Power outage prevention kit

Abstract

To provide an emergency power supply facility which can be easily constructed at low cost and can also save electricity costs. [Solution] A switch box 1 located between a target branch switch 81 and a specific load 9 connects a portable storage battery 2 in series upstream of the target load 9 to store electricity in the portable storage battery 2 and supply the power of the portable storage battery 2 to the target load 9 during a power outage, or connects the portable storage battery 2 in parallel with the target load 9 to store electricity and, during a power outage, switches a switch 14 to connect the portable storage battery 2 in series to the target load 9 to supply electricity. A controller 53 in a power storage control unit 5 provided across a storage battery input line 43 and a storage battery output line 44 stores electricity in the portable storage battery 2 during times when electricity rates are low, and supplies electricity to the specific load 9 from the portable storage battery 2 during times when electricity rates are high, according to time period data input by an input unit 51.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for taking measures against power outages that may occur due to large-scale disasters. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there have been frequent cases of natural disasters such as major earthquakes and floods causing severe damage to local lifelines, making it an urgent issue to take thorough measures to deal with these. In particular, there have been an increasing number of cases of large-scale power outages caused by damage to power plants and power transmission and distribution networks, and the importance of taking measures to deal with these situations is being emphasized. When a power outage occurs due to a disaster, it is rare for it to take a long time to be restored, but in many cases it takes several days. During that time, people are forced to live an inconvenient life without electricity. Many people evacuate to evacuation shelters equipped with emergency power supply equipment, but many hesitate to do so for privacy reasons and end up staying in their homes without electricity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-154257 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7591330 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7637450 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In consideration of the above problems, measures are being taken to install emergency power supply equipment in ordinary homes in preparation for power outages during disasters. However, conventional emergency power supply equipment is very expensive and requires the installation of a power supply system to switch over from the grid power, which requires extensive construction. For example, when using a generator as an emergency power supply, the generator is connected to a branch on the upstream side (grid side) of the distribution board and switched over to use in the event of a power outage, but a large generator is required to cover the entire load on the downstream side of the distribution board, which requires expensive and extensive construction. In some cases, generators are replaced with solar panels and storage batteries, but similarly, to cover the entire load during a power outage, large, expensive storage batteries are required, and the construction is extensive. Specially configured (non-general-purpose) distribution boards are often required, which are costly and require complex construction. In addition, so-called V2H (Vehicle to Home) systems are installed, and equipment is installed to enable electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles to be used as storage batteries, but the multi-functionality of these systems inevitably makes them expensive and extensive. Due to these various reasons, emergency power supply systems, despite their need, are not yet widely adopted. The present invention was made with the above-mentioned issues of emergency power supply measures in mind, and aims to provide an emergency power supply facility that can be easily installed at low cost and also saves on electricity costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, this specification discloses a power outage countermeasure set. The power outage countermeasure set according to the disclosed invention is a set to be attached to a target branch switch, which is a branch switch in a distribution board installed in a building and is installed to supply grid power to a specific load. This power outage prevention kit includes a switch box, a portable battery, and a power storage control unit. The switch box is provided with a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to a specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of the portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of the portable battery. The switch box has wiring that connects the main input terminal to the battery input terminal and wiring that connects the battery output terminal to the load terminal, making it possible to install the portable battery between the target branch switch and the specific load so that the portable battery is in series with the target load. The switch box is provided with a switch and wiring for short-circuiting the main input terminal and the load terminal when the portable storage battery is removed. The storage control unit is capable of storing power in the portable battery using grid power from the target branch switch during the grid storage time period, and controlling the portable battery not to store power using grid power from the target branch switch outside the grid storage time period. Then, power supply from the target branch switch to the target load is ensured when the power storage control unit does not store power in the portable storage battery using system power from the target branch switch. In order to solve the above problem, the power outage prevention unit according to the disclosed invention comprises: The power storage control unit can control the supply of power stored in the portable battery to specific loads in place of grid power during battery power supply hours. It can have the following configuration. To solve the above problems, this specification discloses a power outage countermeasure set according to another invention. The power outage countermeasure set according to another invention is a set to be attached to a target branch switch, which is a branch switch in a distribution board installed in a building and is installed to supply grid power to a specific load. This power outage prevention kit includes a switch box, a portable battery, and a power storage control unit. The switch box is provided with a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to a specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of the portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of the portable battery. The switch box includes a switch, a main line within the box that connects the main input terminal to the load terminal via the switch, a battery input line that branches off from the main line within the box and shorts the battery input terminal to the main input terminal, and a battery output line that connects the battery output terminal to the load terminal via the switch. The switch short-circuits the main input terminal to the load terminal and disconnects the battery output terminal from the load terminal when there is no power outage, and disconnects the main input terminal from the load terminal and short-circuits the battery output terminal to the load terminal when there is a power outage. The storage control unit is capable of storing power in the portable battery using grid power from the target branch switch during the grid storage time period, and controlling the portable battery not to store power from the target branch switch outside the grid storage time period. In order to solve the above problem, a power outage prevention unit according to another disclosed invention comprises: The power storage control unit can control the supply of power stored in the portable battery to specific loads in place of grid power during battery power supply hours. It can have the following configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] As explained below, the power outage countermeasure sets according to the disclosed inventions allow a portable storage battery to store electricity during normal times (when there is no power outage) and can supply power to a specific load using the portable storage battery during a power outage, allowing electricity to be used by the specific load until the stored power in the portable storage battery reaches zero. This makes it possible to use the minimum amount of electricity necessary during a disaster, etc. Even when the portable storage battery is removed, power supply to the specific load can be maintained by operating a switch as needed during a non-power outage, so there is no problem with power use by the specific load. In addition, construction can be completed inexpensively and in a short period of time, and the hardware costs can be significantly reduced. This allows for low-cost power outage countermeasures during disasters. In addition, by setting the time period when electricity rates are low as the grid storage time period, it is possible to store electricity in the portable storage battery at low cost. Furthermore, if the storage control unit is configured to be able to control the supply of electricity stored in the portable storage battery to a specific load instead of grid power during the battery power supply period, electricity bills can be further reduced by supplying inexpensively stored electricity to the specific load during periods when grid power rates are high. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a power outage prevention set according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring state when the portable storage battery is removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power storage control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic switch. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a power outage prevention set according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power storage control unit according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Next, a description will be given of modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments.) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power outage countermeasure set according to a first embodiment. The power outage preparation set shown in Fig. 1 is a set that is installed in a building to add a function for securing power using a storage battery in the event of a power outage. As shown in Fig. 1, the power outage preparation set of the embodiment is composed of a switch box 1, a portable storage battery 2, a solar power generation panel 3, main wiring 41, 42, etc. The switch box 1 has a box case 15, which is provided with a main input terminal 100 and a load terminal 101. The power outage preparation set described below is intended for use in residential buildings such as detached houses and apartment buildings, but it can also be installed in non-residential buildings such as offices and government offices.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 1, the power outage countermeasure set of the embodiment is attached to the downstream side (load side) of a distribution board 8. More specifically, it is attached to one branch switch 81 in the distribution board 8. As is well known, the distribution board 8 is connected to a power transmission and distribution network provided by an electric power company to receive power supply. The power outage countermeasure set is installed by being interposed between the one branch switch 81 and a specific load 9 that is supplied with power from the one branch switch 81.

