Power supply control method, uninterruptible power supply, power supply, power supply system, and embedded software program

Abstract

To provide a control method for a power source device that performs firmware update properly, an uninterruptible power source device, a power source device, a power source system, and firmware.SOLUTION: A control method for a power source device 1 causes at least one among power output and power input to be continued by continuing operation of a charging and discharging circuit 12 comprised by the power source device 1, acquires update data of firmware of the power source device 1 to store it in a ROM 101 comprised by the power source device 1 while continuing at least one among the power output and the power input of the power source device 1, and causes a control unit 10 comprised by the power source device 1 to start processing based on the firmware after the update, after the storing of the update data in the ROM 101 is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for updating embedded software programs (hereinafter also referred to as firmware) in power supply devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for reprogramming a control program of a vehicle control device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-052960 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Various power supply devices, such as uninterruptible power supplies, power conditioners, and electric vehicle chargers, are used as part of social infrastructure. Power supply devices are controlled by firmware stored in their built-in memory. Updating firmware for power supply devices has traditionally been performed by shutting down the power supply device during times when the impact is expected to be minimal.

[0005] Considering the intended use of the power supply device, it is not desirable to stop the power input and output of the power supply device for a long period of time in order to update firmware.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a power supply control method, an uninterruptible power supply, a power supply, a power supply system, and an embedded software program that properly execute firmware updates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control method for a power supply device according to one aspect of the present invention continues at least one of power output and power input by continuing operation of a power converter provided in the power supply device, acquires update data for the firmware of the power supply device while continuing at least one of power output and power input of the power supply device and stores it in a non-temporary storage medium provided in the power supply device, and after storage of the update data in the non-temporary storage medium is completed, causes a control unit provided in the power supply device to start processing based on the updated firmware. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply device. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a firmware update procedure performed by a control unit. [Figure 3] 4 is a timing chart showing the state of the power supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a firmware update procedure performed by the control unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system equipped with multiple power supply devices. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system equipped with multiple power supply devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A control method for a power supply device continues at least one of power output and power input by continuing operation of a power converter provided in the power supply device, acquires update data for the firmware of the power supply device while continuing at least one of power output and power input of the power supply device and stores it in a non-temporary storage medium provided in the power supply device, and after storage of the update data in the non-temporary storage medium is completed, causes a control unit provided in the power supply device to start processing based on the updated firmware.

[0010] Here, the power supply device may be an uninterruptible power supply (hereinafter referred to as UPS), a power conditioner (hereinafter referred to as PCS), or a charger (or charger / discharger) for a storage element mounted on an electric vehicle, etc. The power supply device is not limited to these. The power converter may be a so-called converter that converts AC power to DC power, or a so-called inverter that converts DC power to AC power. The power converter may be a converter that converts DC power into DC power of a different voltage value. The power supply device may include multiple power converters (e.g., converters and inverters). The non-transitory storage medium may be part of the control unit.

[0011] When acquiring firmware update data, the power supply device may acquire firmware data divided into multiple pieces in multiple installments.

[0012] The non-transitory storage medium in which firmware update data is stored in the power supply device may be a storage medium built into the computer (for example, a microcomputer) or may be an external storage medium.

[0013] When starting processing based on the updated firmware, for example, the CPU of the restarted computer accesses the area storing the code to be executed first in the updated firmware. This corresponds to the process of making the updated firmware executable.

[0014] According to the power supply device control method configured as above, the power converter (converter and / or inverter) can be operated continuously, and power output and / or power input of the power supply device can be continued while firmware update data is acquired and stored in the non-transitory storage medium of the power supply device, thereby reducing the possibility that power input / output of the power supply device will be stopped for a long period of time.

[0015] Power supply devices such as UPS and PCS are used as infrastructure, and it is not desirable to stop the power input and output of the power supply device for an extended period of time in order to update firmware. If a power outage occurs during a firmware update, a conventional UPS cannot supply backup power to the electrical load and cannot perform its expected function. A conventional PCS cannot perform power conversion or power input and output during a firmware update, resulting in opportunity losses (for example, the inability to sell or store electricity generated by solar cells, or the missed opportunity to respond to demand).

[0016] The power supply device control method configured as described above allows the power supply device to continue inputting and outputting power during the process of acquiring update data, which takes a relatively long time (for example, several minutes to several hours) during the entire period required for updating firmware. After data acquisition is complete, the process of making the updated firmware executable can be performed in a relatively short time (for example, one second to several tens of seconds). This reduces the possibility that the power supply device's input and output will be stopped for a long period of time.

