Power fusion device

Abstract

To provide a normal time standby device and a power emergency interchange device that can be configured more simply and can detect a fault during standby.SOLUTION: The normal time standby device is designed to wait for executing an operation during a normal time and to perform a predetermined operation during an emergency. The normal time standby device includes an operation unit that performs the predetermined operation during the emergency and a control unit that controls the operation of the operation unit. The control device has a self-maintenance function that can automatically detect, during the standby, a malfunction of at least one of the operation unit and the control device that can only be detected when the operation unit is operating by executing simulated control of the operation of the control unit while it is on standby.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention is , electric power This relates to a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are constant standby devices that are kept on standby at all times and operated only when necessary. For example, in the electric power industry, there is the emergency power interchange device. The emergency power interchange device is a device that urgently interchanges power from point B to point A when a disaster or other event occurs at point A causing a power shortage.

[0003] A continuous standby device will perform its important duties only at the exact times it is required, but will simply continue to stand by outside of those times. While the continuous standby device is on standby, it may fail unnoticed due to aging of parts, changes in parts over time, or the influence of small animals or the local environment. In particular, abnormalities that can only be detected during operation are difficult to detect because they are not monitored. If the time comes when the continuous standby device needs to be operated while still in a malfunctioning state, it will not be able to fulfill its important duties.

[0004] For example, a standby device may have a monitoring function to detect abnormalities. However, the monitoring function is only used to detect abnormalities that occur during operation, and may be stopped during standby. For this reason, this is not a foolproof measure.

[0005] Another method is for inspectors to periodically conduct simulated operations and inspect the equipment. However, this method requires that the standby equipment be shut down for several days to several weeks, which has a significant impact on the operation of the standby equipment. It also requires a lot of work for the inspectors, so there is a need to reduce manual labor as much as possible.

[0006] One method is to have a dual standby system so that if one system fails, the other system can still fulfill its duties. However, dual systems make the entire system larger, which raises concerns about increased manufacturing costs and the difficulty of finding a place to install it on-site.

[0007] For this reason, it is desirable for a standby device to have a simpler configuration and be able to detect a failure while on standby. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-261457 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The embodiment of the present invention has a simpler configuration and can detect a fault while waiting. Electric power exchange A communication device is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, Power exchange destination Normal time Wait for And The power supplier In an emergency flexibility Perform an action Power interchange device And, a power converter having a plurality of switching elements, which converts power by switching the plurality of switching elements in the emergency to supply power to the power interchange destination; and the above Power Converter and a control device for controlling the operation of the Power Converter By simulating the control of the operation during the standby state, Before Recording control equipment Place Waiting for a failure Departing It has a self-maintenance function that allows you to see and a power interchange device that, during execution of the self-maintenance function, transmits a control signal to each of the plurality of switching elements, detects the transmitted control signal, and determines that the control device is faulty if the detected control signal is abnormal. is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] A simpler configuration allows faults to be detected while on standby. Electric power exchangeA communication device is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an emergency power interchange device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the emergency power interchange device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a modified example of the emergency power interchange device according to the embodiment.

[0013] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an emergency power interchange device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an emergency power interchange device 10 (constant standby device) includes a power converter 12 (operating unit) and a gate pulse generator 14 (control device).

[0015] The power converter 12 is connected to an AC power system 2 via a switch 3, for example, and is also connected to a DC circuit 4. The power converter 12 is also connected via the DC circuit 4 to a power converter of an emergency power interchange device of another power system.

[0016] The power converter 12 converts AC power supplied from the power system 2 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power to the DC circuit 4, thereby transferring power from the power system 2 to another power system, and also converts DC power supplied from the DC circuit 4 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power to the power system 2, thereby transferring power from another power system to the power system 2.

[0017] In this way, the power converter 12 converts power to transfer power from the power system 2 to another power system. The power converter 12 may also be called, for example, a main circuit.

