41 and the administrator terminal 31.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the power distribution configuration and control configuration of the power distribution control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Next, the power distribution configuration and details of the power distribution control of the power distribution control system 1 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 2. Among the connection lines in FIG. 2, the thick lines indicate power lines for transmitting power, the lines of normal thickness indicate communication lines for transmitting and receiving information between devices, and the broken lines indicate communication lines for transmitting and receiving information for control inside the devices.

[0033] First, the details of the power distribution configuration of the power distribution control system 1 will be described below. Note that the power supply and its control in the substation control panel 10 will be referred to as "power distribution", and the power supply and its control in the power feeder 20 will be referred to as "power supply".

[0034] In addition to the communication unit 11 and the power distribution control unit 12 described above, the substation control panel 10 includes, as a power distribution configuration, a main circuit breaker 13, power distribution control switches 14a, 14b, 14c (hereinafter referred to as power distribution control switches 14 collectively when there is no need to distinguish them individually), and downstream circuit breakers 15a, 15b, 15c (hereinafter referred to as downstream circuit breakers 15 collectively when there is no need to distinguish them individually).

[0035] The main breaker 13 is electrically connected to the power supply unit G on the upstream side and to the bus bar 16 on the downstream side by a cable or the like. To the bus bar 16, branch lines 17a, 17b, 17c (hereinafter collectively referred to as branch line 17 when there is no need to distinguish them individually) corresponding to the number of feeders 20 (three in FIG. 2) are connected, and each branch line 17 is electrically connected to the upstream side of each distribution control switch 14 respectively. To the downstream side of each distribution control switch 14, the upstream sides of each downstream breaker 15 are further electrically connected respectively. Note that the power lines between each distribution control switch 14 and each downstream breaker 15 are also included in the branch line 17. To the downstream side of each downstream breaker 15, wiring 18a, 18b, 18c (hereinafter collectively referred to as wiring 18 when there is no need to distinguish them individually) leading to each feeder 20 is connected and is electrically connected to the upstream side of each feeder switch 21 of each feeder 20 described later.

[0036] With the above configuration, the power of the power supply unit G is distributed via the main breaker 13, the distribution control switch 14, and the downstream breaker 15 of the sub - distribution control panel 10 and supplied to the feeder 20. Also, in the sub - distribution control panel 10, current sensors 19a, 19b, 19c (hereinafter collectively referred to as current sensor 19 when there is no need to distinguish them individually) for detecting the current in each branch line 17 are installed between the distribution control switch 14 and the downstream breaker 15. The current sensor 19 is, for example, a clamp - type ammeter. Note that a branch line (not shown) for supplying power to devices other than the feeder 20 may be provided downstream of the main breaker 13. Also, the current sensor 19 only needs to be able to acquire the current value of the power supplied by the feeder 20 to the electric vehicle, and may be installed on a power line other than the branch line 17 as long as it is downstream of each distribution control switch 14.

[0037] The main breaker 13 and the downstream breaker 15 are so - called leakage breakers and are provided for the purpose of protecting the entire downstream circuit. These main breaker 13 and downstream breaker 15 are of the normally - closed (N.C.) type and are automatically controlled to be in the open state when a leakage abnormality occurs.

[0038] The power distribution control switch 14 is a normally open (N.O.) type electromagnetic relay switch in this embodiment, and has a mechanism that maintains a closed state while the power distribution control unit 12 energizes the electromagnetic relay of the power distribution control switch 14.

[0039] The power feeder 20a includes a power feeder switch 21a, a power feeder control unit 22a (simply denoted as the control unit in FIG. 2), an AC / DC converter 23a, a power supply cable 24a, and a power supply plug 25a provided at the tip of the power supply cable 24a and connectable to an electric vehicle. The power feeder switch 21a is electrically connected to the wiring 18a from the distribution control panel 10 on the upstream side, and the downstream side is electrically connected to the upstream side of the AC / DC converter 23a. The downstream side of the AC / DC converter 23a is electrically connected to the power supply cable 24a. The power feeder switch 21a is a normally closed type switch with a leakage protection function. For the other power feeders 20b and 20c, since they have the same configuration, the description is omitted (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish them individually, they are represented as the power feeder switch 21, the power feeder control unit 22, the AC / DC converter 23, the power supply cable 24, and the power supply plug 25, respectively). The power feeder switch 21 has a leakage cut-off function for preventing a leakage accident inside or downstream of the power feeder 20, and is a switch that generates leakage detection information when leakage is detected. Further, the AC / DC converter 23 has a function of converting the AC power input to the power feeder 20 into DC power and outputting it.