[0017] In the power supply device control method, after the firmware update data has been acquired and stored in the non-temporary storage medium in multiple power supply devices included in the system, the updated firmware in those multiple power supply devices may be made executable collectively.

[0018] For example, in situations where a large capacity (high VA) power output is required, a system is configured with multiple power supplies connected in parallel. Firmware updates must be performed on each of the multiple power supplies. When multiple power supplies sequentially receive firmware update data from a higher-level control device (e.g., a network interface card) via communication, it takes a long time for all of the multiple power supplies to complete the acquisition and storage of the data. According to the power supply device control method having the above configuration, power input / output to each power supply device continues during data acquisition and storage processes in the multiple power supply devices, which takes a long time, thereby minimizing the period during which power input / output is stopped.

[0019] In the power supply device, the update data may be stored in a storage area of ​​the non-transitory storage medium that is different from the area in which the firmware is stored. After the update data has been stored in the non-transitory storage medium, the control unit sets the storage area in which the update data has been stored as an operating area. This allows the power supply device to operate with the updated firmware after the update data has been stored, while minimizing the period during which power input and output is stopped.

[0020] The control unit may copy at least a part of the firmware to a temporary storage medium to continue at least one of power output and power input. Update data may be stored in a non-temporary storage medium while the control unit is performing control based on the firmware on the temporary storage medium. With the above configuration, even if the non-temporary storage medium does not have sufficient storage capacity to simultaneously store both the update data and the firmware currently being executed, the power supply device can continue to input and output power. By storing the minimum code for power input and output within the firmware in the temporary storage medium and temporarily setting it as an active area, the power supply device can continue to input and output power.

[0021] The UPS includes a power converter, a non-transitory storage medium, and a control unit that executes control based on firmware, and the control unit continues to operate the power converter to continue power output, acquires firmware update data while continuing power output and stores it in the non-transitory storage medium, and switches to bypass power supply after storage of the update data in the non-transitory storage medium is complete, and starts processing based on the updated firmware. The non-transitory storage medium may be part of the control unit.

[0022] For example, a continuous inverter power supply UPS converts AC power supplied from a grid power source such as a commercial power supply into DC power using a converter. The converter supplies the DC power to a storage element such as a storage battery (charging the storage battery) and also supplies it to an inverter. The inverter converts the DC power into AC power, rectifies it, and supplies it to an electrical load. Alternatively, the UPS may be a parallel processing type or a continuous commercial power supply type. With a UPS configured as described above, the power converter continues to operate during the update data acquisition process, which takes a relatively long time during the entire firmware update process, and the UPS can supply backup power to the electrical load even if a power outage occurs, thereby fulfilling the functions expected of a UPS.

[0023] The power supply device includes a power converter, a non-transitory storage medium, and a control unit that executes control based on firmware, wherein the control unit continues operation of the power converter to continue at least one of power output and power input, acquires update data for the firmware while continuing at least one of power output and power input, stores the update data in the non-transitory storage medium, and starts processing based on the updated firmware after storage of the update data in the non-transitory storage medium is completed. The non-transitory storage medium may be part of the control unit. The power supply system is configured by connecting a plurality of the above-described power supply devices. The plurality of power supply devices may be electrically connected in parallel or in series for power input and / or power output. The embedded software program causes a control unit provided in the power supply device to continue operating a power converter provided in the power supply device, acquire update data for the firmware of the power supply device and store it in a non-temporary storage medium, and start processing based on the updated firmware after storage of the update data in the non-temporary storage medium is completed.

[0024] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0025] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply device 1. The power supply device 1 includes a control unit 10, a power storage unit 11, a charge / discharge circuit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0026] The control unit 10 is a microcontroller and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, and an I / O (Input / Output) 103.

[0027] The CPU 100 is an execution unit that sequentially reads firmware stored in the ROM 101 and executes control processing according to the control procedure defined in the firmware. The ROM 101 is, in principle, a non-transient memory that is read-only from the CPU 100. The operating area of ​​the ROM 101 is rewritable. The ROM 101 has a temporary storage area outside the operating area. The ROM 101 is used in a read mode in which only reading is permitted, and an erase / rewrite mode in which rewriting is permitted but reading is not permitted. The ROM 101 is, for example, a flash memory. As described above, the ROM 101 stores firmware that is read by the CPU 100. The firmware that is read by the CPU 100 is stored in the operating area within the ROM 101. The ROM 101 stores control firmware 2P for charge / discharge control and rewrite firmware 1P for executing the update process described below while the power supply device 1 is operating.