[0018] In this way, the emergency power interchange device 1 0 is , and interchanges power between the power systems. Power interchange is performed when a power shortage occurs in one of the pair of power systems due to, for example, the occurrence of a disaster. The emergency power interchange device 10 stands by to interchange power during normal times when there is no power shortage, and performs the interchange of power in an emergency when a power shortage occurs. In other words, the emergency power interchange device 10 is in a standby mode in which it stops the interchange of power during normal times when there is no power shortage, and in an emergency when a power shortage occurs, it is in an operation mode in which it interchanges power. The power converter 12 converts power during an emergency, thereby interchanges power from one of the pair of power systems to the other of the pair of power systems.

[0019] The emergency power interchange device 10 communicates with, for example, a higher-level device 6 and switches between a standby mode and an operating mode in response to a control signal input from the higher-level device 6. The emergency power interchange device 10 is a constant standby device that is always on standby and operates only when a power shortage occurs. In other words, the power converter 12 is an operating unit that performs a predetermined operation in an emergency.

[0020] The power converter 12 is a separately excited converter that uses separately excited switching elements such as thyristors, etc. The power converter 12 has, for example, a plurality of separately excited switching elements, and performs power conversion by switching the plurality of separately excited switching elements.

[0021] The switch 3 is open, for example, during normal operation when no power shortage occurs. This makes it possible to prevent voltage from being applied to multiple switching elements of the power converter 12 during normal operation, for example. The switch 3 is closed when a power shortage occurs in one of the pair of power systems and the emergency power interchange device 10 is operated. The switching between closing and opening the switch 3 is controlled, for example, by the higher-level device 6. The switch 3 may be a circuit breaker or the like. The switch 3 may have any configuration that allows it to switch between a state in which the power converter 12 is connected to the power system 2 and a state in which the power converter 12 is disconnected from the power system 2.

[0022] The gate pulse generator 14 controls the power interchange operation by the power converter 12. The gate pulse generator 14 controls the power conversion operation by the power converter 12, for example, by transmitting a gate pulse signal to each of a plurality of separately excited switching elements of the power converter 12 and controlling the switching (ON timing) of each switching element.

[0023] The gate pulse generator 14 includes, for example, a logic unit 21, a pulse amplifier unit 22, a control power supply unit 23, a fault indicator 24, a power failure compensation unit 25, and a relay unit 26.

[0024] The logic unit 21 communicates with the higher-level device 6 and receives a control signal from the higher-level device 6. Based on the control signal received from the higher-level device 6, the logic unit 21 generates a gate pulse signal for controlling the switching of each switching element of the power converter 12. The logic unit 21 generates a gate pulse signal that is an electrical signal and inputs the generated gate pulse signal to the pulse amplifier unit 22.

[0025] Furthermore, the logic unit 21 monitors abnormalities in each part of the gate pulse generator 14 when the gate pulse generator 14 is in operation mode. For example, when the logic unit 21 detects an abnormality, it outputs an abnormality signal indicating the detected abnormality to the higher-level device 6 or another external device 8. The external device 8 is, for example, a fault waveform recording device that automatically records various electrical quantities and signals when an abnormality occurs from before the abnormality occurs until after recovery.

[0026] The pulse amplifier unit 22 converts the electrical gate pulse signal input from the logic unit 21 into an optical signal, and controls the switching of each switching element of the power converter 12 by inputting the optical pulse gate pulse signal to the power converter 12.

[0027] The control power supply unit 23 receives power (AC power) from the power system 2 or another commercial power source, converts the supplied power into power corresponding to each part of the gate pulse generator 14, such as the logic part 21, the pulse amplifier part 22, the fault indicator 24, and the relay unit 26, and supplies the converted power to each part, thereby operating each part of the gate pulse generator 14.

[0028] The fault indicator 24 displays various abnormalities detected by the logic unit 21. The fault indicator 24 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The fault indicator 24 displays various abnormalities by displaying characters, patterns, etc. The fault indicator 24 may also display various abnormalities by, for example, lighting or blinking a light. The fault indicator 24 may be configured in any way that can appropriately display various abnormalities detected by the logic unit 21.

