Energy Management System

Abstract

To provide an energy management system that can improve reliability of communications.SOLUTION: A control signal of a master unit 6 is transmitted to control slave units 4 (control slave units 4 in a power line W8A shown in Figure 3) corresponding to power lines W20A and W20B in relation to a combination of "L1 phase-N phase" through a bridge circuit 60A. Here, the bridge circuit 60A is connected to the power lines W20A and W20C in relation to the combination of "L1 phase-N phase" at a power supply unit 51 that is a reference point of electric lines to multiple control slave units 4 within the control range of the master unit 6. The flow of the control signal passing through the bridge circuit 60A is unified as a flow going from the reference point toward each of the control slave units in the electric line, so that a flow from a control signal toward the reference point side is hardly formed. Therefore, each signal hardly overlaps in the electric line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system that has a status monitoring control unit as a master unit that monitors each breaker, and each breaker has a slave unit. In this system, the master unit controls the on / off of the breaker and notifies the status by power line communication via a power line including an electric circuit bar (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-166892 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an energy management system that manages energy in an area equipped with certain controlled equipment, slave units are installed in the controlled equipment, such as lighting and air conditioning units, and a master unit transmits control signals to the slave units. In such an energy management system, not only does the master unit receive information from the slave units as in Patent Document 1, but power line communication is also performed between the master unit and the slave units. Furthermore, control signals from the master unit may be transmitted to the slave units via a bridge circuit. In this case, signals traveling back and forth over the power line may overlap, potentially complicating the system. Therefore, there has been a demand for an energy management system that can suppress such signal overlap and improve communication reliability.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an energy management system that can improve the reliability of communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The energy management system of the present invention comprises a control slave unit provided for a facility to be controlled, a master unit that transmits control signals to the control slave unit, a power supply unit that supplies power to the facility to be controlled via at least three power lines, and a first bridge circuit that connects the power lines of a first combination through which the control signals of the master unit pass and the power lines of a second combination different from the first combination, wherein power line communication is performed between the control slave unit and the master unit, and the first bridge circuit is connected to the power lines of the second combination at the power supply unit that is the base point of the electric paths to the multiple control slave units within the control range of the master unit.

[0007] In the energy management system according to the present invention, a master unit transmits a control signal to a control slave unit provided for a facility to be controlled. Furthermore, power line communication is performed between the master unit and the control slave unit. Therefore, a control signal from the master unit to the control slave unit flows through a power line connecting the master unit and the control slave unit. Furthermore, a first bridge circuit connects a power line associated with a first combination through which the master unit's control signal passes, with a power line associated with a second combination different from the first combination. Therefore, the control signal from the master unit is transmitted to the control slave unit corresponding to the power line associated with the first combination without passing through the first bridge circuit. Meanwhile, the control signal from the master unit is transmitted via the first bridge circuit to the control slave unit corresponding to the power line associated with the second combination. Here, the first bridge circuit is connected to the power line associated with the second combination at a power supply unit that serves as the base point of an electric path for multiple control slave units within the control range of the master unit. Therefore, the flow of control signals that pass through the first bridge circuit is unified within the electrical path so that they flow from the base point to each control slave device, and the formation of a flow of control signals that flows toward the base point is suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of signal overlap within the electrical path is suppressed. As a result, the reliability of communication in the energy management system can be improved.

[0008] The parent unit may have a control range that covers all of the control slave units installed in the building, and the first bridge circuit may be connected to the power lines related to the second combination at a power supply unit for the entire building. When the parent unit controls the control slave units for the entire building, the origin of the electrical path is the power supply unit for the entire building. Because the first bridge circuit is connected to the power lines related to the second combination at the power supply unit, signal overlap within the electrical path can be suppressed.

[0009] The master unit may have a control range that covers the slave units installed on a predetermined floor of the building, and the first bridge circuit may be connected to the power lines related to the second combination at a power supply unit for the floor of the building. When the master unit controls the slave units on a predetermined floor of the building, the origin of the electrical path is the power supply unit for the floor of the building. Because the first bridge circuit is connected to the power lines related to the second combination at the power supply unit, signal overlapping within the electrical path can be suppressed.

[0010] The energy management system of the present invention comprises a first control slave unit provided for a first controlled facility, a second control slave unit provided for a second controlled facility different from the first control slave unit, a parent unit that transmits control signals to the first control slave unit and the second control slave unit, a first power supply unit that supplies power to the first controlled facility via a first power line, a second power supply unit that supplies power to the second controlled facility via a second power line, and a second bridge circuit that connects the first power line of the first power supply unit in which the parent unit is provided and the second power line of the second power supply unit, wherein power line communication is performed between the control slave unit and the parent unit, and the second bridge circuit is connected to the second power line at the second power supply unit at a location corresponding to a base point of an electric circuit for multiple first control slave units within the control range of the parent unit, or at a second power supply unit downstream of the base point.

[0011] In the energy management system according to the present invention, a master unit transmits a control signal to a first control slave unit provided for a first controlled facility and a second control slave unit provided for a second controlled facility. Furthermore, power line communication is performed between the master unit and the first and second control slave units. Therefore, control signals from the master unit to each of the control slave units flow through a first power line connecting the master unit and the first control slave unit and a second power line connecting the master unit and the second control slave unit. Furthermore, a second bridge circuit connects a first power line of a first power supply unit in which the master unit is provided and a second power line of a second power supply unit. Therefore, the control signal from the master unit is transmitted to the first control slave unit without passing through the second bridge circuit. On the other hand, the control signal from the master unit is transmitted to the second control slave unit via the second bridge circuit. Here, the second bridge circuit is connected to the second power line at a second power supply unit at a location corresponding to the origin of the electrical path for the multiple first control slave units within the control range of the master unit, or at a second power supply unit downstream of the origin. Therefore, the flow of control signals passing through the second bridge circuit is unified within the electrical path, either from the origin to each second control slave unit, or from downstream of the origin to each second control slave unit, thereby preventing the formation of a flow of control signals directed toward the origin. This prevents signal overlap within the electrical path. As a result, the reliability of communication in the energy management system can be improved.

