Power outage cause notification system, breaker, power outage cause notification method and program

Abstract

To provide a power failure cause notification system capable of easily notifying individual customers of cause information on a cause of a power failure including a home power failure.SOLUTION: A terminal 40 includes an application 401 installed therein. The application 401 performs notification about at least a cause of a power failure. A power failure cause notification system 1 includes a start unit 121, an acquisition unit 122, and an output unit 13. The start unit 121 starts the application 401 in the terminal 40 when the power failure occurs. The acquisition unit 122 acquires power failure information when the power failure occurs. The power failure information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power failure is a system power failure which is a power failure due to an electric power system 201, or a home power failure which is a power failure due to a trunk breaker 10 being in a trip state. The output unit 13 provides the power failure information acquired by the acquisition unit 122 to the application 401 started by the start unit 121.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power outage cause notification system, a breaker, a power outage cause notification method, and a program, and more particularly to a power outage cause notification system, a breaker, a power outage cause notification method, and a program that notify customers of information regarding the cause of a power outage. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power outage information notification system that notifies a customer terminal of power outage information related to the power outage by a server device. The notified power outage information includes the power outage duration and the cause of the power outage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-336692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are two types of power outages: widespread power outages caused by the power grid (hereinafter referred to as grid power outages), and in-home power outages caused by the operation of breakers in individual customer homes (hereinafter referred to as in-home power outages). The power outage cause notification system in Patent Document 1 notifies information such as the cause of power outages in the grid, but does not notify individual customers of cause information regarding the cause of power outages, including in-home power outages.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power outage cause notification system, a breaker, a power outage cause notification method, and a program that can easily notify individual customers of cause information regarding the cause of a power outage, including in-home power outages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A power outage cause notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in association with a breaker. The breaker is located in an electric circuit between a power grid and a load in a customer's home. When a power outage occurs, the breaker is communicably connected to a terminal of the customer. The power outage cause notification system notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker via the terminal. Application software is installed in the terminal. The application software notifies at least the cause of the power outage. The power outage cause notification system includes a start-up unit, an acquisition unit, an output unit, and , a power supply unit, a reception unit, The launching unit launches the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs. The acquisition unit acquires power outage information when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid. The home power outage is a power outage caused by the breaker being tripped. The output unit passes the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software launched by the launching unit. The power supply unit supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs. The reception unit receives a connection operation for connecting the breaker to the terminal so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal in response to the connection operation. A power outage cause notification system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in conjunction with a breaker. The breaker is located in an electric circuit between a power grid and a load in a customer's home. The breaker is communicatively connected to a terminal of the customer when a power outage occurs. The power outage cause notification system notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker via the terminal. Application software is installed on the terminal. The application software notifies the customer of at least the cause of the power outage. The power outage cause notification system includes a launching unit, an acquisition unit, an output unit, and a power supply unit. The launching unit launches the application software on the terminal when the power outage occurs. The acquisition unit acquires power outage information when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid. The home power outage is a power outage caused by the breaker being tripped. The output unit passes the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software launched by the launching unit. The power supply unit supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs. The terminal is connected to a server so as to be able to communicate at all times. The server provides information to the customer through the application software of the terminal. The breaker is connected to the server so as to be able to communicate at all times. The server includes the startup unit, and the startup unit of the server starts the application software of the terminal in response to the connection between the breaker and the server being cut off.

[0007] A breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure is interposed in an electric circuit between a power grid and a load in a customer's home, and is communicably connected to a customer's terminal at least when a power outage occurs, and notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage via the terminal. Application software is installed in the terminal. The application software notifies the customer of at least the cause of the power outage. The breaker includes a start-up unit, an acquisition unit, an output unit, and , a power supply unit, a reception unit,The launching unit launches the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs. The acquisition unit acquires power outage information when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid. The home power outage is a power outage caused by the breaker itself being tripped. The output unit passes the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software launched by the launching unit. The power supply unit supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs. The reception unit receives a connection operation for connecting the breaker to the terminal so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal in response to the connection operation. A breaker according to one aspect of the present disclosure is interposed in an electric circuit between a power grid and a load in a customer's home, and is communicatively connected to a customer's terminal at least when a power outage occurs, and notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage via the terminal. Application software is installed on the terminal. The application software notifies the customer of at least the cause of the power outage. The breaker includes a startup unit, an acquisition unit, an output unit, and a power supply unit. The startup unit starts the application software on the terminal when the power outage occurs. The acquisition unit acquires power outage information when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid. The home power outage is a power outage caused by the breaker itself being tripped. The output unit passes the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software started by the startup unit. The power supply unit supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs. The terminal is connected to a server so as to be able to communicate at all times. The server provides information to the customer through the application software of the terminal. The breaker is connected to the server so as to be able to communicate at all times. The server includes the startup unit, and the startup unit of the server starts the application software of the terminal in response to the connection between the breaker and the server being cut off.

[0008] A power outage cause notification method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by one or more computers of a power outage cause notification system. The power outage cause notification system is used in association with a breaker. The breaker is located in an electric circuit between a power grid and a load in a customer's premises. The breaker is communicably connected to a terminal of the customer at least when a power outage occurs. The power outage cause notification method is a power outage cause notification method in which the breaker notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage via the terminal. Application software is installed on the terminal. The application software notifies at least the cause of the power outage. The power outage cause notification system includes a power supply unit and a reception unit. The power supply unit supplies power to at least the one or more computers when a grid power outage occurs, which is a power outage caused by the power grid. The reception unit receives a connection operation for connecting the breaker to the terminal so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal. The power outage cause notification method includes a startup step, an acquisition step, and an output step. In the startup step, the application software of the terminal is started when the power outage occurs. In the acquisition step, power outage information is acquired when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid. The home power outage is a power outage caused by the breaker being tripped. In the output step, the power outage information acquired in the acquisition step is passed to the application software started in the startup step. A power outage cause notification method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is executed by one or more computers of a power outage cause notification system. The power outage cause notification system is used in association with a breaker. The breaker is located in an electric circuit between a power grid and a load in a customer's premises. The breaker is communicably connected to a terminal of the customer at least when a power outage occurs. The power outage cause notification method notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker via the terminal. Application software is installed in the terminal. The application software notifies the customer of at least the cause of the power outage. The power outage cause notification system includes a power supply unit. The power supply unit supplies power to at least the one or more computers when a grid power outage occurs, which is a power outage caused by the power grid. The terminal is constantly connected to a server that provides information to the customer through the application software of the terminal so as to be able to communicate with the server. The breaker is constantly connected to the server so as to be able to communicate with the server. The power outage cause notification method includes a startup step, an acquisition step, and an output step. In the startup step, the application software of the terminal is started when the power outage occurs. In the acquisition step, power outage information is acquired when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid. The home power outage is a power outage caused by the breaker being tripped. In the output step, the power outage information acquired in the acquisition step is passed to the application software launched in the startup step. The server executes the startup step, and in the server startup step, the application software on the terminal is launched in response to the connection between the breaker and the server being disconnected.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more computers to execute the power outage cause notification method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The power outage cause notification system, breaker, power outage cause notification method, and program disclosed herein have the advantage of being able to easily notify individual customers of cause information regarding the cause of a power outage, including in-home power outages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a power supply system including a power outage cause notification system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main breaker that constitutes the power outage cause notification system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the power outage cause notification system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a power supply system including a power outage cause notification system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a server constituting the power outage cause notification system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a main breaker that constitutes the power outage cause notification system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the server in the above embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the main breaker in the same. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of power outage information output by the power outage cause notification system of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an external view of the distribution board including the main breaker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design and the like as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (1) Assumptions First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 as appropriate, the prerequisites common to the power outage cause notification systems according to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0014] 1 and 4, a power outage cause notification system 1 according to the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure is used in conjunction with a breaker. The breaker is located in an electric path between a power grid 201 and a load 202 in a customer's home.

[0015] Note that being used in conjunction with a breaker includes cases where the breaker is an element that constitutes the power outage cause notification system 1, and cases where it is an element external to the power outage cause notification system 1 (not a component of the power outage cause notification system 1). In addition, when a breaker is an element that constitutes the power outage cause notification system 1, it also includes cases where the power outage cause notification system 1 is constituted by a breaker alone.

[0016] (1-1) Breaker The breaker is, for example, a main breaker 10 constituting a distribution board 100 as shown in FIG.

[0017] 10, the distribution board 100 includes a main breaker 10, a plurality of branch breakers 50, and a measurement unit 15. The main breaker 10 is provided with a switch (also called a handle) 10A that opens and closes contacts (described below), and the branch breakers 50 are also provided with similar switches. The measurement unit 15 has a connection key 15A that accepts a connection operation (described below). The measurement unit 15 may also have a display 15B that displays information such as measurement results.

[0018] The main breaker 10 has a detection function for detecting overcurrent, leakage current, and earthquakes, a cutoff function for cutting off the current in the electric circuit (entering a tripped state) when an overcurrent or the like is detected, and a communication function for communicating with at least the terminal 40. The tripped state is a state in which the contact between the first electric circuit 203a and the second electric circuit 203b (both of which will be described later) is open.