[0029] The power failure compensation unit 25 supplies power to the control power supply unit 23 when the power supplied to the control power supply unit 23 is lost. The power failure compensation unit 25 compensates for the control power supply of the control power supply unit 23 for a certain period of time when the power supply is lost (when a power outage occurs) until the emergency power interchange device 10 is stopped for protection. The power failure compensation unit 25 is formed by, for example, a storage element such as a storage battery or a capacitor.

[0030] The relay unit 26 outputs an abnormality signal, for example, based on the result of abnormality detection by the logic unit 21. The relay unit 26 outputs the abnormality signal to, for example, the higher-level device 6 or other external device 8. The relay unit 26 also constructs a relay sequence, for example, at the time of startup or shutdown.

[0031] However, the configuration of the gate pulse generator 14 is not limited to the above, and any configuration that can control the operation of the power converter 12 to interchange power may be used.

[0032] The gate pulse generator 14 has a self-maintenance function. The self-maintenance function is provided, for example, in the logic section 21. In other words, the logic section 21 has the self-maintenance function.

[0033] The self-maintenance function is a function that enables automatic detection, during standby, of faults in the gate pulse generator 14 that can only be detected when the power converter 12 is in operation, by simulating control of the operation of the power converter 12 during standby. In other words, the self-maintenance function is a function that enables automatic detection, during standby mode, of faults that can only be detected when the power emergency interchange device 10 is in operation, by simulating the operation of each part of the power emergency interchange device 10 that is the same as when the power emergency interchange device 10 is in operation mode, during standby mode of the power emergency interchange device 10.

[0034] The self-maintenance function is realized, for example, by software. The self-maintenance function is implemented in the logic unit 21 by, for example, incorporating software into the logic unit 21. The self-maintenance function may also be realized, for example, by hardware such as a programmable logic controller incorporating software.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of the operation of the emergency power interchange device according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 schematically shows an example of the operation of the self-maintenance function by the gate pulse generator 14 (logic unit 21). Fig. 2 also shows an example of the operation when the self-maintenance function simulates the operation of the gate pulse generator 14 to detect a fault in the gate pulse generator 14.

[0036] 2, the logic unit 21 checks whether the gate pulse generator 14 (emergency power interchange device 10) is in standby mode, and executes a self-maintenance function when it is in standby mode (steps S101 and S102 in FIG. 2). For example, the logic unit 21 periodically executes the self-maintenance function when the gate pulse generator 14 is in standby mode.

[0037] When the logic unit 21 executes the self-maintenance function, it first simulates and checks the basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14 that controls the operation of the power converter 12. The basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14 is, for example, the operation of outputting a gate pulse signal in the form of an optical pulse from the pulse amplifier unit 22 to the power converter 12.

[0038] When the emergency power interchange device 10 is in standby mode, the switch 3 is opened and the supply of power to the power converter 12 is stopped. Therefore, even if a gate pulse signal is output to the power converter 12, it is possible to prevent the power converter 12 from operating and affecting the power system 2, etc. In other words, the basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14 is the same as that in the operation mode.

[0039] The logic unit 21, for example, inputs a gate pulse signal, which is an electrical signal, to the pulse amplifier unit 22 and causes the pulse amplifier unit 22 to output a gate pulse signal, which is an optical pulse, corresponding to the input gate pulse signal, of the electrical signal. The logic unit 21 then detects the gate pulse signal, which is an optical pulse, output from the pulse amplifier unit 22 using a light receiving element or the like, and acquires the detection result. In other words, the pulse amplifier unit 22 has a detection circuit for detecting the output of the gate pulse signal, and inputs the detection result to the logic unit 21.

[0040] Based on the acquired detection result, the logic unit 21 checks whether or not there is an abnormality in the gate pulse signal output from the pulse amplifier unit 22 (step S103 in FIG. 2). In this way, the logic unit 21 simulates and checks the basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14. However, the method for checking the basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14 is not limited to the above, and any method that can appropriately check the basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14 may be used.