[0010] When constructing a building, electrical distribution work is usually carried out by installing temporary wiring after the structural components have been installed, and then completing the wiring work after the interior construction is complete. A distribution board is installed where the grid power is supplied, and power feeders to each load (each room) are attached to the output terminals of each branch switch on the distribution board. Then, power receiving terminals such as outlets are installed at each load. The installation of this power outage countermeasure set is carried out during this type of normal power distribution work. That is, rather than directly connecting the power feeder line to the specific load 9 at one branch switch 81, the installation is completed simply by connecting the power outage countermeasure set therebetween. Specifically, one end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to one branch switch 81, and the other end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to the main input terminal 100 on the switch box 1. Furthermore, one end of the second main wiring 42 is connected to the load terminal 101 on the switch box 1, and the other end is connected to the specific load 9.

[0011] In the following explanation, the branch switch 81 to which the power outage countermeasure set is attached is referred to as the target branch switch. The specific load 9 to which the target branch switch 81 supplies power is the load to which power is supplied by the portable storage battery 2 in the event of a power outage. In a building such as a house, power is distributed to each room by a distribution board 8, and the specific load 9 is selected to be a room with a high priority for power supply in the event of a power outage (for example, the living room). In other words, power distribution work is carried out by interposing the power outage countermeasure set on the target branch switch 81 that supplies power to a room with a high priority for power supply in the event of a power outage.

[0012] This power outage countermeasure set is basically configured such that the portable storage battery 2 is interposed in series between the target branch switch 81 and the specified load 9. That is, the input terminal 21 of the portable storage battery 2 is connected to the target branch switch 81 by the first main wiring 41, and the output terminal 22 of the portable storage battery 2 is connected to the specified load 9 by the second main wiring 42. Therefore, the portable storage battery 2 and the specified load 9 are in series, with the portable storage battery 2 on the upstream side.

[0013] The portable storage battery 2 has an input terminal for AC 100V (hereinafter referred to as AC input terminal) 21 and an output terminal for AC 100V (hereinafter referred to as AC output terminal) 22. An input-side AC cable 24 is connected to the AC input terminal 21, and an output-side AC cable 25 is connected to the AC output terminal 22. The portable storage battery 2 also has a DC input terminal 23 for connecting to the solar power generation panel 3. The portable storage battery 2 also has a power storage mode selection switch 20 that switches between storing power from the AC input terminal 21 (AC mode), from the DC input terminal 23 (DC mode), or a hybrid (HB) mode in which both power sources are used for storage. In the hybrid mode in which both power sources are used for storage, priority is given to storing power from the DC input terminal 23 in order to achieve energy-saving effects. In the hybrid mode, when power from the solar power generation panel 3 runs out, such as at night, AC power (grid power) is used for storage.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the switch box 1 is provided with a battery input terminal 103 to which the input side AC cable 24 extending from the portable storage battery 2 is connected, and a battery output terminal 104 to which the output side AC cable 25 extending from the portable storage battery 2 is connected. A main switch 10 is disposed within the box case 15. The main switch 10 is provided with two selection terminals 11 and 12 and one common terminal 13. One of the selection terminals is a first selection terminal 11 connected to the target branch switch 81 via a main input terminal 100 and a first main wiring 41. The other is a second selection terminal 12 connected to a storage battery output terminal 104. The main switch 10 is provided with a lever (not shown in FIG. 1 ), which is exposed on an outer surface (e.g., the front surface) of the box case 15. By operating the lever, switching can be performed between a state in which the first selection terminal 11 is short-circuited to the common terminal 13 and the second selection terminal 12 is open from the common terminal 13, and a state in which the first selection terminal 11 is open from the common terminal 13 and the second selection terminal 12 is short-circuited to the common terminal 13.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the first selection terminal 11 is connected to the main input terminal 100 and to a battery input line 43 that is connected to the AC input terminal 21 of the portable storage battery 2. The common terminal 13 of the main switch 10 is connected to the specific load 9 via the load terminal 101 and the second main wiring 42. The main switch 10 is in the state shown in Figure 1 unless the portable storage battery 2 is removed. Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the normal state. In the normal state, the main switch 10 short-circuits the second selection terminal 12 and the common terminal 13.