[0012] The parent unit may have a control range that covers all of the first control slave units installed in the building, and the second bridge circuit may be connected to a second power line in a second power supply unit for the entire building. When the parent unit controls the first control slave units for the entire building, the origin of the electrical path is the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit for the entire building. Because the second bridge circuit is connected to the second power line in the second power supply unit, signal overlap in the electrical path can be suppressed.

[0013] The master unit may have a control range that includes a first slave unit provided within a predetermined floor of the building, and the second bridge circuit may be connected to a second power line in a second power supply unit for that floor. When the master unit controls the first slave unit within a predetermined floor of the building, the origin of the electrical path is the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit for that floor of the building. Because the second bridge circuit is connected to the second power line in the second power supply unit, signal overlap within the electrical path can be suppressed.

[0014] The second bridge circuit may connect the first power line of the first power supply unit and the second power line of the second power supply unit in the same power distribution facility. In this case, the second bridge circuit can be housed within the same power distribution facility. This prevents the wiring length of the second bridge circuit from becoming too long.

[0015] The second bridge circuit may connect a first power line of a first power supply unit and a second power line of a second power supply unit in different power distribution facilities. In this case, when the control range of the first control slave unit of the parent unit differs from the control range of the second control slave unit of the parent unit, the second bridge circuit can be connected to the first power line and the second power line in an appropriate power distribution facility. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an energy management system that can improve the reliability of communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an energy management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram of the detection slave unit, FIG. 2(b) is a block diagram of the control slave unit, and FIG. 2(c) is a block diagram of the master unit. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an energy management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power distribution facility. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an energy management system according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power distribution facility. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an energy management system according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power distribution facility. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an energy management system according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power distribution facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an energy management system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the energy management system 100 is a system that manages energy within a management area that includes predetermined control target equipment 3. The energy management system 100 includes a detector 1, a detection slave unit 2, the control target equipment 3, a control slave unit 4, and a master unit 6. For example, the energy management system 100 may be applied to a building BD that has multiple floors F1 to F3 (see Fig. 3).

[0020] In the energy management system 100, the detector 1 and the detector slave unit 2 are connected by a wiring W1. The detector slave unit 2 and the master unit 6 are connected by a power line W2. The controlled facility 3 and the control slave unit 4 are connected by a wiring W3. The control slave unit 4 and the master unit 6 are connected by a power line W4. Within the energy management system 100, information is transmitted between devices using power line communication (PLC communication). Power line communication is a communication method that transmits and receives communication signals using power lines, for example, by superimposing a communication signal of a frequency different from the commercial frequency on a power waveform of the commercial frequency and transmitting it, and then separating the communication signal of the different frequency from the power waveform and receiving it. Note that power line communication may be subject to the Radio Law depending on the frequency band. However, the energy management system 100 according to this embodiment may use power line communication in a frequency band of, for example, 100 kHz to 450 kHz in order to be usable both indoors and outdoors and to achieve a certain amount of data transfer. However, power line communication with a higher or lower frequency band can also be used. For example, the frequency band may be 10 kHz or less, or 2 MHz or more. Furthermore, if power line communication with a frequency band of 100 kHz to 450 kHz is used, the modulation method is not particularly limited, and either OFDM or DCSK may be adopted. The main purpose of power lines is wiring for supplying AC power at commercial frequencies, and they serve as transmission paths for power line communication. Specifically, power line communication is performed between the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4 and the master unit 6. Power line communication is performed between the detector 1 and the detection slave unit 2, and between the controlled facility 3 and the control slave unit 4. In power line communication, communication signals can be superimposed not only on AC power distribution such as AC 100V or AC 200V, but also on DC power distribution in the same way as AC. When the detector 1 is, for example, a motion sensor or an illuminance meter, the signal from the detector 1 may first pass through the parent unit 6 and then be transmitted over power lines to the control child unit 4 at the discretion of the parent unit 6. However, depending on the program of the parent unit 6, the detection child unit 2 may also be able to send and receive commands to the control child unit 4 using power line communication without passing through the parent unit 6.

[0021] The detector 1 is a device that detects various types of information and is composed of measuring instruments, sensors, etc. Examples of detectors that can be used include a motion sensor that detects the presence of a person, a light meter that detects the brightness of a room, and an ammeter that detects a current value. The detector 1 outputs the detected information to the detection slave unit 2 via a wiring W1. The detector 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and other measuring instruments and sensors may also be used. For example, a measuring instrument that monitors the amount of power generated by renewable energy sources such as solar cells may also be used as the detector 1. Furthermore, the detector 1 may be a battery remaining capacity data output unit installed in a power controller of a fixed storage battery or an on-board storage battery. Furthermore, the detector 1 may also be a carbon dioxide detector, a carbon monoxide detector, a dust detector, etc.