[0019] The main breaker 10 is tripped when an overcurrent or a leakage current occurs in the second electric circuit 203b, or when an earthquake occurs. When the main breaker 10 is tripped, the supply of power to the load 202 is stopped.

[0020] The main breaker 10 has a processor (CPU, MPU, etc.), memory (semiconductor memory, SSD, etc.), and a communication module (none of which are shown). The memory stores various data and programs, and the processor executes the programs using the various data to achieve the detection function and the shutdown function. In the following, the processor and memory that achieve the various functions may be referred to as a "computer."

[0021] The communication module realizes the above-mentioned communication function. Communication between the main breaker 10 and the terminal 40 is usually short-range wireless communication, and the communication module of the main breaker 10 realizes at least the short-range wireless communication function.

[0022] In the second embodiment, the communication module of the measurement unit 15 (described later) has two types of communication functions: short-range wireless communication and communication via the second network 302. The communication module of the main breaker 10 performs short-range wireless communication with the communication module of the measurement unit 15, thereby further realizing the communication function via the second network 302.

[0023] However, the communication module of the main breaker 10 may independently realize the communication function via the second network 302 without going through the communication module of the measurement unit 15. Also, the communication module of the main breaker 10 may independently realize the communication function via the first network 301 (described later) without going through the communication module of the terminal 40.

[0024] The main breaker 10 may have an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, etc. The main breaker 10 may also have an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc.

[0025] However, the breaker may be, for example, a branch breaker 50 or a limiter (not shown) that constitutes the distribution board 100, or may not be a component of the distribution board 100. In other words, the breaker may be of any type as long as it is interposed in the electric circuit (first electric circuit 203a, second electric circuit 203b) between the power system 201 and the load 202 and cuts off the electric circuit in response to the occurrence of an overcurrent or the like.

[0026] (1-2) Load The load 202 is a household electrical appliance that operates on power from the power grid 201. The load 202 is preferably an IoT device such as an information appliance. Such a load 202 can be connected to a second network 302 (described later) (see FIG. 4 in the second embodiment). However, the load 202 may also be an electrical appliance that does not have a function for connecting to the second network 302 (see FIG. 1 in the first embodiment).

[0027] (1-3) Electrical circuit The electric circuits include a first electric circuit 203a and a second electric circuit 203b. The first electric circuit 203a is an electric circuit on the power system 201 side (the primary side of the main breaker 10) with respect to the breaker (main breaker 10). The second electric circuit 203b is an electric circuit on the load 202 side (the secondary side of the main breaker 10) with respect to the breaker (main breaker 10).

[0028] (1-4) Terminal The customer can use the terminal 40. For example, the customer can view information displayed on a display or output as audio from a speaker, or input information via an input device such as a touch panel.

[0029] The terminal 40 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, but may also be a stationary terminal such as a desktop personal computer (PC). The mobile terminal is carried by the customer, and the stationary terminal is installed in the customer's home.

[0030] The terminal 40 is preferably capable of communicating with the server 30 (described later) (Embodiment 2). However, the terminal 40 does not need to have a function for communicating with the server 30, and the server 30 does not need to exist (Embodiment 1).

[0031] The terminal 40 includes a processor and a memory (computer), a communication module, an input device such as a touch panel, and an output device such as a display.

[0032] The communication between the terminal 40 and the server 30 is via a first network 301 (described later). The communication module of the terminal 40 realizes a communication function via the first network 301 in addition to the short-range wireless communication with the main breaker 10 (Embodiment 2).

[0033] The terminal 40 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, but may also be a stationary terminal such as a desktop PC. The mobile terminal is carried by the customer, and the stationary terminal is installed in the customer's home.

[0034] (1-5) Server The server 30 provides services to customers via the terminal 40. The services include notifying customers of power outage information regarding a power outage in the power grid 201. The services are provided through application software (service app) installed on the terminal 40.

[0035] However, the server 30 is not an essential element for implementing the power outage cause notification system 1 of the present disclosure (first embodiment).

[0036] (1-6) Network The server 30 is communicably connected to the terminal 40 via a first network 301. The first network 301 is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet or a communication line network.

[0037] On the other hand, the network to which the load 202 is connected is a second network 302. The second network is, for example, a PLC (Power Line Communications) network that performs communication via an electric line within a home. The second network 302 is communicably connected to the first network 301 via a gateway (GW) 303 (second embodiment).

[0038] In detail, in the second embodiment, since the communication protocol of the first network (Internet) to which the server 30 is connected is different from the communication protocol of the second network (PLC network) to which the main breaker 10 is connected, a gateway (GW) 303 that converts the protocol between the two protocols is interposed between the first network and the second network.

[0039] In addition to such protocol conversion, the GW 303 may also perform processing related to various IoT devices connected to the second network 302. The related processing may include, for example, collecting device information about various IoT devices and providing the device information to the server 30.

[0040] However, the second network 302 and the GW 303 are not essential elements for implementing the power outage cause notification system 1 of the present disclosure (first embodiment).

[0041] (2) Characteristics Below, the characteristics common to the first and second embodiments and the characteristics unique to each of the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0042] (2-1) Breaker The breaker (main breaker 10) is connected to the customer terminal 40 so as to be able to communicate with the customer in the event of a power outage.

[0043] The connection between the main breaker 10 and the terminal 40 is a timely connection in the first embodiment, and a constant connection in the second embodiment. In addition, timely in the first embodiment means when a connection operation is accepted.

[0044] That is, in the first embodiment, the breaker (main breaker 10) is connected to the terminal 40 in response to a connection operation performed by a customer when a power outage occurs. After the breaker (main breaker 10) and the terminal 40 are connected in response to the connection operation, the power outage cause notification system 1 notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker (main breaker 10) via the terminal 40.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the connection between the breaker (main breaker 10) and the terminal 40 is a constant connection.

[0046] Note that the term "constant connection" in the first and second embodiments means that the connection state continues. A continuous connection means, for example, that the connection state continues without interruption for a certain period of time or more, but may also be temporarily interrupted for a period shorter than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the term "constant connection" also includes, for example, a case where the connection is made periodically at a cycle shorter than a predetermined threshold, or an case where the connection is made irregularly at time intervals not exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0047] In the first and second embodiments, "constant communication possible" (described later) means that the devices are constantly connected and continue to be able to communicate.

[0048] (2-2) Terminal Application software 201 is installed in the terminal 40. The application software 201 (hereinafter referred to as app 401) realizes at least a notification function of notifying the cause of the power outage via the computer, communication module, input device, and output device of the terminal 40. Note that being installed means that the app 401 is stored in the memory of the terminal 40 in an activatable state.

[0049] In the first embodiment, the application 401 is a notification application dedicated to notifying the cause of a power outage. In the second embodiment, the application 401 is a service application that provides services to customers, to which a notification function of the cause of a power outage has been added.

[0050] The application 401 also notifies the user of the corrective action to be taken depending on the cause of the power outage.

[0051] (2-3) Power outage cause notification system The power outage cause notification system 1 includes a start-up unit 121, an acquisition unit 122, and an output unit 13.

[0052] The activation unit 121 activates the application 401 of the terminal 40 when a power outage occurs.

[0053] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the main breaker 10 includes a startup unit 121, and the startup unit 121 of the main breaker 10 starts the application 401 of the terminal 40.

[0054] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the server 30 includes a launching unit 121, and the launching unit 121 of the server 30 launches an application 401 of the terminal 40.

[0055] The acquisition unit 122 acquires power outage information when a power outage occurs. The power outage information is information related to the power outage. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information is information related to the cause of the power outage.

[0056] The cause information is, for example, first cause information. The first cause information indicates whether the power outage that occurred is a grid power outage or a home power outage. A grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid 201. A home power outage is a power outage caused by a breaker (main breaker 10) being tripped.

[0057] Alternatively, the cause information may be second cause information. The second cause information is information about the cause of a home power outage. As described above, the cause of a home power outage is either an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake, and the second cause information indicates whether the cause of the home power outage is an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake.

[0058] The overcurrent may be, for example, an overcurrent caused by an overload or an overcurrent caused by a short circuit. In the second cause information, the overcurrent may be distinguished between an overcurrent caused by an overload and an overcurrent caused by a short circuit.

[0059] When a grid power outage occurs, the acquisition unit 122 acquires power outage information including first cause information indicating a “grid power outage.” Note that such power outage information may be, for example, a message (a character string in a natural language) such as “The cause of the power outage is a problem with the power grid.”

[0060] Furthermore, when a power outage occurs within the home, the acquiring unit 122 acquires power outage information including first cause information indicating "power outage within the home" and second cause information indicating any one of "overcurrent," "earthquake," and "earthquake." Note that such power outage information may be, for example, a message such as "The cause of the power outage is the operation of the home breaker. There is a possibility of a power leak."

[0061] The acquisition unit 122 acquires first cause information indicating whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage, for example, based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 15. Furthermore, if the power outage is a home power outage, the acquisition unit 122 acquires second cause information indicating whether the home power outage is caused by an overcurrent, a power leak, or an earthquake.