[0016] The portable storage battery 2 has a so-called pass-through function. That is, the internal circuit is configured so that the AC input terminal 21 and the AC output terminal 22 are always short-circuited, regardless of the charging / discharging state and regardless of which input mode is selected. Therefore, when the main switch 10 is in the normal state as shown in Figure 1, power from the target branch switch 81 passes through the first main wiring 41, the first selection terminal 11, the AC input terminal 21, inside the portable storage battery 2, the AC output terminal 22, and then reaches the second selection terminal 12, and is supplied to the specific load 9 via the common terminal 13, the load terminal 101, and the second main wiring 42.

[0017] Although not shown, the portable storage battery 2 includes a power outage detection circuit and an automatic power supply circuit. The power outage detection circuit is a circuit that detects when the receiving voltage drops to zero (detects a power outage) while the input AC cable 24 is connected to the AC input terminal 21, and detects when the receiving voltage is restored after the power outage is detected (detects the end of the power outage). The automatic power supply circuit is a circuit that automatically starts supplying power (outputs 100V AC to the AC output terminal 22) when the power outage detection circuit detects a power outage. These functions are similar to those of a so-called uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

[0018] Furthermore, the portable storage battery 2 is equipped with a reverse power flow prevention circuit and has a reverse power flow prevention function. Reverse power flow prevention is a function that prevents stored power from flowing in the reverse direction. In other words, it is a function that prevents power from flowing out of the AC input terminal 21. As an example of a portable storage battery 2 having such a configuration, the DELTA2 sold by EcoFlow Technology Japan Co., Ltd. can be used.

[0019] In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, when the portable storage battery 2 is removed, the main switch 10 is operated. This will be explained with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the wiring state when the portable storage battery 2 is removed. When removing the portable storage battery 2, the main switch 10 is operated in advance to set it to the state shown in Figure 2. That is, the first selection terminal 11 is short-circuited to the common terminal 13. Hereinafter, this state will be referred to as the "released state." By setting it to the released state, the portable storage battery 2 is disconnected from the specific load 9 and also from the target branch switch 81. The grid power from the target branch switch 81 flows directly from the first selection terminal 11 to the common terminal 13 by the main switch 10 and is supplied directly to the specific load 9. After setting it to this state, the AC cables 24, 25 connected to the switch box 1 are pulled out to remove the portable storage battery 2 from the switch box 1. Note that if the solar power generation panel 3 is connected to the DC input terminal 23, it may be left connected as is; however, if the portable storage battery 2 is to be taken outdoors, the DC cable 31 should be pulled out from the DC input terminal 23.

[0020] 1, the power outage countermeasure set of the embodiment includes a power storage control unit 5. In this embodiment, the power storage control unit 5 is provided in the switch box 1. The power storage control unit 5 is a unit that controls the storage of power in the portable storage battery 2, the output of the stored power, and the like. The power storage control unit 5 is provided so as to straddle the storage battery input line 43 and the storage battery input line 44. A power outage detection sensor 6 is provided on the line from the main input terminal 100, and the output of the power outage detection sensor 6 is always input to the power storage control unit 5.

[0021] 1, the power storage control unit 5 includes an input unit 51, a memory unit 52, and a controller 53. The input unit 51 allows data for power storage control to be input from outside and may be configured, for example, as a touch panel display. The input unit 51 is attached to a box case 15 so that it can be operated from outside. The power outage detection sensor 6 is a device that detects a power outage by measuring the voltage on the line from the main input terminal 100.

[0022] The storage unit 52 includes a ROM that stores control programs such as a sequence control program, a RAM that stores control data, etc. The controller 53 is composed of a sequencer or the like that has a clock function. The storage unit 52 and the controller 53 may be composed of a so-called PLC (programmable logic controller).

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power storage control unit 5. As shown in Fig. 3, the power storage control unit 5 includes several switches, and a controller 53 executes a sequence control program that controls each switch. 3, the power storage control unit 5 includes a bypass line 54 that is parallel to the portable storage battery 2. The bypass line 54 is a line that bypasses the portable storage battery 2 by directly short-circuiting the storage battery input line 43 and the storage battery output line 44.

