Power monitoring and control device

Abstract

To provide a power monitoring control device that is equipped with both wired and wireless methods as methods for measuring household power loads, and can easily change power information acquisition methods without replacing a distributed power supply facility body or changing specifications.SOLUTION: A cogeneration device 10 itself has a single specification, automatically determines a connection object to a connection terminal 58, instructs a CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 to acquire information when a CT wiring connector 54 is attached to the connection terminal 58, and instructs a wireless communication unit 62 to acquire information when an antenna unit connector 56 is attached. Although an initial specification is wireless, if the success rate of acquiring power information is below a specified level due to unexpectedly weak radio wave strength or noise, or the like, and even when it is suddenly changed to the wired method, it is unnecessary to replace the cogeneration device 10 itself or the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power monitoring and control device that acquires power information such as current, power, and power amount required for operation control of distributed power generation facilities, for example, a household fuel cell cogeneration system. [Background technology]

[0002] In homes that are equipped with distributed power sources, such as solar panels, storage batteries, or cogeneration systems that generate electricity using gas engines or fuel cells and utilize exhaust heat in addition to commercial power sources, it is important to monitor overcurrents and reverse currents.

[0003] In conventional home power generation systems, a current transformer (CT) is attached to the distribution panel inside the home to acquire the home's power load and perform load following control (hereinafter referred to as the wired system).

[0004] On the other hand, there are wireless methods such as using wireless CTs and remotely obtaining the power load from the power information of a smart electricity meter. Wired methods have the disadvantage of requiring CT wiring work and the cost of drilling holes in the exterior wall, so wireless methods are desired.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes the provision of a distribution board that can prevent the board from becoming large even when it accommodates devices that manage both power usage data for branch electric lines and power amount data from a smart meter.

[0006] The power information transmission unit installed in the distribution board communicates with the smart meter via route B using either G3PLC or Wi-SUN wireless communication, but the relationship between the power information transmission unit and distributed power sources is not described.

[0007] Patent Document 2 describes how power information is obtained from a smart meter via the Route B communication path, which roughly tracks the ever-changing power usage in a home, enabling control that approximates the power transition characteristics of a home. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-075895 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-164198 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, wireless systems have issues with the accuracy of load acquisition, and depending on the communication conditions at the site, even if load tracking control is performed using a wireless system, it may not be possible to achieve the same power contribution rate as with a wired system.

[0010] For this reason, it is necessary to select a wired or wireless equipment lineup based on communication conditions, site conditions (whether through-holes can be drilled in the exterior wall), etc.

[0011] Furthermore, if wireless-compatible equipment is selected and installed, and then the equipment unexpectedly becomes unsuitable for wireless communication and it is necessary to change to a wired system, not only will penetration work be required but the equipment itself will also need to be replaced, which will increase the work costs and the effort required to re-register information associated with the equipment change.

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a power monitoring and control device that is equipped with both wired and wireless methods for measuring domestic power loads, and that can easily change the power information acquisition method without replacing the distributed power generation equipment itself or changing its specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The power monitoring and control device of the first invention has a connection terminal unit that can connect communication devices to wireless communication devices and wired communication devices, and a control unit that controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation equipment based on power information acquired through the connected communication devices, and a switching unit that switches the acquisition mode of the power information between the wireless communication device and the wired communication device.

[0014] The first invention is characterized in that the power monitoring and control device is provided with a control unit that switches the power information acquisition mode between a wireless communication power information acquisition mode and a wired communication power information acquisition mode.

[0015] According to the first invention, the control unit allows communication devices to be connected to the connection terminal unit as wireless communication devices and wired communication devices, and controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation equipment based on power information obtained via the connected communication devices.

[0016] The switching unit switches the power information acquisition mode between the wireless communication device and the wired communication device. Therefore, the system can be equipped with both wired and wireless methods for measuring the household power load, and the power information acquisition method can be easily changed without replacing the distributed power generation equipment itself or changing its specifications.