[0062] More specifically, in the first embodiment, the power outage cause notification system 1 further includes a monitoring unit 123. The monitoring unit 123 constantly monitors the measurement results of the measurement unit 15 and determines whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage based on the measurement results. The monitoring unit 123 then acquires first cause information indicating the determination result ("grid power outage" or "home power outage") and passes it to the acquisition unit 122.

[0063] Furthermore, when first cause information indicating a “power outage within the home” is acquired, the first monitoring unit 123 determines whether the cause of the power outage within the home is an overcurrent, a leakage current, or an earthquake based on the measurement results, and further acquires second cause information indicating the determination result (either “overcurrent,” “leakage current,” or “earthquake”) and hands it over to the acquisition unit 122.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the power outage cause notification system 1 includes a first monitoring unit 123 having the same function as the monitoring unit 123 in the first embodiment, and a second monitoring unit 124. The second monitoring unit 124 constantly monitors the grid power outage information provided by the server 30 and determines whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The second monitoring unit 124 then acquires first cause information indicating the determination result ("grid power outage" or "home power outage") and passes it to the acquisition unit 122.

[0065] However, in the second embodiment, the power outage cause notification system 1 may not include the first monitoring unit 123 and the measurement unit 15, but may include only the second monitoring unit 124 (a modified example of the second embodiment).

[0066] The acquisition unit 122 may acquire power outage information that further includes response information. The response information is information regarding a response method depending on the cause of the power outage. Such power outage information may be, for example, a message such as "The cause of the power outage is the operation of the in-house breaker. There is a possibility of a power leak. Please take action according to the following procedure..."

[0067] In the first and second embodiments, for example, a set (pair information group) of pairs (pair information) of cause information and countermeasure information is stored in the memory of the main breaker 10. The pair information constituting the pair information group includes, for example, a pair (first pair information) of first cause information and first countermeasure information indicating a “system power outage,” a pair (second pair information) of second cause information and second countermeasure information indicating an “overcurrent,” a pair (third pair information) of second cause information and third countermeasure information indicating an “earthquake,” and a pair (fourth pair information) of second cause information and fourth countermeasure information indicating an “earthquake.”

[0068] The first action information may be, for example, "Please wait until power is restored to the power system." The second action information may be, for example, "After turning off the power to some of the equipment, please switch on the main breaker." The third action information may be, for example, "Please take action in the following procedure. Switch off all branch breakers. Switch on the main breaker. Switch on the branch breakers in order...." The fourth action information may be, for example, "After making sure that no equipment has fallen or been damaged, please switch on the main breaker."

[0069] The pair information group may include, instead of the second to fourth pair information, a pair (fifth pair information) of the first cause information indicating "in-house power outage" and the fifth action information. The fifth action information may be, for example, "Please check the wiring in your home."

[0070] The acquisition unit 122 acquires the cause information as described above, further acquires handling information corresponding to the cause information from the memory, and acquires power outage information including the acquired cause information and the acquired handling information.

[0071] The power outage information including cause information and countermeasure information may be a message such as, "The cause of the power outage is the operation of a breaker in the house. There is a possibility of a power leak. Please take action by following the steps below..." for example.

[0072] The pair information group may be stored, for example, in the memory of an internal device other than the main breaker 10 of the distribution board 100, or may be stored in a memory external to the distribution board 100 (for example, the server 30). The location of the memory in which the pair information group is stored does not matter as long as it is a memory accessible by the processor of the main breaker 10.

[0073] The various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 122 (first cause information, second cause information, countermeasure information, and power outage information including these) are stored in the memory of the main breaker 10. However, information such as the first cause information may also be stored in any memory accessible to the processor of the main breaker 10.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the power outage cause notification system 1 further includes a second monitoring unit 124.

[0075] The second monitoring unit 124 (constantly) monitors the system power outage information provided from the server 30 to the breaker (main breaker 10), and based on the system power outage information, determines whether the power outage is a system power outage or a power outage within the home, and obtains the first cause information.

[0076] In detail, when a power outage occurs, the second monitoring unit 124 determines whether the reception unit 11 (described later) has received grid power outage information, and if the reception unit 11 has received grid power outage information, determines that the power outage is a grid power outage and acquires first cause information indicating a "grid power outage." On the other hand, if the reception unit 11 has not received grid power outage information even after a predetermined time has passed since the occurrence of the power outage, the second monitoring unit 124 determines that the power outage is an in-house power outage and acquires first cause information indicating a "in-house power outage."

[0077] In the second embodiment, the power outage cause notification system 1 may not include the first monitoring unit 123 and the measurement unit 15, but may include only the second monitoring unit 124 (first modification of the second embodiment).

[0078] In this way, by constantly monitoring the grid power outage information provided by the server 30 during a grid power outage, it is possible to determine whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage and obtain the first cause information. Therefore, even if the server 30 does not exist or if there is no connection between the terminal 40 and the server 30, the grid power outage information can be further included in the power outage information and provided to the terminal 40.

[0079] The output unit 13 delivers the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit 122 to the application 401 started by the start unit 121.

[0080] The application 401 notifies the customer of the power outage information thus received from the main breaker 10 via an output device such as a display of the terminal 40.

[0081] The power outage cause notification system 1 of the second embodiment further includes a reception unit 11.

[0082] The reception unit 11 receives a connection operation. The connection operation is an operation for connecting a breaker (main breaker 10) so that it can communicate with a terminal 40. In response to the connection operation received by the reception unit 11, the main breaker 10 is connected so that it can communicate with the terminal 40.

[0083] The starting unit 121 of the first embodiment starts the application 401 of the terminal 40 after the main breaker 10 is connected to the terminal 40 in response to a connection operation.

[0084] The reception unit 11 may also receive a disconnection operation. The disconnection operation is an operation for disconnecting the connection between the main breaker 10 and the terminal 40. The disconnection operation may be, for example, a re-press of the connection key 15A.

[0085] The reception unit 11 receives operations such as connection operations via an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. The input device for receiving operations is provided, for example, in the main breaker 10, but may also be provided in an internal device other than the main breaker within the distribution board 100. Alternatively, the input device may be provided in a front cover (not shown) of the distribution board 100, or may be a separate device from the distribution board 100 (such as a remote control: not shown).

[0086] An input device for receiving operations such as a connection operation is, for example, a connection key 15A (see FIG. 10) provided in the measurement unit 15. A connection operation is performed by pressing the connection key 15A, and a disconnection operation may be performed by pressing the connection key 15A again.

[0087] This allows the customer to decide whether to start the terminal app in the event of a power outage. Also, the main breaker 10 starts communication with the terminal 40 only when the customer decides it is necessary, so communication volume can be reduced. Furthermore, if the power supply unit 14 is a battery, battery consumption can be prevented.

[0088] In the second embodiment, the terminal 40 is connected to the server 30 so as to be able to communicate at all times. The server 30 provides information to the customer through the application software 201 of the terminal 40. The provided information is, for example, grid power outage information. The grid power outage information is information relating to the grid power outage. The grid power outage information includes, for example, information relating to the cause of the grid power outage, the extent of the grid power outage, the time of power restoration, etc. The grid power outage information is acquired from a server (not shown) of the power grid 201.

[0089] However, the provided information may also include information other than the grid power outage information. The information other than the grid power outage information is, for example, device information related to the main breaker 10 and IoT devices other than the main breaker 10. The device information is acquired from, for example, the GW 303.

[0090] More specifically, the GW 303 collects device information of various IoT devices connected to the second network 302 and provides the device information to the server 30 via the second network 302. The server 30 passes the device information provided by the GW 303 to the application 401 of the terminal 40 via the first network 301. The application 401 notifies the user of the device information passed from the server 30 via an output device such as a display of the terminal 40.

[0091] In the second embodiment, the server 30 includes a startup unit 121. The startup unit 121 of the server 30 starts the application 401 of the terminal 40 in response to the disconnection of the connection between the main breaker 10 and the server 30.

[0092] In the second embodiment, during a power outage in the grid, the main breaker 10 can operate with power from the power supply unit 14, but the GW 303 cannot operate because it does not receive power from the power supply unit 14. Therefore, the start-up unit 121 of the server 30 starts up the application 401 of the terminal 40 in response to the disconnection of the connection between the server 30 and the GW 303.

[0093] As a result, when a power outage occurs, the server 30 can automatically start up the application 401 of the terminal 40 by taking advantage of the fact that the connection between the main breaker 10 (GW303) and the server 30 is cut off.

[0094] In the second embodiment, the main breaker 10 is connected to the terminal 40 so as to be able to communicate with it at all times. During a power outage in the grid, each unit (11 to 13, 121, 123, 124) of the main breaker 10 can operate with power from the power supply unit 14.

[0095] When a grid power outage occurs, the server 30 provides grid power outage information to at least the main breaker 10. In the second embodiment, the grid power outage information is also provided to the customer via the terminal app 401. In the first embodiment, on the other hand, the grid power outage information is provided only to the customer, and not to the main breaker 10.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the breaker (main breaker 10) includes the above-described units (121, 122, 13). However, the above-described units (121, 122, 13) may be included in an internal device (such as a limiter) other than the breaker (main breaker 10) in the distribution board 100.