[0022] The detector slave 2 is a slave provided for the detector 1. The detector slave 2 converts detection information received from the detector 1 into a power line communication signal and outputs it to the master unit 6 via the power line W2. The detector slave 2 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each detector 1. For example, if there are multiple detectors 1 on a floor, one detector slave 2 is provided for each detector 1. For example, a dedicated detector slave 2 is provided for an ammeter, a dedicated detector slave 2 is provided for a motion sensor, and a dedicated detector slave 2 is provided for a luminance meter. If there are multiple motion sensors, one dedicated detector slave 2 is provided for each motion sensor. The detector slave 2 is provided in close proximity to the target detector 1. The detector slave 2 is provided on the power line connected to the target detector 1, thereby establishing a physical one-to-one correspondence with the target detector 1. The detector slave 2 and the detector 1 may be configured as a single device. In this case, one device has a unit that functions as a detection slave unit 2 and a unit that functions as a detector 1. The two are connected by a wiring W1 within the device. The wiring W1 that connects the detector 1 and the detection slave unit 2 is composed of a signal line. The detection slave units 2 and the detector 1 do not necessarily have to be in a one-to-one relationship; for example, a configuration in which information is transmitted from multiple detectors 1 to one detection slave unit 2 may be adopted.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 2(a), a detailed block configuration of the detection slave unit 2 will be described. The detection slave unit 2 includes a communication unit 11, a processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The communication unit 11 is a unit that communicates with the parent unit 6 and the detector 1. The communication unit 11 has a circuit that receives detection information from the detector 1. The communication unit 11 also has a circuit that converts the detection information from the detector 1 into a signal for power line communication with the parent unit 6. The processing unit 12 is a unit that controls the overall operation of the detection slave unit 2. The processing unit 12 is configured to include a microprocessor, its peripheral circuits, etc.

[0024] The storage unit 13 is a unit that stores programs and information necessary for the operation of the detection slave unit 2. The storage unit 13 is configured to include a nonvolatile storage element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a rewritable nonvolatile storage element such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and a volatile storage element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as a working memory. For example, the storage unit 13 stores an address that indicates the position of the detection slave unit 2 within the building BD.

[0025] The controlled equipment 3 is equipment that is subject to control by the energy management system 100. Examples of the controlled equipment 3 include lighting (such as LED lighting) that can adjust the illuminance in a room, air conditioning that adjusts the temperature in a room, and storage batteries that adjust the discharge and charge. The controlled equipment 3 receives control information from the control slave unit 4 via the wiring W3. Note that the controlled equipment 3 is not limited to the above-mentioned devices, and other equipment may also be used.

[0026] The control slave unit 4 is a slave unit provided for the controlled equipment 3. The control slave unit 4 converts control information received from the master unit 6 via a power line communication signal into a signal that can be processed by the controlled equipment 3 and outputs the signal to the controlled equipment 3 via the wiring W3. The control slave unit 4 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each controlled equipment 3. For example, if multiple controlled equipment 3 exist on a floor, one control slave unit 4 is provided for each controlled equipment 3. In the example shown in FIG. 3, one dedicated control slave unit 4 is provided for each of multiple lighting fixtures. The control slave unit 4 is provided in a position close to the target controlled equipment 3. The control slave unit 4 is provided on the power line connected to the target controlled equipment 3, thereby establishing a physical one-to-one correspondence with the target controlled equipment 3. The control slave unit 4 and the controlled equipment 3 may be configured as a single device. For example, an LED light with a slave unit may be used. In this case, a single device includes a unit that functions as the control slave unit 4 and a unit that functions as the controlled equipment 3. Furthermore, the two are connected by wiring W3 within one device. The control slave unit 4 may be provided on the same power line as the target controlled equipment, in which case the wiring W3 is configured by the power line. Alternatively, the control slave unit 4 may be connected to a power line separate from the target controlled equipment, in which case the wiring W3 is configured by a signal line. Note that the control slave unit 4 and the target controlled equipment 3 do not necessarily have to have a one-to-one relationship; for example, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple target controlled equipment 3 receive control information from a single control slave unit 4.

[0027] The control slave unit 4 adjusts the output strength of the controlled equipment 3 based on the control information from the master unit 6. For example, the control slave unit 4 can generate a command signal for lighting to adjust the illuminance of the lighting. The control slave unit 4 can generate a command signal for air conditioning to adjust the output strength of the air conditioning.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 2(b), a detailed block configuration of the control slave 4 will be described. The control slave 4 includes a communication unit 14, a processing unit 16, and a memory unit 17. The communication unit 14 is a unit that communicates with the master 6 and the controlled equipment 3. The communication unit 14 has a circuit that receives control information via a power line communication signal from the master 6. The communication unit 14 also has a circuit that converts the power line communication signal from the master 6 into a signal that can be processed by the controlled equipment 3. The processing unit 16 is a unit that controls the overall operation of the control slave 4. The processing unit 16 is configured with a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, etc. The memory unit 17 is a unit that stores programs and information required for the operation of the control slave 4. The memory unit 17 may include a memory element similar to that exemplified for the memory unit 13. For example, the memory unit 17 stores an address indicating the location of the control slave 4 within the building BD.