[0028] The RAM 102 is a temporary memory used for calculations by the CPU 100. The CPU 100 writes the results of calculations to the RAM 102 and reads them out as it proceeds with processing. The data stored in the RAM 102 is volatilized when the control unit 10 is restarted.

[0029] The power storage unit 11 includes a power storage element. The power storage unit 11 is connected to a system power supply E directly or via a charge / discharge circuit 12. The control unit 10 may receive power supply from the power storage unit 11.

[0030] The charge / discharge circuit 12 includes an inverter and / or a converter. The charge / discharge circuit 12 is connected to an electrical load. In response to a command from the control unit 10, the charge / discharge circuit 12 supplies power from the system power supply E to the electrical load, charges the power storage element from the system power supply E, or supplies power from the power storage element to the electrical load. The configuration of the charge / discharge circuit 12 varies depending on the type of power supply device 1 (UPS, PCS, or DC power supply device).

[0031] The communication unit 13 is a communication device for communicating with the higher-level device 2 or an external storage medium (e.g., a USB memory) not shown. The communication unit 13 may be, for example, a network interface card, or may be configured to allow attachment of an external storage medium. For example, the control unit 10 receives instructions from the higher-level device 2 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 10 receives firmware update data via the communication unit 13. The higher-level device 2 may be a maintenance terminal device that transmits update data for control firmware 2P to the power supply device 1 via a local network, or may be a network interface card connected to multiple power supply devices 1. The higher-level device 2 may be a server device that issues instructions to the power supply device 1 or collects data from the power supply device 1 via a communication network including the Internet.

[0032] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a firmware update procedure performed by the control unit 10. The CPU 100 of the control unit 10 copies a portion of the rewrite firmware 1P and the control firmware 2P to the RAM 102 and executes the following process. The portion of the control firmware 2P copied to the RAM 102 corresponds to minimum functions such as control of the charge / discharge circuit 12, power outage / abnormality detection, etc.

[0033] The CPU 100 determines whether firmware update data has been received via the communication unit 13 (step S101). If it is determined that firmware update data has not been received (S101: NO), the CPU 100 returns to step S101 and repeats the process until it is determined that firmware update data has been received. In this case, the control unit 10 continues charge / discharge control using the control firmware 2P in the ROM 101. The ROM 101 is in read mode.

[0034] If it is determined that firmware update data has been received (S101: YES), the CPU 100 analyzes the received data (step S102). The CPU 100 determines whether the received data has reached a specified number of bytes (step S103). If it is determined that the received data has not reached the specified number of bytes (S103: NO), the CPU 100 returns the process to step S101. If it is determined that the received data has reached the specified number of bytes (S103: YES), the CPU 100 switches the ROM 101 to an erase / rewrite mode (step S104) and writes the received update data directly to the ROM 101 (step S105). During this time, the CPU 100 continues to control charging and discharging on the RAM 102, for example, to maintain power supply to an electrical load. After the writing is completed, the CPU 100 switches the ROM 101 to a read mode (step S106).

[0035] In step S105, the CPU 100 may store the firmware update data in a temporary storage area of ​​the ROM 101. In this case, since the data of the control firmware 2P before the update remains in the operation area of ​​the ROM 101, even if an error occurs during writing, operation by the control firmware 2P before the update can be started. While the write is being performed, the CPU 100 continues to control charging and discharging on the RAM 102, for example, to maintain power supply to an electrical load.

[0036] The CPU 100 determines whether data reception is complete (step S107). If it determines that data reception is not complete (S107: NO), the CPU 100 returns the process to step S101 and continues the reception and writing process.

[0037] If it is determined in step S107 that data reception is complete (S107: YES), the CPU 100 temporarily stops the operation of the charge / discharge circuit 12 (step S108). If the power supply device 1 is a UPS, the CPU 100 switches the power supply method to the electric load to bypass power supply.

[0038] The CPU 100 restarts the power supply device 1 using an internal reset or the like (step S109). The restart resets the update process and the power supply device 1 starts normal operation. The restart also resets part of the rewrite firmware and control firmware that had been copied to the RAM 102.

[0039] When the data of the control firmware 2P is stored in the temporary storage area of ​​the ROM 101, the CPU 100 temporarily stops the operation of the charge / discharge circuit 12 in step S108, and then restarts it in step S109 to move the data of the updated control firmware 2P to the operating area of ​​the ROM 101. The movement of the data of the control firmware 2P is completed in less than one second or about one second.