[0040] Next, the details of the power distribution control function of the power distribution control system 1 will be described.

[0041] The management server 41 mainly has the function of controlling the power distribution control unit 12 to turn on (conduct) and off (cut off) the power distribution to the power feeder 20. In addition, the management server 41 has the function of transmitting and receiving information regarding the use of the power feeder 20 to and from the administrator terminal 31 and the user terminal 32 via the network N. Specifically, for example, when a user supplies power to an electric vehicle using the power feeder 20a of the pallet 5a shown in FIG. 1, the management server 41 receives a power supply start request from the user terminal 32a indicating the intention to start power supply at the power feeder 20a. The power supply start request includes the power feeder ID of the power feeder 20a. Then, the management server 41 performs user authentication based on the user information prestored in the management server 41, generates power distribution permission information for permitting power distribution to the power feeder 20a based on the power feeder ID of the power supply start request, and transmits it to the power distribution control unit 12. In addition, the management server 41 generates charging information associating the power feeder ID of the power feeder 20a with the user. The management server 41 can also acquire information on the power supply state to the electric vehicle of the power feeder 20a via the power distribution control unit 12 at any time, and update and manage the charging information.

[0042] In addition, the management server 41 receives first flooding information, which will be described later, from the distribution control panel 10 via the network N. Then, based on the first flooding information, the management server 41 generates a first flooding warning as a notice of the possibility that the power distribution to the power feeder 20 may be cut off in the future, and transmits the first flooding warning to the administrator terminal 31 and the user terminal 32 via the network N. Similarly, the management server 41 receives second flooding information, which will be described later, from the distribution control panel 10 via the network N. Then, based on the second flooding information, the management server 41 generates a second flooding warning as a notice that the power distribution to the power feeder 20 has been cut off, and transmits the second flooding warning to the administrator terminal 31 and the user terminal 32 via the network N. Note that the first flooding warning and the second flooding warning are, for example, push-type text messages or error displays on the administrator's screen.

[0043] Furthermore, the management server 41 has a function of monitoring the abnormality of the current values of each branch line 17 acquired via the sub-power control panel 10 and sending a power supply stop notification to the user terminal 32 or the administrator terminal 31 that uses the power supply device 20. Specifically, it sends a notification when the current stops flowing due to a fully charged state or when an abnormal stop occurs. Also, the management server 41 has a function of monitoring the consistency between the on / off instruction to the power distribution control unit 12 and the actual operating state based on the current information of each branch line 17, detecting a system error such as the power distribution control unit 12 or the communication line, and sending a notification to that effect to the administrator terminal 31. Furthermore, the management server 41 has a function of calculating the amount of power supplied to the electric vehicle and the like based on the current information of each branch line 17 and generating billing information.

[0044] The power distribution control unit 12 has a function of controlling the power distribution to each power supply device 20 based on the information received from the management server 41 and the power supply device 20. Also, the power distribution control unit 12 is communicably connected to the communication unit 11, the main circuit breaker 13, the power distribution control switch 14, the downstream circuit breaker 15, the current sensor 19, etc. inside the sub-power control panel 10. The power distribution control unit 12 is composed of, for example, a computer circuit board including a CPU, a memory, a communication port, etc., and control electronic components such as relays and switches.

[0045] The power distribution control unit 12 controls the energization and non-energization of the electromagnetic relay of the power distribution control switch 14 to switch the open / closed state of the power distribution control switch 14, thereby controlling the on (conductive) and off (interrupted) power distribution from the sub-power distribution panel 10 to each feeder 20. Specifically, when the power distribution control unit 12 receives power distribution permission information from the management server 41, the power distribution control unit 12 starts the energization of the electromagnetic relay of the power distribution control switch 14 and controls the energization so that the closed state of the electromagnetic relay is maintained. That is, the power distribution to the feeder 20 for which power distribution is not permitted is in the off (interrupted) state. Thereafter, when a predetermined power supply end condition is satisfied, that is, when the power supply from the feeder 20 to the electric vehicle is normally performed and the power distribution control unit 12 receives full charge information indicating that the battery of the electric vehicle is fully charged from the feeder 20, the energization of the electromagnetic relay stops and the power distribution control switch 14 becomes open. The predetermined power supply end condition is not limited to this. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply or when the power supply of a predetermined amount of electric power is completed, the power distribution may be stopped if the condition is satisfied. Alternatively, based on the current information acquired from the current sensor 19, when the current decreases to near zero and a predetermined time has elapsed, the power distribution may be stopped if the condition is satisfied. Further, for example, when electric vehicles are parked on all the pallets 5a, 5b, 5c in FIG. 1 and the power supply plugs 25a, 25b, 25c are connected to the electric vehicles respectively, and power is being supplied to the electric vehicle only by the feeder 20a while the power supply to the electric vehicle by the other feeders 20b, 20c has been completed, only the power distribution control switch 14a upstream of the feeder 20a is in the closed state and the wiring 18a and the power supply cable 24a are energized, while the power distribution control switches 14b, 14c upstream of the feeders 20b, 20c are in the open state, so the wiring 18b, 18c and the power supply cables 24b, 24c are non-energized.