[0017] The power monitoring and control device of the second invention has a connection terminal unit to which either a wireless communication device or a wired communication device can be connected, and has a control unit that controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation equipment based on power information acquired through the connected communication device, and a switching unit that switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode when the wireless communication device is connected, and to a wired communication power information acquisition mode when the wired communication device is connected, based on the connection status to the connection terminal unit.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the control unit can connect either a wireless communication device or a wired communication device to the connection terminal unit, and controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation facility based on power information acquired via the connected communication device. In other words, the control unit can accommodate the communication specifications of both wireless and wired communication devices.

[0019] Therefore, the switching unit switches the power information acquisition mode based on the connection status to the connection terminal unit, switching to wireless communication power information acquisition mode when a wireless communication device is connected, and switching to wired communication power information acquisition mode when a wired communication device is connected, thereby eliminating the need to replace the distributed power generation equipment itself.

[0020] This allows the system to be equipped with both wired and wireless methods for measuring household power loads, making it easy to change the power information acquisition method without having to replace the distributed power generation equipment itself or change its specifications.

[0021] A power monitoring and control device according to a third aspect of the present invention has a connection terminal unit to which either a wireless communication device or a wired communication device can be connected, and which controls the power supplied by a distributed power generation facility based on power information acquired through the connected communication device; a determination unit that determines whether the communication device connected to the connection terminal unit is the wireless communication device or the wired communication device; and a switching unit that, based on the determination result of the determination unit, switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode when the wireless communication device is connected, and to a wired communication power information acquisition mode when the wired communication device is connected.

[0022] According to the third invention, the control unit is capable of connecting either a wireless communication device or a wired communication device to the connection terminal unit, and controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation equipment based on power information obtained via the connected communication device.

[0023] Here, the determination unit determines whether the communication device connected to the connection terminal unit is a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0024] The switching unit switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode when a wireless communication device is connected, and to a wired communication power information acquisition mode when a wired communication device is connected, based on the judgment result of the judgment unit.

[0025] This allows the system to be equipped with both wired and wireless methods for measuring household power loads, making it easy to change the power information acquisition method without having to replace the distributed power generation equipment itself or change its specifications.

[0026] A power monitoring and control device of the third invention has a connection terminal unit that includes at least one of a first terminal unit to which a wireless communication device can be connected and a second terminal unit to which a wired communication device can be connected, and has a control unit that controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation equipment based on power information acquired via the communication device connected to the terminal unit, a judgment unit that, in the connection state of the communication device to the terminal unit, determines the connected communication device as the applicable communication device when connected to either the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit, and when connected to both, determines a predetermined communication device as the applicable communication device, and a switching unit that switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode or a wired communication power information acquisition mode corresponding to the communication of the applicable communication device based on the judgment result of the judgment unit.

[0027] According to the third invention, the control unit has at least one of a first terminal unit to which a wireless communication device can be connected and a second terminal unit to which a wired communication device can be connected in the connection terminal unit, and controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation equipment based on power information obtained via the communication device connected to the terminal unit.

[0028] In the determination unit, when the communication device is connected to either the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit, the determination unit determines that the connected communication device is the applicable communication device, and when the communication device is connected to both the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit, the determination unit determines that the pre-set communication device is the applicable communication device.

[0029] The switching unit switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode or a wired communication power information acquisition mode corresponding to the communication of the applicable communication device based on the determination result of the determining unit.

[0030] This allows the system to be equipped with both wired and wireless methods for measuring household power loads, making it easy to change the power information acquisition method without having to replace the distributed power generation equipment itself or change its specifications. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, both wired and wireless methods for measuring domestic power loads are implemented, and the effect is achieved that the power information acquisition method can be easily changed without replacing the distributed power supply equipment itself or changing its specifications. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a cogeneration system according to this embodiment and a house in which the cogeneration system is installed, where (A) shows a case where power information is acquired by a wired method, and (B) shows a case where power information is acquired by a wireless method. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a controller of the cogeneration system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram specializing in an information communication function in a controller of a cogeneration system according to this embodiment, configured to be capable of acquiring power information by both a wired method and a wireless method. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a power information acquisition routine executed by a controller of the cogeneration system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a communication determination control routine that is started when the cogeneration system according to the present embodiment is initially powered on after installation is completed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram specializing in an information communication function in a controller of a cogeneration system according to a first modified example, configured to be capable of acquiring power information by both a wired method and a wireless method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a household fuel cell cogeneration system (hereinafter, in this embodiment, simply referred to as "cogeneration system 10") as an example of a distributed power generation facility according to this embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 1(A) shows a cogeneration system 10 that is installed to acquire power information by wired communication, and Fig. 1(B) shows a cogeneration system 10 that is installed to acquire power information by wireless communication, both of which have the same basic configuration. First, the common parts will be described.