[0097] Alternatively, the above-mentioned units (121, 122, 13) may be distributed among multiple devices. For example, in the second embodiment, the server 30 includes the start-up unit 121, and the breaker (master breaker 10) includes the units (121, 13) other than the start-up unit 121.

[0098] However, the locations of the above-mentioned parts (121, 122, 13) are not limited to those in the first and second embodiments.

[0099] (2-4) Measurement unit More specifically, the power outage cause notification system 1 further includes a measurement unit 15 .

[0100] The measurement unit 15 includes at least a wattmeter (not shown) connected to the first electrical circuit 203a. The measurement unit 15 in the first and second embodiments further includes an ammeter (not shown) and an accelerometer (not shown) connected to the second electrical circuit 203b.

[0101] The measurement unit 15 measures at least the power of the first electric circuit 203a with the power meter, and acquires the power value that is the measurement result.

[0102] Furthermore, the measurement unit 15 measures the current in the second electrical circuit 203b with the ammeter and acquires the current value that is the measurement result.

[0103] Furthermore, the measurement unit 15 measures the acceleration of the measurement unit 15 itself using the accelerometer, and obtains the acceleration value that is the measurement result.

[0104] In addition, the first monitoring unit 123 described later determines whether the cause of the power outage in the home is an overcurrent, a power leakage, or an earthquake based on the current and acceleration measured by the measurement unit 15, and further obtains second cause information indicating the result of the determination.

[0105] This allows the cause of the in-home power outage to be further determined as being an overcurrent, a power leak, or an earthquake, and power outage information including information on the second cause can be provided promptly.

[0106] In the first and second embodiments, the measurement unit 15 is a dedicated unit separate from the main breaker 10, and is connected to the breaker (main breaker 10) so as to be able to communicate with it at all times. The connection between the measurement unit 15 and the main breaker 10 is made by short-range wireless communication in the first and second embodiments, but may also be a wired connection.

[0107] However, the measurement unit 15 may be a component of the main breaker 10. For example, at least the wattmeter may be built into the main breaker 10. Furthermore, at least one of the ammeter and the accelerometer may be further built into the main breaker 10.

[0108] Alternatively, the measurement unit 15 may be provided in an internal device (e.g., a limiter) other than the main breaker 10 within the distribution board 100, or may be provided outside the distribution board 100. The location of the measurement unit 15 does not matter as long as the measurement results of the measurement unit 15 can be transferred to the processing unit 12 of the main breaker 10.

[0109] (2-5) Main breaker The main breaker 10 of the first and second embodiments detects the occurrence of an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 15 as described above, and enters a trip state.

[0110] More specifically, the processing unit 12, which will be described later, determines whether an overcurrent or the like has occurred based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 15. If it is determined that an overcurrent or the like has occurred, the processing unit 12 may open the contacts between the first electric circuit 203a and the second electric circuit 203b via a switching mechanism (not shown) that opens and closes the contacts and a drive circuit (not shown) that drives the switching mechanism, thereby causing the main breaker 10 to transition to a tripped state.

[0111] However, the main breaker 10 is not limited to the electronic breaker described above, but may be a thermal or electromagnetic breaker that transitions to a tripped state (switch 10A is off) using a bimetal or electromagnetic coil, etc. In this case, the main breaker 10 is provided with a sensor that detects the on / off state of switch 10A, and the processing unit 12 determines whether or not the breaker is in a tripped state based on the detection result of the sensor.

[0112] (2-6) Backup power supply The power outage cause notification system 1 further includes a power supply unit 14. During a grid power outage, the power supply unit 14 supplies power to at least the acquisition unit 122, the startup unit 121, and the output unit 13. In the first and second embodiments, the power supply unit 14 also supplies power to the measurement unit 15, the monitoring units (first monitoring unit 123, second monitoring unit 124), and the reception unit 11.

[0113] The power supply unit 14 is typically a battery. The battery may be, for example, disposable, but may also be rechargeable. In the first and second embodiments, the power supply unit 14 is separate from the main breaker 10 and is provided in the distribution board 100. However, the power supply unit 14 may be built into the main breaker 10 or may be built into an internal device other than the main breaker 10.

[0114] Alternatively, the power supply unit 14 may be, for example, a private power generation system that operates at least during a power outage.

[0115] (3) Embodiment 1 A power outage cause notification system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is used in, for example, a power supply system 2 as shown in FIG.

[0116] (3-1) Power supply system The power supply system 2 in Fig. 1 includes a power system 201 and loads 202 that receive power from the power system 201 via a distribution board 100. The distribution board 100 and the loads 202 are located inside (inside) the homes of multiple customers of the power company that manages the power system 201. Hereinafter, a "customer" refers to one of these multiple customers.

[0117] The distribution board 100 includes a main breaker 10 and two or more branch breakers 50. The main breaker 10 has a primary side connected to a power system 201 and a secondary side connected to each of the two or more branch breakers 50. One or more loads 202 are connected to the branch breakers 50. The loads 202 are electrical devices such as home appliances.

[0118] The main breaker 10 is also communicatively connected to a terminal 40 that can be used by the customer. The terminal 40 is typically located within the home, but may be located outside the home. The terminal 40 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, but may also be a fixed terminal such as a desktop PC. Communication between the main breaker 10 and the terminal 40 is, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). However, the communication method is not important as long as the terminal 40 can communicate with the main breaker 10 at least when located within the home.

[0119] The terminal 40 may be communicably connected to the server 30 via the first network 301, similar to the terminal 40 in the second embodiment (first modification of the first embodiment).

[0120] (3-2) Power outage cause notification system As shown in FIG. 1, the power outage cause notification system 1 of this embodiment includes a main breaker 10, a power supply unit 14, a measurement unit 15, and a terminal 40.

[0121] 2, the main breaker 10 includes a reception unit 11, a processing unit 12, and an output unit 13. The processing unit 12 includes a start-up unit 121, an acquisition unit 122, and a monitoring unit 123.

[0122] The components (11 to 13 and 121 to 123) that make up the main breaker 10 normally operate on power from the power grid 201. The power supply unit 14 supplies power for operating the components (11 to 13 and 121 to 123) that make up the main breaker 10 during a grid power outage.

[0123] The measurement unit 15 is connected to the main breaker 10 so as to be able to communicate at all times. The connection between the measurement unit 15 and the main breaker 10 is made by short-range wireless communication.

[0124] The measurement unit 15 measures the power of the circuit 203a on the primary side of the main breaker 10 with a wattmeter. The measurement unit 15 also measures the current of the circuit 203a on the secondary side of the main breaker 10 with an ammeter. The measurement unit 15 also measures the acceleration of the measurement unit 15 itself with an accelerometer. The measurement unit 15 then passes the three measurement results (power value, current value, and acceleration value) to the main breaker 10.

[0125] Based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 15, the main breaker 10 detects the occurrence of an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake, and enters a trip state.

[0126] The terminal 40 has installed therein application software (app) 401 that notifies the user of the cause of a power outage when the power outage occurs.

[0127] (3-2-1) Main breaker The reception unit 11 included in the main breaker 10 receives various types of information, such as connection operations and measurement results from the measurement unit 15.

[0128] The reception unit 11 receives a connection operation. The connection operation is performed by a customer when a power outage occurs. The reception unit 11 also receives the measurement results of the measurement unit 15.

[0129] The processing unit 12 performs various types of processing, such as processing by an acquisition unit 122, a startup unit 121, and a monitoring unit 123.

[0130] The processing unit 12 also performs various determinations that will be explained in the flowchart of FIG.

[0131] Furthermore, if the processing unit 12 determines based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 15 that an overcurrent or the like has occurred, it opens the contacts between the first circuit 203a and the second circuit 203b via a switching mechanism (not shown) that opens and closes the contacts, and a drive circuit (not shown) that drives the switching mechanism, thereby transitioning the main breaker 10 to a tripped state.

[0132] The output unit 13 outputs various types of information, such as power outage information, power outage cause information (first power outage cause information, second power outage cause information), and countermeasure information.

[0133] The output of the output unit 13 is usually the delivery of information such as power outage information to the application 401 of the terminal 40. However, the output may be, for example, a display on a display, an audio output from a speaker, a printout by a printer, transmission to another device, or recording on a recording medium. The display is usually the display of the terminal 40, but may also be the display 15B of the measurement unit 15, etc.

[0134] The processing unit 12 determines that a power outage has occurred when the reception unit 11 has received a connection operation, and determines that a power outage has not occurred when the reception unit 11 has not received a connection operation.

[0135] The activation unit 121 constituting the processing unit 12 activates the application 401 of the terminal 40 via short-distance wireless communication when a power outage occurs.

[0136] When a power outage occurs, the acquiring unit 122 acquires power outage information including cause information (first cause information, second cause information) and response information as follows.

[0137] For example, a pairing information group including first to fourth pairing information is stored in the memory of the main breaker 10.