[0046] In addition, the power distribution control unit 12 can perform control to stop energizing the electromagnetic relay even when the power distribution in the sub - power distribution board 10 or the power supply in the power supply machine 20 is abnormal. Further, the power distribution control unit 12 has a function of acquiring the operations and operating states of the main circuit breaker 13, the downstream circuit breaker 15, and the power distribution control switch 14, and stores them in a storage unit (not shown) or the like. Further, information such as these operating states is acquired by the management server 41 via the communication unit 11.

[0047] In addition, the power distribution control unit 12 uses the water level information WL acquired by the water level sensor 3, the first predetermined water immersion depth WL1 which is a threshold for a warning notification of water immersion, and the second predetermined water immersion depth WL2 which is a threshold for power distribution cutoff, to perform control for suppressing leakage during water immersion. The first predetermined water immersion depth WL1 is set, for example, between above the lowest floor underground of the multi - story parking lot 2 and below the lowest pallet in a state where the cage 4 is at the deepest position. The second predetermined water immersion depth WL2 is higher than the first predetermined water immersion depth WL1, and is set, for example, between the first predetermined water immersion depth WL1 and the upper surface of the lowest pallet 5c (the surface in contact with the tires of the parked vehicle) in a state where the cage 4 is at the deepest position. As shown in FIG. 1, the first predetermined water immersion depth WL1 is set at a position lower than the second predetermined water immersion depth WL2.

[0048] Specifically, the power distribution control unit 12 has a function of acquiring water level information from the water level sensor 3, performing a first water immersion determination as to whether the water level information is equal to or greater than the first predetermined water immersion depth (threshold) WL1, and generating and transmitting first water immersion information to the management server 41 when the determination result is true. Further, the power distribution control unit 12 performs a second water immersion determination as to whether the water level information WL is equal to or greater than the second predetermined water immersion depth (threshold) WL2, and when the determination result is true, performs override control to open all the power distribution control switches 14 to cut off the power distribution regardless of the power supply state of the power supply machine 20, generates second water immersion information, and transmits it to the management server 41.

[0049] The power supply control unit 22 has functions of acquiring the operating states of each part of the power supply machine 20 and information on the electric vehicle to which the power supply plug 25 is connected, and controlling the operation of the AC-DC converter 23. Specifically, it acquires the connection state of the power supply plug 25a to the electric vehicle, the charging state of the storage battery of the electric vehicle (including full charge information), the opening / closing state of the power supply machine switch 21 including leakage detection information, and the operating state of the AC-DC converter 23, etc. The power supply control unit 22 is composed of, for example, a computer circuit board including a CPU, a memory, a communication port, etc., and control electronic components such as relays and switches.

[0050] Figure 3 is a flowchart regarding the control routine of the power distribution control system 1 in this embodiment. The following will be described along with the same flowchart.

[0051] First, as step S1, the power distribution control unit 12 determines whether the water level information WL acquired from the water level sensor 3 via the communication unit 11 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined immersion water depth WL1 (first immersion determination). If the determination result is true (Yes), that is, if the water level information WL is equal to or higher than the first predetermined immersion water depth WL1, the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the determination result is false (No), that is, if there is no immersion or shallow immersion where the water level information WL is less than the first predetermined immersion water depth WL1, the routine returns.

[0052] As step S2, the power distribution control unit 12 generates first immersion information and transmits the first immersion information to the management server 41 via the network N. Based on the first immersion information received from the power distribution control unit 12, the management server 41 generates a first immersion warning as a notice of the possibility that power distribution to the power supply machine 20 will be cut off in the future, and transmits the first immersion warning to the administrator terminal 31 via the network N. Also, similarly, the management server 41 transmits the first immersion warning to the user terminals 32a, 32b of the users using the power supply machine 20 in the multi-story parking lot 2.