[0035] (Common part configuration) 1(A) and 1(B), the cogeneration system 10 is a system in which a tank unit and a fuel cell unit are installed side by side. Note that "side by side" does not necessarily mean that they are physically adjacent to each other, but rather that they are interconnected. In other words, the tank unit and the fuel cell unit may be installed separately and connected by piping, electrical wiring, etc.

[0036] The cogeneration system 10 is installed along the outer wall of the house 12, and workers go to the site to carry out the installation work.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the installation work has been completed, the test run has been completed, and the system is ready for steady operation in cooperation with various facilities (electrical equipment, hot water supply facilities, etc.) in the house 12.

[0038] (Configuration of cogeneration system 10)

[0039] Although not shown, the cogeneration system 10 includes a hot module, a power conditioner, an exhaust heat recovery device, a heat storage tank, a radiator, a heat exchanger, etc., each of which is controlled by the controller 14 in cooperation with each other via a hot water supply-related control unit 27 and a power generation-related control unit 29 shown in FIG. 2.

[0040] The hot module extracts hydrogen in a fuel processor, supplies the extracted hydrogen to a fuel cell stack, and generates DC power using oxygen in the air.

[0041] The power conditioner converts the generated DC power into AC power and supplies it to the house.

[0042] The exhaust heat recovery device recovers heat from the exhaust gas generated by power generation.

[0043] The heat storage tank can store the heat recovered via the heat medium at a high temperature, and the stored heat is used to supply hot water.

[0044] The radiator dissipates heat and cools the heat transfer medium, but the radiator is not essential.

[0045] The heat exchanger uses the high-temperature heat medium from the heat medium tank to heat the tap water. The heat exchanger is not essential.

[0046] The cogeneration system 10 can also send the generated power to a heat source machine 16 via a power line 15. The heat source machine 16 further heats the hot water heated by the cogeneration system 10 by burning city gas (e.g., 13A) as needed and supplies the water to the house 12.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 14 includes a microcomputer 28 that is configured from a CPU 18, a RAM 20, a ROM 22, an I / O 24, and a bus 26 such as a data bus or a control bus that connects these components.

[0048] A hot water supply related control section 27 and a power generation related control section 29 are connected to the I / O 24, and operations relating to hot water supply and power generation are controlled by the controller 14.

[0049] In addition, a large-scale storage device 30 is connected to the I / O 24, which stores processing programs related to power generation and hot water supply executed by the controller 14, as well as historical information based on power generation (for example, in this embodiment, communication interval adjustment information, etc.).

[0050] Furthermore, a remote control 32 is connected to the I / O 24. The remote control 32 is installed inside the house 12 in which the cogeneration system 10 is to be installed, and has functions such as allowing a user to input commands regarding the cogeneration system 10 (and the heat source machine 16) and displaying the status of the cogeneration system 10.

[0051] (Configuration of distributed power sources) As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), in the distributed power supply according to this embodiment, a commercial power supply 34 and power generated by a cogeneration system 10 are used as power sources for a house 12.

[0052] The distribution board 40 is provided with a service breaker 42, an earth leakage breaker 46, and a safety breaker 48 in this order from the upstream side.

[0053] The service breaker 42 is a circuit breaker for determining the contract capacity, but may not be installed.

[0054] The earth leakage breaker 46 is a circuit breaker that quickly detects and cuts off leakage current in the internal wiring or electrical equipment of the house 12, thereby preventing electrical accidents.

[0055] The safety breaker 48 is attached to each branch circuit that transmits power from the distribution board 40 to each point of use in the house 12, and is a circuit breaker that automatically protects the circuit when it detects a short circuit caused by an electrical equipment failure or when power usage above a certain level is detected.