[0138] The monitoring unit 123 acquires cause information (first cause information, second monitoring information) based on the measurement results of the measuring unit 15, and transfers it to the acquiring unit 122. The acquiring unit 122 further acquires, from the memory, handling information corresponding to the cause information transferred from the monitoring unit 123, and acquires power outage information including the acquired cause information and the acquired handling information.

[0139] In detail, the monitoring unit 123 constantly monitors the measurement results of the measurement unit 15, determines whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage, and acquires first cause information indicating the determination result. For example, if the monitoring unit 123 determines that the power outage is a grid power outage, the monitoring unit 123 acquires first cause information indicating "grid power outage" and passes it to the acquisition unit 122.

[0140] The acquisition unit 122 further acquires from the memory first response information corresponding to the first cause information indicating a "system power outage" handed over from the monitoring unit 123, and acquires power outage information including the first cause information indicating the "system power outage" and the acquired first response information.

[0141] The power outage information acquired here may be a message such as "A power outage has occurred. The cause of the power outage is a problem with the power system. Please wait until power is restored to the power system."

[0142] On the other hand, if it is determined that the power outage is an in-house power outage, the monitoring unit 123 acquires first cause information indicating an "in-house power outage." The monitoring unit 123 further determines whether the cause of the in-house power outage is an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake, based on the measurement results, and acquires second power outage information indicating the determination result. The first monitoring unit 123 then passes the first cause information indicating an "in-house power outage" and the second cause information indicating one of "overcurrent," "ground fault," and "earthquake" to the acquisition unit 122.

[0143] The acquisition unit 122 further acquires from the memory the response information (any of the second to fourth response information) corresponding to the second cause information (any of "overcurrent", "leakage current", or "earthquake") handed over from the monitoring unit 123, and acquires power outage information including the first cause information indicating the "in-home power outage" and the acquired response information.

[0144] For example, when first cause information indicating an "in-house power outage" and second cause information indicating an "electricity leakage" are delivered from the monitoring unit 123, the acquiring unit 122 acquires third action information corresponding to the second cause information indicating the "electricity leakage" from the memory. Then, the monitoring unit 123 acquires power outage information including the delivered first cause information indicating the "in-house power outage", the acquired second cause information indicating the "electricity leakage", and the acquired third action information.

[0145] The power outage information obtained here may be a message such as, "A power outage has occurred. The cause of the power outage is the operation of a breaker inside the house. There is a possibility of a power leak. Please take action by following the steps below. Turn off all branch breakers. Turn on the main breaker. Turn on the branch breakers in order..."

[0146] The acquisition unit 122 transfers the power outage information acquired by the monitoring unit 123 to the output unit 13, and the output unit 13 further transfers the power outage information to the application 401 of the terminal 40. The application 401 displays the transferred power outage information on the display of the terminal 40. As a result, for example, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display of the terminal 40.

[0147] The screen in Figure 9 includes the following information about the power outage: "A power outage has occurred. The cause of the power outage is the operation of a breaker inside the house. There is a possibility of a power leak. Please take the following steps to resolve the issue. Switch off all branch breakers. Switch on the main breaker. Switch on the branch breakers in order..."

[0148] By referring to such power outage information, customers can take appropriate measures to deal with the electrical leakage that caused the power outage.

[0149] (3-2-2) Operation of the power outage cause notification system The power outage cause notification system 1 in this embodiment operates according to the flowchart of FIG.

[0150] The processing unit 12 constituting the main breaker 10 determines whether or not a power outage has occurred (step S11).

[0151] In this embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines that a power outage has occurred when the reception unit 11 receives a startup operation. If the reception unit 11 has not received a startup operation, it determines that a power outage has not occurred. If it is determined that a power outage has occurred, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that a power outage has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0152] The processing unit 12 connects the main breaker 10 to the terminal 40 so that they can communicate with each other (step S12). Specifically, in response to the start-up operation accepted in step S11, the communication module of the main breaker 10 starts short-range wireless communication with the communication module of the terminal 40.

[0153] The starting unit 121 of the main breaker 10 starts the application 401 of the terminal 40 (step S13). In detail, the starting unit 121 transmits a start command for the application 401 to the terminal 40 by short-range wireless communication, and the terminal 40 receives the start command and starts the application 401.

[0154] The acquiring unit 122 acquires the cause information (step S14). Specifically, the acquiring unit 122 acquires first cause information based on the measurement result of the measuring unit 15, and if the first cause information is "in-home power outage," it further acquires second cause information.

[0155] For example, the monitoring results of the measurement unit 15 include the power value of the first electric circuit 203a, the current value of the second electric circuit 203b, and the acceleration value, and the acquisition unit 122 determines that a power outage has occurred when the power value is less than or equal to a first threshold value (e.g., power value = 0) or when the current value is less than or equal to a second threshold value (e.g., current value = 0).

[0156] If it is determined that a power outage has occurred, the acquisition unit 122 further determines whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. More specifically, if the power value is equal to or less than a first threshold (for example, power value = 0), the acquisition unit 122 determines that a grid power outage has occurred. On the other hand, if the power value is greater than the first threshold (for example, power value > 0) and the current value is equal to or less than a second threshold (for example, current value = 0), the acquisition unit 122 determines that a home power outage has occurred. Then, based on the above determination result, the acquisition unit 122 acquires first cause information indicating a "grid power outage" or a "home power outage."

[0157] If it is determined that a home power outage has occurred, the acquisition unit 122 further determines whether the cause of the home power outage is an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake, based on the current value and acceleration value included in the measurement results. Specifically, for example, if the current value exceeds a third threshold, it is determined to be an overcurrent. Furthermore, the current value includes two current values ​​(the current value of the L1-phase or L2-phase power line and the current value of the neutral line) for the outbound and return currents of the second electric circuit 203b, and if the difference between these two current values ​​exceeds a fourth threshold, it is determined to be a ground fault. Furthermore, if the acceleration value exceeds a fifth threshold, it is determined to be an earthquake.

[0158] Then, the acquiring unit 122 acquires second cause information indicating any one of "overcurrent", "electric leakage", and "earthquake" based on the above determination result.

[0159] Next, the acquiring unit 122 acquires countermeasure information corresponding to the cause information acquired in step S14 (step S15). More specifically, a set of pairs of cause information and countermeasure information is stored in the memory, and the acquiring unit 122 acquires countermeasure information paired with the acquired cause information from the memory.

[0160] The acquisition unit 121 acquires power outage information including the cause information acquired in step S14 and the countermeasure information acquired in step S15 (step S16).

[0161] The output unit 13 transfers the power outage information acquired in step S16 to the application 401 of the terminal 40 (step S17). In detail, the output unit 13 transmits the power outage information to the terminal 40 by short-range wireless communication, and the terminal 40 receives the power outage information and transfers it to the application 401. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.

[0162] The processing unit 12 determines whether or not the disconnection condition is satisfied (step S18). The disconnection condition is a condition for disconnecting the connection between the main breaker 10 and the terminal 40. The disconnection condition is, for example, "a disconnection operation has been accepted" or "a no-operation state in which no operation is accepted has continued for a predetermined time or longer." If the disconnection condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S19. If the disconnection condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S11.

[0163] The processing unit 12 disconnects the connection between the main breaker 10 and the terminal 40 (step S19). In detail, for example, in response to the reception of the disconnection operation, the communication module of the main breaker 10 terminates communication with the communication module of the terminal 40. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S11.

[0164] (3-3) Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 The power outage cause notification system 1 according to variant 1 of embodiment 1 is the power outage cause notification system 1 of embodiment 1, in which the terminal 40 is provided with a communication function with a server 30 that provides grid power outage information when a grid power outage occurs.

[0165] In this modification, in addition to the same notification as in the first embodiment, when a grid power outage occurs, grid power outage information provided by the server 30 can be further notified to the customer.

[0166] (3-4) Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 The power outage cause notification system 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment is obtained by removing the measurement unit 15 and the monitoring unit 123 from the power outage cause notification system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0167] Even in this variant, when a power outage occurs, it is possible to determine whether the power outage is a power outage in the grid or in the home based on the power outage information from the server 30, and notify the customer of the first cause information indicating the determination result ("power outage in the grid" or "in the home").

[0168] (3-5) Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 The power outage cause notification system 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment is obtained by removing the measurement unit 15, the monitoring unit 123, and the power supply unit 14 from the power outage cause notification system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0169] Even in this modified example, when a power outage occurs in a house, the first cause information indicating "power outage in a house" can be notified to the customer.

[0170] (4) Embodiment 2 A power outage cause notification system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is used in, for example, a power supply system 2 as shown in FIG.

[0171] (4-1) Power supply system The power supply system 2 of FIG. 4 further includes a server 30 connected to the first network 301 and a GW 303 connected to each of the first network 301 and the second network 302 in the power supply system 2 of FIG.

[0172] The load 202 is connected to a second network 302 .

[0173] (4-2) Power outage cause notification system As shown in Fig. 4, the power outage cause notification system 1 of this embodiment includes a main breaker 10, a power supply unit 14, a measurement unit 15, and a terminal 40. That is, the power outage cause notification system 1 of this embodiment is configured in the same manner as the power outage cause notification system 1 of the first embodiment (see Fig. 1).