[0053] In the subsequent step S3, the power distribution control unit 12 determines whether the water level information WL acquired from the water level sensor 3 via the communication unit 11 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined inundation depth WL2 (second inundation determination). If the determination result is true (Yes), that is, when the water level information WL has inundated up to the second predetermined inundation depth WL2 or more, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the determination result is false (No), that is, when the water level information WL is less than the second predetermined inundation depth WL2, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0054] In step S4, that is, when it is determined in the second inundation determination of step S3 that the water level information WL is less than the second predetermined inundation depth WL2, the power distribution control unit 12 determines whether the water level information WL acquired from the water level sensor 3 via the communication unit 11 is less than the first predetermined inundation depth WL1 (release determination). If the determination result is true (Yes), that is, when the water level information WL is less than the first predetermined inundation depth WL1, it is assumed that the inundation state has been resolved, and the routine returns. On the other hand, if the determination result is false (No), that is, when the water level information WL is equal to or greater than the first predetermined inundation depth WL1, the process returns to step S3, and the second inundation determination is performed again.

[0055] In step S5, the power distribution control unit 12 performs control to open all the power distribution control switches 14.

[0056] In the subsequent step S6, the power distribution control unit 12 generates second inundation information and transmits the second inundation information to the management server 41 via the network N. Based on the second inundation information received from the power distribution control unit 12, the management server 41 generates a second inundation warning as a notification that the power supply to the power feeder 20 has been interrupted, and transmits the second inundation warning to the administrator terminal 31 via the network N. Similarly, the management server 41 transmits the second inundation warning to the user terminals 32a and 32b of the users using the power feeder 20 of the multi-story parking lot 2. Then, the control routine returns.

[0057] As described above, in the power distribution control system 1 of the present embodiment, when it is determined in the power distribution control unit 12 that the first flooding determination is true, the management server 41 transmits a first flooding warning to the user terminal 32 and the administrator terminal 31 of the user using the power feeder 20, indicating that the power supply of the power feeder 20 may be cut off. As a result, the user of the power feeder 20 or the administrator of the power distribution control system 1 can be informed in advance that flooding has occurred in the mechanical multi-story parking lot 2 and that the power supply from the power feeder 20 may be cut off if the depth of the flood increases. Further, when it is determined in the power distribution control unit 12 that the second flooding determination is true, the power distribution control unit 12 cuts off the power supply to all the power feeders 20. As a result, all the wirings 18 downstream of the sub-distribution control panel 10 are de-energized, and in particular, in the power feeder 20 installed on the pallet located on the basement floor, it is possible to prevent leakage of electricity due to flooding or inflow of water, and also to prevent secondary disasters (secondary damage due to leakage fires, etc.) caused by the leakage of electricity generated on the basement floor on other floors. Furthermore, a second flooding warning indicating that the power supply at the power feeder 20 has been cut off is transmitted from the management server 41 to the user terminal 32 and the administrator terminal 31. As a result, the user or administrator of the power feeder 20 can know that the power supply of the power feeder 20 has been cut off even remotely.

[0058] Also, in the present embodiment, the power supply to the power feeder 20 is in a cut-off state in principle, and the user transmits a power supply start request associated with the power feeder ID to the management server 41 via the network, and the power supply to the power feeder 20 is started only after the management server 41 generates power supply permission information. That is, for the power distribution system to the power feeder 20 for which power supply is not permitted, it becomes de-energized downstream of the sub-distribution control panel 10 installed in a place less likely to be damaged by flooding. Also, when the power supply to the electric vehicle ends, the power distribution control switch 14 closes again. As a result, no leakage of electricity occurs in the power feeder 20 that is not supplying power to the electric vehicle at the electrical connection part downstream of the sub-distribution control panel 10 that may be flooded by flooding.

[0059] From the above, the power distribution control system 1 according to the present embodiment can suppress the occurrence of leakage of electricity during flooding in the multi-story parking lot 2 provided with the power feeders 20 in a plurality of compartments.

[0060] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are to be included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0061] For example, in the above embodiment, the mechanical multi-story parking lot 2 had a building surrounded on the side and above. However, the multi-story parking lot 2 may be a frame type multi-story parking lot without a roof or side walls.

[0062] Also, in the above embodiment, the water level sensor 3 was configured to detect the volume of accumulated water (height from the reference plane). However, the water level sensor 3 may be capable of detecting the volume of accumulated snow (height from the reference plane), or capable of detecting the volume of accumulated water and snow both. This can simplify the configuration and reduce costs.

[0063] Also, in the above embodiment, a level sensor that can continuously detect the water level is used as the water level sensor 3. However, for example, a level switch that detects a predetermined water level, such as a float type level gauge, may also be used. This can simplify the configuration and reduce costs.

[0064] For example, in the above embodiment, the power distribution control system 1 was applied to the mechanical multi-story parking lot 2. However, as shown in the modification example of FIG. 4, it may be applied to a self-propelled multi-story parking lot 2' having a basement floor. In FIG. 4, n power supply devices 20a, 20b, 20c are installed for a plurality of parking sections on each floor of the multi-story parking lot 2', and the nth power supply device on each floor is represented as 20an, 20bn, 20cn.