[0056] Here, the electricity generated by the cogeneration system 10 is merged with the commercial power source 34 via a dedicated safety breaker 48A installed in the distribution board 40, and can be used as a power source for electrical equipment inside the house 12.

[0057] Although not shown in the figure, the cogeneration system 10 is provided with a power line dedicated to use in the event of a power outage from the commercial power source 34, so that in a situation where power is not supplied from the commercial power source 34 due to a power outage, the power generated by the cogeneration system 10 can be supplied via a dedicated power outage outlet installed in part of the house 12.

[0058] Here, the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 acquires power information such as the current flowing through the power line, and controls the amount of power generated in accordance with the load power based on the acquired power information, in order to track and control the power generation amount in accordance with the power consumption in the house 12, which fluctuates from moment to moment.

[0059] (Wired power information acquisition configuration) FIG. 1(A) shows a configuration for obtaining power by a wired method.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1(A), a clamp-type current sensor 50 (hereinafter referred to as a CT clamp 50) is attached to a distribution board 40 (power line 38) inside a house 12.

[0061] The CT clamp 50 detects power information such as the current, power, and amount of power flowing through the power line 38. The detected power information is sent to the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 via a signal line 52.

[0062] In this case, since the CT clamp 50 is installed inside the house 12 and the cogeneration device 10 is installed outdoors, the signal line 52 necessarily needs to be passed through the wall of the house 12, and is wired through the penetration section 12A constructed by wall penetration work.

[0063] (Wireless power information acquisition configuration) FIG. 1B shows a configuration for obtaining power wirelessly.

[0064] 1(B), the commercial power supply 34 is connected to a smart meter 36. The smart meter 36 measures power information such as the current, power, and power consumption of the commercial power supply 34, and can transmit the measured information to a specific communication destination via communication paths A, B, and C.

[0065] That is, route A is a communication path connecting the smart meter 36 and the electric power company, route B is a communication path connecting the smart meter 36 and equipment installed in the house 12 (for example, the controller if a HEMS is installed), and route C is a communication path for providing data acquired by the electric power company via route A to a third party (such as a retail electricity supplier).

[0066] A power line 38 output from the smart meter 36 is wired to a distribution board 40 installed in the house 12 .

[0067] In the wireless system, the interval for obtaining power information from the smart meter 36 via the communication path of Route B is set to once every 30 seconds as a standard. This interval allows for control that roughly tracks the ever-changing power usage in the house 12 and approximates load transitions without violating various standards for wireless communication.

[0068] 3 is a functional block diagram specifically showing the information communication function of the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10, configured to be able to acquire power information both via wired and wireless methods. Each block in this functional block diagram is classified by function, and in this embodiment, is executed as software control operated by the CPU 18 based on a communication interval adjustment program stored in the ROM 22. Note that the operating programs shown in some or all of the functional blocks may be implemented by incorporating an IC chip such as an ASIC.

[0069] The controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 according to this embodiment has the function of acquiring power information by both the wired method and the wireless method described above.

[0070] For this reason, the controller 14 is provided with a single connection terminal 58 to which a CT wiring connector 54 wired from the CT for a wired system and an antenna unit connector 56 for receiving signals from the smart meter 36 for a wireless system can be connected.

[0071] When installing the cogeneration system 10, if the system is set to acquire power information via a wired method, the CT wiring connector 54 is connected to the connection terminal 58, whereas if the system is set to acquire power information via a wireless method, the antenna unit connector 56 is connected to the connection terminal 58.

[0072] In the cogeneration system 10 of this embodiment, regardless of whether the specification is for acquiring power information via a wired system or a wireless system, the connection status is assigned points, making it possible to acquire power information via either a wired system or a wireless system.

[0073] Therefore, the signal line terminal of the connection terminal 58 is connected to a CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 and a wireless communication unit 62.

[0074] Here, a mounting sensor 64 and a discrimination sensor 66 are attached to the connection terminal 58 .

[0075] The installation sensor 64 is a sensor that outputs an "L" signal to the connection terminal 58 when the CT wiring connector 54 and the antenna unit connector 56 are not installed, and outputs an "H" signal when either the CT wiring connector 54 or the antenna unit connector 56 is installed.