[0174] However, in the power outage cause notification system 1 of this embodiment, the measurement unit 15 is connected to the second network 302. In addition, the server 30 includes a startup unit 121.

[0175] The main breaker 10 is communicably connected to the server 30 via the measurement unit 15, the second network 302, the GW 303, and the first network 301. The connection between the main breaker 10 and the server 30 is a constant connection.

[0176] When a grid power outage occurs, the server 30 provides grid power outage information to the main breaker 10 via the first network 301, the GW 303, the second network 302, and the measurement unit 15. When a grid power outage occurs, the server 30 also notifies the customer of the grid power outage information via the first network 301 and the app 401 of the terminal 40.

[0177] (4-2-1) Server 5, the server 30 of this embodiment includes a receiving unit 31, a processing unit 32, and an output unit 33. The processing unit 32 includes a starting unit 121.

[0178] The reception unit 31 receives various types of information. The various types of information include, for example, grid power outage information. For example, the reception unit 31 receives grid power outage information provided from a server (not shown) of a power company when a grid power outage occurs.

[0179] The processing unit 32 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing by the startup unit 121. The processing unit 32 also performs various determinations that will be explained in the flowchart of Fig. 7. The various determinations include, for example, determining whether the connection between the server 30 and the main breaker 10 has been cut off, determining whether grid power outage information has been acquired, and the like.

[0180] The activation unit 121 constituting the processing unit 32 activates the application of the terminal 40 via the first network 301 when the connection between the server 30 and the main breaker 10 (GW303) is cut off.

[0181] The output unit 33 outputs various types of information, such as grid power outage information.

[0182] The output of the output unit 33 is usually the transmission of information to the main breaker 10 and the transfer of information to the application 401 of the terminal 40.

[0183] (4-2-2) Main breaker 6, the main breaker 10 of this embodiment includes a receiving unit 11, a processing unit 12, and an output unit 13. The processing unit 12 includes an acquiring unit 122, a first monitoring unit 123, and a second monitoring unit 124.

[0184] That is, the main breaker 1 of this embodiment includes a first monitoring unit 123 and a second monitoring unit 124 instead of the starting unit 121 in the main breaker 10 of the first embodiment.

[0185] The reception unit 11 receives the measurement results of the measurement unit 15 and the grid power outage information from the server 30.

[0186] That is, the reception unit 11 of this embodiment receives grid power outage information from the server 30 in place of the connection operation by the customer in the reception unit 11 of the first embodiment.

[0187] The processing unit 12 performs the processing of, for example, an acquisition unit 122, a first monitoring unit 123, and a second monitoring unit .

[0188] The processing unit 12 also performs various determinations as explained in the flowchart of Fig. 8. Furthermore, similar to the processing unit 12 of the first embodiment, when the processing unit 12 determines that an overcurrent or the like has occurred based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 15, it causes the main breaker 10 to transition to a trip state.

[0189] The output unit 13 outputs information such as power outage information, similar to the output unit 13 of the first embodiment.

[0190] The first monitoring unit 123 constituting the processing unit 12 is the same as the monitoring unit 123 in the first embodiment.

[0191] The second monitoring unit 124 constantly monitors the grid power outage information provided by the server 30, determines whether the power outage is a grid power outage or an in-home power outage, and acquires first cause information indicating the determination result. Then, the second monitoring unit 124 passes the acquired first cause information to the acquisition unit 122.

[0192] The acquiring unit 122, like the acquiring unit 122 in the first embodiment, acquires power outage information including cause information (first cause information, second cause information) and response information when a power outage occurs.

[0193] However, in this embodiment, when the first monitoring unit 123 or the second monitoring unit 124 acquires first cause information indicating a "system power outage," the acquisition unit 122 acquires power outage information including the first cause information indicating the "system power outage" and first response information corresponding to the first cause information.

[0194] In addition, when the first monitoring unit 123 acquires first cause information indicating an "in-home power outage" and second cause information (any of "overcurrent," "earthquake," or "earthquake"), the acquisition unit 122 acquires power outage information including the first cause information indicating the "in-home power outage," the second cause information, and handling information corresponding to the second cause information (any of the second to fourth cause information).

[0195] (4-2-3) Operation of the power outage cause notification system In this embodiment, the server 30 operates according to the flowchart of Fig. 7. If the number of customers is two or more, the processes of steps S31, S13, S32, and S33 of Fig. 7 are executed sequentially or in parallel for each of two or more customer identifiers corresponding to two or more customers.

[0196] The processing unit 32 configuring the server 30 determines whether or not the connection between the main breaker 10 (or GW 301) and the server 30 itself has been cut off (step S31).

[0197] In this embodiment, if the connection between the main breaker 10 (or GW301) and the server 30 itself is disconnected, it is determined that a power outage has occurred, and if the connection is not disconnected, it is determined that a power outage has not occurred. If the connection is disconnected, the process proceeds to step S13. If the connection is not disconnected, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0198] The launch unit 121 of the server 30 launches the application 401 of the terminal 40 (step S13). More specifically, the launch unit 121 transmits a launch command for the application 401 to the terminal 40 via the first network 301, and the terminal 40 receives the launch command and launches the application 401. Thereafter, the process returns to step S31.

[0199] The processing unit 32 determines whether or not grid power outage information has been acquired (step S32). More specifically, when a grid power outage occurs, the server (not shown) of the power grid 201 acquires the grid power outage information, and the server of the power grid 201 provides the grid power outage information to the server 30. When the reception unit 31 of the server 30 receives the grid power outage information, the processing unit 32 determines that the grid power outage information has been acquired. If the grid power outage information has not been received, the processing unit 32 determines that the grid power outage information has not been acquired.

[0200] If grid power outage information has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S33. If grid power outage information has not been acquired, the process returns to step S11.

[0201] The output unit 33 passes the grid power outage information acquired in step S32 to the application of the terminal 40 (step S33). In detail, the output unit 33 transmits the grid power outage information to the terminal 40 via the first network 301, and the terminal 40 receives the grid power outage information and passes it to the application 401. Thereafter, the process returns to step S11.

[0202] The power outage cause notification system 1 of this embodiment operates according to the flowchart of FIG.

[0203] The flowchart in FIG. 8 is the same as the flowchart in FIG. 3 except that the five steps S11 to S13, S18, and S19 are replaced with the following two steps S41 and S42.

[0204] If the number of customers is two or more, two or more power outage cause notification systems 1 corresponding to the two or more customers each execute the processes of steps S41, S42 and S14 to S17 in FIG.

[0205] The processing unit 12 constituting the main breaker 10 monitors the measurement results of the measurement unit 15 and the grid power outage information from the server 30 (step S41). More specifically, the measurement results of the measurement unit 15 are handed over to the processing unit 12 of the main breaker 10, and the first monitoring unit 123 constituting the processing unit 12 monitors the measurement results. In addition, the receiving unit 31 receives the grid power outage information from the server 30, and the second monitoring unit 124 constituting the processing unit 12 monitors the grid power outage information.

[0206] The processing unit 12 determines whether a power outage has occurred (step S42). In this embodiment, the processing unit 12 determines whether a power outage has occurred based on the monitoring result of step S41. The determination made by the processing unit 12 here is the same as the determination made by the acquisition unit 122 in step S14 of FIG. 3. That is, the processing unit 12 determines that a power outage has occurred when the power value included in the monitoring result is equal to or less than the first threshold value, or when the current value included in the monitoring result is equal to or less than the second threshold value. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0207] The processing in steps S14 to S17 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0208] (4-3) Modification 1 of Embodiment 2 The power outage cause notification system 1 according to the first modification of the second embodiment is the power outage cause notification system 1 of the second embodiment from which the measurement unit 15 and the first monitoring unit 123 have been removed.

[0209] Even in this variant, when a power outage occurs, it is possible to determine whether the power outage is a power outage in the grid or in the home based on the power outage information from the server 30, and notify the customer of the first cause information indicating the determination result ("power outage in the grid" or "in the home").

[0210] (4-4) Modification 2 of Embodiment 2 The power outage cause notification system 1 according to the second modification of the second embodiment is the power outage cause notification system 1 of the second embodiment from which the power supply unit 14 has been removed.

[0211] Even in this modified example, when a power outage occurs in a home, the customer can be notified of the first cause information indicating "a power outage in a home" and the second cause information relating to the cause of the power outage in a home.

[0212] (4-5) Modification 3 of Embodiment 2 The power outage cause notification system 1 according to the third modification of the second embodiment is obtained by removing the measurement unit 15, the first monitoring unit 123, and the power supply unit 14 from the power outage cause notification system 1 of the second embodiment.

[0213] Even in this modified example, when a power outage occurs in a house, the first cause information indicating "power outage in a house" can be notified to the customer.

[0214] Note that functions similar to those of the power outage cause notification system 1 according to the first and second embodiments may be embodied in a power outage cause notification method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded. Note that the power outage cause notification method is a method that includes at least step S13 (startup step), step S16 (acquisition step), and step S17 (output step) among the various steps described above. Also, the program is a program for causing one or more computers to execute the power outage cause notification method.