[0065] Further, in the modification shown in FIG. 4 above, the management server 41 may store the installation floor of each pallet in association with the feeder ID and perform control to cut off the power distribution of the feeder 20 for each floor. Thereby, the power distribution to the feeder 20 can be cut off in order from the floor where there is a risk of flooding to the upper floors, and the opportunity to supply power to as many electric vehicles as possible can be ensured.

[0066] Also, in the above embodiment, the charging interface for the electric vehicles installed in each parking section was a high-functional type feeder 20 having a control function, such as a Mode3 type charging facility. However, instead, as in the modification of the power distribution control system of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, power outlets 20a', 20b', 20c (vehicle power supply units) may be used. In this case, the user connects to the power outlets 20a', 20b', 20c using the vehicle-side charging cable units 26a, 26b, 26c on the electric vehicle side. The vehicle-side charging cable units 26a, 26b, 26c are provided with a control unit (not shown) for detecting full charge of the electric vehicle and have a function of automatically shutting off. Therefore, the management server 41 performs control to stop power distribution on the assumption that power supply is completed when the current value of the current sensor 19 decreases to near zero and a predetermined time has elapsed. The same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved in this modification.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1: Power distribution control system 2, 2': Multi-story parking lot 3: Water level sensor 4: Cage 5a, 5b, 5c: Pallet 10: Substation control panel 11: Communication unit 12: Power distribution control unit 13: Main circuit breaker 14a, 14b, 14c: Power distribution control switch 15a, 15b, 15c: Downstream circuit breaker 16: Bus bar 17a, 17b, 17c: Branch line 18a, 18b, 18c: Wiring 19a, 19b, 19c: Current sensors 20a, 20b, 20c: Power supply units 20a’, 20b’, 20c’: Power outlets 21a, 21b, 21c: Power supply unit switches 22a, 22b, 22c: Power supply unit control sections 23a, 23b, 23c: AC / DC converters 24a, 24b, 24c: Power supply cables 25a, 25b, 25c: Power supply plugs and power supply cables 26a, 26b, 26c: Vehicle-side power supply cable units 31: Administrator terminal 32a, 32b, 32c: User terminals 41: Management server G: Power supply section N: Network

Claims

1. A vehicle power supply unit installed in each of a plurality of parking sections in a multi-story parking lot including a basement floor; A power supply unit capable of supplying necessary power to each of the vehicle power supply units; A power distribution unit that distributes the power of the power supply unit to each of the vehicle power supply units and controls the power distribution to the vehicle power supply units; A water level detection unit installed in the basement floor of the multi-story parking lot to detect the depth of water immersion; Comprising; The power distribution unit controls the power distribution to the vehicle power supply units based on the depth of water immersion detected by the water level detection unit. A power distribution control system.

2. When the water level detection unit detects a depth of water immersion equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the power distribution unit cuts off the power distribution to the vehicle power supply units. The power distribution control system according to Claim 1.

3. Further comprising a management server communicably connected to a user terminal and the power distribution unit via a network, The management server permits the power distribution unit to distribute power to the vehicle power supply unit that is the target of the power supply start request based on the power supply start request acquired from the user terminal. The power distribution control system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The power supply start request includes a unique ID uniquely assigned to the vehicle power supply unit. The power distribution control system according to Claim 3.

5. The management server transmits a notification to the user terminal based on the depth of water immersion acquired from the power distribution unit. The power distribution control system according to Claim 3.

6. The power distribution unit cuts off the power distribution to the vehicle power supply units for which the power distribution is not permitted. The power distribution control system according to any one of Claims 3 to 5.

7. For the vehicle power supply units for which the power distribution is permitted, the power distribution unit cuts off the power distribution when a predetermined power supply end condition is satisfied. The power distribution control system according to any one of Claims 3 to 6.

8. The multi-story parking lot is a mechanical parking lot in which pallets forming the parking sections move, The vehicle power supply units are installed in each of the pallets. The power distribution control system according to any one of Claims 1 to 7.

9. The depth of water immersion includes the depth of snow accumulation. The power distribution control system according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. Based on the depth of water immersion detected by the water level detection unit, the power distribution unit cuts off the power distribution to all the vehicle power supply units. The power distribution control system according to any one of Claims 1 to 9.

11. Based on the immersion depth detected by the water level detection unit, the power distribution unit cuts off the power distribution to the vehicle power supply unit located in the basement floor. The power distribution control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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