[0024] A power storage selection switch 55 is provided at the point where the bypass line 54 branches off from the storage battery input line 43. The power storage selection switch 55 is a switch that selects whether the line from the storage battery input line 43 is short-circuited to the bypass line 54 or to the storage battery input terminal 103. For convenience of explanation, the state in which the line from the storage battery input line 43 is short-circuited to the bypass line 54 is referred to as a bypass state, and the state in which it is short-circuited to the storage battery input terminal 103 is referred to as a non-bypass state.

[0025] A system selection switch 56 is provided downstream of the power storage selection switch 55 (on the side of the storage battery input terminal 103). The system selection switch 56 is a switch that selects whether or not power storage is performed using system power from the target branch switch 81, and power storage is performed using system power only when this switch is on.

[0026] Furthermore, a power supply selection switch 57 is provided at the point where the bypass line 54 joins the battery output line. The power supply selection switch 57 is a switch that selects whether to open the bypass line 54 from the battery output line 44 and short-circuit the battery output terminal 104 to the battery output line 44, or to open the battery output terminal 104 from the battery output line 44 and short-circuit the bypass line 54 to the battery output line 44. For convenience of explanation, a state in which the bypass line 54 is opened from the battery output line 44 and short-circuit the battery output terminal 104 to the battery output line 44 is referred to as a non-bypass state, and a state in which the battery output terminal 104 is opened from the battery output line 44 and short-circuit the bypass line 54 to the battery output line 44 is referred to as a bypass state.

[0027] The memory unit 52 is implemented with a time period input program for inputting a grid power storage time period, which is a time period during a day when portable storage battery 2 is charged with power from the grid power, and a battery power supply time period, which is a time period during a day when power stored in portable storage battery 2 is supplied to specific load 9. The time period input program includes a module for displaying an input field for each time period on the touch panel display, and a module for storing each input time period in the memory unit 52.

[0028] The grid power storage time period and the battery power supply time period do not overlap. In other words, the battery power supply time period is a time period in which power is supplied to the specific load 9 without using grid power, and during this time period, power is not stored in the battery using grid power. The time period input program is coded so that an error occurs if the two time periods overlap.

[0029] Controller 53 controls power storage and power supply by executing a sequence control program using as an argument the data for each time period stored in storage unit 52. That is, during the grid power storage time period, controller 53 turns on grid selection switch 56, sets power storage selection switch 55 to the non-bypass state, and also sets power supply selection switch 57 to the non-bypass state. As a result, portable storage battery 2 is charged with grid power, and the grid power is supplied to specific load 9 by the pass-through function of portable storage battery 2.

[0030] During a time period other than the grid power storage time period and other than the battery power supply time period, controller 53 turns off grid selection switch 56 and sets power storage selection switch 55 and power supply selection switch 57 to the bypass state. As a result, the power supplied to portable storage battery 2 becomes zero, and grid power is supplied to specific load 9 via bypass line 54. Note that since the input power of portable storage battery 2 becomes zero, it outputs power as if a power outage has occurred, but since it is not connected to specific load 9 at power supply selection switch 57, power is not supplied to specific load 9.

[0031] When the battery power supply time period begins, controller 53 turns off grid selection switch 56 and sets power supply selection switch 57 to the non-bypass state. As a result, the power stored in portable storage battery 2 is supplied to specific load 9, and grid power is not used at this time. Note that, as a control for this time period, power storage selection switch 55 may be set to the bypass state as long as power supply selection switch 57 is in the non-bypass state.

[0032] The controller 53 is configured to constantly receive a signal from the power outage detection sensor 6. When the power outage detection sensor 6 detects a power outage (when it detects zero voltage), the sequence control program controls the system so that it is in the battery power supply period even if it is not in the battery power supply period. That is, the system selection switch 56 is turned off and the power supply selection switch 57 is set to the non-bypass state. The sequence control program is coded so that the above-mentioned controls are performed by the controller 53.

[0033] The operation of such a power outage prevention set will be described below. The power outage countermeasure kit is installed as described above when the building is constructed. That is, one end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to the target branch switch 81, and the other end of the first main wiring 41 is connected to the main input terminal 100 on the switch box 1. Furthermore, one end of the second main wiring 42 is connected to the load terminal 101 on the switch box 1, and the other end is connected to the specific load 9. The main switch 10 is then set to the normal state. Furthermore, the portable storage battery 2 is attached to the switch box 1 by connecting the AC cables 24, 25. Furthermore, the solar power generation panel 3 is connected to the DC input terminal 23 of the portable storage battery 2 by a DC cable 31. The power storage mode selection switch 20 on the portable storage battery 2 is often set to AC mode or hybrid mode.

[0034] Furthermore, after the above construction is completed (or before construction), time zone data is input. That is, the user or construction contractor inputs data for each time zone in the input unit 51. Specifically, the time zones when electricity rates are low are input as grid power storage time zones. Then, the daytime time zones when electricity rates are high are input as battery power supply time zones. The battery power supply time zones are input according to the capacity of the portable storage battery 2, i.e., the amount of electricity stored when fully charged. Therefore, some of the daytime time zones when electricity rates are high may be input as battery power supply time zones.