[0076] In addition, in this embodiment, the discrimination sensor 66 is a sensor that outputs an "H" signal when the CT wiring connector 54 is attached (see Figure 3(B)), and outputs an "L" signal when the antenna unit connector 56 is attached (see Figure 3(C)).

[0077] In FIG. 3, the attachment sensor 64 and the discrimination sensor 66 are separate sensors, but a single sensor may be provided with two sensor functions (to determine whether or not the device is attached and to determine the type of connector).

[0078] The attachment sensor 64 and the discrimination sensor 66 are each connected to a terminal connection state determination unit 68. The terminal connection determination unit 68 determines the attachment state of either the CT wiring connector 54 or the antenna unit connector 56 based on the signal from the attachment sensor 64, and determines the type of attached connector (CT wiring connector 54 or antenna unit connector 56) based on the signal from the discrimination sensor 66, and sends the determined information to an information acquisition instruction unit 70.

[0079] Based on the information (attachment information, type information) received from the terminal connection determination unit 68, the information acquisition instruction unit 70 instructs either the CT clamp information acquisition unit 60, which acquires power information via a wired method, or the wireless communication unit 62, which acquires power information via a wireless method, to enter an information acquisition enabled state.

[0080] The CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 acquires the power information from the signal line 52 (see FIG. 1) of the CT clamp 50. Meanwhile, the wireless communication unit 62 acquires the power information by wireless communication via the communication path of the Route B of the smart meter 36.

[0081] The CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 and the wireless communication unit 62 are connected to the power information acquisition unit 72. When the CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 confirms connection with the CT clamp 50, the power information acquisition unit 72 acquires power information from the CT clamp 50. Furthermore, when a communication protocol is established (successfully) in the wireless communication unit 62, the power information acquisition unit 72 acquires power information from the smart meter 36 via the communication path of Route B.

[0082] The power information acquisition unit 72 is connected to the system operation control unit 74 and notifies the system operation control unit 74 of the acquired power information.

[0083] The system operation control unit 74 calculates the power generation output and the like based on the acquired power information, and sends control instruction signals to the necessary control target devices of the cogeneration system 10.

[0084] This allows the cogeneration system 10 to operate with a power generation output that generally matches the power consumption in the house 12.

[0085] The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a power information acquisition routine executed by the controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10. As shown in FIG.

[0087] In step 100, it is determined whether it is time to obtain power information, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 102, where the selected information obtaining method is determined.

[0088] The information acquisition method is selected based on the flowchart of FIG. 5, which will be described later.

[0089] If it is determined in step 102 that the system is wired, it is determined that the CT wiring connector 54 is connected to the connection terminal 58, and the process proceeds to step 104, where the information acquisition instruction unit 70 instructs the CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 to acquire information.

[0090] In response to the instruction of this step 104, the CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 confirms the connection with the CT clamp 50 via the CT wiring connector 54 connected to the connection terminal 58, acquires power information in the power information acquisition unit 72, and proceeds to step 108.

[0091] In step 108, the operating state of each control target device is controlled based on the acquired power information, and the process returns to step 100.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 102 that the system is a wireless system, it is determined that the antenna unit connector 56 is connected to the connection terminal 58, and the process proceeds to step 106, where the power information acquisition instruction unit 72 instructs the wireless communication unit 62 to acquire information.

[0093] In response to the instruction of step 106, the wireless communication unit 62 establishes a communication protocol for the communication path of route B via the antenna unit connector 56 connected to the connection terminal 58, obtains power information from the smart meter 36, and proceeds to step 108.

[0094] In step 108, the operating state of each control target device is controlled based on the acquired power information, and the process returns to step 100.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a communication determination control routine that is started, for example, when the cogeneration system 10 is initially powered on after installation is completed.

[0096] In step 150, the discrimination sensor signal is initially set to "L." The discrimination sensor signal may also be initially set to "H."

[0097] In the next step 152, the attachment sensor 64 determines whether or not either the CT wiring connector 54 or the antenna unit connector 56 is attached to the connection terminal 58. If not, the process proceeds to step 154, where error processing is executed. The error processing may, for example, notify the user that they are not attached. Upon receiving this notification, the operator attaches either the CT wiring connector 54 or the antenna unit connector 56, and then, for example, restarts the system, and the process returns to step 150. Instead of restarting, a reset button or the like may be operated.