[0215] (5) Summary A power outage cause notification system (1) according to a first embodiment is used in association with a breaker (master breaker 10). The breaker (master breaker 10) is interposed in an electric circuit (first electric circuit 203a, second electric circuit 203b) between a power system (201) and a load (202) in a customer's premises. When a power outage occurs, the breaker (master breaker 10) is communicably connected to a terminal (40) of the customer. The power outage cause notification system (1) notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker (10) via the terminal (40).

[0216] Application software 401 is installed in the terminal 40. The application software 401 notifies at least the cause of the power outage.

[0217] The power outage cause notification system (1) includes a startup unit (121), an acquisition unit (122), and an output unit (13). The startup unit (121) starts application software (401) of the terminal (40) when the power outage occurs. The acquisition unit (122) acquires power outage information when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid (201). The home power outage is a power outage caused by a breaker (main breaker 10) being tripped. The output unit (13) transfers the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit (122) to the application software (401) started by the startup unit (121).

[0218] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, when a power outage occurs, power outage information including power outage cause information indicating at least whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage is acquired, a notification app on the customer's terminal is launched, and the power outage information is passed to the notification app.

[0219] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily notify each customer of cause information regarding the cause of the power outage, including power outages within the customer's home.

[0220] In the power outage cause notification system (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the cause information is first cause information. When the in-home power outage occurs, the acquisition unit (122) acquires power outage information including second cause information. The second cause information is information regarding the cause of the in-home power outage.

[0221] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, when a power outage occurs in the home, the cause of the breaker tripping is also notified.

[0222] According to this aspect, in addition to the first cause information indicating whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage, it is also possible to notify the second cause information indicating whether the home power outage is caused by an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake.

[0223] In the power outage cause notification system (1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the acquisition unit (122) acquires power outage information further including countermeasure information. The countermeasure information is information about a countermeasure according to the cause of the power outage.

[0224] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, a countermeasure according to the cause of the power outage is also notified.

[0225] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily notify each customer of the countermeasure information corresponding to the cause information.

[0226] The power outage cause notification system (1) according to a fourth aspect is the second or third aspect, further including a power supply unit (14). When the grid power outage occurs, the power supply unit (14) supplies power to at least the start-up unit (121), the acquisition unit (122), and the output unit (13).

[0227] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, a backup power supply is provided.

[0228] According to this aspect, notification can be made even during a power outage in the power grid.

[0229] The power outage cause notification system (1) according to the fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, and further includes a reception unit (11). The reception unit (11) receives a connection operation. The connection operation is an operation for connecting a breaker (master breaker 10) to a terminal (40) so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal (40). In response to the connection operation, the breaker (master breaker 10) is connected so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal (40).

[0230] This embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the breaker and the terminal are normally not connected to each other, and communication is possible depending on the connection operation (timely connection). Note that in this embodiment, the server (30) is not essential.

[0231] According to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs, the customer can decide to start the application on the terminal. Also, the breaker starts communication with the terminal only when the customer decides it is necessary, so the amount of communication can be reduced. Furthermore, if the power supply unit (14) is a battery, battery consumption can be prevented.

[0232] In the power outage cause notification system (1) according to the sixth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the terminal (40) is connected to the server (30) so as to be able to communicate at all times. The server (30) provides information to the customer through application software (401) of the terminal (40). The breaker (master breaker 10) is connected to the server (30) so as to be able to communicate at all times, and the server (30) includes a startup unit (121). The startup unit (121) of the server (30) starts the application software (401) of the terminal (40) in response to disconnection of the connection between the breaker (main breaker 10) and the server (30).

[0233] This aspect corresponds to embodiment 2. In this aspect, a server (30) is required, and both the breaker and the server and the breaker and the terminal are constantly connected. The breaker is constantly connected to the terminal (directly) so that it can communicate with them, and the breaker is constantly connected to the server (via a gateway) so that it can communicate with them, and in response to the disconnection of the connection between the breaker (or gateway) and the server, the server launches a notification app on the terminal.

[0234] According to this aspect, when a power outage occurs, the server can automatically start the terminal app by taking advantage of the fact that the connection between the breaker and the server is cut off.

[0235] In the power outage cause notification system (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the fifth aspect, the terminal (40) is connected to the server (30) so as to be able to communicate at all times. When the power outage occurs, the server (30) notifies the customer of power outage information related to the power outage through application software (401) of the terminal (40).

[0236] This aspect corresponds to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. In this aspect, the terminal (40) has a function of communicating with the server (30), and the server (30) provides grid power outage information to the terminal (40) when a grid power outage occurs.

[0237] According to this embodiment, in addition to notifying the customer of the second cause information when a power outage occurs in the home, the customer can also be notified of grid power outage information provided by the server (30) when a grid power outage occurs.

[0238] The power outage cause notification system (1) according to an eighth aspect is the system of any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, further comprising a measurement unit (15). The measurement unit (15) measures at least the power of a first electric circuit (203a). The first electric circuit (203a) is an electric circuit on the power grid (201) side of a breaker (master breaker 10). The measurement unit (15) is connected to the breaker (master breaker 10) so as to be able to communicate at all times. The power outage cause notification system (1) comprises a monitoring unit (first monitoring unit 123). The monitoring unit (first monitoring unit 123) constantly monitors the measurement results of the measurement unit (15), and determines whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage based on the measurement results, thereby acquiring the first cause information.

[0239] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, a measurement unit (15) that measures at least the power on the primary side of the breaker (10) is provided, the measurement unit (15) is connected to the breaker (10), and the breaker (10) is connected to a terminal (40) so as to be able to communicate at all times, and the breaker (10) constantly monitors the measurement results of the measurement unit (15) to acquire first cause information.

[0240] According to this aspect, by constantly monitoring the measurement results of the measurement unit (15), it is possible to determine whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage and acquire first cause information. Compared to the case where grid power outage information is constantly monitored (tenth aspect), it is possible to acquire first cause information more quickly and provide power outage information promptly.

[0241] In a power outage cause notification system (1) according to a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the measurement unit (15) further measures the current of a second electric circuit (203b) and the acceleration of the measurement unit (15) itself. The second electric circuit (203b) is an electric circuit on the load (202) side of the breaker (main breaker 10). A monitoring unit (first monitoring unit 123) determines whether the cause of the in-home power outage is an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake based on the current and the acceleration, and further acquires second cause information indicating the result of the determination.

[0242] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, the measurement unit (15) further measures the current and acceleration of the second electric circuit (203b), and the breaker (main breaker 10) constantly monitors the measurement results to acquire second cause information.

[0243] According to this aspect, it is possible to further determine whether the cause of the in-home power outage is an overcurrent, a power leakage, or an earthquake, and to quickly provide power outage information that also includes information about the second cause.

[0244] In a power outage cause notification system (1) according to a tenth aspect, in the sixth aspect, a breaker (main breaker 10) is connected to a terminal (40) so as to be able to communicate at all times. When the power outage occurs, a server (30) provides at least the breaker (main breaker 10) with power outage information relating to the power outage. The power outage cause notification system (1) further includes a second monitoring unit (124). The second monitoring unit (124) constantly monitors the power outage information provided to the breaker from the server (30), and determines whether the power outage is a power outage on the main breaker or a power outage in the home based on the power outage information, thereby acquiring the first cause information.

[0245] This embodiment corresponds to embodiment 2. In this embodiment, the breaker (main breaker 10) constantly monitors the grid power outage information from the server and acquires the first cause information.

[0246] According to this aspect, by constantly monitoring grid power outage information, it is possible to determine whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage, and obtain first cause information.

[0247] A breaker (main breaker 10) according to an eleventh aspect is interposed in an electric circuit (first electric circuit 203a, second electric circuit 203b) between a power system (201) and a load (202) in a customer's premises, and is communicatively connected to a customer's terminal (40) at least when a power outage occurs, and notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage via the terminal (40). Application software (401) is installed in the terminal (40). The application software (401) notifies the customer of at least the cause of the power outage. The breaker (main breaker 10) includes a starting unit (121), an acquiring unit (122), and an output unit (13). The starting unit (121) starts the application software (401) of the terminal (40) when the power outage occurs. The acquiring unit (122) acquires power outage information when the power outage occurs. The power outage information includes at least cause information. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid (201). The home power outage is a power outage caused by the breaker (main breaker 10) itself being tripped. The output unit (13) transfers the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit (122) to the application software (401) started by the startup unit (121).

[0248] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, when a power outage occurs, power outage information including power outage cause information indicating at least whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage is acquired, a notification app on the customer's terminal is launched, and the power outage information is passed to the notification app.

[0249] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily notify each customer of cause information regarding the cause of the power outage, including power outages within the customer's home.