[0040] This allows the power supply device 1 to continue functioning even while receiving and storing the firmware update data, which takes a long time. Receiving the firmware update data may take several minutes to several hours. The power supply device 1 stops its function (power input / output) only during the restart period, which includes the time it takes to copy (move) the updated control firmware 2P from the temporary storage area of ​​ROM 101 to the operating area, and this lasts for at most several tens of seconds.

[0041] Figure 3 is a timing chart of the state of the power supply device 1. Figure 3 shows the passage of time from the top to the bottom of the vertical axis. Figure 3 shows the progression of the state when the power supply device 1 is a UPS and when it is a PCS.

[0042] If the power supply device 1 is a UPS with a continuous inverter power supply system, after receiving an update request (update data) from the higher-level device 2, it maintains power supply from the inverter to the electrical load until the update data for the control firmware 2P has been received. After the update data for the control firmware 2P has been received, the UPS maintains bypass power supply while stopping the charge / discharge circuit 12 (inverter). After copying the updated control firmware 2P data to the operating area has been completed, the UPS begins control of the charge / discharge circuit 12, including the inverter, and can start supplying power from the inverter. In this way, the time for which the UPS stops supplying power to the inverter can be minimized.

[0043] When the power supply device 1 is a PCS, it is possible to minimize downtime after receiving an update request (update data) from the higher-level device 2. The PCS can continue to operate until it has completely received the update data for the control firmware 2P. After it has completely received the update data for the control firmware 2P, the PCS quickly restarts, including transferring data. During this time, the PCS stops functioning, but the downtime is shorter than with conventional update methods.

[0044] In the conventional update method shown in Figure 3, the firmware becomes unreadable from ROM 101 upon receiving an update request (update data), and the operation of the UPS or PCS stops. After receiving the firmware update data and copying it to the operating area of ​​ROM 101 is complete, the UPS or PCS resumes operation. If it takes several minutes to several hours to receive the data, the UPS or PCS cannot perform the expected functions during that time.

[0045] In contrast, if the power supply device 1 updates the control firmware 2P according to the processing procedure of FIG. 2, the time during which the functions of the power supply device 1 are stopped can be minimized.

[0046] (Second embodiment) 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power supply device 1 in the second embodiment. The control unit 10 has a plurality of (two) ROMs 101 that can be read from the CPU 100. The configuration of the power supply device 1 is the same as that of the power supply device 1 in the first embodiment, except for the number of ROMs 101 and the following processing procedure. The same reference numerals are used for common configurations, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the firmware update procedure performed by the control unit 10. Of the procedure shown in Fig. 5, steps common to Fig. 2 are assigned the same step numbers and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] When the CPU 100 determines that the received update data has reached the specified number of bytes (S103: YES), it sets the other ROM 101, which is different from the one ROM 101 used in read mode as the operating area, to erase / rewrite mode (step S124) and writes the data (step S125).

[0049] The CPU 100 determines whether data reception is complete (S107), and if it determines that data reception is not complete (S107: NO), the CPU 100 returns the process to step S101 and continues reception and writing.

[0050] When it is determined that data reception is complete (S107: YES), the CPU 100 temporarily stops the operation of the charge / discharge circuit 12 (S108) and restarts it using an internal reset or the like (step S109). By restarting, the ROM 101 that stores the updated control firmware 2P becomes the operating area of ​​the CPU 100, and the ROM 101 that was being used becomes the next target for updating the control firmware 2P.

[0051] The configuration of the power supply device 1 of the second embodiment allows the operation of the charge / discharge circuit 12 to continue even while firmware update data is being received and stored, which takes a long time. In the second embodiment, the power supply device 1 also stops functioning only during the restart period.

[0052] By having the power supply device 1 update the control firmware 2P using the processing procedure shown in the first or second embodiment, the amount of time that power supply to the electrical load is stopped can be minimized throughout the entire system, including the power supply device 1, as described below.

[0053] 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of systems 200 and 300 equipped with multiple power supply devices 1. The system 200 in FIG. 6 includes multiple UPSs 1. The multiple UPSs 1 are connected in parallel. The system 200 also includes a router 3 on a local network LN. In the system 200, a maintenance terminal device (host device) 2 carried by a maintenance technician connects to the router 3 and updates the multiple UPSs 1 via the router 3. The host device 2 stores update data for the control firmware 2P in each UPS 1. Receiving and storing the update data takes several minutes to several hours per UPS 1. While each UPS 1 receives and stores the update data, the firmware update method of the first or second embodiment allows each UPS 1 to continue supplying power to the electrical load. After the update data has been stored in the ROM 101 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) in the multiple UPSs 1, the updated firmware in the multiple UPSs 1 can be executed collectively.