[0029] The master unit 6 is a device that receives detection information from the detection slave unit 2 and transmits control information (control signal) to the control slave unit 4 based on the detection information. The master unit 6 receives detection information by a power line communication signal from the detection slave unit 2 via the power line W2. The master unit 6 outputs control information by a power line communication signal to the control slave unit 4 via the power line W4. The master unit 6 calculates control information for each piece of control target equipment 3 based on at least one of preset settings and detection information detected by the detector 1.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 2(c), the detailed block configuration of the master unit 6 will be described. The master unit 6 includes a communication unit 21, a processing unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The communication unit 21 is a unit that communicates with the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4. The communication unit 21 has a circuit that performs power line communication with the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4. The communication unit 21 also has a circuit that performs remote communication with external communication devices using the cloud. That is, the communication unit 21 of the master unit 6 includes a PLC communication unit that handles power line communication between the detection slave unit 2 and the control slave unit 4, and a wireless communication unit such as LTE that handles network communication with the cloud. The processing unit 22 is a unit that controls the overall operation of the master unit 6. The processing unit 22 is configured with a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits. The processing unit 22 calculates control information for controlling the ON / OFF switching of each light and air conditioning unit, adjustment of output strength, etc.

[0031] The memory unit 23 is a unit that stores programs and information necessary for the operation of the master unit 6. The memory unit 23 may include a memory element similar to that exemplified in the memory unit 13. For example, the memory unit 23 stores addresses indicating the positions of the master unit 6, each detection slave unit 2, and each control slave unit 4 within the building BD, in a state where the addresses are linked to one another.

[0032] Here, the master unit 6 is installed in a power distribution facility 50 that serves as the base point of an electrical path to the multiple control slave units 4 and the detection slave unit 2 within the control range of the master unit 6. The power distribution facility 50 distributes and supplies power to the multiple control slave units 4 and the detection slave unit 2 that exist within the control target range of the master unit 6. The power distribution facility 50 is also provided with a bridge circuit 60A (first bridge circuit). The detailed configuration of the bridge circuit 60A will be described later. The power distribution facility 50 has a power supply unit 51 that supplies power to the multiple control slave units 4 and the detection slave unit 2. The power supply unit 51 of the power distribution facility 50 corresponds to the power supply unit that serves as the base point of an electrical path to the multiple control slave units 4 and the detection slave unit 2 within the control range of the master unit 6. The master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are provided for the power supply unit 51. Examples of such power distribution facility 50 include a distribution board and a cubicle provided in a building BD. Examples of such power supply unit 51 include a main breaker of a distribution board and a transformer of a cubicle. The origin of an electric circuit is the most upstream point in the flow of power in the wiring network of power lines in which multiple control slave units 4 and detection slave units 2 exist within the control range. In other words, even if another distribution board exists in the middle of the wiring network, that distribution board does not qualify as the origin of an electric circuit.

[0033] The state in which the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are installed in the power distribution equipment 50 means that the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are incorporated into the power line wiring structure of the power distribution equipment 50. Furthermore, the state in which the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are provided in the power supply unit 51 means that the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are electrically connected to the power line drawn from the power supply unit 51. If the power distribution equipment 50 has a power line that is branched into multiple lines and drawn to the outside from the housing, the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are connected to each power line in a manner that allows the power line communication signal to be superimposed on each branched power line. When such an electrical connection relationship is established, the arrangement of the master unit main body of the master unit 6 and the circuit main body of the bridge circuit 60A is not particularly limited. Specifically, the main body of the main unit 6 and the circuit main body of the bridge circuit 60A may be disposed inside the housing of the power distribution equipment 50 (for example, the housing of the cubicle 20 described below), and the main unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A may be connected to the wiring structure inside the housing of the power distribution equipment 50. Alternatively, the main body of the main unit 6 and the circuit main body of the bridge circuit 60A may be disposed outside the housing of the power distribution equipment 50, and the main unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A may be connected to the wiring structure inside the housing of the power distribution equipment 50. In this case, the main body of the main unit 6 and the circuit main body of the bridge circuit 60A may be attached to the outside of a door surface or side surface of the power distribution equipment 50, and wiring may be inserted through holes formed in the housing and connected to the wiring structure inside the housing of the power distribution equipment 50.

[0034] Next, an example of the energy management system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the energy management system 100 is adopted for an equipment system 101 of a building BD having multiple floors F1 to F3. Note that the detector 1 and the detection slave unit 2 are omitted from Fig. 3. The equipment system 101 shown in Fig. 3 includes a cubicle 20 outside the building BD. The equipment system 101 also includes distribution boards 10A, 10B, and 10C on each of the floors F1, F2, and F3.

[0035] Cubicle 20 is a facility that houses equipment that converts the high voltage from the power plant into a voltage usable in the facility. Cubicle 20 is composed of a transformer 31 that converts voltage, multiple (three in this case) breakers 32 that interrupt overcurrent, and other equipment. Transformer 31 is connected to power line W5, which carries high-voltage current from the power plant. Transformer 31 is also connected to three breakers 32 within the cubicle 20 housing via power lines W6. The three power lines W6 connected to the three breakers 32 are each drawn out of the cubicle 20 housing, extend into building BD, and connect to distribution boards 10A, 10B, and 10C on each floor. Breaker 32 for the first floor is connected to distribution board 10A on floor F1 via power line W7. Breaker 32 for the second floor is connected to distribution board 10B on floor F2 via power line W7. The breaker 32 for the third floor is connected to the distribution board 10C on floor F3 via a power line W7.

[0036] Distribution boards 10A, 10B, and 10C are electrical equipment that distribute power transmitted via power line W7 to load circuits installed within the floor. Distribution boards 10A, 10B, and 10C have a wiring structure in which a collection of circuit breakers, earth leakage circuit breakers, and other devices are installed internally. Distribution board 10A on the first floor distributes power by branching it into multiple (here, two) power lines W8. Multiple control slave units 4 and controlled equipment 3 (here, lighting) are connected to each power line W8. Note that some power lines W8 may be connected to load equipment that does not have a control slave unit 4. Floors F2 and F3 have a wiring structure for power lines W8, control slave units 4, controlled equipment 3, and load equipment 7 similar to that of floor F1.