[0035] After the installation and time zone data are completed as described above, the power outage countermeasure set is used to charge the portable storage battery 2 and supply power to the specific load 9. The grid power from the target branch switch 81 flows from the first selection terminal 11 of the main switch 10 through the portable storage battery 2, and is supplied to the specific load 9 via the second selection terminal 12 of the main switch 10. At this time, if it is a grid power storage time zone, power is also stored in the portable storage battery 29. Furthermore, if the power storage mode selection switch 20 is set to hybrid mode or DC mode, power is stored in the portable storage battery 29 by the solar power generation panel 3 during sunny daytime hours.

[0036] Also, when it is not the grid power storage time period or the battery power supply time period, the grid selection switch 56 is turned off, and the grid power is supplied directly to the specific load 9 via the bypass line 54 without being stored in the portable battery 2. When the battery power supply time period begins, system selection switch 56 is turned off and power supply selection switch 57 is set to the non-bypass state, so that the power stored in portable battery 2 is supplied to specific load 9 for use.

[0037] Meanwhile, if a power outage occurs due to a large-scale disaster or the like while the power outage countermeasure set is operating, the power outage detection sensor 6 detects this, and the controller 53 controls the battery power supply time zone regardless of whether it is during the battery power supply time zone. That is, the system selection switch 56 is turned off, and the power supply selection switch 57 is set to the non-bypass state. The internal power outage detection circuit of the portable battery 2 is activated, and the automatic power supply circuit operates, generating an output voltage at the AC output terminal 22, which is supplied to the specific load 9 via the power supply selection switch 57. As a result, power supply to the specific load 9 continues.

[0038] When the power outage is resolved, the power outage detection sensor 6 detects the restoration of power, and the controller 53 switches to a state appropriate to the time period. That is, if it is the grid power storage time period, the grid selection switch 56 is turned on, and the power storage selection switch 55 and the power supply selection switch 57 are each set to the non-bypass state. If it is neither the grid power storage time period nor the battery power supply time period, the grid selection switch 56 is turned off, and the charge selection switch 55 and the power supply selection switch 57 are set to the bypass state. In either case, the supply of grid power to the specific load 9 is resumed via the pass-through function of the portable storage battery 2 or the bypass line 54. Note that if it is sunny during the daytime during the power outage, the solar power generation panel 3 also stores power in the portable storage battery 2 in parallel. This extends the time until the remaining charge of the portable storage battery 2 becomes zero.

[0039] When the portable storage battery 2 is removed for use outdoors, the main switch 10 is switched from the steady state in Fig. 1 to the released state in Fig. 2. Then, the AC cables 24, 25 are pulled out, and the DC cable 31 connected to the solar power generation panel 3 is also pulled out. This removes the portable storage battery 2 from the switch box 1 and the solar power generation panel 3, making it possible to take it outdoors. In this example, the solar power generation panel 3 is also portable, so it can be taken out together with the portable storage battery 2 and used to store electricity using sunlight outdoors.

[0040] With this power outage countermeasure kit, power is supplied to the specific load 9 during a power outage from the portable storage battery 2 that has stored electricity during normal times (when there is no power outage), so electricity can be used by the specific load 9 until the amount of electricity stored in the portable storage battery 2 reaches zero. This makes it possible to use the minimum amount of electricity necessary during a disaster. In this case, the idea is to supply power to selected specific loads 9 rather than to all loads in the building during a power outage, so there is no need to use a large, expensive, high-capacity storage battery, and therefore an inexpensive portable storage battery 2 is used.

[0041] Furthermore, since construction can be completed simply by attaching the switch box 1, to which the portable storage battery 2 and the solar power generation panel 3 are connected, to the target branch switch 81 via the first main wiring 41, construction can be completed extremely cheaply and in a short period of time. Furthermore, since the set combines the switch box 1, which has a simple structure, with the portable storage battery 2 and the solar power generation panel 3, which are inexpensively available, the cost of the hardware can also be significantly reduced. Therefore, power outage countermeasures in the event of a disaster can be implemented at low cost. Furthermore, there is no need to provide a specially configured distribution board 8; a normal, general-purpose one will suffice. This also contributes to realizing low-cost power outage countermeasures.

[0042] Furthermore, the portable storage battery 2 can be removed and used for outdoor leisure activities, etc., killing two birds with one stone. There is another reason why the storage battery is portable; it has the advantage that it can be taken to another location indoors during a power outage and used as needed. For example, if the toilet can only be flushed electrically and the power cable is plugged into an outlet, you can take the portable storage battery 2 to the toilet, connect the power cable to the AC output terminal 22 of the portable storage battery 2, and flush the toilet. In other words, it kills three birds with one stone.

[0043] Furthermore, this power outage preparation kit is equipped with a solar power generation panel 3 and is capable of storing electricity in the portable storage battery 2, so that the time until the portable storage battery 2 runs out can be extended during a power outage, making it particularly suitable for long-term power outages. Furthermore, because the solar power generation panel 3 is also portable, it can be taken outdoors and used together with the portable storage battery 2, extending the usage time of the portable storage battery 2 outdoors (the time until the battery runs out). If the solar power generation panel 3 is not portable, it can be attached to the roof or wall of a facility such as a house.