[0098] If the determination in step 152 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 156, where the signal from the discrimination sensor 66 is identified. That is, the signal from the discrimination sensor 66 is an "H" signal if the CT wiring connector 54 is attached to the connection terminal 58, and an "L" signal if the antenna unit connector 56 is attached to the connection terminal 58.

[0099] In the next step 158, the identified discrimination signal is evaluated.

[0100] That is, if the discrimination signal is judged to be "L" in step 158, the process proceeds to step 160 to determine whether there has been a change from the previous selection, and if the judgment is negative, it is determined that there has been no change in the connection status to the connection terminal 58, and the process returns to step 150.

[0101] Also, if the result of the judgment in step 160 is affirmative, it is determined that there has been a change in the connection status to the connection terminal 58, and the process proceeds to step 162, where a wireless method is selected for information acquisition, and then the process proceeds to step 164, where the wireless communication unit 62 is instructed to acquire information, and the process returns to step 150.

[0102] On the other hand, if the discrimination signal is judged to be "H" in step 158, the process proceeds to step 166 to determine whether there has been a change from the previous selection, and if the judgment is negative, it is determined that there has been no change in the connection status to the connection terminal 58, and the process returns to step 150.

[0103] Also, if the judgment in step 166 is affirmative, it is determined that there has been a change in the connection status to the connection terminal 58, and the process proceeds to step 168, where the wired method is selected for information acquisition, and then the process proceeds to step 170, where the CT clamp information acquisition unit 60 is instructed to acquire information, and the process returns to step 150.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, the cogeneration device 10 itself has a single specification and is capable of acquiring power information via both wired and wireless methods. The device to be connected to the connection terminal 58 is automatically determined, and if the antenna unit connector 56 is attached to the connection terminal 58, information acquisition is instructed via the wireless communication unit 62, and if the CT wiring connector 54 is attached to the connection terminal 58, information acquisition is instructed via the CT clamp information acquisition unit 60.

[0105] This means that, for example, if the initial specifications were to obtain power information wirelessly, but during installation of the cogeneration system 10, the radio wave strength was unexpectedly weak or noise, etc., causing the success rate of obtaining power information to be below a predetermined level, and the system is suddenly changed to a wired system, there is no need to replace the cogeneration system 10 itself.

[0106] Furthermore, even if the radio wave conditions are good when the cogeneration system 10 is first installed, if the radio wave strength weakens over time (for example, due to changes in nearby buildings) and you need to change to a wired system, there is no need to replace the main body of the cogeneration system 10; all that is required is to install the CT clamp 50 and switch from the antenna unit connector 56 to the CT wiring connector 54 on the connection terminal 58, which improves the work efficiency for changing the power information acquisition system.

[0107] The same applies to the case where the cogeneration system 10 is initially installed as a wired system (with the penetration 12A already present in the wall of the house 12) and is then changed from a wired system to a wireless system, although this is not common.

[0108] In this embodiment, the type of connector connected to the connection terminal 58 is automatically determined by the discrimination sensor 66, but a DIP switch or the like may be attached to the connection terminal 58 so that the type can be manually switched by an operator, etc. The attachment sensor 64 may be provided to prevent forgetting to attach the connector.

[0109] (Variation 1 "Connection Terminal Structure") In this embodiment, a single connection terminal 58 is provided, and either the CT wiring connector 54 or the antenna unit connector 56 can be attached.

[0110] In contrast to this, in the first modification, as shown in FIG. 6, a first connection terminal 58X to which the CT wiring connector 54 can be attached and a second connection terminal 58Y to which the antenna unit connector 56 can be attached are arranged.

[0111] In the first modification, either the attachment of the CT wiring connector 54 to the first connection terminal 58X or the attachment of the antenna unit connector 56 to the second connection terminal 58Y is detected, and the power information acquisition method that is detected is applied.