[0037] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the master unit 6 has a control range that includes the slave units 4 provided on a predetermined floor (here, floor F1) of the building BD. Here, the distribution board 10A for floor F1 of the building BD is the base point of the electrical circuit. That is, the distribution board 10A corresponds to the power distribution equipment 50 that is the base point of the electrical circuit, and the main breaker 52 provided on the distribution board 10A corresponds to the power supply unit 51 that is the base point of the electrical circuit. Therefore, the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are provided in the power supply unit 51 that is the base point of the electrical circuit.

[0038] Next, the internal configuration of the distribution board 10A will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the distribution board 10A is provided with a main breaker 52, branch breakers 53A and 53B, a parent unit 6, and a bridge circuit 60A. Fig. 4 shows a structure for controlling lighting as controlled equipment 3, among the components of the distribution board 10A.

[0039] The main breaker 52 is a breaker that supplies power to the branch breakers 53A and 53B. The main breaker 52 also monitors the current value and cuts off the power supply when the current value exceeds a predetermined value. The main breaker 52 is a single-phase three-wire breaker, with a power line W20A connected to the L1-phase terminal, a power line W20B connected to the L2-phase terminal, and a power line W20C connected to the N-phase terminal on the ground side. The branch breaker 53A is connected to the L1-phase power line W20A and the N-phase power line W20C. The branch breaker 53B is connected to the L2-phase power line W20B and the N-phase power line W20C. The branch breaker 53A supplies power to each control slave unit 4 and controlled equipment 3 connected to the power line W8A in the hierarchy F1 (see FIG. 3). The branch breaker 53B supplies power to each of the control slave units 4 and the controlled equipment 3 connected to the power line W8B in the floor F1 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the main breaker 52 supplies power to the control slave units 4 and the controlled equipment 3 via the three power lines W20A, W20B, and W20C.

[0040] In contrast, master unit 6 is provided in master breaker 52 by being connected to power lines W20B and W20C associated with the "L2 phase-N phase" combination (first combination). Specifically, master unit main body 25 of master unit 6 is connected to L2 phase power line W20B via electric wire W30, and to N phase power line W20C via electric wire W31. This allows signals from master unit 6 to pass through power lines W20B and W20C associated with the "L2 phase-N phase" combination.

[0041] On the other hand, the bridge circuit 60A includes a bridge main body 61, input-side electric wires W32 and W33, and output-side electric wires W34 and W35. The input-side electric wires W32 and W33 are connected to power lines W20B and W20C, which are associated with the same "L2-phase-N-phase" combination as the parent unit 6. Specifically, the bridge main body 61 is connected on the input side to the L2-phase power line W20B via the electric wire W32 and to the N-phase power line W20C via the electric wire W33. The output-side electric wires W34 and W35 are connected to power lines W20A and W20C, which are associated with a different "L1-phase-N-phase" combination (a second combination) from the parent unit 6. Specifically, the bridge main body 61 is connected on the output side to the L1-phase power line W20A via the electric wire W34 and to the N-phase power line W20C via the electric wire W35. With this configuration, the bridge circuit 60A connects the power lines W20B and W20C associated with the "L2 phase-N phase" combination through which the signal from the parent unit 6 passes, to the power lines W20A and W20C associated with the "L1 phase-N phase" combination, which is different from the aforementioned combination.

[0042] Next, the actions and effects of the energy management system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0043] In the energy management system 100 according to this embodiment, the master unit 6 transmits a control signal to a control slave unit 4 provided for a controlled facility 3. Power line communication is also performed between the control slave unit 4 and the master unit 6. Therefore, a control signal from the master unit 6 to the control slave unit 4 flows through the power line connecting the master unit 6 and the control slave unit 4. Furthermore, the bridge circuit 60A connects the power lines W20B and W20C associated with the "L2 phase-N phase" combination through which the control signal from the master unit 6 passes, to the power lines W20A and W20C associated with the "L1 phase-N phase" combination, which is different from the power lines W20B and W20C. Therefore, the control signal from the master unit 6 is transmitted to the control slave unit 4 corresponding to the power lines W20B and W20C associated with the "L2 phase-N phase" combination (the control slave unit 4 on the power line W8B shown in FIG. 3) without passing through the bridge circuit 60A. Meanwhile, the control signal from the master unit 6 is transmitted via a bridge circuit 60A to the control slave units 4 corresponding to the power lines W20A and W20B associated with the "L1-phase-N" combination (the control slave unit 4 associated with the power line W8A shown in FIG. 3 ). The bridge circuit 60A is connected to the power lines W20A and W20C associated with the "L1-phase-N" combination at the power supply unit 51, which serves as the base point of the electrical paths for the multiple control slave units 4 within the control range of the master unit 6. Therefore, the flow of control signals passing through the bridge circuit 60A is unified within the electrical paths, from the base point to each control slave unit, and the formation of a flow of control signals directed toward the base point is suppressed. This suppresses signal overlap within the electrical paths. As a result, the reliability of communication in the energy management system 100 can be improved.