[0044] Furthermore, the portable storage battery 2 has a reverse power flow prevention function, preventing stored power from accidentally flowing into the grid. In FIG. 1 , when stored power flows out of the AC input terminal 21 of the portable storage battery 2, it reaches the distribution board 8 via the first selection terminal 11 of the main switch 10, causing a reverse power flow into the grid. In this case, if the owner who installed the power outage countermeasure kit applies for power supply to the power company, reverse power flow is permitted as the sale of surplus power. However, if the application for power supply is not filed, reverse power flow must be prevented. In other words, this power outage countermeasure kit allows the solar power generation panel to be used as a fully self-consumption power generation facility while providing emergency power supply in the event of a power outage. Since no application for power supply is required, it is an ideal kit that can be easily installed. If the portable storage battery 2 does not have a reverse power flow prevention function, a reverse power flow detection circuit should be installed between the storage battery input terminal 103 and the target branch switch. If reverse power flow is detected, a separate breaker should be installed.

[0045] Furthermore, since the power outage countermeasure set of the embodiment is provided with the power storage control unit 5, it can be used in such a way that the portable storage battery 2 is charged by grid power during times when electricity is cheap, and power is supplied from the portable storage battery 2 instead of grid power during times when electricity is expensive, which contributes to saving on electricity costs.

[0046] In the configuration of the first embodiment described above, it is also possible to adopt an automatic switch configuration as the main switch 10, which automatically switches to the released state when the portable storage battery 2 is removed. This point will be further explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic switch.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 4, a socket 71 to which the input side AC cable 24 is attached is provided as the battery input terminal 103, and a swing rod 72 is provided as a member that moves in conjunction with the socket 71. A spring member 73 is fixed to the back of one end of the swing rod 72 (the opposite side to the socket 71), and the main switch 10 is connected to the other end. The swing rod 72 can swing around a rotation axis located approximately in the center. The socket 71 can move in a direction toward the spring member 73 within a retainer (not shown). Furthermore, a stopper 74 is attached to the retainer to prevent the attached socket 71 from slipping out.

[0048] When the input side AC cable 24 is attached, the socket 71 is pushed out as shown in Figure 4(1) and its position is held by the stopper 74. In this state, the spring member 73 is compressed via the swing rod 72, and the swing rod 72 acts as a lever to pull the short-circuit plate of the main switch 10, causing the short-circuit plate to short-circuit the first selection terminal 11 and the common terminal 13. When removing the input side AC cable 24, the stopper 74 is manually released and then the input side AC cable 24 is pulled out. As a result, the swing rod 72 swings in the opposite direction due to the action (restoring force) of the spring member 73, and the short-circuit plate of the main switch 10 short-circuits the second selection terminal 12 and the common terminal 13.

[0049] In the above example, an automatic switch is used for the socket 71 for the input AC cable 24, but an automatic switch may also be used for the socket for the output AC cable 25, or both may be movable switches. If both are used, the input AC cable 24 and the output AC cable 25 may be integrated into one unit like a harness, and the above-described structure may be adopted for the socket to which it is attached. Various other automatic switch configurations are possible, including a switch that is not mechanical but operates under electronic control using a sensor or the like. In any case, without an automatic switch, if you forget to operate the main switch 10 and remove the portable storage battery 2, the power supply to the specific load 9 will be cut off, creating a state similar to that of a tripped breaker. However, an automatic switch configuration is preferable because it eliminates the need to worry about forgetting to operate the main switch 10.

[0050] Next, a power outage countermeasure set according to the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the power outage countermeasure set according to the second embodiment. This power outage countermeasure set is also installed by being interposed between a target branch switch 81 in a distribution board 8 of a house or the like and a specific load 9, and is equipped with a switch box 1, a portable storage battery 2, and a solar power generation panel 3. This power outage countermeasure set differs from the one shown in Figure 1 in that the portable storage battery 2 is in a parallel relationship with the specific load 9 when storing electricity.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 5, in the second embodiment, an in-box main line 411 and a storage battery input line 43 are provided in a manner that a line connected to a first main wiring 41 branches off. The in-box main line 411 extends from the branch point and is connected to a load terminal 101 via a main switch 14. The storage battery output terminal 104 is also connected to the load terminal 101 via the main switch 14. The main switch 14 is normally (when there is no power outage) in a state that short-circuits the in-box main line 411 and the load terminal 101 (hereinafter referred to as a storage battery off state), and in the event of a power outage, it opens the in-box main line 411 from the load terminal 101 and short-circuits the storage battery output terminal 104 to the load terminal 101 (hereinafter referred to as a storage battery on state).

[0052] As can be seen from Figure 5, when the main switch 14 is in the battery on state, the portable storage battery 2 and the specified load 9 are connected in series. That is, the portable storage battery 2 is in parallel with the specified load 9 when storing electricity, but is connected in series with the specified load 9 when discharging. The portable storage battery 2 is connected to the target branch switch 81 on the input side, but in the event of a power outage, the power supply drops to zero, detecting the power outage and outputting power from the AC output terminal 22 to supply it to the specified load 9. The main switch 14 is also a manual switch equipped with a lever, but as will be described later, it is a switch that switches automatically in the event of a power outage, and is capable of both manual and automatic operation.