[0112] When both connection terminals, i.e., the CT wiring connector 54 is attached to the first connection terminal 58X and the antenna unit connector 56 is attached to the second connection terminal 58Y, the default power information acquisition method (e.g., wireless method) is given priority when determining the power information acquisition method. However, this does not mean that the wired method may be given priority.

[0113] (Variation 2: Variation of wireless system) The controller 14 of the cogeneration system 10 according to this embodiment is configured to acquire power information directly from the smart meter 36 installed in the house 12 via route B.

[0114] Here, a HEMS may be installed in the house 12. The HEMS manages and saves electricity and gas used in the house 12 in real time, and is also useful for combating global warming, such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions. By connecting home appliances to the HEMS and managing the electricity and gas usage on a monitor, visualization (monitor display) is realized and the home appliances are automatically controlled.

[0115] The HEMS obtains the data it manages from smart meters. In other words, the HEMS obtains the same power information as a smart meter.

[0116] Therefore, in a modified example, a communication protocol is established between the controller 14 of the cogeneration device 10 and the HEMS using a communication means such as Wi-SUN HAN wireless communication, Wi-SUN Enhanced HAN wireless communication, specific low-power wireless communication, or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), and power information is obtained from the HEMS. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 Cogeneration equipment 12 Houses 12A penetration part 14 Controller (power monitoring and control device) 15 Power line 16 Heat source machine 18 CPU 20 RAM 22 ROM 24 I / O 26 Bus 27 Hot water supply related control unit 28 Microcomputer 29 Power generation related control section 30 Mass storage 32 Remote Control 34 Commercial power supply 36 Smart Meters 38 Power line 40 Distribution board 42 Service breaker 46 Earth leakage breaker 48 Safety Breaker 48A safety breaker 50 CT clamp 52 Signal line 50 Radio Communication Department 54 CT wiring connector (wired communication device) 56 Antenna unit connector (wireless communication device) 58 Connection terminal (connection terminal part) 58X 1st connection terminal (1st terminal part) 58Y 2nd Connection Terminal (2nd Terminal Section) 60 CT clamp information acquisition unit 62 Radio Communication Department 64 Wearable Sensor 66 Discrimination sensor 68 Terminal connection status determination unit (determination unit) 70 Information acquisition instruction unit (switching unit) 72 Power information acquisition unit (control unit) 74 System Operation Control Unit (Control Unit)

Claims

1. a control unit that can connect either a wireless communication device or a wired communication device to the connection terminal unit and that controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation facility based on power information acquired via the connected communication device; a switching unit that switches the power information acquisition mode between the wireless communication device and the wired communication device; A power monitoring and control device having the same.

2. 2. The power monitoring and control device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for switching the power information acquisition mode between a wireless communication power information acquisition mode and a wired communication power information acquisition mode.

3. a control unit that can connect either a wireless communication device or a wired communication device to the connection terminal unit and that controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation facility based on power information acquired via the connected communication device; a switching unit that switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode when the wireless communication device is connected, and to a wired communication power information acquisition mode when the wired communication device is connected, based on a connection state of the connection terminal unit; A power monitoring and control device having the same.

4. a control unit that can connect either a wireless communication device or a wired communication device to the connection terminal unit and that controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation facility based on power information acquired via the connected communication device; a determination unit that determines whether the communication device connected to the connection terminal unit is the wireless communication device or the wired communication device; a switching unit that switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode when the wireless communication device is connected, and to a wired communication power information acquisition mode when the wired communication device is connected, based on a determination result of the determination unit; A power monitoring and control device having the same.

5. a control unit that includes at least one of a first terminal unit to which a wireless communication device can be connected and a second terminal unit to which a wired communication device can be connected, in the connection terminal unit, and that controls the power supplied by the distributed power generation facility based on power information acquired via the communication device connected to the terminal unit; a determination unit that, in a connection state of the communication device to the terminal unit, determines the connected communication device as an applicable communication device when the communication device is connected to either the first terminal unit or the second terminal unit, and determines a preset communication device as an applicable communication device when the communication device is connected to both the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit; a switching unit that switches the power information acquisition mode to a wireless communication power information acquisition mode or a wired communication power information acquisition mode corresponding to communication of the applicable communication device based on a determination result of the determination unit; A power monitoring and control device having the same.

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