[0250] A power outage cause notification method according to a twelfth aspect is executed by one or more computers of a power outage cause notification system (1). The power outage cause notification system (1) is used in association with a breaker (master breaker 10). The breaker (10) is interposed in an electric circuit (first electric circuit 203a, second electric circuit 203b) between a power grid (201) and a load (202) in a customer's premises. The breaker (10) is communicably connected to a terminal (40) of the customer at least when a power outage occurs. This power outage cause notification method notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker (10) via the terminal (40). Application software (401) that notifies at least the cause of the power outage is installed in the terminal (40). This power outage cause notification method includes a startup step (S13), an acquisition step (S14), and an output step (S17). In a startup step (S13), the application software (401) of the terminal (40) is started when the power outage occurs. In an acquisition step (S14), power outage information including at least cause information is acquired when the power outage occurs. The cause information indicates whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage. The grid power outage is a power outage caused by the power grid (201). The home power outage is a power outage caused by a breaker (main breaker 10) being tripped. In an output step (S17), the power outage information acquired in the acquisition step (S14) is passed to the application software (401) started in the startup step (S13).

[0251] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, when a power outage occurs, power outage information including power outage cause information indicating at least whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage is acquired, a notification app on the customer's terminal is launched, and the power outage information is passed to the notification app.

[0252] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily notify each customer of cause information regarding the cause of the power outage, including power outages within the customer's home.

[0253] A program according to a thirteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more computers to execute the power outage cause notification method according to the twelfth aspect.

[0254] This aspect corresponds to embodiments 1 and 2. In this aspect, when a power outage occurs, power outage information including power outage cause information indicating at least whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage is acquired, a notification app on the customer's terminal is launched, and the power outage information is passed to the notification app.

[0255] According to this aspect, it is possible to easily notify each customer of cause information regarding the cause of the power outage, including power outages within the customer's home. [Explanation of symbols]

[0256] 1 Power outage cause notification system 10 Main breaker (breaker) 100 Distribution board 11 Reception 12 Processing section 121 Starting part 122 Acquisition Department 123 1st Monitoring Department (Monitoring Department) 124 2nd Monitoring Department 13 Output section 14 Power supply section 15 Measurement Unit 30 servers 40 terminals 401 Application Software (App) 2. Power Supply System 201 Power system 202 Load 203a 1st electrical circuit (electrical circuit) 203b 2nd electrical circuit (electrical circuit)

Claims

1. A power outage cause notification system that is used in conjunction with a breaker that is interposed in an electric circuit between a power system and a load in a customer's home and is connected to a terminal of the customer so as to be able to communicate with the customer when a power outage occurs, and that notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker via the terminal, application software that notifies the user of at least the cause of the power outage is installed on the terminal; a startup unit that starts the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs; An acquisition unit that acquires power outage information including at least cause information indicating whether the power outage is a system power outage caused by the power system or an in-home power outage caused by the breaker being tripped when the power outage occurs; An output unit that transfers the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software started by the startup unit; A power supply unit that supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs; a reception unit that receives a connection operation for connecting the breaker to the terminal so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal, the breaker is communicably connected to the terminal in response to the connection operation; Power outage cause notification system.

2. A power outage cause notification system that is used in conjunction with a breaker that is interposed in an electric circuit between a power system and a load in a customer's home and is connected to a terminal of the customer so as to be able to communicate with the customer when a power outage occurs, and that notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker via the terminal, application software that notifies the user of at least the cause of the power outage is installed on the terminal; a startup unit that starts the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs; An acquisition unit that acquires power outage information including at least cause information indicating whether the power outage is a system power outage caused by the power system or an in-home power outage caused by the breaker being tripped when the power outage occurs; An output unit that transfers the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software started by the startup unit; a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs; the terminal is constantly connected to a server that provides information to the customer through the application software of the terminal so as to be able to communicate with the server; the breaker is connected to the server so as to be able to communicate with the server at all times; the server includes the launch unit, the starting unit of the server starts the application software of the terminal in response to the disconnection of the connection between the breaker and the server; Power outage cause notification system.

3. The terminal is constantly connected to a server that notifies the customer of grid power outage information regarding the grid power outage through the application software of the terminal when the grid power outage occurs, The power outage cause notification system according to claim 1.

4. Further, a measurement unit is provided to measure at least the power of a first electric circuit which is an electric circuit on the power grid side with respect to the breaker, the measurement unit is connected to the breaker so as to be able to communicate with it at all times; The power supply unit further includes a monitoring unit that constantly monitors the measurement results of the measurement unit, determines whether the power outage is a grid power outage or a home power outage based on the measurement results, and acquires the cause information. The power outage cause notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the cause information is first cause information, The measurement unit further measures a current in a second electric circuit, which is an electric circuit on the load side of the breaker, and an acceleration of the measurement unit itself; The monitoring unit determines whether the cause of the in-home power outage is an overcurrent, a ground fault, or an earthquake based on the current and the acceleration, and further acquires second cause information indicating the result of the determination. The power outage cause notification system according to claim 4.

6. the breaker is connected to the terminal so as to be able to communicate with the terminal at all times; The server provides grid power outage information regarding the grid power outage to at least the breaker when the grid power outage occurs; A second monitoring unit constantly monitors the grid power outage information provided from the server to the breaker, determines whether the power outage is the grid power outage or the in-home power outage based on the grid power outage information, and acquires the cause information. The power outage cause notification system according to claim 2.

7. the cause information is first cause information, When the in-home power outage occurs, the acquisition unit acquires the power outage information further including second cause information related to a cause of the in-home power outage. The power outage cause notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6.

8. The acquisition unit acquires the power outage information further including response information regarding a response method according to a cause of the power outage. The power outage cause notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A breaker that is interposed in an electric path between a power grid and a load in a customer's home, that is communicably connected to a terminal of the customer at least when a power outage occurs, and that notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage via the terminal, application software that notifies the user of at least the cause of the power outage is installed on the terminal; a startup unit that starts the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs; An acquisition unit that acquires power outage information including at least cause information indicating whether the power outage is a system power outage caused by the power system or an in-home power outage caused by the breaker itself being tripped, when the power outage occurs; An output unit that transfers the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software started by the startup unit; A power supply unit that supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs; a reception unit that receives a connection operation for connecting the breaker to the terminal so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal, A communication connection is established with the terminal in response to the connection operation. breaker.

10. A breaker that is interposed in an electric path between a power grid and a load in a customer's home, that is communicably connected to a terminal of the customer at least when a power outage occurs, and that notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage via the terminal, application software that notifies the user of at least the cause of the power outage is installed on the terminal; a startup unit that starts the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs; An acquisition unit that acquires power outage information including at least cause information indicating whether the power outage is a system power outage caused by the power system or an in-home power outage caused by the breaker itself being tripped, when the power outage occurs; An output unit that transfers the power outage information acquired by the acquisition unit to the application software started by the startup unit; a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the startup unit, the acquisition unit, and the output unit when the grid power outage occurs; the terminal is constantly connected to a server that provides information to the customer through the application software of the terminal so as to be able to communicate with the server; the breaker is connected to the server so as to be able to communicate with the server at all times; the launching unit launches the application software of the terminal in response to the disconnection of the connection between the breaker and the server. breaker.

11. A power outage cause notification method executed by one or more computers in a power outage cause notification system used in conjunction with a breaker that is interposed in an electric path between a power grid and a load in a customer's home and is connected to be able to communicate with a terminal of the customer at least when a power outage occurs, and that notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker via the terminal, application software that notifies the user of at least the cause of the power outage is installed on the terminal; The power outage cause notification system a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the one or more computers when a grid power outage occurs, the power outage being caused by the power grid; a reception unit that receives a connection operation for connecting the breaker to the terminal so that the breaker can communicate with the terminal, the breaker is connected to the terminal in a manner that allows communication with the terminal in response to the connection operation; a startup step of starting the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs; An acquisition step of acquiring power outage information including at least cause information indicating whether the power outage is a system power outage caused by the power system or an in-home power outage caused by the breaker being tripped, when the power outage occurs; An output step of transferring the power outage information acquired in the acquisition step to the application software started in the start step, How to notify the cause of power outage.

12. A power outage cause notification method executed by one or more computers in a power outage cause notification system used in conjunction with a breaker that is interposed in an electric path between a power grid and a load in a customer's home and is connected to be able to communicate with a terminal of the customer at least when a power outage occurs, and that notifies the customer of the cause of the power outage from the breaker via the terminal, application software that notifies the user of at least the cause of the power outage is installed on the terminal; The power outage cause notification system includes a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the one or more computers when a grid power outage occurs, the power outage being caused by the power grid; the terminal is constantly connected to a server that provides information to the customer through the application software of the terminal so as to be able to communicate with the server; the breaker is connected to the server so as to be able to communicate with the server at all times; a startup step of starting the application software of the terminal when the power outage occurs; An acquisition step of acquiring power outage information including at least cause information indicating whether the power outage is a system power outage caused by the power system or an in-home power outage caused by the breaker being tripped, when the power outage occurs; An output step of transferring the power outage information acquired in the acquisition step to the application software started in the start-up step, The server performs the initiating step; In the step of starting the server, the application software of the terminal is started in response to the disconnection of the connection between the breaker and the server. How to notify the cause of power outage.

13. A method for causing one or more computers to execute the power outage cause notification method according to claim 11 or 12, program.

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