[0054] The system 300 in FIG. 7 includes multiple PCSs 1 connected via serial communication. The system 300 also includes a router 3 that connects a local network LN with an external network. The PCSs 1 can communicate with a power server 4 via a public communication network N using a communication unit 13 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). In the system 300, the communication unit 13 of a specific PCS 1 among the multiple PCSs 1 is connected via the router 3 to a maintenance terminal device (host device) 2 carried by a maintenance technician. The other PCSs 1 are communicatively connected via serial communication cables. The host device 2 transmits update data for the control firmware 2P to each PCS 1 in turn. After the update data has been stored in each PCS 1 using the firmware update method of the first or second embodiment, the updated firmware in the multiple UPSs 1 can be executed collectively.

[0055] Although not shown, the power supply device 1 may be equipped with a plurality of control units 10 (CPUs 100). In this case, the higher-level device 2 may request a firmware update from each control unit 10, or may request a firmware update for all of the plurality of control units 10, and the updates may be performed in parallel.

[0056] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Power supply 10 Control Unit 100 CPUs (execution unit) 101 ROM (non-temporary storage medium) 102 RAM (temporary storage medium) 1P Rewrite firmware 2P control firmware 12 Charge / discharge circuit 13 Communications Department 2 Upper device

Claims

1. A control unit provided in a power supply device, when starting to receive update data for firmware of the power supply device, copies a portion of the firmware before the update to a temporary storage medium, the portion being used to continue at least one of power output and power input of the power supply device; the control unit continues operation of a power converter included in the power supply device by executing the part copied to the temporary storage medium, thereby continuing at least one of power output and power input; the control unit acquires update data for the firmware of the power supply device while at least one of the power output and the power input is continuing, and stores the update data in a non-transitory storage medium provided in the power supply device; the control unit, after completing the storage of the update data in the non-temporary storage medium, starts processing based on the updated firmware without waiting to determine an operating status of a system including the power supply device. A method for controlling a power supply.

2. After the plurality of power supply devices included in the system have completed obtaining the firmware update data and storing it in the non-temporary storage medium, the control unit: The updated firmware can be executed collectively in the plurality of power supply devices. The method for controlling the power supply device according to claim 1 .

3. storing the update data in a storage area in the non-transitory storage medium that is different from an area in which the firmware is stored; After the storage of the update data in the non-transitory storage medium is completed, The control unit sets the storage area in which the update data is stored as an operating area.

3. A method for controlling the power supply device according to claim 1.

4. The part corresponds to the functions of rewriting the firmware, controlling the charge / discharge circuit of the power supply device, and detecting power outages and abnormalities.

3. A method for controlling the power supply device according to claim 1.

5. a power converter; a non-transitory storage medium; a control unit that executes control based on firmware, The control unit When reception of update data for the firmware of the power converter is started, a part of the firmware before the update is stored in a temporary storage medium for continuing power output of the power converter; Executing the part copied to the temporary storage medium to continue operation of the power converter and continue power output; acquiring update data for the firmware while the power output is continuing and storing the data in the non-transitory storage medium; after completing the storage of the update data in the non-temporary storage medium, switching to bypass power supply without waiting to determine an operating state of a system including the power converter; Start processing based on the updated firmware, Uninterruptible power supply.

6. a power converter; a non-transitory storage medium; a control unit that executes control based on firmware, The control unit When reception of update data for the firmware of the power converter is started, a part of the firmware before the update is stored in a temporary storage medium in order to continue at least one of the power output and the power input of the power converter; Executing the part copied to the temporary storage medium to continue operation of the power converter and continue at least one of power output and power input; acquiring update data for the firmware while at least one of the power output and the power input is continuing and storing the data in the non-transitory storage medium; after completing the storage of the update data in the non-temporary storage medium, starting processing based on the updated firmware without waiting to determine an operating status of a system including the power converter. power supply.

7. A power supply system comprising a plurality of power supply devices according to claim 6 connected together.

8. The control unit of the power supply device includes: When the power supply device starts receiving update data for the embedded software program, copying a portion of the embedded software program before the update to a temporary storage medium, the portion being used to continue at least one of the power output and the power input of the power supply device; By executing the part copied to the temporary storage medium, the operation of the power converter provided in the power supply device is continued, thereby continuing at least one of power output and power input; acquiring update data for the embedded software program of the power supply device while the power output and / or the power input of the power supply device is being continuously acquired and stored in a non-transitory storage medium; after completing the storage of the update data in the non-transitory storage medium, starting processing based on the updated embedded software program without waiting to determine the operating status of the system including the power supply device; An embedded software program that performs processing.

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