[0041] The logic unit 21 terminates the self-maintenance function when it confirms that there is no abnormality in the gate pulse signal. In other words, the logic unit 21 terminates the self-maintenance function when it confirms that there is no abnormality in the basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14.

[0042] On the other hand, when the logic unit 21 confirms that there is an abnormality in the gate pulse signal, it notifies the host device 6 of the abnormal state by sending an abnormality signal to the host device 6, and also notifies the abnormal state to on-site inspectors or the like by displaying the abnormal state on the fault indicator 24 (steps S104 and S105 in FIG. 2). As a result, a fault in the gate pulse generator 14 that can only be discovered when the power converter 12 is operating (when the emergency power interchange device 10 is in the operating mode) can be automatically discovered during standby (when the emergency power interchange device 10 is in the standby mode).

[0043] Furthermore, if the logic section 21 detects that some abnormality has occurred in the gate pulse generator 14, it then subdivides the self-maintenance function to pinpoint the location of the failure within the device. The logic section 21 divides the gate pulse generator 14 into multiple units, such as units or boards, and checks the operation of each of the multiple units to pinpoint the location of the failure.

[0044] For example, when the logic unit 21 confirms that there is an abnormality in the gate pulse signal, it then simulates and checks the operation of the pulse amplifier unit 22 (step S107 in FIG. 2).

[0045] When logic unit 21 determines that there is an abnormality in pulse amplifier unit 22, it notifies upper device 6 of the abnormal state of pulse amplifier unit 22 by transmitting an abnormality signal related to pulse amplifier unit 22 to upper device 6, and also notifies on-site inspectors and the like of the abnormal state of pulse amplifier unit 22 by displaying the abnormal state related to pulse amplifier unit 22 on fault indicator 24 (steps S108 and S109 in FIG. 2).

[0046] If the logic unit 21 determines that there is an abnormality in the pulse amplifier unit 22, it terminates the self-maintenance function.

[0047] On the other hand, if logic section 21 determines that there is no abnormality in pulse amplifier section 22, it then simulates the operation of relay unit 26 (step S110 in FIG. 2). Thereafter, as in the case of pulse amplifier section 22, if an abnormality is determined, an abnormal state is notified, and if no abnormality is determined, the operation of the next unit part is determined.

[0048] In this way, when the logic unit 21 detects that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the gate pulse generator 14, it identifies the location of the failure by sequentially checking the operation of each of the multiple units. The logic unit 21 also checks the operation of the logic unit 21 itself, for example, by checking the output of the logic unit 21. If the location of the failure has been identified in this way, it becomes possible to easily repair the emergency power interchange device 10 when the device is in standby mode and someone is visiting the site for regular inspection, for example.

[0049] As described above, the emergency power interchange device 10 according to this embodiment can automatically detect, in standby mode, a fault that can only be detected in operation mode. In other words, a fault that can only be detected when the power converter 12 is in operation can be automatically detected during standby. This prevents, for example, the emergency power interchange device 10 from being unable to fulfill its important responsibilities due to the need to operate the device while still in a faulty state.

[0050] Furthermore, with the emergency power interchange device 10, for example, the fault state of the device can be ascertained before going to the site, thereby reducing the need for on-site fault investigation. For example, on-site work can be limited to repair work. In this way, the need for personnel to go to the site for periodic maintenance can be reduced, and manual work can be significantly reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, since the time required to execute the maintenance function is on the order of several milliseconds to several seconds, it is possible to reduce the impact on the operation of the emergency power interchange device 10. For example, when an inspector performs a simulated operation and inspects the device, it is necessary to shut down the emergency power interchange device 10 for several days to several weeks. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the need to shut down the emergency power interchange device 10 for a long period of time for fault inspection.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, if the self-maintenance function is realized by software, it can be applied relatively easily to existing emergency power interchange devices. Furthermore, even when completely updating the gate pulse generator 14 (control device), it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of control panels and an increase in the on-site installation area. For example, additional construction to secure an on-site installation space can be eliminated.