[0053] Also in the second embodiment, the switch box 1 is provided with a power storage control unit 5. The power storage control unit 5 is provided so as to straddle the storage battery input line 43 and the storage battery input line 44. Similarly, a power failure detection sensor 6 is provided on the line from the main input terminal 100, and the output from the power failure detection sensor 6 is always input to the power storage control unit 5.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power storage control unit 5 in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, in the second embodiment as well, the power storage control unit 5 has an input unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a controller 53. The input unit 51 allows a grid power storage time period and a storage battery power supply time period to be input and stored in the storage unit 52. 6, in the second embodiment as well, the power storage control unit 5 has a system selection switch 56. However, in the second embodiment, the bypass line 54 is not provided, and neither the power storage selection switch 55 nor the power supply selection switch 57 is provided. Instead, the main switch 14 is configured to be switchable by receiving external control as well as manual operation, and the controller 53 is able to control the main switch 14.

[0055] The implemented sequence control program turns on system selection switch 56 during the system storage time period and sets main switch 14 to the storage battery off state. During the storage battery power supply time period, it turns off system selection switch 56 and sets main switch 14 to the storage battery on state. Because system selection switch 56 is off, the portable storage battery determines that there is a power outage and generates output power, which is supplied to specific load 9 via main switch 14. When it is neither a system storage time period nor a storage battery power supply time period, the sequence control program turns off system selection switch 56 and sets main switch 14 to the storage battery off state. Because system selection switch 56 is off, output is generated from portable storage battery 2, but because main switch 14 is in the storage battery off state, power is not supplied from portable storage battery 2 to the system.

[0056] When a power outage occurs, the power outage detection sensor 6 detects it and inputs a signal indicating the occurrence of a power outage to the power storage control unit 5. When the sequence control program running on the controller 53 receives the power outage detection signal, if it is not during the battery power supply time period, it controls the system selection switch 56 to be turned off and the main switch 14 to be in the battery on state. If it is during the battery power supply time period, it keeps the system selection switch 56 turned off and the main switch 14 in the battery on state. If the power outage detection sensor 6 detects a power restoration, it keeps the main switch 14 in the battery off state unless it is during the battery power supply time period. In this case, if it is during the system power storage time period, it turns the system selection switch 56 on and resumes storing power in the portable battery 2 using system power. The sequence control program is coded so that each of these operations is performed. In this embodiment, the power storage control unit 5 is also provided, so that the portable storage battery 2 can be charged with grid power during times when electricity is cheap, and power can be supplied from the portable storage battery 2 instead of grid power during times when electricity is expensive, which can contribute to saving on electricity costs.

[0057] In the configurations of the above embodiments, the power storage control unit 5 may be built into the portable storage battery 2. That is, when a storage battery with a programmable schedule for power storage and discharge (power supply to the target load 9) is used as the portable storage battery 2, the power storage control unit 5 may be built into the portable storage battery 2. In the configuration of the first embodiment, the bypass line 54 may be wiring within the portable storage battery 2 that realizes a pass-through function, and the system selection switch 55, the power storage selection switch 56, and the power storage selection switch 57 may each be elements of a control circuit within the portable storage battery 2. In the case of the second embodiment, a portable storage battery 2 that can output a control signal when stored power is output is used, and the main switch 14 is configured to be controlled by this control signal.

[0058] Furthermore, if the storage control unit 5 requires a power source, it may be configured to supply power from a line from the main input terminal 100 (from the target branch switch 81), but since this will not work in the event of a power outage, a configuration in which a separate power source such as a dry cell battery is installed may be adopted. In some cases, a configuration in which power stored in the portable storage battery 2 is used may also be adopted. In each of the above embodiments, the power storage control unit 5 may be provided separately from the switch box 1 (separated from the switch box 1). The input unit 51 may be configured to accept input from a terminal such as a smartphone or PC, in addition to a touch panel display. In this case, the input unit 51 may accept input via near field communication (NFC) or via a network such as Ethernet. Furthermore, the input unit 51 may be part of a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) equipped with a smart meter. In this case, the input unit 51 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the HEMS in accordance with the Wi-Sun wireless communication standard and receive input of time period data from the HEMS.

[0059] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it is up to the user to input data for each time period. If the user does not input data for each time period, power storage in the portable storage battery 2 and power supply from the portable storage battery 2 to the specific load 9 will proceed as usual. That is, power storage in the portable storage battery 2 will proceed without selecting a time period and will stop when the battery is fully charged. Then, in the event of a power outage, an automatic power supply circuit will automatically generate an output and supply power to the specific load 9. Note that automatic control by controller 53 is not essential to the present invention, and manual control by a user's operation may also be used. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the user manually charges portable storage battery 2 during times when electricity rates are low, and manually switches the switch so that specific load 9 is supplied with power from portable storage battery 2 during times when electricity rates are high. Therefore, system selection switch 56 in each embodiment and power storage selection switch 55 and power supply selection switch 57 in the first embodiment may be manual switches. Furthermore, power storage control unit 5 may not particularly include an input unit or a memory unit, and may be a unit controlled by such manual switches.