[0044] The master unit 6 has a control range that covers the slave units 4 provided within a predetermined floor F1 of the building BD, and the bridge circuit 60A may be connected to the power lines W20A and W20C associated with the "L1 phase-N phase" combination in the distribution board 10A for the floor F1 of the building BD. When the master unit 6 controls the slave units 4 within the predetermined floor F1 of the building BD, the origin of the electrical path is the distribution board 10A for the floor F1 of the building BD. Because the bridge circuit 60A is connected to the power lines W20A and W20C associated with the "L1 phase-N phase" combination in the distribution board 10A, it is possible to prevent signal overlap within the electrical path.

[0045] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3 , a case where the bridge circuit 60A is provided in the cubicle 20 will be described as a comparative example. In this comparative example, a control signal that has passed through the bridge circuit 60A flows through the power line W7 for the hierarchy F1. More specifically, when a signal travels from the master unit 6 connected to the "L2 phase-N phase" to the control slave unit 4 connected to the "L1 phase-N phase," the signal returns to the cubicle 20, passes through the bridge circuit 60A provided in the cubicle 20, enters the "L1 phase-N phase" and travels to the control slave unit 4. This causes problems such as signal attenuation due to the longer path and noise from other devices connected along the path.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0047] In the above embodiment, PLC communication between a "master device and a slave device" has been described, but this is not the only example, and PCL communication between "slave devices" may also be performed. For example, when the energy management system 100 communicates from a slave device connected to "L1 phase-N phase" to a slave device connected to "L2 phase-N phase," the communication is performed via the bridge circuit 60A. In this case, too, by providing the bridge circuit 60A in the power supply unit 51 at the base point of the electrical path, reliable communication can be achieved via the shortest route.

[0048] For example, the arrangement and positions of the control slave units 4 and the load equipment 7 on each floor shown in FIG. 3 are not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.

[0049] For example, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 may be employed. In FIG. 5, the control range of the master unit 6 is the control slave units 4 installed throughout the entire building BD. In this case, the distribution equipment 50, which is the base point of the electrical paths for the multiple control slave units 4 and the detection slave units 2 within the control range of the master unit 6, corresponds to the cubicle 20, which is the power distribution equipment for the entire building BD. Furthermore, the power supply unit 51, which is the base point of the electrical paths, corresponds to the transformer 31 of the cubicle 20. In other words, the electrical paths for the multiple control slave units 4 and the detection slave units 2 on each of the floors F1, F2, and F3 include the multiple power lines W8 on each of the floors F1, F2, and F3, the distribution boards 10A, 10B, and 10C for the power lines W8, and each power line W7. Therefore, the cubicle 20 and the transformer 31 correspond to the distribution equipment 50 and the power supply unit 51, which are located most upstream in the flow of power for those electrical paths. In this case, the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A are installed in the cubicle 20 and are provided to the transformer 31.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 6, the L1-phase power line W20A of the transformer 31 is connected to terminal 35A of the terminal block 34, the L2-phase power line W20B is connected to terminal 35B of the terminal block 34, and the grounded N-phase power line W20C is connected to terminal 35C of the terminal block 34. The breakers 32 for each of the layers F1, F2, and F3 are connected to the L1-phase terminal 35A, the L2-phase terminal 35B, and the N-phase terminal 35C, respectively. As a result, the transformer 312 supplies power to the controlled slave units 4 and the controlled equipment 3 on each of the layers F1, F2, and F3 via the three power lines W20A, W20B, and W20C. The connections of the master unit 6 and the bridge circuit 60A to each of the power lines W20A, W20B, and W20C are similar to those shown in Fig. 4.

[0051] As described above, the bridge circuit 60A is connected to the power lines W20A and W20C associated with the "L1 phase-N phase" combination at the transformer 31, which is the power supply unit 51 for the entire building BD. When the master unit 6 controls the control slave units 4 for the entire building BD, the origin of the electrical path is the transformer 31, which is the power supply unit 51 for the entire building BD. Because the bridge circuit 60A is connected to the power lines W20A and W20C associated with the "L1 phase-N phase" combination at the transformer 31, it is possible to prevent signal overlap from occurring within the electrical path.

[0052] 5, a comparative example will be described in which the bridge circuit 60A is provided in the distribution board 10A on the level F1. In this comparative example, when a control signal passing through the bridge circuit 60A is sent to the level F2, the control signal flows through the power line W7 on the level F1, then through the transformer 31, the power lines W6 and W7 on the level F2, and the distribution board 10B to the control slave unit 4 on the level F2. More specifically, a signal traveling from the master unit 6 connected to the "L2 phase-N phase" in the cubicle 20 to the control slave unit 4 connected to the "L1 phase-N phase" on the level F2 passes through the power lines W6 and W7 on the level F1, passes through the bridge circuit 60A in the distribution board 10A, flows through the power lines W7 and W6 on the level F1, and then flows to the control slave unit 4 via the transformer 31, the power lines W6 and W7 on the level F2, and the distribution board 10B. The signal to the control slave unit 4 connected to "L1 phase - N phase" on layer F3 also flows through a similar route. Therefore, many signals overlap on the power lines W6 and W7 on layer F1, causing the problem of signal instability. In addition, the signal attenuation occurs due to the long route and the influence of noise from other devices connected along the route.