[0053] For example, there are cases where an emergency power interchange device is configured as a dual system, so that if one system fails, the other system can still fulfill its duties. However, in this case, dual systems make the entire device larger, which raises concerns about increased manufacturing costs for the device and the difficulty of securing a location for installation on-site.

[0054] The emergency power interchange device 10 according to this embodiment can prevent the device from becoming too large, and can also prevent an increase in the manufacturing costs of the device and difficulties in securing an on-site installation location.

[0055] In this way, the emergency power interchange device 10 according to this embodiment can be configured more simply to enable failures to be discovered during standby.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a modified example of the emergency power interchange device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the emergency power interchange device 10 a further includes a simulated voltage generator 30 and a switch 32 .

[0057] The simulated voltage generator 30 is capable of supplying power simulating the power system 2 to the power converter 12. The simulated voltage generator 30 supplies AC power corresponding to the power system 2 to the power converter 12, for example.

[0058] The switch 32 switches between a state in which the simulated voltage generator 30 supplies power to the power converter 12 and a state in which the supply of power from the simulated voltage generator 30 to the power converter 12 is stopped. For example, when the switch 32 is in an open state in which the electric circuit is open, the supply of power from the simulated voltage generator 30 to the power converter 12 is stopped, and when the switch 32 is in an closed state in which the electric circuit is closed, the power from the simulated voltage generator 30 is supplied to the power converter 12. The open state and the closed state of the switch 32 are switched by, for example, the logic unit 21.

[0059] In the emergency power interchange device 10a, the logic unit 21 switches the open and closed states of the switch 32 so that when the self-maintenance function is executed, the simulated voltage generator 30 supplies power to the power converter 12, and in other states, the supply of power from the simulated voltage generator 30 to the power converter 12 is stopped.

[0060] As a result, in the self-maintenance function, the logic unit 21 simulates the basic operation of the gate pulse generator 14, and also operates the power converter 12 based on the gate pulse signal from the gate pulse generator 14 and the power from the simulated voltage generator 30, thereby simulating the basic operation of the power converter 12. In the self-maintenance function, the logic unit 21 simulates the control of the operation of the power converter 12 while on standby, and by simulating the operation of the power converter 12, it is possible to automatically detect faults in the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14 while on standby.

[0061] At this time, by supplying power from the simulated voltage generator 30 to the power converter 12 and leaving the switch 3 open, even if the power converter 12 is operated, it is possible to prevent the power converter 12 from affecting the power grid 2, etc. When simulating the operation of the power converter 12 in the self-maintenance function, the logic unit 21 supplies power from the simulated voltage generator 30 to the power converter 12 while the power converter 12 is disconnected from the power grid 2, thereby simulating the operation of the power converter 12.

[0062] For example, the logic unit 21 detects the output of the power converter 12, and when the power converter 12 outputs appropriate power, it determines that there is no abnormality in the power converter 12 or the gate pulse generator 14, and when the power converter 12 does not output appropriate power, it determines that there is an abnormality in either the power converter 12 or the gate pulse generator 14. In this way, the logic unit 21 confirms the basic operations of the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14.

[0063] However, the method for checking the basic operation of the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14 is not limited to the above. For example, the switching states (on and off states) of the multiple switching elements of the power converter 12 may be checked, and if the switching states of the multiple switching elements are appropriate, it may be determined that there is no abnormality in the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14, and if the switching states of the multiple switching elements are inappropriate, it may be determined that there is an abnormality in either the power converter 12 or the gate pulse generator 14. The method for checking the basic operation of the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14 may be any method that can appropriately check the basic operation of the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14.

[0064] If the logic unit 21 detects that some abnormality has occurred in the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14, it then subdivides the self-maintenance function. The logic unit 21 divides the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14 into multiple units, such as units or boards, and identifies the location of the failure by checking the operation of each of the multiple units.