[0060] Furthermore, in the configurations of the above embodiments, the portable storage battery 2 is provided with the DC input terminal 23 and is directly connected to the solar power generation panel 3, but a portable storage battery 2 that does not have the DC input terminal 23 can also be used. When using a portable storage battery 2 that does not have the DC input terminal 23, an inverter that converts the DC voltage output from the solar power generation panel 2 to AC 100V is provided midway and connected to the switch box 1. Inside the switch box 1, there is provided a switch that switches between storing electricity in the portable storage battery 2 using grid power or storing electricity in the solar power generation panel 3.

[0061] Although the power outage countermeasure sets of each of the above configurations have been described as having one specific load 9, there may also be multiple specific loads 9. In this case, in addition to a configuration in which one power outage countermeasure set is provided for one specific load 9, there may also be a configuration in which one power outage countermeasure set is provided for multiple specific loads 9. That is, there may also be a configuration in which the second main wiring 41 from the switch box 1 branches into multiple lines, each of which is connected to a specific load 9. When multiple power outage countermeasure sets are used, the solar power generation panel may also be shared by each of the power outage countermeasure sets. It is also possible to configure the power supply line from one solar power generation panel to branch into two and supply power to each portable storage battery 2, or to configure one solar power generation panel with a switch to select one of the portable storage batteries 2 to supply power.

[0062] The power outage prevention kits with the above-described configurations can be suitably used not only in ordinary homes but also in offices and government offices. For example, in government offices that act as a command center for response in the event of a disaster, it is necessary to ensure the minimum necessary power supply (such as a power supply for contacting relevant parties) even in the event of a power outage. For this purpose, power outage prevention kits with the various configurations can be installed. Although the power outage countermeasure kits described above are installed when a building is constructed, they can also be installed after construction. For example, they can be installed after the construction of a detached house or apartment building by retrofitting the existing distribution board.

[0063] Furthermore, the power outage preparation set does not necessarily require a solar power generation panel, and may be a set without a solar power generation panel. In this case, the power outage preparation set is made up of the switch box 1 and the portable storage battery 2. The technique of attaching any of the power outage countermeasure sets to the distribution board 8 is a type of power outage countermeasure method, and the construction and use of the power outage countermeasure set can be understood as an invention of a method for allowing a user to take power outage countermeasures. Also, a configuration in which a user controls power storage using a power storage control unit can be understood as an invention of a method for allowing a user to take power saving measures by such control. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 switch box 101 Load terminal 102 Panel terminal 103 Battery input terminal 104 Battery output terminal 10 Main Switch 11 First selection terminal 12 Second selection terminal 13 Common terminal 14 Main switch 2 Portable storage batteries 3. Solar panels 41 First main wiring 411 Main line inside the box 42 Second main wiring 43 Battery input line 44 Battery output line 5. Storage control unit 51 Input section 52 Storage section 53 Controller 6 Power outage detection sensor 8 Distribution board 81 Target branch switch 9 Specific load

Claims

1. A power outage countermeasure set to be attached to a target branch switch, which is one branch switch in a distribution board installed in a building and is installed to supply system power to a specific load, A switch box and A portable battery and Storage control unit and It is equipped with the switch box is provided with a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to the specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of the portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of the portable battery; The switch box is equipped with wiring that connects the main input terminal to the storage battery input terminal and wiring that connects the storage battery output terminal to the load terminal, and enables the portable storage battery to be installed between the target branch switch and the specific load so that the portable storage battery is in series with the target load, The switch box is provided with a switch and wiring for short-circuiting the main input terminal and the load terminal when the portable battery is removed. The storage control unit is capable of controlling the storage of power in the portable battery using grid power from the target branch switch during the grid storage time period, and not storing power in the portable battery using grid power from the target branch switch outside the grid storage time period. A power outage prevention set characterized in that power supply from the target branch switch to the target load is ensured when the storage control unit does not store power in the portable storage battery using system power from the target branch switch.

2. The power outage prevention set according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage control unit is capable of controlling the supply of power stored in the portable storage battery to the specific load instead of grid power during the storage battery power supply time period.

3. A power outage countermeasure set to be attached to a target branch switch, which is one branch switch in a distribution board installed in a building and is installed to supply system power to a specific load, A switch box and A portable battery and Storage control unit and It is equipped with In the switch box, a main input terminal connected to the target branch switch, a load terminal connected to the specific load, a battery input terminal connected to the input terminal of the portable battery, and a battery output terminal connected to the output terminal of the portable battery, The switch box is Switch and A main line in the box that connects the main input terminal to the load terminal via a switch; A battery input line that branches off from the main line inside the box and has the battery input terminal short-circuited to the main input terminal; A battery output line that connects the battery output terminal to the load terminal via a switch. It is equipped with The switch short-circuits the main input terminal to the load terminal and disconnects the storage battery output terminal from the load terminal when there is no power outage, and disconnects the main input terminal from the load terminal and short-circuits the storage battery output terminal to the load terminal when there is a power outage, This power outage prevention set is characterized by the fact that the storage control unit is capable of storing power in a portable storage battery using grid power from the target branch switch during grid storage time periods, and is capable of controlling the portable storage battery not to store power from the target branch switch outside of grid storage time periods.

4. The power outage prevention set according to claim 3, characterized in that the storage control unit is capable of controlling the supply of power stored in the portable storage battery to the specific load instead of grid power during the storage battery power supply time period.

Images