[0053] For example, the configuration shown in FIG. 7 may be employed. The configuration shown in FIG. 7 differs from the configuration shown in FIG. 3 in that the controlled equipment 3 includes not only lighting but also air conditioning. In this case, the energy management system 100 has a power supply system for the lighting lamps and a power supply system for the air conditioning power. That is, the cubicle 20 has a lighting transformer 31A (first power supply unit) for the lighting and a power transformer 31B (second power supply unit) for the power. Furthermore, the lighting transformer 31A and the power transformer 31B each have a breaker 32 corresponding to each of the floors F1, F2, and F3. Because the air conditioning is provided on floor F1, the distribution board 10A on floor F1 has a main breaker 52A (first power supply unit) for the lighting and a main breaker 52B (second power supply unit) for the power. In the following description, the lighting may be referred to as the first controlled facility 3A, and the control slave unit 4 for the lighting may be referred to as the first control slave unit 4A. The air conditioning may be referred to as the second controlled facility 3B, and the control slave unit 4 for the air conditioning may be referred to as the second control slave unit 4B. In Fig. 7, the distribution board 10A on the floor F1 is the base point of the power distribution facility 50, the main breaker 52A for the lights is the power supply unit 51 that is the base point of the electric circuit, and the main breaker 52B for the power is the second power supply unit 55 at a location corresponding to the base point of the electric circuit.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8, the distribution board 10A has a main breaker 52A for lighting that supplies power to the first control-target facility 3A and the first control slave unit 4A, and branch breakers 53A and 53B. A parent unit 6 and a bridge circuit 60A are provided for the main breaker 52A for lighting. The configuration of the main breaker 52A for lighting is the same as that of the distribution board 10A shown in FIG. 4. The distribution board 10A has a main breaker 52B for power that supplies power to the second control-target facility 3B and the second control slave unit 4B, and a branch breaker 54. The main breaker 52B is provided with power lines W21A, W21B, and W21C (second power lines) corresponding to the R, T, and S phases. The branch breaker 54 is connected to the power lines W21A, W21B, and W21C.

[0055] The distribution board 10A also has a bridge circuit 60B (second bridge circuit). The bridge circuit 60B includes a bridge main body 63, input-side electric wires W36 and W37, and output-side electric wires W38 and W39. The input-side electric wires W36 and W37 are connected to power lines W20B and W20C, which are associated with the same "L2-phase-N-phase" combination as the parent unit 6. Specifically, on the input side, the bridge main body 63 is connected to the L2-phase power line W20B via the electric wire W36 and to the N-phase power line W20C via the electric wire W37. The output-side electric wires W38 and W39 are connected to power lines W21C and W21A. Specifically, on the output side, the bridge main body 63 is connected to the S-phase power line W21C via the electric wire W34 and to the R-phase power line W21A via the electric wire W39.

[0056] 7 and 8, the master unit 6 transmits control signals to the first control slave unit 4A provided for the first control-target facility 3A and the second control slave unit 4B provided for the second control-target facility 3B. Furthermore, power line communication is performed between the master unit 6 and the first control slave unit 4A and the second control slave unit 4B. Therefore, control signals from the master unit 6 to the control slave units 4A and 4B flow through the power lines W8A and W8B connecting the master unit 6 and the first control slave unit 4A, and the power line W8C connecting the master unit 6 and the second control slave unit 4B (see FIG. 7). Furthermore, the bridge circuit 60B connects the power lines W20B and W20C (first power lines) of the master breaker 52A in which the master unit 6 is provided to the power lines W21A, W21B, and W21C (second power lines) of the master breaker 52B. Therefore, the control signal from the master unit 6 is transmitted to the first control slave unit 4A without passing through the bridge circuit 60B. On the other hand, the control signal from the master unit 6 is transmitted to the second control slave unit 4B via the bridge circuit 60B. Here, the bridge circuit 60B is connected to the power lines W21A, W21B, and W21C at the master breaker 52B at a location corresponding to the origin (main breaker 52A) of the electrical path for the multiple first control slave units 4A within the control range of the master unit 6. Therefore, the flow of control signals passing through the bridge circuit 60B is unified into a flow from the origin to each second control slave unit 4B within the electrical path, and the formation of a flow of control signals toward the origin side is suppressed. Therefore, signal overlap within the electrical path is suppressed. As a result, the reliability of communication in the energy management system 100 can be improved.

[0057] The master unit 6 has a control range that covers a first control slave unit 4A provided within a predetermined floor F1 of the building BD, and the bridge circuit 60B is connected to the power lines W21A, W21B, and W21C in the master breaker 52B for floor F1 of the building BD. When the master unit 6 controls the first control slave unit 4A within the predetermined floor F1 of the building BD, the origin of the electrical path is the master breaker 52A and the master breaker 52B for floor F1 of the building BD. Because the bridge circuit 60B is connected to the power lines W21A, W21B, and W21C at the master breaker 52B, signal overlap within the electrical path can be prevented.

[0058] For example, the configuration shown in Fig. 9 may be adopted. The configuration shown in Fig. 9 differs from the configuration shown in Fig. 7 in that the control range of the master unit 6 is the first control slave unit 4A installed throughout the building BD. The cubicle 20 serves as the power distribution equipment 50 that is the base point of the electric circuit, the lighting transformer 31A serves as the first power supply unit 51 that is the base point of the electric circuit, and the power transformer 31B serves as the second power supply unit 55 that is the base point of the electric circuit. In this case, the master unit 6 and bridge circuits 60A and 60B are installed in the cubicle 20. Furthermore, the master unit 6 and bridge circuit 60A are provided for the lighting transformer 31A, and the bridge circuit 60B is provided for the lighting transformer 31A and the power transformer 31B.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 10, a terminal block 34 having the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 6 is applied to the lighting transformer 31A and the power transformer 31B. The connection targets of the master unit 6 and bridge circuit 60A for the power lines W20A, W20B, and W20C for the lighting transformer 31A are the same as those shown in Fig. 6. Also, the bridge circuit 60B connecting the power lines W20B and W20C of the lighting transformer 31A and the power lines W21A and W21C of the power transformer 31B is the same as that shown in Fig. 8.