[0065] In this way, in the emergency power interchange device 10a, the target for detecting a fault by the self-maintenance function is not limited to the gate pulse generator 14, but may also be the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14, and faults in each of the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14 may be detected. Alternatively, only faults in the power converter 12 may be detected. The self-maintenance function may be a function that automatically detects a fault in at least one of the power converter 12 and the gate pulse generator 14 (control device) during standby by simulating control of the operation of the power converter 12 during standby, which can only be detected when the power converter 12 is operating.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the power converter 12 is a separately excited converter using a separately excited switching element such as a thyristor. The power converter 12 is not limited to a separately excited converter, and may be a self-excited converter using a self-excited switching element such as an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor).

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the gate pulse generator 14 is shown as an example of a control device that controls the operation of the power converter 12. For example, if the power converter 12 is a self-excited converter, the control device may be configured to control the switching of each switching element of the power converter 12 by inputting a PWM signal as a control signal to the power converter 12. The control device may be configured in any way that can appropriately control the operation of the power converter 12 by inputting a control signal to the power converter 12. The control signal input from the control device to the power converter 12 is not limited to an optical signal and may be an electrical signal.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the emergency power interchange device 10 is shown as an example of a constant standby device. However, the constant standby device is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an uninterruptible power supply or a circuit breaker.

[0069] The uninterruptible power supply is in standby mode during normal operation when no power outage occurs, and is in standby mode during an emergency when a power outage occurs. In the uninterruptible power supply, the operating unit is, for example, a power converter that converts the power stored in the power storage unit into power according to the load and supplies it.

[0070] A circuit breaker stands by to interrupt an electric circuit during normal operation when no overcurrent is occurring, and interrupts the electric circuit in an emergency when an overcurrent occurs. In a circuit breaker, the operating unit is, for example, a switch circuit that opens and closes the electric circuit.

[0071] The standby device is not limited to the above, and may be any device that is on standby to execute an operation under normal circumstances and performs a predetermined operation in an emergency. The operating unit may be any member that performs a predetermined operation in an emergency.

[0072] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 2...power system, 3...switch, 4...DC circuit, 6...host device, 8...external device, 10, 10a...emergency power interchange device (constant standby device), 12...power converter, 14...gate pulse generator (control device), 21...logic section, 22...pulse amplifier section, 23...control power supply unit, 24...fault indicator, 25...power outage compensation unit, 26...relay unit, 30...simulated voltage generator, 32...switch

Claims

1. A power interchange device that stands by during normal times at a power interchange destination and performs interchange operations during an emergency at the power interchange destination, a power converter having a plurality of switching elements, which converts power by switching the plurality of switching elements in the emergency to supply power to the power interchange destination; a control device for controlling the operation of the power converter; Equipped with the control device has a self-maintenance function that enables a failure of the control device to be detected during the standby state by simulating control of the operation of the power converter during the standby state; While the self-maintenance function is being executed, the control device transmits a control signal to each of the plurality of switching elements, detects the transmitted control signal, and determines that the control device has failed if the detected control signal is abnormal.

2. A power interchange device that stands by to interchange power during normal times when there is no power shortage in a pair of power systems, and that interchanges power during an emergency when there is a power shortage in one of the pair of power systems, a power converter having a plurality of switching elements, which converts power by switching the plurality of switching elements in the emergency, thereby transferring power from one of the pair of power systems to the other of the pair of power systems; a control device that controls the operation of the power converter to interchange power; Equipped with the control device has a self-maintenance function that enables a failure of the control device to be detected during the standby state by simulating control of the operation of the power converter during the standby state; While the self-maintenance function is being executed, the control device transmits a control signal to each of the plurality of switching elements, detects the transmitted control signal, and determines that the control device has failed if the detected control signal is abnormal.

3. 3. The power interchange device according to claim 2, wherein the control device, in the self-maintenance function, simulates control of the operation of the power converter during standby, and by simulating the operation of the power converter, makes it possible to discover failures in the power converter and the control device during standby.

4. a simulated voltage generator that can supply power simulating the power system to the power converter; 4. The power interchange device according to claim 3, wherein, when the control device simulates the operation of the power converter in the self-maintenance function, the control device simulates the operation of the power converter by supplying power from the simulated voltage generator to the power converter while the power converter is disconnected from the power grid.

Images