[0060] The master unit 6 has a control range that covers the entire first control slave units 4A installed in the building BD, and the bridge circuit 60B may be connected to the power lines W21A and W21C in the power transformer 31B for the entire building BD. When the master unit 6 controls the first control slave units 4A in the entire building BD, the origin of the electrical path is the lighting transformer 31A and the power transformer 31B for the entire building BD. Because the bridge circuit 60B is connected to the power lines W21A and W21C in the power transformer 31B, it is possible to prevent signal overlap from occurring in the electrical path.

[0061] 7 and 9, the bridge circuit 60B connects the first power line of the first power supply unit 51 and the second power line of the second power supply unit 55 in the same power distribution facility 50. In this case, the bridge circuit 60B can be accommodated within the same power distribution facility 50. This makes it possible to prevent the wiring of the bridge circuit 60B from becoming too long.

[0062] The bridge circuit 60B may be connected to a second power line at a second power supply unit downstream of the base point of the electrical path for the first control slave units 4A within the control range of the master unit 6. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the output side of the bridge circuit 60B may be connected to the second power line of the master breaker 52B of the distribution board 10A downstream of the base point, rather than to the power transformer 31B of the cubicle 20. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, the control range of the second control slave unit 4B by the master unit 6 is the hierarchy F1, which is different from the control range of the first control slave unit 4A. Therefore, the output side of the bridge circuit 60B may be connected to the master breaker 52B, which is the base point when only the control range of the second control slave unit 4B is considered. In this case, the flow of control signals passing through the bridge circuit 60B is unified to flow from the distribution board 10A downstream of the base cubicle 20 to each second control slave unit 4B, thereby preventing the formation of a flow of control signals toward the cubicle 20. This prevents signal overlap within the electrical path. In this manner, the bridge circuit 60B may connect the first power line of the lighting transformer 31A of the cubicle 20, which are different pieces of power distribution equipment, to the second power line of the main breaker 52B of the distribution board 10A. In this case, when the control range of the first control slave unit 4A of the master unit 6 differs from the control range of the second control slave unit 4B of the master unit 6, the bridge circuit 60B can be connected to the first and second power lines in an appropriate power distribution equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 3...controlled equipment, 3A...first controlled equipment, 3B...second controlled equipment, 4...control slave unit, 4A...first control slave unit, 4B...second control slave unit, 6...main unit, 10A...distribution board (power distribution equipment), 20...cubicle (power distribution equipment), 31...transformer (power supply unit), 31A...lighting transformer (first power supply unit), 31B...power transformer (second power supply unit), 50...power distribution equipment, 51...power supply unit (first power supply unit), 52...main breaker (power supply unit), 52A...main breaker (first power supply unit), 52B...main breaker (second power supply unit), 55...second power supply unit, 60A...bridge circuit (first bridge circuit), 60B...bridge circuit (second bridge circuit), 100...energy management system.

Claims

1. a control slave unit provided for the equipment to be controlled; a master unit that transmits a control signal to the slave unit; a power supply unit that supplies power to the controlled equipment via at least three power lines; a first bridge circuit connecting the power lines associated with a first combination through which a control signal of the parent device passes and the power lines associated with a second combination different from the first combination; power line communication is performed between the control slave device and the master device; the parent unit and the first bridge circuit are arranged upstream of the control child unit in the flow of power; An energy management system, wherein the first bridge circuit is connected to the power line relating to the second combination at the power supply unit, which is the base point of an electrical path for multiple controlled slave units within the control range of the parent unit.

2. the master unit has a control range that covers all of the slave units installed in the building; The energy management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first bridge circuit is connected to the power lines of the second combination in the power supply unit for the whole building.

3. the master unit has a control range that includes the slave units installed on a predetermined floor of a building; The energy management system according to claim 1 , wherein the first bridge circuit is connected to the power lines associated with the second combination at the power supply unit for the floor of the building.

4. a first control slave unit provided for a first controlled facility; a second control slave unit provided for a second controlled facility different from the first control slave unit; the master unit that transmits control signals to the first slave unit and the second slave unit; a first power supply unit that supplies power to the first controlled facility via a first power line; a second power supply unit that supplies power to the second controlled facility via a second power line; a second bridge circuit connecting the first power line of the first power supply unit to which the parent device is connected and the second power line of the second power supply unit, power line communication is performed between the first control slave device and the second control slave device and the parent device; the parent unit and the second bridge circuit are arranged upstream of the first control slave unit and the second control slave unit in the flow of power; The energy management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second bridge circuit is connected to the second power line at the second power supply unit at a location corresponding to a base point of an electric path for the plurality of first control slave units within the control range of the parent unit, or at the second power supply unit downstream of the base point.

5. the master unit has a control range that covers the entire first slave unit installed in the building, 5. The energy management system of claim 4, wherein the second bridge circuit is connected to the second power line in the second power supply for the whole building.

6. the master unit has a control range that includes the first slave unit provided on a predetermined floor of the building; 5. The energy management system of claim 4, wherein the second bridge circuit is connected to the second power line in the second power supply for the floor of the building.

7. The energy management system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second bridge circuit connects the first power line of the first power supply unit and the second power line of the second power supply unit in the same power distribution facility.

8. The energy management system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second bridge circuit connects the first power line of the first power supply unit and the second power line of the second power supply unit in different power distribution facilities.

Images